2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): To utilize Student Conservation Association members to assist in research related to development of weed biological control of invasive weeds. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Student Conservation Association participants are assigned a variety of projects depending on their Student Conservation Program experience, interests and arrival dates. Participants will gain experience with scientists and technicians and will be exposed to various environmental problems and potential solutions. 3.Progress Report: This research relates to inhouse Objective 4. Conduct risk analysis to determine environmental safety of new and existing potential biological control agents for weeds such as melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, lygodium, downy rose myrtle, Chinese tallow, waterlettuce and skunk vine. Invasive weeds have invaded the Everglades ecosystem decreasing its biodiversity. Biological controls of these weeds will be developed by the introduction of safe insects that reduce weed vigor. Student interns assisted in laboratory tasks that supported quarantine risk assessment of prospective biological control agents of the invasive weed Brazilian pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius. Specifically their duties include maintaining laboratory colonies of quarantine biological control candidates, propagation of host plants for raising insects and test plants for conducting the experiments. Additionally, the interns assisted in the collection of experimental data and in the data entry of the results. The interns also assisted in laboratory research analyzing the chemical nature of host selection and utilization by these insects. Analyses were completed of the terpenoid and phenolic characterization of plant samples. The interns assisted in the recovery of a new species of Gracillariidae on Chinese tallow from Florida. Approved biological controls will reduce the health and vigor of these invasive weeds, reduce their damage to natural areas and agriculture, and reduce dependence on synthetic herbicides.