The release and establishment of the bitou bush agent Tortrix sp. in New South Wales from 2001-2004

摘要

The release and establishment of Tortrix sp. on bitou bush in New South Wales (NSW) from 2001-2004 has met varied success. Of the 124 releases at 33 sites only four have established. Analysis of plant growth rate, rainfall and evaporation data duringtwo summer release periods has found that while release sites have experienced below average rainfall there is a site or habitat effect on bitou bush growth rate and release success. The future direction of research into the influence of habitat on the establishment and impact is discussed.