How can insects help control Purple Loosestrife?
When purple loosestrife was introduced into Canada, it escaped its natural enemies that control its spread in its European range. Biological control reunites a target weed such as purple loosestrife with its natural enemies. There are four insects approved for release against Purple Loosestrife in Canada – two leaf eating beetles called Galerucella calmariensis and Galerucella pusilla, a root mining weevil Hylobius transversovittatus and the seed weevil Nanophyes marmoratus. These specialized plant eating insects do not eat any other plants or harm our natural environment. In many areas of North America, beetles are providing almost total control of purple loosestrife. Prior to biological control there was no effective method of controlling purple loosestrife. This also means that herbicides and chemicals do not have to be used in sensitive areas like wetlands. Back to top.
