2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Prioritize species based on key parameters; and discover potential biological control agents of yellow starthistle, Russian thistle and other weeds as approved by ARS National Program Staff; conduct experiments to evaluate the host-specificity and potential efficacy of the more promising species. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Explorations will be conducted at different seasons to regions where the target plants are known to occur to collect arthropods and pathogens likely to be host-specific. Specimens will be identified by qualified taxonomists, and phylogenetic analysis of DNA will be done when appropriate. Prospective agents will be tested in no-choice experiments to determine if they feed, oviposit, or develop on representative nontarget plants that are likely to be at risk of attack. Further tests under laboratory or field conditions will be conducted when appropriate. Populations of promising agents will be sent to quarantine laboratories in the U.S. to conduct further tests on the most promising agents. Documents SCA with Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency, Italy. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency, Rome, Italy. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 5325-22000-020-00D Biology and Management of Invasive Weeds in the Western United States. Foreign exploration for biological control agents of Russian thistle (tumbleweed) was conducted in Tunisia and Kazakhstan, obtaining more information on several beetles that merit further evaluation. Additional studies on the molecular genetics of a flea beetle, Psylliodes chalcomera, were conducted to discriminate between individuals associated with yellow starthistle, Scotch thistle and musk thistle. Individuals of Ceratapion basicorne were collected to augment our colony in preparation for future releases into North American field test sites. Progress was monitored by the ADODR periodically by phone and email, and by meeting with the cooperators in November and April.