It is at this location that Russian knapweed insects are collected, reared, and distributed throughout the state. The state of Colorado is fortunate to have a large and active program that works with biological control agents on many problematic pest species in the state and operates out of an insectary in Palisade.

Biological Controlīiological control of weeds is the use of natural enemies such as insects, mites, pathogens or other animals to reduce the spread, reproductive ability, or reduce the density of the target weed. In many instances, Russian knapweed is so widespread on low-value land that the use of herbicides is uneconomical and detrimental to the environment. Russian knapweed out-competes crops, degrades rangeland, and causes reduced biomass of native vegetation, negatively affecting the ecology of our wildlands. It has no agricultural or ecological value.

Russian knapweed is an aggressive, non-native plant that can dominate the landscape, due in part, to US populations producing nearly four times more seed (1200 seeds per plant) than in native populations. In contrast, other knapweeds have more deeply lobed (pedate) lower leaves. long and lobate while upper leaves are about 1 in. Solitary pink/purple flowers grow at the tip of leafy branches. Near the root crown, roots are covered in a black scaly sheath that separates it from other knapweeds. tall plant with clonally spreading roots. Russian knapweed forms dense monocultures in disturbed lands. If horses consume too much, it can cause neurological disease, equine nigropallidal encephalomalacia. Russian Knapweed seed is often transported to new locations in the stomachs of grazing animals. It is now found throughout the United States west of the Appalachians and is most problematic in the semi-arid rangelands of the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountains. Russian knapweed originates from countries bordering the Caspian Sea in western Asia also China and Mongolia. It was accidentally introduced in the United States during the late 1800s via alfalfa seed. Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens) is a clonal perennial forb in the Aster family.

Pesticide Applicator Licensing Online Portal.

Agricultural Workforce Development Program.

Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program.

Colorado Agricultural Mediation Program (CAMP).

Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO).

Alternative Livestock (Captive Cervids).

Legislation, Laws, Regulations and Rule Hearings.

Increase in gall fly biocontrol agents