As an extension of the upcoming Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital Biosecurity Week, Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) are running a campaign to encourage both the public and landowners to do their bit in order to stop the spread of Woolly Nightshade by pulling out seedlings and controlling mature plants.

This highly invasive weed is a host of passion vine hopper, which causes sooty mould to develop on fruit – a significant reject factor reducing kiwifruit orchard returns. Shelter belts need to be free of weeds that cause problems in the orchard and Woolly Nightshade is easy to kill. We encourage you to get involved in this region-wide campaign - read more about it here and send in a couple of photos of your control work in action to info@boprc.govt.nz to be recognised for your efforts.