Biological Weed Control Program
Biological weed control is a long term management technique. While herbicides are usually a major part in most weed control effects, 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.
The use of biological weed control agents is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term control method. In Montana, there are several biological weed control agents, which have been successful in reducing noxious weed infestations of such noxious weeds as leafy spurge and spotted knapweed.
In Montana, the primary contact for biological weed control agents is the local county weed district. There are several biological agents used for controlling noxious weeds. For more information on biocontrol of weed in Montana click on the below document:
Biological Control Agents in Montana
For more information about the biological weed control
program, contact:
| Tonda Moon | Dave Burch | ||||
| NWSFF Program Specialist | Weed Program Manager | ||||
| Phone: | 406-444-7819 | Phone: | 406-444-3140 | ||
| Fax: | 406-444-7336 | Fax: | 406-444-7336 | ||
| E-mail: | tmoon@mt.gov | E-mail: | dburch@mt.gov | ||
Other contacts for biological weed control:
- USDA-APHIS, in Billings at 406-657-6282 or their web site:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq - USDA-ARS, in Sidney at 406-433-9426 or their web site:
http://www.ars.usda.gov - Jerry Marks, Biocontrol Coordinating Committee, Montana Weed Control Association, MSU Extension Service, Missoula, MT at 406-829-4200 or e-mail: acxgm@montana.edu
- Team Leafy Spurge at their web site:
http://www.team.ars.usda.gov - In Montana, biological weed control agents (insects) can also be purchased from several private collectors.
Additional web sites for biological control agent information:
Invaders Database System
Montana State University Extension Service
Montana War on Weeds
Montana Weed Control Association
Natural Heritage Program
North American Weed Management Association
