Development of a biological control program for common tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, Phase 1

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General Information
Solicitation Number: 1163
Status: Solicitation withdrawn
Date Posted: Apr 10, 2007
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2008
Solicitation Expires: Jun 30, 2008
Partners: MN
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2007
Commitment End Year: 2010
100% SP&R Approval: Pending Approval
Commitments Required: $330,000.00
Commitments Received: $186,009.75
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Tina Markeson
tina.markeson@dot.state.mn.us
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2007 $75,956.25 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $62,003.25 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2009 $48,050.25 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us

Background

Common tansy, Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae), is an invasive aromatic perennial with stems 40-160 cm (15.75 ¿ 63 inches) in height. Profuse reproduction by both rhizomes and seed contribute to the invasiveness of tansy. To date, it is established throughout most of the United States and Canada, and is a declared noxious weed in five U.S. states (Colorado, Montana, Minnesota, Washington and Wyoming) and three Canadian provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, and portions of British Columbia). In North America, common tansy occurs in roadsides, natural areas, pastures, hayfields, and along rivers. In addition, presence of common tansy reduces grass productivity and can severely hinder reforestation and revegetation efforts. Evidence from 40 years of `modern¿ weed biological control strongly suggest that the risk of non-target effect by weed biological control agents is highest for plant species which belong to the same genus as the target weed. Only two Tanacetum spp. are native to North America, which reduces the risk of non-target effects. Between 1995 and 1997, a literature review and a two¿year field survey were carried out in northern Europe to assemble a comprehensive overview of the herbivore community associated with common tansy and to select phytophagous insects with a narrow host-range for further investigation. Based on literature records and the field survey, 72 insect species were found to be associated with common tansy and at least 16 of these are believed to develop exclusively on the target weed. On the basis of their likely impact on common tansy and their reported narrow host range, we propose to initially select the following for in-depth studies: (1)Microplontus millefolii (Curculionidae) stem-mining weevil; (2)Cassida stigmatica (Chrysomelidae) leaf-feeding beetle; (3)Isophrictis striatella (Gelechiidae) stem, flower-bud and rhizome mining moth; (4)Rhopalomyia tanaceticola (Cecidomyiidae) stem, rosette and flower head galling gall midge; and (5)Dichrorampha (Tortricidae) rhizome-mining moths. Pathogens affecting common tansy have yet to be assessed, and would not be a priority until these insects have been critically assessed. The CABI Bioscience Switzerland Centre has a broad network of collaborators throughout the native range of common tansy, which will significantly facilitate field work. The focus will be in Eurasian areas with climates similar to the northern US and southern Canada to ensure that potential bioagents collected are adapted to the climate of the target area.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to research the biology of potential insects that could be used as a biological control for T. vulgare in the United States. The research will be conducted in Europe, with seeds collected from both Europe and Asia, tansy¿s native range. If Phase 1 produces a candidate for introduction into the United States, researchers will make recommendations to the US Department of Agriculture to begin the process of importing beneficial insects. Phase 2 of the project will continue to explore potential biological control agents and will begin the process of importing beneficial insects to the United States.

Scope of Work

Once the pooled fund study is funded, the scope of work will be determined by the participating organizations. In general, the following tasks will be considered: 1) Literature review Review literature to aid in determining the species of insects to target in study. 2) Establish a test plant list and collect and organize seeds of test plant species. From test plant list, collect seed and grow test plants. The test plant list should include species of tansy and plants in the same genus that are found in North America. 3) Collect and rear insects found on tansy in native range. Collecting insects found on tansy and literature review will give researchers their starting point of potential biological control options. Rearing study insects provide best practices for rearing and build populations for release in controlled settings. 4) Host-specificity testing and impact studies on target weed, common tansy. 5) Pooled fund travel Funds will be available for one participating state representative to travel and discuss the progress of the study. 6) Final Report Quarterly and final reports will document the findings of this study.

Comments

Mn/DOT (as the lead state) and other participating organizations are asked to contribute $30,000 per year for 3 years for the research proposed in this pooled fund study. Confirmed Funding Sources from the United States: Year 2007: UPM Blandin Paper Mill $5,000 Year 2007: Minnesota Department of Agriculture $15,000 Year 2008: South Dakota Weed and Pest Commission $5,000 Year 2008: Minnesota Department of Agriculture $5,000 Year 2008: South Dakota Weed and Pest Commission $5,000 Year 2008: UPM Blandin Paper Mill $5,000 Year 2009: Minnesota Department of Agriculture $5,000 Year 2009: South Dakota Weed and Pest Commission $5,000 Total of $45,000 Confirmed Funding Sources from Canada: Year 2007: ACAAF $11,191.25 Year 2007 Saskatchewan ADF $22,382.50 Year 2007: 2 energy companies $4,476.50 Year 2007: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development $8,953 Year 2008: ACAAF $11,191.25 Year 2008: Saskatchewan ADF $22,382.50 Year 2008: 2 energy companies $4,476.50 Year 2009: ACAAF $11,191.25 Year 2009: Saskatchewan ADF $22,382.50 Year 2009: 2 energy companies $4,476.50 Total of $123,103.75

No document attached.

