Revised methods for the mass-rearing of the spotted knapweed biological control agent,Cyphocleonus achates (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in field corrals |
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Authors: | Jim M Story Linda J White |
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Institution: | Montana Agricultural Experiment Station , Western Agricultural Research Center , Corvallis, MT, 59828, USA |
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Abstract: | Cyphocleonus achates (Fahraeus), a root-feeding weevil introduced from Eurasia, is an effective biological control agent against spotted knapweed, Centaurea stoebe L. ssp. micranthos. Because C. achates is univoltine and does not fly, distribution of the weevil has been slow. To hasten the weevil's distribution, a rearing effort using field corrals was initiated at a facility in Corvallis, Montana. Procedures for mass-rearing the weevil in field corrals are described, with an emphasis on improvements over earlier methods. The described field-corral approach is effective and appropriate for producing C. achates for distribution in the western United States. |
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Keywords: | Cyphocleonus achates Centaurea stoebe spotted knapweed insect rearing biological control corral |
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