Biocontrol of the creeping thistle

State of the Art

Actually no biocontrol method is known for the creeping thistle Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.

Definition of the problem

Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. is considered as one of the world’s worst weeds. It has become increasingly problematic in ecological compensation areas where conventional control measures are restricted. Thus, biological or integrated control, exploiting both plant competition and herbivory by specialized native insects or plant pathogens, may be an inexpensive and sustainable alternative control measure.

Project aims

Biocontrol of the creeping thistle as a possible control method for organic agriculture

Methodology

• test the potential of native phytophagous insects
• test the potential of plant pathogens
• test the tri-trophic interaction between plant, pest and pathogen and its use for biocontrol

• Wyss Eric ()

• Cultivation Technique Arable Crops (Department of Soil Sciences, FiBL Switzerland)