How to: spotted knapweed seed head collecting
Steps:
-Identify an infested site.
-Get land owner permission and find out if other seed head insects have been released in the area (they may interfere with your classes data if they are present and damaging the seed heads). Few land owners mind if you take seeds off their property!
-Gather tools: clippers, gloves, bags for seed heads (strong bags so as not to leak seeds!).
-Go to the site and carefully cut and bag 500-1000 seed heads.
-Transport these immediately to a secure location so as not to risk spreading seeds.
-Prepare your lab equipment.
Left: Tools: gloves, clippers, sacks, and good helpers (Sari and Skye).
Right: spotted knapweed seed heads in hand.
Carefully cut off seed heads at random. Watch fingers!!
Bag up your seed heads and pause for some fun and education!!
Sari observes spotted knapweed gall fly galls and larvae in infested seed heads.
Photos: by J. Breitenfeldt 1/26/2K.
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