2002
NEWS ARCHIVE
Weevils
Released to Control Invasive Species
September 10, 2002
|
Dr.
Seth Johnson (left) and Will Patrick of LSU AgCenter release
salvinia weevils into a giant salvinia research plot in
Cameron. (photo by: Kevin A. Savoie, Sea Grant Extension
Agent) |
Personnel
from Louisiana Sea Grant and the LSU AgCenter were in the marshes
of Cameron Parish on September 10 to release an insect into a
research site located just north of the Cameron Courthouse. The
insect may control an invasive species, giant salvinia (Salvinia
molesta).
Nearly a year ago,
the 11-mile long “W-1 West” drainage canal, which
extends into the Creole community and surrounding marsh system,
was discovered to have an infestation of giant salvinia, considered
to be one of the most noxious invasive aquatic plants in the country.
Since that time an ongoing effort to control the non-native plant
has met with many obstacles.
The salvinia weevil,
Cyrtobagous salvinae, has been successfully used in other areas
of the world to control outbreaks of salvinia, which can grow
into thick mats, clogging drainage systems and rendering aquatic
habits useless for fish and wildlife. Tuesday’s release
was the second in the Cameron marsh. The first was in December
2001. Weevil larvae, released into a research site, lived only
two weeks, due to cold weather. This time, approximately 250 adult
weevils were placed into a meter square release area, contained
by polyvinyl chloride (pvc) pipes. “Hopefully, releasing
fully developed, adult weevils during the warm growing season
will yield positive results,” said Dr. Seth Johnson, entomologist
with the LSU AgCenter.
The weevils were released
just prior to the salvinia’s peak growing season, fall and
early winter, giving them perfect conditions — ample new
plant growth and moderate temperatures — to feed and control
the infestation. Dr. Johnson was assisted in the release by Will
Patrick, a graduate student at LSU, and Kevin Savoie, a Louisiana
Sea Grant extension agent.
With the approaching
hunting season, outdoorsmen may notice this plant in Cameron or
other parts of Louisiana. They may also notice a common salvinia
(Salvinia minima) infestations that thrive on ample rainfall and
moderate late summer temperatures. Report these to Sea Grant extension
agents like Kevin Savoie (337-948-0255) or to Charles Dugas at
the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (225-765-2332).
<<
Back to 2002 News Page
