A perspective after 40 years research at the USDA/ARS European biological control laboratory

This paper examines more than 40 years of classical biological control rese arch on Eurasian weeds invading North America and includes information abou t target weeds, the biological control (BC) agents discovered, characterize d, and released in the U.S., and their impact. It discusses the new EBCL la b completed in September 1999 in France which will contain modern equipment that will enable us to genetically characterize target weeds and their BC agents. The future work on plant pathogens for biological control of weeds will be strengthened as the new lab is fully equipped with approved quarant ine and complete microbiological equipment. Explorations for BC agents will be based on informed ecological decisions. The future of biological contro l of weeds research will depend on support from consortia. By joining force s and pooling scarce resources, partner agencies and institutions would foc us on problems and arrive at solutions rapidly.