Biological Control
Wyoming Weed & Pest Council (WWPC) uses biological control as part of its integrated pest management strategy to help control invasive species.
What is Biological Control
Biological control, or biocontrol, is a pest management strategy that harnesses naturally occurring enemies to control and reduce unwanted species. In the case of invasive plants, this typically involves using living organisms, such as insects, to target and control the spread of these plants. The aim is to increase herbivory on invasive plants, which in turn helps native plants thrive by reducing competition. This is achieved by releasing biocontrol agents, often insects, into populations of invasive plants.
The process for biological control can take years, with research taking time and the approved agents becoming established in their environment. WWPC released biocontrol agents for Russian knapweed in 2009 and 15 years later, we are starting to see signs that the impact has been successful. It will take even more time to see the clear results of this study.
In the case of a huge infestation of Dalmatian toadflax in Teton County, the biocontrol agents knocked the weed back significantly after just six years leading to the resurgence of many native plants back to the region.
Managing Biocontrol Agents
Biocontrol agents are regulated by the USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and must undergo a rigorous scientific evaluation prior to introduction. The process from discovery to release takes many years. Agents that pose a threat to native species are excluded. However, agents which prove to be extremely selective and only seek the weed of concern may be considered for biocontrol release. Most often, successful agents will not completely eradicate their target population, but the balance between weed and desired vegetation will be increased.
The release of non-indigenous organisms doesn’t come without some level of risk. Wyoming Weed and Pest Districts utilize biocontrol as part of integrated management planning. We resort to biocontrol insects for weed management only in cases of widespread weed populations, when conventional methods are unsuitable due to challenging terrain, where the use of herbicides may pose a greater risk to the ecosystem than the weeds themselves, or when resources for conventional methods are limited.
The goal of biocontrol is not eradication but to even the playing field.
Current Projects
The Wyoming Biological Control Steering Committee has a strong history of supporting the research and development of new biocontrol agents for the state. Current projects supported and funded include the research for potential agents for the control of dyer’s woad, dalmatian and yellow toadflax, oxeye daisy, Russian knapweed, Russian olive, and whitetop.
Learn more about Current Biocontrol Programs in Wyoming
Contact Information
For more information about Wyoming biocontrol, please contact your local county Weed and Pest Supervisor, or email the Chairman of the Wyoming Biological Control Steering Committee.