Photo: Kochia. © 2020 Delena Norris-Tull
Montana Biocontrol
One of the most innovative projects for introducing insect biocontrol agents to landowners in Montana has been the Montana War on Weeds program spearheaded by a science teacher in Whitehall, Todd Breitenfeldt. Todd worked with his high school students to develop an insectary in Whitehall to rear biocontrol insects. An art teacher, Mike Battaiola, eventually joined the team. These two teachers created the Biological Weed Control and Insectary Development Institute. This project has been successful in educating landowners and gaining their cooperation in implementing biocontrol on many Montana ranches and farms. Each summer, the team of teachers and students have worked with landowners to distribute biocontrol insects on ranches and farms throughout Montana. The project’s education is aimed to help landowners understand that biocontrol takes years to be effective, unlike herbicides which have a rapid, but often short-term result. The project also educates landowners to understand that effective Integrated Pest Management requires landowners to use a combination of treatments, not just a single form of treatment.
Interview with Todd Breitenfeldt - UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Other Biocontrol Interviews:
Link to additional interviews:
Montana Biocontrol
One of the most innovative projects for introducing insect biocontrol agents to landowners in Montana has been the Montana War on Weeds program spearheaded by a science teacher in Whitehall, Todd Breitenfeldt. Todd worked with his high school students to develop an insectary in Whitehall to rear biocontrol insects. An art teacher, Mike Battaiola, eventually joined the team. These two teachers created the Biological Weed Control and Insectary Development Institute. This project has been successful in educating landowners and gaining their cooperation in implementing biocontrol on many Montana ranches and farms. Each summer, the team of teachers and students have worked with landowners to distribute biocontrol insects on ranches and farms throughout Montana. The project’s education is aimed to help landowners understand that biocontrol takes years to be effective, unlike herbicides which have a rapid, but often short-term result. The project also educates landowners to understand that effective Integrated Pest Management requires landowners to use a combination of treatments, not just a single form of treatment.
Interview with Todd Breitenfeldt - UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Other Biocontrol Interviews:
Link to additional interviews: