An economic evaluation of biological control of sweet brier

Abstract

Sweet Brier (Rosa Rubiginosa) is a noxious weed prominent in tussock grasslands in the drier parts of Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago. It has been estimated (Hunter 1983) that sweet brier is present on over 400,000 hectares of land in the South Island. Brier can occupy fertile sites and so reduce pasture production. It also blocks stock movements. It is regarded as a serious economic problem weed in affected areas. Although a number of methods of control have been used against brier, it remains a significant problem. This report discusses a cost-benefit analysis of biological control of sweet brier. The analytical framework presented provides a useful tool for further analysis of the assumptions used and the issues involved in biological control.