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Author: Berezin, Andrew
Email: aber360@sulross.edu
Phone: (281) 813-7854
Organization: Sul Ross State University
Address:
SRSU Dept. of Biology,
Alpine,
TX,
79832
Abstract Title: INTRODUCTION OF THE BEETLE (DIORHABDA SPP.) AS A SALT CEDAR (TAMARISK) BIOCONTROL AGENT ALONG THE RIO GRANDE RIVER IN PRESIDIO AND BREWSTER COUNTY, TEXAS. Andrew Berezin*, Chris Ritzi, Department of Biology, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX. and Jack Deloach, James Tracy, USDA/ARS, Temple, TX.
Abstract Text: Salt cedar (Tamarisk spp.) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that was introduced into the United States from Eurasia in the early 1800’s to stabilize riverbank erosion and to serve as a windbreak and ornamental. However, due to a high reproductive potential and the absence of natural predators, salt cedar has become invasive on many river systems in the Western United States such and the Colorado and Rio Grande. In 2006, attempts to establish the Tamarisk leaf beetle (Diorhabda spp.) at three locations along the Rio Grande was conducted in an attempt to control the spread of salt cedar and restore the riparian corridor which has become populated by a monoculture of salt cedar. Currently, two release sites along the Rio Grande are showing early signs of success as beetles are becoming established and over 2,000 square meters of Tamarisk has been defoliated.
Conference
Year: TIPPC_2009
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular):
Session: 3. Control and Management
Submission Date: 2009-09-16
