Spotted Knapweed Write Up

Will Van Ullen, Courtney Beauvais, Rachel Mack

Wcv22, ccb239, rm759

The spotted knapweed, Centaurea maculosa, is native to Europe and western Asia and
arrived in the US in the late 1800s by contaminated alfalfa and clover seeds in ballast. This
invasive has rapidly impacted the vegetation of Canada and the spotted knapweed is an
herbaceous biennial or perennial plant with a deep taproot. Reproduction occurs by seed, and
these plants are capable of producing anywhere from 500-4,000 seeds per square foot each year
that are easily spread. Spotted knapweed prefer sunny areas and drained soil, but it can survive in
a multitude of conditions. Furthermore, it poses as a tough competitor to other plants due to its
early spring growth that uses up the soils moisture and nutrients.
Spotted knapweed has a large ecological impact on the environment. It crowds out native
species, destroys forage for wildlife and livestock by forming deep taproots, and spreads rapidly.
It is phytotoxic, meaning it is poisonous to other plants. Management efforts include pulling of
the weed, mowing, and burning for small infestations. An herbicide, Clopyralid, is applied after
these methods and will be effective if it is applied during the knapweeds bud growth in early
June. For biological control, seedhead flies reduce seed production, seahead weevils consume
most of the knapwoods seeds, and root weevils damage the roots of the spotted knapweed.
One study from Montana State University took a look at the effect of the root weevil,
Cyphocleonus achates, on spotted knapweed. The researchers picked two similar areas in
western Montanas Bitterroot Valley. The first site was Teller Wildlife Refuge (TWR) and the
second was Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge (LMR). Weevils were released at both sites
and tracked for 11 years, with population counts and density measurements being performed
throughout the period. At the conclusion of the 11 years, weevils were found to have reduced the
density of spotted knapweed in both locations, suggesting that it may be a viable agent for
biological control efforts.
The second study we looked at came from the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) in
Michigan. The study broke into three main components - diversity, germination, and interference
and looked at the effects of spotted knapweed on native plant species. For the diversity portion,
three locations were chosen that reflected different levels of management and different periods
since the last disturbance to the area. Percent cover, as well as diversity and evenness, were
measured. It was found that as the time since the last disturbance increased, so did the percent
cover of spotted knapweed. Additionally, the diversity and evenness were found to increase in
the same manner. LT was not a good comparison to the other two unmanaged sites, but did
indicate that the management efforts were successful in combatting spotted knapweed. For
germination, 8 native species seeds (half grasses, half forbs) were chosen and subjected to
varying levels of an extract derived from the root of spotted knapweed, to analyze the effect of
its allelochemical. After being left in petri dishes filled with the extract and compared to a
control group that was placed in water, it was found that only one species, Hairy Beard-tongue,
had reduced germination. However, 5 of the 8 species experienced decreased radicle growth,
which may have an impact on the root system of the plants as they grow. In terms of interference,
seedlings of the same 8 species and spotted knapweed were grown in three possible scenarios.
First, they were grown by themselves as a control. Next, spotted knapweed was grown with each
of the 8 species in competition. Lastly, individuals of the 8 species were grown with each other
in competition. Height and biomass were measured for all the plants at both the start and the end
of the 2 month study period. While height was not found to have changed significantly in any of
the scenarios for any of the plant species, biomass was decreased in all of the species, except
Hairy Beard-tongue, when put into competition. Wild Lupine and Wild Bergamot were most
affected by growing in competition with spotted knapweed. Despite lowered growth rates, all

species were able to survive in the presence of spotted knapweed. The results of the study
indicated that some species were more successful in handling the effects of spotted knapweed
and confirmed the success of PCCIs management methods.
The concepts we discussed in our presentation can also be related to concepts we covered
in class. Spotted Knapweed is the perfect example of an invasive species because it has the three
necessary components: non-native, it spreads, and it has a negative impact. The ballast as a
transport vector has led to other human activities spreading the plant and spotted knapweed is
very well suited to become invasive once it spreads. The tragedy of the commons can be applied
because this invasive species does not behave in a way that is beneficial to habitats or other
species and it destroys forage and wildlife. With the first piece of primary literature, weevils are
used as biological control, likely classical, and their larvae burrow into the roots of spotted
knapweed. The second piece of primary literature brings into play the risk assessments that we
discussed in class and it demonstrated the effects that the invasive species had on 8 other prairie
species. Each species experienced decreased growth, further proving the negative impacts of
spotted knapweed. It is really important to consider the effects of spotted knapweed on other
organisms and we can see this through a trophic cascade. It is also important to consider the
effects that a species, in this case root weevils, introduced for biological control could have.
Awareness is key to understanding and preventing the spread of spotted knapweed.
In this project, all group members searched for pieces of primary literature and worked
together to make our outline. From there, Rachel worked on the introduction to the spotted
knapweed species, Will summarized and organized our findings from the pieces of primary
literature, and Courtney took these findings and conclusions and related them to class concepts.
Works Cited
Callan, N. W., J. G. Corn, and L. J. White. "Decline of Spotted Knapweed Density at Two Sites
in Western Montana with Large Populations of the Introduced Root Weevil,
Cyphocleonus Achates (Fahraeus)." Science Direct. Elsevier B.V., 18 Dec. 2005. Web. 8
Nov. 2015.
Devries, Christine, and Pamela J. Laureto. "A Study of Invasive Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea
Stoebe: Asteraceae) at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute." (n.d.): n. pag. Pierce Cedar Creek
Institute. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Nov. 2013. Web. 8 Nov. 2015.
Digital image. Driftless Prairies: Native Habitat Restoraton. Driftless Prairies, n.d. Web. 9 Nov.
2015.
Graham, Jessica, and Wayne S. Johnson. "Managing Spotted Knapweed." Cooperative Extension
(n.d.): n. pag. University of Nevada, Reno. University of Nevada, Reno. Web. 9 Nov.
2015.
"Invasive Species: Plants - Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea Stoebe)." National Invasive Species
Information Center. USDA, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Spotted Knapweed, Before and After. Digital image. Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
"Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea Stoebe Spp. Micranthos)." Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2015.
"Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea Stoebe Ssp. Micranthos)." National Parks Service. National
Parks Service, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Spotted Knapweed Rosettes. Digital image. Benton Soil and Water Conservation District.
Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.