Entomological Society of Canada Student Member Information Form

Name: Kimberly Rondeau



University: University of Alberta

Address: AAFC, Lethbridge Research Centre, 5403 - 1 Avenue South, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4B1 

E-mail Address: kimberly.rondeau@ualberta.ca

Advisor(s): Jens Roland and Rob Bourchier

Thesis Title: Factors influencing Cyphocleonus achates (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) dispersal and implications for biocontrol of diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) (Asteraceae).

Research Summary:
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) is an increasingly problematic weed threatening agriculture, rangeland and native vegetation.  The Government of British Columbia has estimated that the weed infests over 40,000 hectares of land in British Columbia (2004 estimate) and it is slowly spreading into Alberta.  Currently, there are 13 biocontrol agents established in different geographical locations throughout western Canada, including a root-feeding weevil Cyphocleonus achates, first released in 1988.  There is some indication that this weevil has reduced knapweed stand densities with multiple releases, however, C. achates does not fly and may be limited to walking between adjacent patches. Using individual mark recapture techniques my research will determine how release densities, timing of release and plant physiology affects adult C. achates dispersal under manipulated and natural settings.

Keywords: dispersal, biocontrol, Cyphocleonus achates, diffuse knapweed

Degrees Sought: MSc

Expected Year of Completion: 2006

Personal Homepage: http://www.ualberta.ca/~kjr2