Development of a biological control program for common tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, Phase 1

General Information
Solicitation Number: 1163
Status: Solicitation withdrawn
Date Posted: Apr 10, 2007
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2008
Solicitation Expires: Jun 30, 2008
Partners: MN
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2007
Commitment End Year: 2010
100% SP&R Approval: Pending Approval
Commitments Required: $330,000.00
Commitments Received: $186,009.75
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Tina Markeson
tina.markeson@dot.state.mn.us
Commitments by Organizations
Agency Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2007 $75,956.25 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $62,003.25 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2009 $48,050.25 Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us

Background

Common tansy, Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae), is an invasive aromatic perennial with stems 40-160 cm (15.75 ¿ 63 inches) in height. Profuse reproduction by both rhizomes and seed contribute to the invasiveness of tansy. To date, it is established throughout most of the United States and Canada, and is a declared noxious weed in five U.S. states (Colorado, Montana, Minnesota, Washington and Wyoming) and three Canadian provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, and portions of British Columbia). In North America, common tansy occurs in roadsides, natural areas, pastures, hayfields, and along rivers. In addition, presence of common tansy reduces grass productivity and can severely hinder reforestation and revegetation efforts. Evidence from 40 years of `modern¿ weed biological control strongly suggest that the risk of non-target effect by weed biological control agents is highest for plant species which belong to the same genus as the target weed. Only two Tanacetum spp. are native to North America, which reduces the risk of non-target effects. Between 1995 and 1997, a literature review and a two¿year field survey were carried out in northern Europe to assemble a comprehensive overview of the herbivore community associated with common tansy and to select phytophagous insects with a narrow host-range for further investigation. Based on literature records and the field survey, 72 insect species were found to be associated with common tansy and at least 16 of these are believed to develop exclusively on the target weed. On the basis of their likely impact on common tansy and their reported narrow host range, we propose to initially select the following for in-depth studies: (1)Microplontus millefolii (Curculionidae) stem-mining weevil; (2)Cassida stigmatica (Chrysomelidae) leaf-feeding beetle; (3)Isophrictis striatella (Gelechiidae) stem, flower-bud and rhizome mining moth; (4)Rhopalomyia tanaceticola (Cecidomyiidae) stem, rosette and flower head galling gall midge; and (5)Dichrorampha (Tortricidae) rhizome-mining moths. Pathogens affecting common tansy have yet to be assessed, and would not be a priority until these insects have been critically assessed. The CABI Bioscience Switzerland Centre has a broad network of collaborators throughout the native range of common tansy, which will significantly facilitate field work. The focus will be in Eurasian areas with climates similar to the northern US and southern Canada to ensure that potential bioagents collected are adapted to the climate of the target area.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to research the biology of potential insects that could be used as a biological control for T. vulgare in the United States. The research will be conducted in Europe, with seeds collected from both Europe and Asia, tansy¿s native range. If Phase 1 produces a candidate for introduction into the United States, researchers will make recommendations to the US Department of Agriculture to begin the process of importing beneficial insects. Phase 2 of the project will continue to explore potential biological control agents and will begin the process of importing beneficial insects to the United States.

Scope of Work

Once the pooled fund study is funded, the scope of work will be determined by the participating organizations. In general, the following tasks will be considered: 1) Literature review Review literature to aid in determining the species of insects to target in study. 2) Establish a test plant list and collect and organize seeds of test plant species. From test plant list, collect seed and grow test plants. The test plant list should include species of tansy and plants in the same genus that are found in North America. 3) Collect and rear insects found on tansy in native range. Collecting insects found on tansy and literature review will give researchers their starting point of potential biological control options. Rearing study insects provide best practices for rearing and build populations for release in controlled settings. 4) Host-specificity testing and impact studies on target weed, common tansy. 5) Pooled fund travel Funds will be available for one participating state representative to travel and discuss the progress of the study. 6) Final Report Quarterly and final reports will document the findings of this study.

Comments

Mn/DOT (as the lead state) and other participating organizations are asked to contribute $30,000 per year for 3 years for the research proposed in this pooled fund study. Confirmed Funding Sources from the United States: Year 2007: UPM Blandin Paper Mill $5,000 Year 2007: Minnesota Department of Agriculture $15,000 Year 2008: South Dakota Weed and Pest Commission $5,000 Year 2008: Minnesota Department of Agriculture $5,000 Year 2008: South Dakota Weed and Pest Commission $5,000 Year 2008: UPM Blandin Paper Mill $5,000 Year 2009: Minnesota Department of Agriculture $5,000 Year 2009: South Dakota Weed and Pest Commission $5,000 Total of $45,000 Confirmed Funding Sources from Canada: Year 2007: ACAAF $11,191.25 Year 2007 Saskatchewan ADF $22,382.50 Year 2007: 2 energy companies $4,476.50 Year 2007: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development $8,953 Year 2008: ACAAF $11,191.25 Year 2008: Saskatchewan ADF $22,382.50 Year 2008: 2 energy companies $4,476.50 Year 2009: ACAAF $11,191.25 Year 2009: Saskatchewan ADF $22,382.50 Year 2009: 2 energy companies $4,476.50 Total of $123,103.75

No document attached.

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