Bridal creeper biocontrol

Brief description

Asparagus asparagoides
Bridal creeper

Bridal creeper *Asparagus asparagoides* is a highly invasive environmental weed that is designated a [Weed of National Significance](http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/bridalcreeper/) in Australia. Bridal creeper's above ground mass smothers native vegetation, and its thick tuberous root mat can prevent regeneration of canopy species. Birds and other animals are attracted to bridal creepers bright red berries, which facilitates rapid spread of the weed.

Three biological control agents have been introduced to control bridal creeper in Australia:

1. Bridal creeper leafhopper *Zygina* sp.
2. Bridal creeper rust fungus *Puccinia myrsiphylli*
3. Bridal creeper leaf beetle *Crioceris* sp.

Bridal creeper rust fungus and leafhopper have established widely, and are capable of depleting the weed's nutrient reserves. Monitoring of bridal creeper infestations can indicate whether the rust fungus and leafhopper are present, and their long-term impact on the weed. Information on releasing these agents is available on the Resources page, including a description of "spore-water"; a novel method for large-scale release of rust fungus spores.

The bridal creeper leaf beetle established at only a few sites, possibly due to predation or parasitism.