Project Number: 500-56-011-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 26, 1999
End Date: Feb 25, 2004

Objective:
1. Search for and discover new natural enemies for development of classical biological control agents for coca, opium poppy and marijuana. 2. Conduct investigations on host: agent relationships, including host-specificity, efficacy, ecology, biology, culturing and development. 3. Determine potential for mass production of newly discovered bio-agents.

Approach:
New natural enemies of narcotic crops such as coca, opium poppy and marijuana will be identified and collected through foreign exploration in countries of origin. Working with cooperators at USDA-ARS overseas laboratories, colonies of these beneficial natural enemies will be established and held under quarantine conditions in the Albany, California laboratory. General biology, life-cycle, host preference feeding studies and environmental safety will be assessed under quarantine conditions. Environmental assessments will be conducted to support requests for field release of these natural enemies by ARS cooperators. Cooperators will be trained in the handling and use of approved agents as necessary and ARS will provide colonies of these insects upon request from the National Program Staff.

Project Team

Carruthers, Raymond - Ray

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000   FY 1999

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)