In June 2012, OCNWCB was lucky enough to receive Russian knapweed galls "Jaapiella ivannikovi " from APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service). These are new to the State and very difficult to obtain.
The gall midges over wintered well and increased in numbers. They seem to prefer the fresh growth of Russsian knapweed plants and moved rapidly onto freshly mowed stalks.
In 2014 we began distribution of these galls away from the original release site, and have begun spreading them throughout the county.
Many thanks to CCT/BIA for providing the original release site, APHIS for providing the bios, and WDFW and DNR for their assistance in the redistribution efforts!
The gall midges over wintered well and increased in numbers. They seem to prefer the fresh growth of Russsian knapweed plants and moved rapidly onto freshly mowed stalks.
In 2014 we began distribution of these galls away from the original release site, and have begun spreading them throughout the county.
Many thanks to CCT/BIA for providing the original release site, APHIS for providing the bios, and WDFW and DNR for their assistance in the redistribution efforts!