Abstract: Decisions on Bio Control Releases

USDA APHIS through it's State Plant Health Director national structure, has conducted surveys to identify Biological Control Targets of interest to our Cooperators. Saltcedar was ranked among the top for weed targets in the western , and mid western areas of the US. APHIS has a long history of partnerships with States and Federal agencies in support of permitting and implementing Biological Control agents for Weeds. Owing to the efforts of USDA, ARS and their directed efforts in various field research locations in the US, a great deal has been learned about the Chrysomelid, Diorahabda elongata. With this information and assistance from the Saltcedar Consortium and cooperators, APHIS is proposing to lead the implementation of Diorahabda in several Northern tier states above the 38th parallel. These field releases will act as insectaries, to provide cooperators sources of Diorahabda, for collection and release to other Saltcedar infested locations. In order to accomplish this goal, the APHIS permitting staff in Riverdale, MD., is developing a environmental assessment, (EA) that will be published in the Federal Register for comment on the proposed action early in 2004. Pending approval, plans to initiate release activities will begin spring 2004.

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