Abstract
Abstract Spotted knapweed, Centaurea stoebe L. (Asteraceae), is an invasive perennial forb that has become economically and ecologically damaging in North America. The weevil Larinus minutus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control agent of invasive knapweeds, was introduced to 37 sites in northwest Arkansas since 2008 as part of a biological control program for spotted knapweed. In 2011 and 2012, 25 of these release sites were surveyed to monitor how L. minutus infestation rates changed in relation to distance and time from release. The initial L. minutus introductions at these sites occurred from 2008 to 2011. Transects were used from the point of initial weevil introduction to establish sampling quadrats in which capitula were collected to document weevil presence and infestation rates. The mean maximum distance of weevil colonization and mean local abundance (within the first 50 m from the release point) were calculated in relation to time (yr) since release. Five sites had >10 quad...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
