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Spotted knapweed labeled a threat
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The state is alerting farmers and other landowners about a destructive nonnative weed that is showing up in parts of Minnesota.
"Spotted knapweed has attractive pink flowers, but it is not a good neighbor," said Geir Friisoe, of the state Department of Agriculture. "It crowds out forage plants and other desirable vegetation. This can lead to loss of pasture productivity, erosion problems and degradation of wildlife habitat."
The department is turning loose two insects -- seedhead weevils and root weevils -- two natural and effective enemies of knapweed.
The state says small infestations can be controlled by gloved hand-weeding followed by herbicide treatment to kill any remaining seeds. Introduction of the weevils might be necessary if the infestation is too large to control with weeding and herbicide.
PAUL WALSH
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