4-H in the Classroom

Biocontrol of Purple Loosestrife Previous list

(See http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/purple/default.htm for information)

Purple loosestrife infestations pose a widespread and serious problem, affecting both coastal and inland wetlands, lakes and waterways throughout the Great Lakes region. To date, few viable solutions for managing this invasive weed have emerged and its spread has continued unabated. Control by conventional means (water level management, burning, herbicides, direct digging, cutting) have proven to be extremely difficult and is impractical on a large scale. An alternative is the biological control of purple loosestrife by introduction of natural enemies from its native range. This alternative is labor intensive: it will take hundreds of trips into the field before effects become measurable statewide. Youth can contribute to controlling loosestrife if provided with the right tools and adult guidance.

The objectives of this project are:

  • Rapidly expand the control of purple loosestrife
  • Enlist local wetland stewards by offering 4-H educational materials developed to meet 4-H Standards of Quality in Community Service Learning.

    • The project outcomes will be:

  • Inoculation of Great Lakes wetlands with natural enemies of purple loosestrife
  • Teachers (and the youth they lead) will have the knowledge, skills, and materials necessary to rear, release, and monitor natural enemies in wetlands over the next several years.

    • Publications:
    4-H 917 Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife, Youth Guide
    4-H 918 Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife, 4-H Leader's Guide

    Materials: Publication Number:
    Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife, 4-H Leader's Guide 4-H-918
    Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife, 4-H Youth Guide 4-H-917

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