• Basic Information
• Additional Info

Basic Information

• Project No. and Title: NCERA_OLD125 : Biological Control of Arthropods and Weeds
• Period Covered: 10/01/2002 to 09/01/2003
• Date of Report: 01/30/2004
• Annual Meeting Dates: 10/25/2003 to 10/25/2003

Participants

Charlet, Larry (USDA ARS); Heimpel, George (MN, Chair); Horn, Dave (OH); Landis, Doug (MI); Mahr, Dan (WI); Nowierski, Robert (USDA CSREES); Olson, Denise (ND, Secretary and Chair-elect); Orouke, Megan (??);Puttler, Ben (MO); Ragsdale, David (MN); Rector, Brian (USDA ARS); Roda, Amy (USDA APHIS); Rutledge, Claire (IN); Sadof, Cliff (IN); Wiedenmann, Rob (IL); Wright, Bob (NE); Yaninek, Steve (IN, Admin. Advisor); Yoo, Ho Jung (IN); Zolnerowich, Greg (KS);

Accomplishments

Impacts

1. Biological control of purple loosestrife - Our efforts 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. Widespread media attention to the project has brought invasive species information to more than 2 million of the regions citizens.
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 >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. The result is reduced pesticide usage, improved economic and environmental conditions in the region.
4. Biological control of leafy spurge I - Our efforts have established Aphthona flea beetles species which successfully control leafy spurge infestations in seven states in the region. Large stands of leafy spurge have been reduced by as much as 80-90% by the root feeding behavior of the flea beetle larvae. Day-degree emergence models highlight the best week to collect beetles for redistribution based on emergence patterns observed in several north central and western U.S. states.
5. Biological control of leafy spurge II - Education and media attention contributed to the success of Aphthona flea beetle introductions to control leafy spurge. Education programs provided demonstrations and methodology training, resulting in numerous land owners and managers embracing biocontrol and biological-based IPM to control leafy spurge. The media attention on biological control of leafy spurge has increased public awareness of the need to control and prevent the spread of this weed.

Publications