Monitoring and evaluation

A number of monitoring sites have been selected to measure mikania growth rates and cover prior to the release of the biocontrol agents.

At each site 150 plants are individually tagged and measured, and the number of nodes counted.  At three-monthly intervals the same plants are remeasured to determine growth rates.

Once the biocontrol agents have been released the same measurements will be carried out at regular intervals to determine the impact of the agents on the mikania.

In Fiji these long-term monitoring sites have been established on the islands of Viti Levu, Ovalau and Taveuni (see map below).

Livai Vakatikati (L) and Jo Ratutini tagging and measuring mikania plants at the Ovalau monitoring transect

Long-term monitoring sites in Fiji are located at (L-R):

Tunalia (Nadi), Koronivia Research Station (Nausori), Vuma Village, (Ovalau), and Mua Research Station, (Taveuni)

The Tunalia and Vuma sites were established with permission from the native landowners.  The Koronivia and Mua sites are on Ministry of Agriculture Crown Land.