Twin Falls County - BUREAU OF NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL

BUREAU OF NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL

Biological Control

Biological control of weeds is the use of one organism to control another. Classical biological control is the introduction of control agents - usually insects - into a region that is not part of their natural range, to permanently reduce the populations of selected weeds.

How Biological Control Works:

Biological control agents or bio-agents may control weeds by destroying seeds, leaves, root, or stems; by weakening or stressing the weed; and/or by limiting the weed's ability to reproduce.

Bio-agent feeding may also help weaken weeds through damage scars.
Once established and feeding in your weed infestations, bio-agents will continue to attack your weeds throughout the growing season.

Biological Control basic Advantages:

Target specific
Continuous action
Long-term cost effectiveness
Gradual in effect, environmentally friendly
Can move on their own (even into steep or difficult terrain)

Biological Control basic Disadvantages:

Initial high costs
Long time until results seen
Uncertain results
Uncertain "non-target" effects in the environment
Can not be removed
Environmental conditions can have an effect on the establishment of the bio-control agents

Things to Know:

Effectiveness of agents cannot be guaranteed
Will not work every time in every situation
Will not "eradicate" the weed (no complete kill)
May not provide the desired level of control
Sometimes it might take years before you see biological control impact

Biological control programs are not the only answer to our weed problems. In many cases, the release of the available bio-agents, are most clearly described as experimental. See this link to the Animal, Plant, Health Inspection Service (USDA) website, to learn more about Biological Controls at the federal level. They have recently renewed their focus on noxious weeds nationwide.

Another useful website is the National Invasive Species Council, this site discusses the impacts of noxious weeds, the species of concern, and the governments responses to these problem weeds.

Idaho Program: http://www.agri.idaho.gov
Federal Programs: Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds http://ficmnew.fws.gov

Local Programs: Contact your State Department of Agriculture, County Noxious Weed Office, Local Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) or Extension Agent.