Biological Control of Saltcedar

Created with SARE support
2011

The saltcedar is an exotic, invasive shrub or small tree found throughout Texas. The invasive plant forms dense stands along rivers and streams and degrades water and land resources. This fact sheet, published by Texas AgriLife Extension, explores the use of leaf beetles as a biological control. The leaf beetles cause defoliation, eventually killing the tree and allowing the growth of forage grasses. The fact sheet describes the three species of saltcedar leaf beetles, their biology, life cycle and impact as biological control agents.

Biological Control of Saltcedar

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This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.