text of bio_ba1.pdf

So, does biological control for leafy spurge really work? Take a look at these BEFORE and AFTER pictures of leafy spurge flea beetles in action and decide for yourself.
For more information, see the TEAM Leafy Spurge website at http://www.team.ars.usda.gov/

Site: Bridger Mountains, Montana
Habitat type: High elevation, high moisture forest
The Story: Aphthona nigriscutis was released in 1994
and quickly eliminated spurge on a hillside interspersed
with grass and conifers.
before/1993 after/1995

Site: Valley City, North Dakota
Habitat type: Prairie grassland with heavy clay soil
The Story: Hundreds of millions of flea beetles have
been collected at this famous site, which was started
with a release of just 80 insects in 1988.
before/1992 after/1994

Site: Forget Me Not Lake, Minnesota
Habitat type: Low elevation prairie grassland
The Story: Decades of control efforts with herbicides
were unsuccessful, but Aphthona lacertosa
eliminated spurge in just a few years.
before/1994 after/1997