MDC staff recently teamed up on Tingler Prairie in Howell County to monitor exotic invasive spotted knapweed. This destructive weed exists in much of southern Missouri and is rapidly spreading. It threatens both agricultural and natural habitats. Its seeds are carried by the wind and also spread through mowing and the movement of hay. MDC is using a beneficial species of weevil to slow knapweed’s spread by eating the flowers and roots. These weevils have proven very effective in other states and have been extensively studied to ensure minimal effects on native plants. No “biocontrol” insect completely wipes out an invasive weed, but the weevils are starting to reduce the populations of this nasty weed. It can often take up to 10 years to see the dramatic results we are hoping for. For more information about spotted knapweed, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/19293. – Joe@MDC
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 16:42:20 +0000
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