Noxious Weed Biological Control Program
The NDA definition of biological control, also known as biocontrol, is the use of natural enemies (i.e. insects) to reduce weed infestations.
Program Objectives:
- Aid landowners, CWMAs, or other local organizations in obtaining biological control agents
- Monitor the successes and failures of biological control releases in Nevada
Biological Control Uses
The use of biological control agents is becoming more and more common throughout the United States. This method of control for noxious weeds is not a fix all solution, but can be used to augment some integrated weed management plans.
Biocontrol agents are approved to be released in the United States by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and only a portion of Nevada's noxious weeds have approved agents. In addition, the effectiveness and appropriateness of using biological control agents is significantly impacted by several additional environmental factors that are unique to the noxious weed infestation and area at hand.
HELPFUL LINKS