Objective:
To search for, identify, and evaluate the potential natural enemies of NPS-approved pest insects, weeds, and plant diseases that affect Chinese and U.S. agriculture.

Approach:
Survey for, collect and identify natural enemies of agricultural pests. Conduct preliminary host-specificity tests on promising parasites, predators and beneficial micro-organisms. Seek concurrence from regulatory agencies for introduction of promising natural enemies. Collect, colonize, and ship to the U.S., candidates found to be safe. Cooperate with USDA and State laboratories in future collections for shipment and evaluation for release. Collect natural enemies attacking pests at differing host densities and climatic zones. All natural enemies selected for shipment will be sent directly to State or Federal quarantine facilities in the U.S. for further evaluation. All programmatic changes must be approved in advance by NPS.