Invading exotics typically face new competitors and an absence of specialized herbivores in their new ranges. Biological control attempts to reunite invasive weeds with coevolved herbivores and restoration can reduce the return of invaders by maximizing competition from native species. The integration of both approaches is seldom examined in detail, although the two should complement each other. We investigated the potential to suppress an important invasive plant, Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense [L.] Scop.), by integrating biological control and competition from two native grasses frequently used in rangeland restoration. We evaluated the impacts of Ceutorhynchus litura F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a weevil used for Canada thistle biological control, alone and in combination with either needle and thread grass (Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.] Barkworth) or alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides [Torr.] Torr.) in greenhouse competitive plantings. Weevil herbivory reduced root, but not shoot, biomass of Canada thistle. Competition from H. comata did not reduce biomass of thistles, but combinations of the weevil and H. comata greatly reduced thistle root biomass. S. airoides suppressed Canada thistle root biomass independent of weevils. Weevils had a positive indirect effect on the cool-season grass H. comata, presumably by reducing the competitive ability of thistles, but had no effect on biomass of the warm-season grass, S. airoides. Benefits of weevil presence as an augmentation of grass competition appear to depend on appropriate timing, and weevils provided the most benefit to the coolseason competitor. Our results suggest that restoration efforts can be complemented with insect biocontrol agents, although the timing of impact will depend on the particular weed species, grass competitors, and biocontrol insect agents involved. Resumen Las especies exóticas invasoras en general enfrentan nuevos competidores y una ausencia de herbívoros especializados en sus nuevos rangos. El control biológico intenta reunir las malas hierbas con herbívoros co-evolucionados y la restauración puede reducir el retorno de invasores por lograr maximizar la competencia de especies nativas. La integración de ambos métodos es rara vez examinado en detalle, aunque los dos se deberían complementar entre sí. Nosotros investigamos el potencial para suprimir una importante planta invasora, Cardo triguero de Canadá (Cirsium arvense [L.] Scop.) mediante la integración del control biológico y la competencia de dos gramas nativas utilizadas frecuentemente en la restauración de pastizales. Nosotros evaluamos los impactos del Ceutorhynchus litura F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), un gorgojo utilizado para el control biológico del cardo triguero de Canadá, solo y en combinación con cualquiera de la ''needle and thread grass'' (Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.] Barkworth) ó ''alkali sacaton'' (Sporobolus airoides [Torr.] Torr.) en plantaciones competitivas de invernadero. La herbivoría del gorgojo redujo la raíz pero no el crecimiento de biomas...
Galinsoga (Galinsoga quadriradiata) is an erect (upright), herbaceous, short-lived warm-season annual weed in Florida landscapes, container nurseries, and other agricultural production systems. In nurseries and landscapes, galinsoga can be a troublesome weed, but it has been utilized by some cultures for food or medicinal purposes. This new 5-page article is written for green-industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of galinsoga in and around ornamental plants. Written by Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep593
Florida betony (Stachys floridana) is a perennial weed in Florida landscape planting beds, gardens, turfgrass, and agricultural production systems. This new 4-page article is written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of Florida betony in and around ornamental plants in landscape planting beds. Written by Thomas Smith and Chris Marble, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep597
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