Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/2898
Title: Identification, development, and release of insect biocontrol agents for the management of Phragmites australis
Authors: New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Department of Natural Resources
Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (U.S.)
Blossey, Bernd
Keywords: Biocontrol
Common reed
Insect biocontrol
Invasive plants
Phragmites australis
Aquatic ecosystems
Aquatic plants
Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (U.S.)
Publisher: Environmental Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: ERDC/EL CR ; 14-2.
Description: Contract Report
Abstract: Introduced Phragmites australis is rapidly spreading in North America, threatening wetland plant communities and endemic native genotypes (Phragmites australis americanus). Lack of successful long-term control resulted in initiation of biological control research. In the past, the program targeting introduced Phragmites has focused on several promising potential biological control agents with large impacts on P. australis. The purpose of this report is to: (1.) identify potential agents for in-depth study; (2.) outline and report initial testing procedures and results of host-specificity studies of identified agents; (3.) assess possibilities to develop laboratory/greenhouse mass-rearing procedures; (4.) outline approaches for long-term monitoring at pre-release sites; and (5.) assess the extent of hybridization between native and introduced genotypes. All selected insect species are stem miners that overwinter as eggs, with larvae feeding in spring and early summer. Host specificity testing is being conducted in a Rhode Island quarantine facility and at the Center for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI) in Switzerland. In addition, investigations continue on the impact of Phragmites populations on native fauna and flora as well as the economic and ecological effects of Phragmites invasion. Hybridization between native and introduced genotypes appears to be restricted to a single hybridization event in central New York State.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/2898
Appears in Collections:Contract Report

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