What is the role of the beetles (biocontrol)?
Beetles are a biological control used in efforts to reduce or eradicate tamarisk. The beetles are a natural control agent from areas in the world where tamarisk originated. After much study, the beetles were brought to the U.S. in an attempt to stem the tide of the tamarisk invasion. Beetles and larva consume the foliage of the tamarisk plant, thus reducing chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, which reduces the food (starches and sugars) that is made for the plant. This process should weaken and potentially kill the plant over time.
