Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-8bljj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-02T17:53:14.511Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A Containment Facility for Research on Foreign Noxious Weeds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

Richard A. Creager*
Affiliation:
Foreign Disease–Weed Sci. Res., Agric. Res. Serv., U. S. Dep. Agric, Bldg. 1301, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21701

Abstract

Two conventional greenhouses were modified into a containment facility for the study of foreign noxious weed species that could be dangerous to North American agriculture. The facility was designed for research on the biology, ecology, and weed control technology of foreign noxious weeds, without the escape of propagules. Two growth chambers and a germinator are located within the containment facility for evaluations under controlled environmental conditions. A standard operating procedure is followed to preclude the escape of weed seeds or propagules while minimizing restrictions to research. The facilities are locked and located in a secure fenced area to reduce the probability of accidental or intentional damage. Procedures for emergencies have been designed to facilitate aid without compromising the containment security. Knowledge concerning weeds that have the potential to threaten North American agriculture will be gained from research performed within this facility.

Type
Education
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 by the Weed Science Society of America 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Literature Cited

1. Eplee, R. F., and Westbrooks, R. G. 1985. Federal noxious weed exclusion program. Abstr. Weed Sci. Soc. Am. 25:46.Google Scholar
2. Holm, L. G., Plucknett, D. L., Pancho, J. V., and Herberger, J. P. 1977. The World's Worst Weeds: Distribution and Biology. Univ. Press Hawaii, Honolulu.Google Scholar
3. Kaniuka, R. P. 1974. Should an epidemic strike. Agric. Res. 23(4):912.Google Scholar
4. Kingsolver, C. H., Melching, J. S., and Bromfield, K. R. 1983. The threat of exotic plant pathogens to agriculture in the United States. Plant Dis. 67:595600.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5. Klingman, D. L., and Coulson, J. R. 1982. Guidelines for introducing foreign organisms into the United States for biological control of weeds. Weed Sci. 30:661667.Google Scholar
6. Melching, J. S., Bromfield, K. R., and Kingsolver, C. H. 1983. The plant pathogen containment facility at Frederick, Maryland. Plant Dis. 67:717722.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7. Rawson, J. M. 1982. Routing weeds with rust. Agric. Res. 31(6):810.Google Scholar
8. Rodgers, E. G. 1974. Needed: A federal noxious weed act. Weeds Today 5(4):910.Google Scholar
9. Shaw, W. C. 1964. Weed science – revolution in agricultural technology. Weeds 12:153162.Google Scholar
10. Shaw, W. C. 1983. The ARS National Research Program. Pages 157174 in Hilton, J. L., ed. Agricultural Chemicals of the Future Beltsville Symp. Agric. Res. 8. Rowman and Allenheld, Totowa, NJ.Google Scholar
11. Westbrooks, R. G. 1981. Introduction of foreign noxious plants into the United States. Weeds Today 12(3):1617.Google Scholar
12. Williams, M. C. 1980. Purposefully introduced plants that have become noxious or poisonous weeds. Weed Sci. 28:300305.Google Scholar