Cape Ivy Biocontrol Research

Cal-IPC helps fund biocontrols research for Cape ivy (Delairea odorata). Cape ivy is difficult to fully remove manually, since it breaks easily and resprouts from fragments left in soil. Found in most coastal watersheds, it has become a significant threat to riparian vegetation. The USDA-ARS lab in Albany, CA supports Dr. Joe Balciunas, who manages the project and conducts host-specificity testing in quarantined greenhouses. Cal-IPC funding helps support South African researchers who assist in identifying Cape ivy's natural enemies in its home range.