In the summer of 2005, hundreds of workshop participants gathered to receive insects to battle yellow starthistle, spotted knapweed, and diffuse knapweed.All over the state of Idaho noxious weeds are invading private and public lands, destroying native habitat, and choking out desirable vegetation. In an effort to battle this growing threat, Mark Schwartzlaender (University of Idaho - Department of Plant, Soil, and Entomological Sciences) has been traveling across Idaho conducting biological weed control workshops.

In each workshop, Mark showed a colorful power point presentation, explaining the process of biological weed control (bio-control). The presentation focused on the biology of the target weed, the weed’s natural predators, and how to collect and monitor those insect agents.

After the yellow starthistle workshops, participants were given an opportunity to collect Eustenopus villosus (seed head weevil), photo at left, and Larinus curtus (flower weevil) to take and release on their private lands.

Bio-control agents for spotted and diffuse knapweed are not yet abundant enough for collection in our area but participants still left the workshop with Cyphocleonus achates (root weevil), photo at right, thanks to Nez Perce Tribe-BioControl Center (NTP-BC) staff who collected agents in Oregon to distribute to Idaho landowners.

Fourteen workshops were conducted across Idaho with almost 200 participants in attendance. Locally 2 yellow starthistle and 2 knapweed workshops were held at the NPTBC in Lapwai. Workshop sponsors include: University of Idaho, Nez Perce Tribe-BioControl Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Nez Perce Soil & Water Conservation District (through funds from BPA Fish & Wildlife Programs).

Why Do We Need BioControl? As weeds were introduced to America, by accident or as ornamental plants, their natural enemies were not brought across the ocean. With no natural predators, these weeds grow large and plentiful, choking out native plant species.

Getting Agents Here... After years of insect collection, in-depth research, and litigation, insects have slowly been introduced in the United States to manage weed populations. This process takes anywhere from 4-7 years.

Locally efforts are underway to make these insect available to landowners. Insects for yellow starthistle, spotted/diffuse knapweed, canada thistle, rush skeleton, and dalmation toadflax are presently being raised in Lapwai, Idaho by NPT-BC staff. To contact the NPT-BC about their services please call Paul Brusven at (208) 843-9374 ext. 1.