Articles
POLLINATION ECOLOGY AND BIOCONTROL: DEVELOPING RELEASE STRATEGIES FOR SEED-FEEDING INSECTS ON DALMATIAN TOADFLAX
Article number
437_48
Pages
379 – 384
Language
Abstract
Dalmatian toadflax, Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill., is a noxious rangeland weed of European origin that has been targeted for biocontrol in Canada.
Among the insects recently approved for release against Dalmatian toadflax is a host specific strain of the seed weevil, Gymnetron antirrhini Paykull.
Effective releases of biocontrol insects require an understanding of the relationships between weed and insect development so that insects are released when adequate plant resources are available.
Hence, a study was initiated in 1994 which investigates the pollination requirements, pollinators, and seed setting efficiency of Dalmatian toadflax at different elevations in southwestern Alberta, to determine the best time and locations for releases of the seed weevil.
Preliminary results based on the first year of data are: 1) Dalmatian toadflax must be cross-pollinated to produce seed. 2) Bumblebees are the major pollinators of Dalmatian toadflax, and their presence or absence will affect the availability of resources for G. antirrhini or any seed-feeding insect used for biocontrol. 3) Toadflax flowering and seed production terminated early in the fall at dry sites.
Recommendations arising from the preliminary results are to release G. antirrhini early in the summer and at lower elevations to increase its chances of successful establishment and population increase.
Among the insects recently approved for release against Dalmatian toadflax is a host specific strain of the seed weevil, Gymnetron antirrhini Paykull.
Effective releases of biocontrol insects require an understanding of the relationships between weed and insect development so that insects are released when adequate plant resources are available.
Hence, a study was initiated in 1994 which investigates the pollination requirements, pollinators, and seed setting efficiency of Dalmatian toadflax at different elevations in southwestern Alberta, to determine the best time and locations for releases of the seed weevil.
Preliminary results based on the first year of data are: 1) Dalmatian toadflax must be cross-pollinated to produce seed. 2) Bumblebees are the major pollinators of Dalmatian toadflax, and their presence or absence will affect the availability of resources for G. antirrhini or any seed-feeding insect used for biocontrol. 3) Toadflax flowering and seed production terminated early in the fall at dry sites.
Recommendations arising from the preliminary results are to release G. antirrhini early in the summer and at lower elevations to increase its chances of successful establishment and population increase.
Publication
Authors
R. DeClerck-Floate, K.W. Richards
Keywords
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