Biological control of Pontederia crassipes in New South Wales, Australia: a review and pathway to improved control

Biological control (biocontrol) of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.) in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has relied on classical releases of biological agents without considering alternative or complementary release methods. To reduce ongoing economic harm, this paper proposes a new biocontrol plan for water hyacinth and discusses the current situation for water hyacinth and progress made to improve biological control in NSW. The plan recommends improved coordination and planning of classical biocontrol and the adoption of targeted early season augmentative releases. These recommendations can be adapted for other local and international jurisdictions where water hyacinth is an established weed.