The mission of the Biological Control of Pests Research Unit (BCPRU) is to conduct basic and applied research on the production and use of biological control agents of agricultural pests.  Emphasis is placed on development of in vivo and in vitro mass rearing methods and technology, including technology for harvesting, packaging, storage, and distribution of quality-assured biological control agents.  Specific techniques are developed for the use of biological control in the management of specific pests.  Related research is also conducted on the improvement and implementation of regional fire ant management programs.  These studies include the development and delivery of new monitoring and management tools for the sustainable reduction of imported fire ant populations.