WVa agency plans weevil release to combat vine

by **Stephanie** Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:26 am

http://www.dailymail.com/News/200904150185

This doesn't seem like a very good idea to me. Aren't they running the risk of the weevils becoming an invasive pest? What else will they attack and feed on?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia is planning to release weevils in hopes of controlling a fast-growing vine that damages trees.

The state Department of Agriculture says a weevil native to Asia can be used to control so-called mile-a-minute vine, which can grow up to 6 inches a day.

In a recent Market Bulletin, the agency says the weevil is found in the native range of mile-a-minute vine. It was approved for release in the United States in 2004.

The agency says it's planning two weevil releases this year. One is scheduled for Hampshire County, while the other is planned for Wood County.

by TerryRC Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:39 am

This doesn't seem like a very good idea to me. Aren't they running the risk of the weevils becoming an invasive pest? What else will they attack and feed on?

Just that plant and a couple of other close species. Mile-a-minute may be a worse problem than kudzu and it has horrible thorns.

I'll let you know how it goes as I'm privy to the program.

by **Stephanie** Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:36 am

Thanks, Terry. I knew you'd have answers. Still, this concerns me. Sometimes I think "we" mess around with nature too much.

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WVa agency plans weevil release to combat vine

WVa agency plans weevil release to combat vine

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Re: WVa agency plans weevil release to combat vine