Biological Weed Control
Biological weed control is a long-term management technique that involves releasing natural enemies to control non-native species. Usually insects are imported from continents where the weeds originated. Inspect predators must be carefully tested to be sure they eat only a specific weed and are safe to release in North America.
The most successful method of weed control is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. IPM consists of using herbicides, biological weed control agents, grazing, mowing and other mechanical methods.
Acquiring Biological Control Insects
In Montana, several biological control agents have been successfully to reduce infestations of noxious weeds such as leafy spurge and spotted knapweed. County weed coordinators can provide information on using biological control methods, and may be able to provide information on insect collection sites or contact information for private businesses selling insects. See the links below for more information on biocontrols.
Other contacts for biological weed control:
- MT Biological Control Working Group - Kenny Keever at 406-262-2828 or Kenny_Keever@blm.gov
- Whitehall War on Weeds - Todd Breitenfeldt at 406-287-3862
- USDA-APHIS or in Billings call 406-657-6282
- USDA-ARS or in Sidney call 406-433-9426
- Jerry Marks, Montana Weed Control Association, MSU Extension Service, Missoula, MT at 406-829-4200 or acxgm@montana.edu
- Team Leafy Spurge at their web site: http://www.team.ars.usda.gov
External Links
Invaders Database
Montana State University Extension Service
Montana Weed Control Association
Contacts
Dave Burch
Weed Program Manager
Montana Department of Agriculture
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3140
E-mail: dburch@mt.gov
Fax: (406) 444-9466
Cam Lay
State Entomologist
Montana Department of Agriculture
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-9430
E-mail: clay2@mt.gov
Fax: (406) 444-9466
Carol Bearden
Weed Program Specialist
Montana Department of Agriculture
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-7880
E-mail: cbearden@mt.gov
Fax: (406) 444-9466
Kim Antonick
Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant Coordinator
Montana Department of Agriculture
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-1517
E-mail: kantonick2@mt.gov
Fax: (406) 444-9466
Published: April 4, 2011 11:56:00 AM MDT.
Last Modified: February 13, 2013 8:45:35 AM MST