Reviewer's Manual for the Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds

Published: Jue, 10 Dic 2015, 14:58
Last updated: Lun, 11 May 2020, 07:12
Biological control is usually defined as using natural organisms to control weeds, insects, or pathogen pests. Classical biological control of weeds consists of returning to the native range of weed, identifying its complex of natural enemies, testing extensively, and releasing a complex of host specific, natural enemies in the areas of introduction to control the target weed. Many organizations are involved in searching for and introducing potential biological control agents for weeds. Some of these organizations include the Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, the Biological Resource Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, State departments of agriculture, universities, Agriculture and Food Canada, and the International Institute of Biological Control. However, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has the responsibility for permitting the importation and release of biological control agents for weeds in the United States. The Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds (TAG) was established to help research and evaluate potential biological control agents. Also, TAG advises APHIS on the suitability of agents proposed for release in the United States. Therefore, the primary intent of the TAG Reviewer’s Manual is to provide members of TAG with information about the advisory group, and to provide guidelines and technical information useful in reviewing and evaluating petitions for agent release. The primary users of the TAG Reviewer’s Manual are the members of TAG. Parts of this manual may be referenced by others, such as experts within the Federal agencies represented on TAG, petitioners, researchers, external reviewers, university experts, foreign nationals, and members of international organizations, such as the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO). The TAG Reviewer’s Manual serves as follows:

• A reference guide for reviewing and evaluating petitions for field release of biological control agents of weeds in the United States, and test plant lists
• A training tool for orienting TAG members
• General information for other users, such as guidelines for petitioners and researchers.

The manual can be used as a reference guide, as a training and orientation tool and as a general information for other users.
Resource provide by:

• NPPO of USA

Type of contact: ONPF
Tags:

• Manual/Guide

Documents:
Reviewer's Manual for the Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of weeds.pdf