Biological Control

Biological Control Program

Braconid wasp — *Aleiodes indiscretus* wasp parasitizing a *Lymantria dispar dispar* caterpillar. Courtesy photo from Bugwood.org, by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service.

The Forest Health Assessment and Applied Sciences Team biological control program (FHAAST-BC) is part of the broader Forest Service’s National Strategic Framework for Invasive Species Management as well as regional plans dealing with invasive species.

The focus of the FHAAST-BC is to demonstrate a strong leadership role in the development and implementation of biological control technologies to manage wide spread infestations of invasive species and to use biological control as a viable component for integrated invasive pest management efforts.

Biological Control Program Benefits

The FHAAST-BC program benefits resource managers by:

Identifying natural enemies for biological control of invasive species.
Increasing awareness of new technologies and the implementation of biological control, through publications, workshops and scientific meetings and training sessions.
Coordinating and focusing funding for biological control.
Forming partnerships and coordinating the development and implementation of biological control technologies.
Developing recommendations for the restoration of native plant species.

FHAAST Biological Control Program Sponsored Projects (PDF, 3.4 MB)

Overview of the Biological Control Program for Invasive Species – 1995 through 2017 (PDF, 12 MB)

Biological Control of Invasive, Native and Non-Native Plants (BCIP)

A program to develop technologies that address the spread and impacts of invasive plants.

BCIP Funding Proposal Guidelines and supporting documentation