The distribution of biological control agents for scentless chamomile in Saskatchewan

Abstract

In April 1999, a project was started to develop integrated control programs for noxious weeds that emphasize the role of biological control agents. The focus was on a seed weevil, which was released in 1993, and the 1999 release of a gall midge for scentless chamomile. Both agents have been released at numerous locations in Saskatchewan. The agents were released in many of the municipalities where scentless chamomile can be found. Data on the spread of the agents from a release point was used to estimate the potential distribution of the seed weevil and gall midge across the province. Many rural municipalities have scentless chamomile but the biological control agents may not have spread to the weed. New agent releases should be made in rural municipalities which have had no prior releases.