Developing Biological Control of Garlic Mustard
RC-1146
Objective
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), an introduced European species, is an invasive species of concern in the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Midwestern United States. It replaces native spring wildflowers in forest communities. Physical, mechanical, and chemical means have failed to provide long-term control. However, the development of biological control appears to be a viable option for the ecologically sound management of garlic mustard.
The objective of this project was to develop and implement a standardized monitoring protocol to assess the impact of released biocontrol agents on target plant (i.e., garlic mustard) and associated plant communities.
Technical Approach
Personnel at CABI Bioscience Center in Switzerland performed detailed investigations on the ecology, life history, and impact of six potential biocontrol agents for garlic mustard in Europe and determined their host specificity. To assess the impact of the release of biocontrol agents on garlic mustard and native plant communities, a standardized monitoring protocol was developed. Field sites were visited, twice annually, at established long-term monitoring sites in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Data was collected on garlic mustard performance (height and seed production) and abundance (presence/absence, number of stems, cover, and biomass) at sites in North America and in Europe. In addition, data on the presence of herbivores attacking garlic mustard in North America was recorded. Basic site-specific parameters (exposure, overstory species, soil types, etc.) were recorded to evaluate the influence of habitat types on the control success. Data collections occurred in the spring and fall.
Results
Six beetle species were evaluated for their impact and host specificity in Europe. Of these, four showed great promise for garlic mustard biocontrol. In particular, Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis was observed to have the most potential. This root-mining weevil is active in the fall, winter, and spring and reduces the plant survival, plant biomass, and seed output, which are key variables in plant population demography of garlic mustard. A standardized monitoring protocol was developed that incorporates measures of control agent abundance and feeding, garlic mustard performance, and the response of the associated plant community. This protocol was tested at four field sites followed by a workshop to introduce land managers to the procedures. In addition, a long-term monitoring program was developed that will be important in evaluating the success and safety of biological control of garlic mustard.
To access end-user products developed through this research, please visit the Invasive Species section on the RC Tools and Training page.
Project Documents
Symposium & Workshop
FY 2013 New Start Project Selections
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Bernd Blossey
Cornell University
Phone: 607-255-5314 xCell 607.227.1572
Fax: 607-255-0349
Program Manager
Resource Conservation and Climate Change
SERDP and ESTCP
Project Documents
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.