Dalmatian toadflax, Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill. (Scrophulariaceae), is a perennial plant native to Eurasia that has become an introduced weed in western North America. In 1995, the stem-mining weevil, Mecinus janthinus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was approved for release as a classical biological control agent of toadflax in the US. From 1999 to 2003, USDA-APHIS-PPQ personnel and cooperators have released M. janthinus at more than 80 locations in eight western states. Weevils released were collected from field populations in Europe, British Columbia, or Washington state, or reared in a greenhouse. Data collected to date indicate establishment in seven of eight states. M. janthinus shows great promise as an effective management tool for Dalmatian toadflax.
Species 1: Coleoptera Curculionidae Mecinus janthinus
Species 2: Scrophulariales Scrophulariaceae Linaria dalmatica (Dalmatian toadflax)
Keywords: weeds, biological control
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