Tansy flea beetle wins ragwort sweepstakes at Redwood NP
Holden LJ. 1985. Tansy flea beetle wins ragwort sweepstakes at Redwood NP. Park Science. 5(4):10-11
This article discusses the use of the tansy flea beetle in order to control populations of tansy ragwort. The history and ecology of both tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaeae) and the tansy flea beetle (Longitarsus jacobaeae) are mentioned. Specifically detailed are the reasons why the beetles are being used as biological controls and how the discovery was made that this was a possible management alternative. After introducing the cinnabar moth, the tansy seedfly and the tansy flea beetle in Redwood National Park, the tansy flea proved the most successful at reducing tansy ragwort populations. The first site, Endert's Beach, was such a success that it became the nursery colony for other Park areas. Plots have been established to monitor the long-term effects of the beetle. Preliminary results indicate that "native and naturalized plants of the prairies have increased as the ragwort decreased".
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Holden, Lorraine
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- Biological Control, Control Methods, Ecology, Exotic Species, Invasive Species, Life cycle, Management, Non-Native Species, Plants, tansy ragwort, Vegetation, Weeds