Successful control of this noxious weed requires

  • Accurate identification of the thistle
  • Use of integrated techniques, including mechanical, chemical, and biological strategies.
    •

(download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat to read pdf files)

Integrated Management of Invasive Thistles in Oklahoma (new F-7318) (pdf)
This revised fact sheet includes descriptions and management options for all invasive thistles in Oklahoma, including the use of biological control against musk thistle. Also available as Print on Demand.

Musk Thistle Management Action List (L-308) (pdf)
This brochure provides a quick pictorial guide of musk thistle and weevil growth stages month by month, and a table of herbicides. Also available from University Mailing or Pat Bolin.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension musk thistle activities 1991-2000

Management of Invasive Thistles (PowerPoint presentation, 1.8 mb)
This presentation includes animation, and is best reviewed in Screen Show mode
Biological Control of Musk Thistle (PowerPoint presentation, 4.3 mb; includes script.)
**Both presentations are also available as slides from your District Office or from Pat Bolin.**

Want more information about the Noxious Weed Law in Oklahoma? Then click here to visit the Noxious Weed page maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Use the back button on your browser to come back here.

Musk Thistle Weevil Roundups

Musk thistle head weevil roundups are held during the first few weeks of May in several counties in the state. You and any clientele who wish to obtain weevils are welcome to attend.  Extension Educators in the host counties will make every effort to locate collecting sites that will allow all who attend to leave with enough weevils to establish a new site, though rosette weevils are a bit tougher to find.

Containers will be provided for transporting the weevils collected. Nets and beating sticks for catching the weevils will be available but bring your own net if you have one. You must also bring a cooler with ice or "blue ice" packs, to keep the weevils alive until you release them. You will receive printed instructions for weevil care and release (also available here in pdf format). Long-sleeve shirts and leather gloves are recommended and don't forget your insect repellant.

2006 Musk Thistle Weevil Round-Ups

May 9, 2006 - Grant County
Meet at the Lions Club Park in Nash (click the town for map and instructions) at 9:30 am. We will travel to the first location from there. Expect head weevils. Host: Scott Price, 580-395-2134

May 11, 2006 - Alfalfa County
Meet at the mini-mart in Jet (click the town for map and instructions) no later than 9:30 am. We will travel to the first location from there. Expect head weevils. Host: Tommy Puffinbarger, 580-596-3131

Stay tuned for more information!

The Musk Thistle Weevil signs are ready for counties to sell to landowners who have participated in past weevil round-up and releases. The sign is white aluminum with blue text, has a color sticker of the thistle flower, is 12" x 16" with holes drilled in each corner. Sales are to be handled through the counties only. Contact Sue Collington in University Mailing to order signs for your county. Contact Pat Bolin for a free sign if you have participating landowners who still need one.

 

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This page maintained by: Tom Royer, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.
If you have questions/comments please contact tom.royer@okstate.edu.