December 10, 2026 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST
The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s 7th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit will be held virtually on December 10, 2026, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST. This year’s theme, “Local Biocontrol Successes,” will highlight successful weed biocontrol efforts ranging from British Columbia, Canada, to Florida, USA, while connecting researchers with invasive plant managers and educators across North America. The event is sponsored by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council.
Dan Bean, Director, Palisade Insectary
Conservation Services, Colorado Department of Agriculture
Keynote Presentation
The Palisade Insectary plays a role in invasive plant management: long term biocontrol successes in Colorado, and beyond.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Palisade Insectary has been implementing biological control of invasive plants since the 1950’s when Chrysolina spp. beetles were introduced for use against St. Johns Wort. Since then, dozens of species of biocontrol agents have been introduced into Colorado for noxious weed suppression. Early implementation projects appeared to be effective, but success was difficult to quantify since a typical biocontrol introduction lacked formal post-release monitoring. Monitoring has been incorporated into Colorado’s new programs since 2005, and long-term results will be presented for biocontrol of tamarisk, Dalmatian toadflax, yellow toadflax, Canada thistle and Russian knapweed. Biocontrol cannot be effectively practiced without partnerships that closely link the Palisade Insectary with weed and natural resources managers, as well as the biocontrol research community. Examples of partnerships and outreach also be highlighted.
Image Credit: Image used with permission. Peter Williams, Yampa River Leafy Spurge Project.