Montana Weed Control Association

Complete Title: Influence of Seed Head-attacking Biological Control Agents on Spotted Knapweed Reproductive Potential in Western Montana over a 30-year Period

Authors: Jim M. Story, Lincoln Smith, Janelle G. Corn & Linda J. White

 

Summary:  Studies were conducted on the impact of seed head insects on spotted knapweed reproductive potential in western Montana over a 30-year period.  Results indicated that seed head insects are reducing seed production by about 94% in many areas of western Montana.  The reduction of knapweed seed production has resulted in a 98% reduction in the knapweed seed bank which, in turn, has contributed to the decline of knapweed in these areas.  Of the seed head insects, the fly, Urophora affinis, and the weevils, Larinus obtusus and L. minutus, are having the greatest impact on knapweed seed production.  The current decline of spotted knapweed in many areas is likely due to the impact of the seed head insects on the knapweed seed bank and the effects of the root weevil, Cyphocleonus achates, on mature plants.

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Tags: Biological Control, Centaurea maculosa, Cyphocleonus achates, Integrated Weed Management, Larinus minutus, Larinus obtusus, Spotted Knapweed, Urophora affinis

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 12:56 pm and is filed under Integrated Weed Management Articles, Research Information, Weed Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.