A new nation-wide initiative to tackle one of Australia's most challenging invasive weeds, African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), is underway, powered by collaboration between scientists from CSIRO scientists, community groups, landholders, First Nations partners and Landcare peak bodies.
African boxthorn is a highly invasive, drought-tolerant Weed of National Significance that forms dense thorny thickets, reducing biodiversity, hindering agricultural productivity and increasing long-term management costs.
The project involves releasing a rust fungus, Puccinia rapipes, that can reduce boxthorn growth, fruit production and re-invasion pressure.
Rigorous testing has shown the rust fungus is safe for release into the Australian environment, with no risk of damage to native plant species.
The project invites farmers, First Nations communities, Landcare members and other stakeholders to participate in coordinated mass releases across Australia, supporting long‑term drought resilience and sustainable weed management.
Community action is central to the success of the project. Participants who register will receive free biocontrol kits from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, with clear instructions for releasing and monitoring the fungus. Training and support will be provided through webinars, field days, workshops and national monitoring platforms, enabling local groups to contribute to meaningful research outcomes and long-term weed management.
The project can complement existing control methods and alleviates long-term management burdens on landholders and communities.
Landcare Tasmania CEO Peter Stronach said the project demonstrates the strength of community-led approaches to sustainable land management.
"Landcare Tasmania is a logical partner for CSIRO on this important initiative, as our longstanding network links community action and scientific research. The project can be coordinated at scale to deliver practical outcomes on the ground," Mr Stronach said.
"African boxthorn has significant impacts on landscapes, livelihoods and ecosystems. By working together with our community groups, made up of farmers, Traditional Owners, Landcarers and researchers, we can build lasting solutions that strengthen drought resilience while supporting biodiversity and productive land use.
"This partnership reflects the important role our Landcare peak bodies play to enable local knowledge, participation and stewardship to be an essential element to achieving sustainable weed control at scale."
CSIRO's Principal Research Scientist, Dr Ben Gooden said this is an important national project, introducing a weed biocontrol agent to manage African boxthorn.
"We are excited to be releasing this safe and highly host‑specific biocontrol agent at a national scale for the first time," he said.
"Puccinia rapipes represents a significant step forward in tackling African boxthorn, which has long posed challenges for land managers across Australia. This marks the first biocontrol agent of its kind for African boxthorn, and scaling up its release through a coordinated national program will give communities a powerful new tool to reduce the weed's long‑term impacts.
"Strong community partnerships are essential to the success of weed biocontrol in Australia. By working closely with farmers, First Nations groups, Landcare members and local organisations, we can ensure biocontrol agents are delivered and monitored in ways that are practical, scientifically robust and grounded in local knowledge. This collaboration is what enables us to manage high‑threat weeds effectively and support healthier, more resilient landscapes," said Dr Gooden.
Stakeholders interested in hosting release sites or participating in the project are encouraged to register their interest and take part in upcoming information sessions and field demonstrations.
The African boxthorn biocontrol project is being delivered by CSIRO, in partnership with Landcare Tasmania, as one component of the national Weed biocontrol network for drought resilience initiative, led by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS).
This broader initiative is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, with CSIRO responsible for the mass‑rearing and release program for the approved boxthorn biocontrol agent, Puccinia rapipes.
This media release was originally published by Landcare Tasmania.
