Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research is to develop biotechnology and biological control of weeds and pests for the sustainable management of agricultural systems.

Approach:
The traditional approach for classical biological control will be applied. Explorations will be conducted in the search for natural enemies of targeted weeds and insect pests. Ideally, such explorations are conducted in areas of maximum diversity, i.e., within the land of origin of targets. Candidate biological control agents are selected from the natural enemies discovered and the candidates are characterized as to identification, life history, ecological adaptation/interaction and especially host range or non-target effects. Biotechnological approaches, such as tissue culture, will be employed to assist in analyses of efficiency and specificity as well as to provide media for in vitro culture of targets and candidates. Biological characterization may include olfactometer and electroantennography techniques to evaluate responses to pheromones and kairomones. Candidates and targest may be genetically characterized through modern molecular techniques. All techniques will be integrated to provide biological control agents acceptable to clients & regulatory agencies in the US.