Objective:
The ARS-EBCL will provide research for collection, screening, rearing, and obtain approval for the introduction and release of biological weed control agents for use on BLM administered lands. ARS-EBCL will also provide biological weed control agents to Agricultural Research Service stations in the United States and various Universities for future release of biological weed control agents for the BLM.

Approach:
ARS will collect, identify, and provide initial research to provide biological weed control agents (insects and plant pathogens) for weed species that infest BLM administered lands on leafy spurge, knapweed complex, Russian knapweed, field bindweed, Canada thistle, tamarisk (saltcedar), yellow starthistle, Dyers woad, musk thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress, perennial pepperweed, Dalmation and common toadflex. ARS staff will continue to work with John Simons, BLM Invasive Species Coordinator and other BLM personnel on biological weed control efforts.