A petition for the introduction and field release of the Chondrilla root moth, Bradyrrhoa gilveolella (Treitschke), for the biological control of Rush skeletonweed in North America

Abstract

Rush skeletonweed, Chondrilla juncea L. (Asteraceae), is considered a noxious weed in many western states and is currently a target for biological control. Bradyrrhoa gilveolella (Treitschke) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a root-feeding moth being considered for use in the biological control of rush skeletonweed. This organism will serve to complement the existing biocontrol agents that have been established on rush skeletonweed in the Pacific Northwest but have provided only limited suppression of the weed. Although root feeders have suppressed populations of several noxious weeds in the western US, no root feeding organisms have been introduced into North America for this particular weed species. Host records (field) and laboratory studies indicate that the moth is restricted to the genus Chondrilla; and only C. juncea occurs in North America. Since the moth is genus specific there would be negligible risk to other related plant genera, including the closely related genera of Taraxacum and Crepis. We thereby recommend the release of this moth into North America.

Citation

Littlefield, J. L.; Birdsall, J.; Helsley, J.; Markin, G. 2000. A petition for the introduction and field release of the Chondrilla root moth, Bradyrrhoa gilveolella (Treitschke), for the biological control of Rush skeletonweed in North America. Submitted to USDA-APHIS, March 2000. 45 p