MARINE PROGRAMS
Strategic Priorities

Biological Control of Weeds Projects

What is Biological Control?

Safety in Biological Control

Biological Control of Spartina

Biological Control of Knotweeds

References

Biocontrol Staff

"Invasive Spartina in Willapa Bay" website

"Olympic Region Harmful Algal Blooms" website

Biological Control of Weeds Projects

The Olympic Natural Resources Center has played a key role in the development of two biological control programs.  The first is targetting two species of Spartina cordgrass which are invasive in Willapa Bay and Puget Sound.  The insect Prokelisia marginata, a sap-sucking planthopper was introduced beginning in 2000.  Populations of this agent are currently established and growing.  The second program, which is in the developmental stages, will target Japanese and giant knotweeds (Fallopia spp.).  Knotweeds are an environmental threat to riparian areas throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast.

More information:

What is biological control?
Safety in biological control
Biological control of Spartina
Biological control of Knotweeds
References
Biocontrol staff