Washington, D.C., [Sept. 17, 2019] - The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published an environmental assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact for the release of the weevil Ceratapion Basicorne to biologically control yellow starthistle. With this action, APHIS will begin issuing permits for the release of this weevil. Yellow starthistle is a highly invasive weed found in 41 of the 48 contiguous States. It infests grassland habitats and displaces desirable plants in both natural and grazing areas. Yellow starthistle flowers have inch-long spines that deter livestock feeding and cause injury to grazing animals. The weevil Ceratapion Basicorne will help reduce yellow starthistle infestations. The EA will be available for viewing here: [http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2008-0142].
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
