scholarly journals The effects of agent hybridization on the efficacy of biological control of tansy ragwort at high elevations

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 470-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Szűcs ◽  
Patricia E. Salerno ◽  
Brittany J. Teller ◽  
Urs Schaffner ◽  
Jeffrey L. Littlefield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
High Elevations ◽  
Tansy Ragwort

Predator Interference with the Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) for the Biological Control of Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly K. Crider
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Moth Population ◽  
Tyria Jacobaeae ◽  
Carpenter Ants ◽  
Ant Predation ◽  
Cinnabar Moth ◽  
Tansy Ragwort

AbstractQuantification of interference with biological control agents can provide support for anecdotal claims of success or failure of agent establishment and efficacy. This study was initiated because of observed predation of cinnabar moth larvae by carpenter ants when releasing larvae for the control of tansy ragwort, an invasive plant in Montana. Biotic and abiotic factors were compared among three sites with historically variable moth population establishment. Two experiments were developed to (1) observe and document insect activity, predation, or disappearance on tansy ragwort stems either protected or accessible to ants; and (2) quantify the effects of ant exclusion on herbivory of tansy ragwort. Site comparisons indicated that ant colony density was highest at the driest of three sites, and, interestingly, no ant colonies were detected at the site with higher observed numbers of moth larvae and adults and lower densities of tansy ragwort. Available substrate (logs and stumps) for ant colonization did not differ between the three sites. In the ant exclusion experiments, a larger number of larvae were missing on plants accessible to ants (63%) compared with plants where ants were excluded (39%) after 36 h. Direct observation of predation of larvae by carpenter ants accounted for 9% of missing larvae on stems accessible to ants. Larvae were able to consume 81% of original flowers or buds on ant-excluded stems, compared with 18% consumption on ant-accessible stems, suggesting that ant predation could limit the efficacy of cinnabar moth larvae. These results provide one of many possible explanations for the anecdotal observations of large, persistent populations of cinnabar moths in moist areas. This work emphasizes the importance of post-release observation and monitoring to detect and, ideally, quantify factors to support anecdotal perceptions regarding the fate and subsequent efficacy of insect biological-control agents.

The biology of Canadian weeds.: 96. Senecio jacobaea L.

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Bain
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Vegetative Reproduction ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Senecio Jacobaea ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Tyria Jacobaeae ◽  
Tansy Ragwort

Senecio jacobaea L. (tansy ragwort) is a roadside and pasture weed which was introduced into Canada in the 1850s. It is established in cool, wet areas, most commonly on the east and west coasts. The species is important economically because the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the foliage makes it toxic and the poisoning of livestock has resulted. Individuals produce dimorphic achenes which possess different dormancy and dispersal characters and are therefore able to establish in a wider range of habitats. Vegetative reproduction is common especially after damage to the plant. Control of the weed is achieved either through the application of hormone-like herbicides or by biological means. The establishment of the biological control agent, cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae L.), in populations has resulted in defoliation of individuals but has not resulted in effective control of the weed, except in eastern Canada. Key words: Tansy ragwort, Senecio jacobaea, biological control, pyrrolizidine alkaloids

scholarly journals Sheep as a Biological Control Agent for Tansy Ragwort

1982 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven H. Sharrow ◽  
Wayne D. Mosher
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Tansy Ragwort
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