Project Number: 3611-22000-018-02
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2005
End Date: Dec 31, 2007

Objective:
Conduct pre-release evaluation of A. petiolata and native plant species in Michigan. Evaluate potential impact of herbivore feeding on population regulation of A. petiolata.

Approach:
To predict the potential for successful biological control of A. petiolata combines empirical and modeling studies of A. petiolata demography. The empirical studies will determine the expected range of values for A. petiolata demographic rates in a variety of habitats and locations in Michigan. The modeling studies will include matrix simulation analyses of transient dynamics and asymptotic growth rate of A. petiolata populations subjected to mortality by biological control agents under varying environmental conditions. These analyses will help assess whether biological control of A. petiolata is feasible under a wide range of growing conditions.