Invader Plant Specialists - Pty Ltd

21/04/2026

Random Photo 1. This picture is here just to grab attention.

My post: Where would you start with managing IAP's? I have my own opinion but it will be interesting to hear comments .

23/01/2026

The link below is to a post on our web page. It refers to an article that was first printed in 2005 and then again in 2012. The frightening thing is that I see no change in how we approach vegetaion management. My question is "when will we learn?"

The attched picture shows an extenisve tree invasion in the Northern Cape. While is will be expensive to control, a plan will help guide spend and resources to achieve the best outcomes.

20/01/2026

Any rumours that you may hear that Invader Plant Specialists is no longer in business are FALSE.
• Graham Harding has moved to Jeffrey’s Bay but is still working full time
• David Harding is still in the greater Cape Town area.
We still offer the following services:
• Training
o Herbicide Applicators
o Plant ID
o Herbicide refresher
o Risk Assessment
o WorkSite Management
o Pest Control Operators Course
o Pest Control Mentoring
• Management planning
• Herbicide trials
• Consulting in IAP management
• Auditing of results and projects

If you have any questions please ask either David or Graham

16/01/2026

Invasive Alien Plant Management and Control Plans.
For the last week fires have been dominating the local news. Fires burned in many parts of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces with fires
occurring from Cape Town, Stanford, Plettenburg Bay, Humansdorp, Jeffrey's Bay and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Fires are not new to any of these regions, but it appears that they are becoming more intense.
If I comment on the role that Invasive and Alien Plants (IAP) have to play, many people will say that this is common knowledge. If this is common knowledge, why are more people not having Management Plans developed and implemented? The price of getting a professional company to develop a plan that meets NEM:BA legal requirements and then having trained people to implement this plan is far cheaper than the cost of fighting a fire.

There are so many examples of serious loss resulting from fire and yet managing a prime contributing factor (IAP stands) is simply neglected. Just as important are the post fire actions as the fire is a method of IAP control, often giving the landowner a start in managing the IAP's. If you have experienced a fire, this could be a good time to get a Management plan developed for your property or rather the whole area.

05/09/2024

Protect your farm's future by managing pesticide waste responsibly. CropLife SA offers expert tips on safe disposal practices.

07/08/2024

Invader Plant Specialists is still very active in the field. Rumours are making the rounds that Graham Harding had retired. This is incorrect.

We have the same team, Graham, David and Margot servicing the industry. Graham and Margot are based in the Eastern Cape while David still operates out of Durbanville.

Please call or email us for the same good service and visit our website:

Invader Plant Specialists are Consultants in Alien Invasive Plant management. We train in vegetation management, Safe use of herbicides and Pest Control Operator licensing.

07/06/2024

Prosopis plants were introduced into the Northern Cape via Namibia as shade and fodder trees for the somewhat treeless areas. The plant is renowned for its drought tolerance, good firewood and high pod production. The idea was that this tree was an "all in one" option with shade, fuel and fodder. State departments actively promoted the planting of prosopis, and many farmers visited the USA and brought seeds back for their own properties. The result is that a mix of species was imported with little record of what, when and where they were planted. This continued until the mid-1970's when people started noticing that prosopis was taking over the best lands of the Northern Cape.

Research was initiated in 1977 to look at the ecology and control of the plant. Biocontrol was introduced at a low level as the farmers were not convinced that prosopis was not a worthwhile plant to have. Research has continued over the years looking at most aspects of the plant. Control agencies have had massive campaigns to control prosopis yet it has continued to spread and is now estimated to cover more than 6 million ha is the Northern Cape.

Can prosopis be managed? The answer to this should be what will happen if we do not? Recent research efforts and renewed focus on prosopis may help. I believe it can be managed if the problem is viewed and approached on a holistic basis. A farm cannot be segmented into those areas with prosopis and those without. Each farm needs a plan that aims firstly to make the area suitable to be farmed and then to completely remove the prosopis. This is a long-term action so managing the problem in a way that prevents spread and increases cropping and grazing areas while easing access to other areas makes sense. Take ownership of the problem (no one else will) and approach it in a way that will best suite your property. A well-drawn and discussed management plan is the starting point.



Rhodes University recently launched a programme with the aim of developing a national strategy for prosopis, improving biocontrol options and assisting farmers with management plans for their property.

25/04/2024

Unlock your potential for a rewarding career in Invasive Plant Management with our accredited PCO theory course!
Our next course kicks off on Monday the 6th of May.

This comprehensive program is the essential first step towards obtaining your PCO license, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to manage Industrial Vegetation and Noxious Weeds effectively.

Delivered conveniently online, our six-week course features engaging, morning sessions:

Master the Ecology of Invasive Plants: Gain a deep understanding of how these species threaten our environment.
Sharpen Your Plant Identification Skills: Learn to confidently identify common invasive plants in London.
Demystify Herbicide Basics and Selection: Explore safe and effective methods for targeted control.
Navigate the Regulatory Landscape: Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation governing invasive plant control.
Choose the Right Control Methods: Develop a strategic approach for different scenarios you might encounter.
Introduction to Management Plan Creation: Lay the foundation for crafting effective management strategies.

Don't miss this opportunity to take the first step towards a fulfilling career!
Contact us today for pricing and more information.

05/03/2024

our website for IPS is back up and running. Visit us on

Invader Plant Specialists are Consultants in Alien Invasive Plant management. We train in vegetation management, Safe use of herbicides and Pest Control Operator licensing.

04/10/2023

What many people forget is that prosopis has thorns so is much more challenging to fell than most other Invasive Plants.