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Learn about classical biological control used in Missoula County from Biocontrol Coordinator for the Montana Biocontrol Project, Melissa Maggio.
What is biocontrol?
There are many definitions attributed to biological control. But when we are talking about biological control of weeds, a type of classical biocontrol, we are referring to the deliberate release of a specialized natural enemy from the weed’s native range to reduce the weeds abundance or spread in its introduced range. It isn’t unheard of for 20+ years of research to go into a biocontrol agent prior to its release, to ensure that it will not negatively impact plants other than the target weed.
During this field trip, participants will learn to recognize and identify if biological controls for leafy spurge, Dalmatian toadflax, and spotted knapweed. We will also look for patterns of damage and see examples of adult and larval forms of some species.

There will be a short hike (one mile) to different weed infestations.