Centre for Biological Control - CBC

Centre for Biological Control - CBC The Centre for Biological Control (CBC) is a research centre based in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at Rhodes University.

Our research focusses on understanding ecological dynamics of invasive pests, aquatic weeds and terrestrial weeds. Large proportion of our research is the development of biological control methods for these invasive pests and plants, which can then be applied to their management.

For the second year running, Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe is enjoying significantly reduced water hyacinth infestations, tha...
01/06/2026

For the second year running, Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe is enjoying significantly reduced water hyacinth infestations, thanks to the sustained impact of biological control. The combined action of Neochetina weevils and the delphacid hopper Megamelus scutellaris is keeping this notorious invasive aquatic w**d firmly in check, restoring open water and improving ecosystem health.

The success is not limited to Lake Chivero. Similar biological control programmes at Magobo Dam (Shamva) and Umguza Dam (Bulawayo) are now delivering visible results, with declining water hyacinth populations and increasing areas of open water.

This achievement reflects the power of collaboration between the Plant Protection Research Institute (Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development), the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Environmental Management Agency, and the Centre for Biological Control (Rhodes University).

28/05/2026

We recently held our 23rd W**ds Biological Control Short Course in Johannesburg. What a success it was, thank you to our hosts, organizers, facilitators, and attendees! **dBiocontrolShortCourse

28/05/2026

For anyone questioning the integrated approach to managing Hartbeespoort Dam, here is DM Sello Seitlholo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation explaining the Department's strategy. The CBC is proud to be a part of this programme.

TGIFAQFriday
22/05/2026

TGIFAQFriday

Spot the difference.20 May 2026 Satellite images of water hyacinth infested dams:1. Bospoort Dam outisde Rustenberg, 45 ...
22/05/2026

Spot the difference.
20 May 2026 Satellite images of water hyacinth infested dams:
1. Bospoort Dam outisde Rustenberg, 45 % water hyacinth cover
2. Vaalkop Dam - north of Bospoort - 44% water hyacinth cover
3. Hartbeespoort Dam - 0.8% water hyacinth cover!

These images are all from the same day.
Water hyacinth is under control at Hartbeespoort Dam, since March. This is not a winter phenomenon - this is due to feeding by biological control agents, implemented as an inundative biological control strategy which relies on frequent, mass releases of the agents.

Neither Bospoort nor Vaalkop Dam have an inundative approach to controlling water hyacinth (although we are working very closely with the Vaalkop community to do so). And that is why water hyacinth is still so abundant there.
Same temperatures, different control! (Carey Lee Haynes please get in touch if you'd like more info on this)

But we anticipate water hyacinth's return at Harties in spring, following seed germination.


Boating South Africa
We Are South Africans
Hartbeespoort News / Nuus
Hartbeespoort dam

Our 23rd W**d Biological Control Short Course was held last week! What a success it was, it was the first time held in J...
18/05/2026

Our 23rd W**d Biological Control Short Course was held last week! What a success it was, it was the first time held in Johhanesberg! thanks to NRF-SAIAB for hosting the course in your new faclity.

FAQ Friday
15/05/2026

FAQ Friday

Address

Life Science Building, Barrett Complex, Rhodes University
Grahamstown
6140

Telephone

+27466037702

Website

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