How to build a knapweed insectary

Project Teachers: Todd Breintenfeldt and Mike Battaiola

Getting StartedMaterials: -time: this is a labor intensive method of mass rearing biological control agents. -land: in Whitehall we are fortunate that the Whitehall Schools let us use "waste" areas around the track and playing fields. -water: you will need to water your transplants.  In Whitehall, we use the school water system and lots of hoses. -equipment storage area: locking. -tiller: with removable tines to till between knapweed rows and around gardens. -mower/weed whip: if you need to maintain the area around the weedgarden. -weeding/transplanting/clipping tools: shovels, hoes, rakes, wheelbarrow, clippers, sharpening file and trowels. -corral: metal flashing, wooden stakes, wood screws, drill (battery powered), sledge hammer, and gloves. [Hint: Make your corrals narrow enough so that your bird netting fits easily over them]. -bird netting: we ordered ours out of Hummert, rope or wire, tall stakes or fence posts. (post pounder). -fencing: fence posts, clips, and snow fencing or the orange plastic constriction fencing. -net insect cages: if you plan to try the root boring moth Agapeta zoegana you will need out door cages with spikes or stakes to anchor them. We use 6' x 6' x 12' aluminum frame cages with insect net skins and zipper cages    

Plan Ahead!!

Rearing ScheduleCyphocleonus in corrals:Early spring: Construct your plots,

transplant, make corrals.Early spring - late fall Maintain the site.Mid summer Install bird netting.Early Aug. Introduce weevilsAug. - early Sept. Collect adult weevils

from well established corrals, for field release

Early Nov. Remove bird netting and winterize your site

Building Your CorralGather your equipment and tools.

-Draw a plan of your site. -Stake out your area. -Till or plow your site. -Stake out your corral

Flashing

Pulling and ClippingCool day, moist soil for pulling, gloves,

long sleeved shirts, boots, large crew, pull early, keep plants cool…

Dipping Dipping pulled and trimmed plant into water

to keep it moist for transport in plastic bag to insectary for transplanting.

Keep The Plants Wet!

Bagging For TransportAfter dipping in water, we put the plants in heavy duty contractor plastic bags for immediate transport to the insectaries. 5-gal. bucket, water source, bags, shade!

Transplanting

Cyphocleonus achates – Root Boring WeevilAdults emerge Aug./Sept.Lay eggs on root crownLarvae bore into rootOver winter as larvae in rootFeeding in taproot and exit hole cause damagePupate in early summerEmerge and do it all againDo not fly29,225 last year in 2008

Agapeta zoegana - root boring moth Adults emerge spring/summer Lay eggs on lower stem Larvae hatch, mine down stem into the root Larvae over winter in root Pupate in soil early/late spring Larvae can move a short distance through soil to a new plant if theirs dies Adults disperse by flying. 2,950 in 2008

How to Make a Knapweed InsectaryCool project for idle fire crew, civic group

or GREAT summer job for teacher/studentsPlan your site – water, long term, safety

from herbicide and pesticide sprayLay out beds - to fit bird netting, plants

and available space, tillTransplant - mature knapweed plants

tightly in rowsBuild corrals - to contain weevils, wind

proof!Transplant areas for cages and set up

cages.Water, fertilize and “weed the weeds”Receive Agapeta in early summer and

Cyphocleonus in late summer.

Insectary Goals: To educate students and all people

about: 1) noxious weeds and their control,

2) insects, 3) ecology, and 4) plants. To produce as many biological

control agents (insects) as possible in as short a time as possible. “CONTROL WEEDS

Other Insectaries

Collect Weevils From InsectariesHand pick when warm, labor intensive Great way for classes to spend an

hour or two! Weevils either really cling or drop off

and play dead Search ground/flashing junction, up

on plants and stakes, focus on corners Place in suitable containers with

foliage to cling to and feed onKeep weevils cool, store in cooler or

refrigerator Harvest as many as you can or they

will “over sting” your plants!

The Insectsmass rear two species of biological control

insects for spotted knapweed.Cyphocleonus achates – root boring weevilAgapeta zoegana – root boring moth

Cyphocleonus achates Agapeta zoegana

Students Collecting