• Basic Information
• Additional Info

Basic Information

• Project No. and Title: NCERA_OLD125 : Biological Control of Arthropods and Weeds
• Period Covered: 10/01/2001 to 09/01/2002
• Date of Report: 07/04/2003
• Annual Meeting Dates: 10/24/2002 to 10/25/2002

Participants

Heimpel, G. (MN, Program Chair); Horn, D. (OH); Landis, D. (MI); Nowierski, R. (USDA-CSREES); Olson, D. (ND); ONeil, R. J. (IN); Prokrym, D. (USDA-APHIS); Ragsdale, D. (MN); Skinner, Luke (guest): Wiedenmann, R. (IL); Wright, R. (NE); Yaninek, S. (IN, Admin. Advisor); Zolnerowich, G, (KS).

Accomplishments

Impacts

1. Biological control of purple loosestrife: Our regional efforts on biological control of purple loosestrife has successfully established Galerucella beetles in 9 North Central states achieving up to 90% reduction in loosestrife density in sites up to two square miles in size. More than 50,000 school students have been engaged in rearing natural enemies and learning about invasive species ecology and management.
2. Biological control of soybean aphid: Our team of regional collaborators has elucidated the biology and ecology of soybean aphid, a new exotic invasive pest in the region. The team has also conducted foreign exploration and quarantine testing of soybean aphid natural enemies from China and Japan, and evaluated the impacts of existing natural enemies on soybean aphid population regulation.
3. Biological control education: We have impacted more than 500,000 students, educators, farmers, natural resource managers, IPM practitioners, policy makers and biological control specialists with diverse educational efforts including an electronic newsletter, website, extension and technical publications, presentations and sponsored symposia addressing diverse biological control topics.

Publications