Biological Control for Invasive Phragmites

Invasive Phragmites is considered the worst invasive plant in Canada due to its impact on our wetlands, waterways, and natural areas.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is proud to be working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Toronto and international partner CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International in Switzerland) on a new research partnership to implement biological control as an additional step in an integrated management strategy for invasive Phragmites, and help protect Canada’s natural spaces infrastructure from the most disruptive invasive plant in our modern history.

This video explains how biological control, or “biocontrol”, gradually restores the natural balance between the invasive species and their natural enemies by re-uniting them in their new environment. Learn how after 20 years of research and more than a decade of extensive host-range testing, these two small but mighty moths are showing promise in controlling the spread of Phragmites australis.

Video created by OOAK Productions