Galerucella calmariensis - Ask Extension
I have a fairly extensive ation of purple loose strife in and around my property. I was interested in purchasing. Galerucella calmariensis To help wit...
Knowledgebase
Galerucella calmariensis #879327
Asked July 29, 2024, 7:10 PM EDT
I have a fairly extensive ation of purple loose strife in and around my property. I was interested in purchasing. Galerucella calmariensis To help with biological control of this in invasive species. Does UVM agricultural extension offer this or, if not, can you refer me to a source to purchase this?
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Joseph
Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Volunteers.
I've not completed my research; however, I did want to inform you that the Extension office does not sell biological controls.
The Vermont Invasives website lists Purple Loosestrife as a "Quarantined: Class B Noxious Weed".
The VT Invasives website states: A single purple loosestrife plant can produce over a million seeds, and those seeds have high germination rates and can remain viable in the seedbank for years. This impacts the overall effectiveness of any treatment.
Because of the high risk of spread by seeds, treatments are most effective before the plants go to seed.
This species is so widespread, and most populations are large or dense, making eradication unlikely. Preventing spread, containing existing infestations, and removing plants from new sites are the best strategies.
The website also states, for biological controls -
As soon as I hear back from the Agency of Ag, I will be back in touch. Meanwhile, I will leave you with additional resources.
I do hope they are helpful.
Loosestrife, Purple | Vermont Invasives (vtinvasives.org)
Invasive in the Spotlight: Purple Loosestrife | Extension (unh.edu)
Invasive Plants in Massachusetts (massaudubon.org)
Please understand the recent flooding has left the Agency of Agriculture with other priorities and I expect a delay in their response time. Meanwhile, I hope I've provided you with additional useful information.
Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Volunteers.
I've not completed my research; however, I did want to inform you that the Extension office does not sell biological controls.
The Vermont Invasives website lists Purple Loosestrife as a "Quarantined: Class B Noxious Weed".
The VT Invasives website states: A single purple loosestrife plant can produce over a million seeds, and those seeds have high germination rates and can remain viable in the seedbank for years. This impacts the overall effectiveness of any treatment.
Because of the high risk of spread by seeds, treatments are most effective before the plants go to seed.
This species is so widespread, and most populations are large or dense, making eradication unlikely. Preventing spread, containing existing infestations, and removing plants from new sites are the best strategies.
The website also states, for biological controls -
- There are four species of beetles from Europe, which are fairly host-specific on purple loosestrife, that are currently available for control efforts, though availability varies; insects can be collected from known wild populations, or potentially from a supplier, though this may be regulated.
As soon as I hear back from the Agency of Ag, I will be back in touch. Meanwhile, I will leave you with additional resources.
I do hope they are helpful.
Loosestrife, Purple | Vermont Invasives (vtinvasives.org)
Invasive in the Spotlight: Purple Loosestrife | Extension (unh.edu)
Invasive Plants in Massachusetts (massaudubon.org)
Please understand the recent flooding has left the Agency of Agriculture with other priorities and I expect a delay in their response time. Meanwhile, I hope I've provided you with additional useful information.
Joseph
Following up - I've not heard from the Agency of Agriculture or the Agency of Natural Resources. My assumption is most of the staff are tied up with flood victim clients. However, we have found that Galerucella calmariensis is not commercially available.
It appears your best option is mechanical control.
Again, I'm hopeful the links I've previously supplied will offer you some helpful information.
Following up - I've not heard from the Agency of Agriculture or the Agency of Natural Resources. My assumption is most of the staff are tied up with flood victim clients. However, we have found that Galerucella calmariensis is not commercially available.
It appears your best option is mechanical control.
Again, I'm hopeful the links I've previously supplied will offer you some helpful information.
