Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife

Abstract

This 4-H program joins youth, educators, citizens, and scientists in the real-life biological control of purple loosestrife using its natural enemies, "Galerucella" beetles. This leader's guide provides all the essential information for conducting the eleven student activities. Youth first learn about wetlands, invasive species, and the purple loosestrife problem in North America. The next few activities cover methods of invasion control, the concept and criteria of biological control, and the relationship between "Galerucella" beetles and purple loosestrife. The final activities involve rearing and observing the beetles, releasing them into the wild, and evaluating their impact on purple loosestrife. The project is designed around the spring and summer months, and is primarily for high school aged youth (but can be modified for other ages). Each activity begins with a learning experience that presents opportunities for students to (1) reflect on the meaning of the content, (2) generalize their comprehension of the content, and (3) apply what they learned to other situations.