VIDEO: Biological control may curb garlic mustard’s regional spread
By Anusuya Das and Kurt Stepnitz
Great Lakes resource managers are turning to biological controls to deal with aggressive invasive species. Garlic mustard, a woodland invader, smothers native plants and poisons the soil in forested areas, campgrounds and backyards. But in Europe, where it originated, the plant is kept in check by natural controls. Researchers think these controls will help limit invasive species in the Great Lakes region.
Great video. I have been battling garlic mustard in my yard in Hamilton, Ontario, for several years. Pulling it up by the roots after the rain loosens the soil will hold it at bay. Thanks for the tip about not putting it into my green cart.
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In large infestations, it’s important not only to remove the garlic mustard but to make sure that native plants are re-established in its place. Otherwise, the bare or disturbed ground will be open to recruitment from seed in the soil, or perhaps invasion by a new weed. A healthy matrix of native vegetation is the best long-term defense against this species, based on our experience and observation here in northeastern Illinois.
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I believe your poll question is faulty. In this day and age, nobody should be considering releasing an invasive species to control another invasive species. What would be be the point of having two invasives on our hands? I think you meant to ask if an exotic species should be allowed to be released to control an invasive species. In that case I would vote yes, but only if they are well-researched for host-specificity.
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My computer reports an error occurred on trying to play the video. Interesting but I didn’t get the details.
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Give it a try now. Should be working.
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But HOW to dispose?? Should I burn it? Send it to the dump?
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Also, make sure you don’t wait too long to remove it – after the seeds mature, the plant will “launch” its seeds when disturbed – get it in the spring!
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When??????? i had read there was a good possibility of the weevil being available in 2005 or 2006. Yet there seems to still be no word.
i realize we need to be careful, but I’m drowning (well, my native plants are), in the stuff.
Where is the best up to date info on this/
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The plant in my yard is coming through the fence from the neighbors yard, invading my garden plants!! AH help, how do I get a handle on this terrible plant. From my readings I’m guessing it’s garlic mustard. Was thinking of using round up, hoping that will work come spring!!
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