A pilot weed management programme for batwing passion flower in New Zealand

Abstract

Passiflora apetala (batwing passion flower) was introduced as an ornamental variety in the mid1990s and has been dispersed in New Zealand through the activities of subtropical plant collectors and avian vectors Although P apetala is currently restricted to the Northland and Auckland regions of the North Island some closely related Passiflora species have become serious weeds in New Zealand A pilot weed management programme was implemented to undertake intensive surveillance and organism management of all P apetala plants to significantly reduce the rate of naturalisation at two sites a heavily infested rural site and an urban/residential location The objectives of the management programme were to assess the feasibility effectiveness and costs of local elimination attempts and to inform partners of future management options for this species