MARINE PROGRAMS
Strategic Priorities

Biological Control of Weeds Projects

What is Biological Control?

Safety in Biological Control

Biological Control of Spartina

Biological Control of Knotweeds

References

Biocontrol Staff

"Invasive Spartina in Willapa Bay" website

"Olympic Region Harmful Algal Blooms" website

Safety in Biological Control

The field of biological control of weeds has an excellent safety record, especially since modern protocols and a rigorous technical review system have been put into place.  Unintended impacts are avoided by using only host-specific agents capable of feeding and/or developing only on the target plant.  Candidate agents are rigorously and extensively tested to make sure they won’t harm native and economically important plants before they are permitted for release. 

For more information on the weed biocontrol safety procedures:

Biocontrol of Weeds Code of Best Practices

Technical Advisory Group on Biological Control of Weeds