Biological Control of 'Senecio madagascariensis' (fireweed) in Australia - a Long-Shot Target Driven by Community Support and Political Will

Abstract

Fireweed ('Senecio madagascariensis' Poir.) biological control has a chequered history in Australia with little to show after 20 plus years. Plagued by local impacts, sporadic funding, a poor understanding of its genetics and its origins, and several almost genetically compatible native species, the fireweed biological control program has been faced with numerous hurdles. Hope has risen again, however, in recent years through the staunch support of a very proactive team of local stakeholders and their good fortune of finding themselves in a key electorate. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has recently funded an extendable two year project for exploration in the undisputed native range of fireweed in South Africa and a detailed search for agents that are deemed to be both effective and unable to attack closely related Australian 'Senecio' species. This will be a tall order, but nevertheless is essential to conclude once and for all whether biological control has the potential to reduce the negative effects of the plant in south eastern Australian grazing and dairy country.