Cape broom biocontrol

Genista monspessulana
Cape broom, Montpellier broom

Cape broom is a [Weed of National Significance](http://weeds.ala.org.au/WoNS/brooms/) that commonly infests grazing lands, sclerophyll forests and woodlands. Dense infestations of Cape broom compete with native vegetation, impact forestry and obstruct infrastructure. One biocontrol agent has been released to control Cape broom:

[1. Cape broom psyllid *Arytinnis hakani](http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/373578/Cape-Broom-Cape-broom-psyllid.pdf)*

This biocontrol agent is expected to reduce the growth and spread of Cape broom by reducing plant vigour and seed production. Field releases have resulted in the widespread establishment of Cape broom psyllid, with recent releases targeting areas where the psyllid is not yet present. In high populations the psyllid has been reported to kill Cape broom.

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Cape broom infestation, Photo by W. Chatterton (TIA)