Biocontrol of Linaria dalmatica (Dalmatian Toadflax) using the agent Mecinus janthiniformis (Stem-boring weevil) in Jasper National Park

Parks Canada is proposing to use biological control as a tool to manage Dalmatian toadflax in Jasper National Park (JNP). Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) is a widely distributed perennial invasive plant that reproduces by both seed and extensive rhizome. The plant's ability to densely infest large tracts of land makes it a threat to biodiversity in JNP. Efforts have been taken to contain Dalmatian toadflax, primarily by mechanical (hand-pulling) and cultural methods (native seeding and transplanting). More expensive chemical methods have also been used, but are limited due to the sensitivity of the Park's ecosystems and the waxy leaf layer that repels herbicide absorption. Using a biological control agent offers an additional option for control of this species in a manner that is not nearly so labour intensive. Jasper National Park is proposing to work with the Alberta Invasive Species Council to carry out trials of stem-boring weevils (Mecinus janthiniformis) to reduce toadflax densities to more manageable levels. Weevils would be obtained from the Alberta Invasive Species Council and released at three sites in the Three Valley Confluence in early summer, 2024.

Latest update

March 20, 2024 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Parks Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document Number Document Title File Date
1 New project being assessed by Parks Canada - Public comments invited from February 19 to March 20, 2024 - February 19, 2024

Contacts

Jasper National Park
Box 10
Jasper, Alberta T0E 1E0
Telephone: 780-852-6141
Email: evaluationdimpactjasper-jasperimpactassessment@pc.gc.ca


  • Location

    • Jasper National Park of Canada (Alberta)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2024-02-19

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    87347
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This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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