Weevil could upset bellyache bush July 12, 2008, 5:39 am
A new weapon is being developed in the battle against one of northern Australia's worst weeds.
A Mexican stem-boring weevil has been imported to Australia and is being carefully studied in quarantine.
It is hoped the beetle could help slow the spread of the bellyache bush weed, which is threatening tropical rivers from the Kimberley, through the Northern Territory and into Queensland.
Scientists are testing the weevil against almost 40 other plants, and have yet to successfully breed it under laboratory conditions.
It could take years before the weevil is approved for release as a biological control.
The jury is still out over the success of the last insect released to control bellyache bush.
Around 19,000 central American jewel bugs were released across the Top End during the last five years, but pastoralists say they have been wiped out by native assassin beetles.
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So only time will tell which was the lesser of two weevils...