Project Number: 6206-22000-005-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2000
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Develop classical biological controls for four exotic central Asian weeds that have invaded western rangelands. Continue research on saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and begin research on Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) both weeds of riparian areas that form dense thickets, displace native plant communities and wildlife habitat, and reduce water availability; and develop new programs for African rue (Peganum harmala) and camel thorn (Algahi camelorum), upland weeds that compete with forage plants.

Approach:
Identify and evaluate candidate biological control agents in Europe and Asia through exploration in collaboration with ARS foreign labs in Montpellier and Beijing and cooperators in Israel, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Urumqi, China; conduct host-range and biological testing at foreign locations and in quarantine at Temple, TX; release and monitor effectivenss of approved foreign insects in cooperation with colleagues in western states; assess long-term impacts of declining weed densities on population dynamics of native riparian and rangeland communities.

Project Team

Deloach, Culver

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

Biological Control of U.S. Invasive Weeds from Kazakhstan    Upper Colorado Saltcedar Control Project: Biological Control Component    Upper Colorado Saltcedar Control Project: Modeling Beetle Dispersal    Establishment and Monitoring of Diorhabda Beetles for Control of Saltcedar in Texas