RESEARCH OVERVIEW:

evelyn

The gall mite, Aceria malherbae was first released in Texas in 1989, and in Montana starting in 1992 to manage field bindweed. The establishment and reduction in bindweed biomass is as much as 95% in some places of the US; although in Montana the mite exhibits a patchy distribution thus limiting its potential impact. My research will focus on determining the extent of establishment in Montana, focusing on key biotic and abiotic factors that may influence the distribution of the mite in more northern climates. This research will help to identify sites where the mite can successfully impact the plant, as well as key biological characteristics that lead to the successful establishment of the mite.