Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-m6dg7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-19T06:23:55.518Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Biological Control of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) with Aphthona spp. along Railroad Right-of-Ways

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Rodney G. Lym  and
Jeff A. Nelson
Rodney G. Lym*
Affiliation:
Plant Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105
Jeff A. Nelson
Affiliation:
Plant Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: [email protected].
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) along long distances of railroad right-of-ways is often treated with the least expensive herbicides available that only control top growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate flea beetles, Aphthona nigriscutis and a mixed population of A. czwalinae and A. lacertosa, for establishment and potential to reduce leafy spurge infestations along railroad right-of-ways. In separate experiments, both Aphthona species established the first year following release, and the rate of spread was similar regardless of the initial number released. Aphthona nigriscutis reduced leafy spurge approximately 65% up to 16 m from the release point by 3 to 5 yr after release. The mixed population of A. czwalinae and A. lacertosa reduced leafy spurge density over 95% within 4 yr of release. Biological control is an alternative to chemical control for leafy spurge along railroad right-of-ways, and establishment at these sites could facilitate biological control agent movement into remote areas.

Keywords

Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula L. #3 EPHESflea beetles, Aphthona sppInvasive weed controlbiocontrol
Type
Research Article
Information
Weed Technology , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , September 2000 , pp. 642 - 646
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Literature Cited

Bangsund, D. A., Leitch, J. A., and Leistritz, F. L. 1996. Economics of herbicide control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). J. Agric. Res. Econ. 21: 381–395.Google Scholar
Carlson, R. B. and Mundal, D. 1990. Introduction of insects for the biological control of leafy spurge in North Dakota. N. D. Farm Res. 47 (6): 7–8.Google Scholar
Dunn, P. H. 1979. The distribution of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) and other weedy Euphorbia spp. in the United States. Weed Sci. 27: 509–516.Google Scholar
Hansen, R. W., Richard, R. D., Parker, P. E., and Wendel, L. E. 1997. Distribution of biological control agents of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) in the United States: 1988-1996. Biol. Control 10: 129–142.Google Scholar
Kirby, D. R. and Carlson, R. B. 1998. Leafy spurge control with flea beetles (Aphthona spp.). Proc. West. Soc. Weed Sci. 51:130.Google Scholar
Kirby, D. R., Hayek, M., Cline, D., Krabbenhoft, K., and O'Brien, C. 1999. Site characteristics of established flea beetle colonies in western North Dakota. In Proc. Leafy Spurge Symposium, Medora, ND. Fargo: North Dakota State University. p. 24.Google Scholar
Lym, R. G. and Kirby, D. R. 1987. Cattle foraging behavior in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)-infested rangeland. Weed Technol. 1: 314–318.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lym, R. G. and Messersmith, C. G. 1990. Cost-effective long-term leafy spurge control with herbicides. Weed Technol. 4: 635–641.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Maw, E. 1981. Biology of some Aphthona spp. (Col.: Chrysomelidae) feeding on Euphorbia sp. near esula . . University of Alberta, Edmonton. 258 p.Google Scholar
Moran, G. 1992. Leafy spurge a candidate for biological control. N. Dak. Farm Res. 49 (5): 3–6.Google Scholar
Spencer, N. R. 1994. Insects for leafy spurge control. In Proc. Great Plains Agriculture Council GPC-14, Leafy Spurge Control in the Great Plains. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. pp. 36–38.Google Scholar
Stromme, K., Cole, D. E., McClay, A. S., Richardson, C. J., and deValois, J. 1996. Biocontrol of leafy spurge with Aphthona nigriscutis in Alberta “The Beverly Bridge Site.” In Proc. Great Plains Agriculture Council GPC-14, Leafy Spurge Control in the Great Plains. Brandon, Manitoba: Manitoba Agriculture. pp. 26–27.Google Scholar