Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds |
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The Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds (TAG), an independent voluntary committee, was first formed in 1957 to provide advice to researchers. Today, TAG members review petitions for biological control of weeds and provide an exchange of views, information and advice to researchers and those in APHIS responsible for issuing permits for importation, testing, and field release of biological control agents of weeds.
TAG Procedure Flowchart (PDF)
TAG Reviewer's Manual (PDF)
Suggested Format
Individuals planning a release should contact the TAG early in the research program, particularly where a plant is targeted for the first time for biological control in North America. Test plant lists and petitions for release (2 hard copies, and an electronic version saved in MS Word or placed on a CD and submit to the TAG Executive secretary, currently:
Terry Di Leone
USDA, APHIS, PPQ
Plant Health Programs
4700 River Road
Unit 133, Room 4D-6.02
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Terry.dileone@aphis.usda.gov