Project Number: 500-44-015-20
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Apr 01, 2001
End Date: Mar 31, 2006

Objective:
Document the current and potential impacts of area-wide releases of two species of flea beetles (Aphthona lacertosa and A. nigriscutis) on nontarget, native Euphorbia species. The project will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will consist of identifying & locating native Euphorbia species; Phase 2 will involve locating actual populations of non-target species within each of the four project areas; during Phase 3 the physical & biological characteristics of the site will be evaluated.

Approach:
A preliminary list on non-target species that could potentially occur within the TEAM Leafy Spurge project area, which included ND, SD, WY & MT has been developed. This information will be used to locate non-target species using yield surveys conducted within the study area. The same protocal used by the ecological assessment component of TEAM Leafy Spurge will be used to record the basic physical and biological characteristics of the sites. A major concern with regards to the biological control of leafy spurge is the potential impact of biological control agents on non-target species. A rigorous field experiment specifically designed to assess those potential impacts and publication in a professional journal will begin to address this concern.

Project Team

Anderson, Gerald - Gerry Don Kirby - Professor (406)433-9416

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)