Invasive and Exotic Species

Chapter 3: Developing, Implementing, and Managing a Purple Loosestrife Biological Control Program

Implementing a purple loosestrife biocontrol program involves planning the program, selecting release sites, obtaining and releasing insects, and monitoring the success of the program. Monitoring determines (1) if the insects successfully establish at a site, (2) if their populations increase over time, (3) how attack and damage impact thepurple loosestrife populations over time, and (4) how other plants in the wetland community respond to release of biological control agents. Depending on the size of your program, monitoring activities may vary among release sites. However, evaluating the success of a purple loosestrife biological control program requires a long-term commitment to regular observations and assessments. Guidelines and protocols to plan, develop, implement, and monitor a purple loosestrife biocontrol program are outlined in this chapter.

This chapter includes six sections:

1. Planning your purple loosestrife biocontrol program
2. Selecting release sites
3. Obtaining purple loosestrife biocontrol agents
4. Handling and releasing purple loosestrife biocontrol agents
5. Monitoring purple loosestrife, the biocontrol agents, and other vegetation
6. Establishing a photo point for monitoring

Familiarity with all aspects of the program before beginning will greatly facilitate its implementation and increase its chances of success.

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