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> MSU News
TEAM Leafy Spurge produces video documentary
November 07, 2002 -- By MSU News Service
SIDNEY -- TEAM Leafy Spurge is distributing a documentary entitled "Purging Spurge: Corralling an Ecological Bandit" to weed and pest workers across the United States.
The 30-minute documentary, done in partnership with North Dakota's Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc., first aired on that station June 25. It focuses on grassland health and the impact of invasive weeds like leafy spurge on the ecosystem.
The intention of the video is to increase public awareness and to bring all segments of society on board to help control invasive weeds, says Gerry Anderson, TEAM program director. In addition, TEAM Leafy Spurge encourages the use of integrated pest management techniques as economical and environmentally friendly options for controlling weeds.
"This is a great informational tool for everyone to learn about the need for weed control in the rural environment," said Anderson. "We encourage those receiving this tape to share it in their community as it is ideal for use in the classroom, libraries and at community events."
TEAM Leafy Spurge's goal is to research, develop and demonstrate ecologically based Integrated Pest Management strategies that can be used to achieve effective, affordable and sustainable leafy spurge control, and to provide a variety of educational resources on that same topic.
In addition to the video, other products available from TEAM Leafy Spurge are, "Purge Spurge: Leafy Spurge Database 4.0" and a series of how-to manuals and CD-ROMs on the integrated pest management of leafy spurge. The first manual/CD set, entitled "Biological Control of Leafy Spurge," gives detailed information regarding the use of insects to control leafy spurge infestations. Second in the series, "Multi-species Grazing and Leafy Spurge" integrates grazing animals, such as sheep with cattle, to help reduce leafy spurge densities. Production on the third set in the series, "Herbicide Control of Leafy Spurge" has begun. Available in mid-November, the how-to manual on herbicides provides information on proper herbicide use, including calibration techniques for spray equipment, a general overview of the variety of herbicides available for use against leafy spurge, and how to use herbicides with other pest management strategies.
If you are interested in any of the materials listed above, please contact the USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory, 1500 North Central Avenue in Sidney, MT, or phone 406 433-2020. You may also email teamls@sidney.ars.usda.gov
or visit TEAM Leafy Spurge's website at http://www.team.ars.usda.gov
for many of these publications and further information on leafy spurge.
Funded by USDA-Agricultural Research Service and managed cooperatively with the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, TEAM Leafy Spurge stresses partnerships, teamwork and a cooperative approach to solving the leafy spurge problem. TEAM members include state and federal agencies, state Cooperative Extension Services, land grant universities, weed managers, county and other local entities, and private landowners and ranchers.
Contact: Jill Miller (406) 433-2020 or Gerry Anderson (406) 433-2020
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