Summary: |
False cleavers, Galium spurium, is a major and increasing weed of canola and other crops in Alberta. Based on previous research in France, the European gall mite, Cecidophyes rouhollahi, was selected for field studies in Alberta to evaluate its potential as biological control of false cleavers. The results showed that a vigorous colony of the gall mite C. rouhollahi can be maintained under greenhouse conditions in Alberta, and that the mites will readily colonize false cleavers plants under field conditions. Provided application methods can be developed that more evenly distribute the mites over a stand at an early growth stage, C. rouhollahi appears to have potential for control of false cleavers in canola and other annual crops in Alberta. |
