From research to integration: Biological control of introduced Phragmites in Ontario, Canada

Biological control releases of the stem-boring moths Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta offer a promising new tool in the toolbox for integrated weed management of introduced Phragmites. Since the first releases in Ontario in 2019, we have developed core operational protocols to rear, release, and monitor the agents and have released approximately 30,000 insects across 50 sites. This presentation will provide an overview of (a) the initial years of the biological control program; (b) promising initial monitoring evidence of agent populations beginning to establish and having localized impacts on introduced Phragmites; and (c) ongoing efforts to scale up and integrate biological control with conventional management across the province.

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