Biocontrol agent, tamarisk leaf beetles, feed on new tamarisk leaves
Detailed Description
Tamarisk leaf beetles (Diorhabda spp.) was released in six states in 2001 by the USDA as a biological control agent of nonnative tamarisk (Tamarix spp.). Tamarisk leaf beetles eat only tamarisk leaves and can defoliate large tamarisk stands within weeks and may result in branch die back or even cause mortality of tamarisk plants.
Sources/Usage
Courtesy: Dan Bean, Colorado Department of Agriculture