Thesis (Ph. D.) -- Lincoln University, 2009. / Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wyoming, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Nov. 7, 2008). Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

Thesis (MS)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2009. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Fabian D. Menalled. Includes bibliographical references.

Canada thistle is a clone forming perennial weed that spreads aggressively and is difficult to control. One approach to managing invasive weeds is integrating numerous tactics instead of relying on a single tactic. Therefore, the objectives of this research were: 1) assess impacts of Hadroplontus litura, common sunflower competition, and soil nutrients on Canada thistle, and 2) investigate head capsule morphometrics and model H. litura developmental timing. Common sunflower competition, low soil nutrients, and H. litura herbivory negatively impacted aspects of Canada thistle growth and reproduction, but effects varied. Additionally, H. litura effects on thistle morphology were mild whereas the effects of soil nutrition and competition were persistent throughout the experiment. Histogram analysis and verification via Dyar’s rule produced adequate larvae categorization by instar number. Logistic thermal time models developed to predict mean developmental time were most accurate for first instar larvae and least accurate for egg stage.

The success of biological weed control programs has been limited by a lack of understanding of the stress physiology of insect damage and pathogen development. This case study with the perennial weed, Cirsium arvense, (L.) Scop. evaluated the stress of five natural enemies. Attack by a seed head predator, Orellia ruficauda (F.) caused about 21.5% predation and may reduce seed dispersal. The stress of stem gall formation (Urophora cardui (L.)) is greatest when the gall occurs on young plants and on the mainshoot and defoliation simulation (Cassida rubiginosa Muller) is most effective at high levels on young plants. In nature, however, the latter two natural enemies are not synchronized with these susceptible stages, thereby reducing their effectiveness. Although Cleonus piger Scop., a root crown inhabitant, can result in plant death, regeneration of damaged vascular tissue can occur. Plants which emerge systemically infected with Puccinia punctiformis (Str.) Rohl. (rust) rarely survive the season. A matrix model simulating the effects on Canada thistle population dynamics by the natural enemies was applied.

No description available.

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. (Canada thistle) is a persistent perennial pasture weed in Eastern Canada. Single control measures such as cultural, chemical, and biological methods are not effective in long term reduction of the weed population. The objectives of this research project were to evaluate the efficacy of various traditional control methods and to attempt to integrate them. / The effectiveness of Urophora cardui L. as a biological control agent is limited due to a lack of synchrony between the agent and the weed. This can be improved through integration with herbicides or mowing in time or space. Other biological control agents such as Orellia ruficauda Fab., Cassida rubiginosa Muell., and Puccinia punctiformis (Str.) Rhol. resulted in limited suppression of the weed population. Mowing was not effective in sustaining weed reductions for longer than one year. Application of clopyralid or 2,4-D/dicamba effectively reduced the weed population. The application of 3.37 kg a.i. ha$ sp{-1}$ 2,4-D/dicamba or 0.3 kg a.i. ha$ sp{-1}$ clopyralid with the spring and summer mowings were the most effective mowing/herbicide combinations over the two-year period.

Two field studies assessed sward dynamics to legume removal with and without Canada thistle and other broadleaf plants (i.e. forbs). When grown in mixtures with grass, alfalfa had a more consistent negative yield response to legume removal compared to clover swards. Within established pastures, total forage (i.e. legume and grass) had little association with Canada thistle, but was instead associated with perennial forbs such as dandelion. Grass responses (biomass and protein yield) in established swards were unable to compensate for legume removal up to 2 years after spraying. Relative yield ratios were used to identify weed and legume thresholds, and indicated the removal of legume and Canada thistle did not always negatively impact forage production. Instead, select positive yield responses were observed depending on the initial composition, growing conditions and abundance of weed and legume. / Rangeland and Wildlife Resources

Thesis (MS)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2009. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Lisa J. Rew. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-139).