Location: Pest Management Research
Project Number: 3032-30400-002-016-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jun 15, 2026
End Date: Sep 30, 2027
Objective:
ARS will expand biological control research on invasive plants of high priority to the BLM in the western United States.
Approach:
Generally, this work will includes: 1) surveys for natural enemies of targeted invasive weeds in the plant’s native range; 2) agent suitability testing through common garden studies and/or laboratory-based host range and impact testing; 3) development of agent colonies for release; 4) development and implementation of field surveys and monitoring; 5) submission of permits requesting state and federal approval for the introduction of suitable candidates; 6) pre-release data on weed population growth and other vital rates will be gathered for future comparison to post-release data; 7) genetic sequencing of candidate agents, weed targets, and resident communities.