Leafy spurge is an exotic perennial weed that infests over 800,000 acres in North Dakota. Although leafy spurge can be successfully controlled with herbicides, treating large acreages is not cost-effective. In fact, approximately 40 percent of the leafy spurge infested rangeland has a carrying capacity below the herbicide cost break-even point. Using biological agents to control leafy spurge has become an economic alternative in many locations in the state.
Biological control of leafy spurge was initiated in the mid 1980s. Twelve species of insects were released in North Dakota for control of leafy spurge, and eight became established. Five of the eight established insects are flea beetles, (Aphthona spp.) which have reduced the leafy spurge density more than any other agent.
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