Debra Eberts
Botanist
Bureau of Reclamation
Technical Service Center, PO Box 25007 (D-8220),
Denver, CO 80225, (303) 445-2217
Email: deberts@do.usbr.gov

Abstract
BIOCONTROL OF SALTCEDAR IN COLORADO

The Bureau of Reclamation is participating in research into the biocontrol of saltcedar as one of the eight approved field research sites in the Saltcedar Biological Control Consortium. Research began at the site in Pueblo County, Colorado in 1997 within secured field cages. The leaf-eating biocontrol beetle Diorhadba elongata overwintered successfully for the first time in North America in the tents 1998-99. The beetles' high rate of reproduction enabled the site to supply other researchers with insects for their sites and various experiments. Repeated, heavy defoliation of trees within the tents killed some trees. In May 2001 we were permitted to release insects from the cages to a nearby monitored field site. Research into the biology and behavior of the beetle, and effects of the release on wildlife, saltcedar, and non-target vegetation is currently in progress. Research findings from Pueblo will be important to USDA and FWS evaluations of the potential for release of Diorhabda elongata at additional sites.