Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

23-01 Gregory S. Wheeler Field Release Callopistria exotica (Lepidoptera: 

Noctuidae)

Old-World climbing fern, 

Lygodium microphyllum 

(Cav.) R. Br. (Lygodiaceae)

Received and in TAG 

Review (4/21/23)

22-01 Jennifer Andreas Field Release Bagous nodulosus Gyllenhal 

(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Flowering Rush, Butomus 

umbellatus L. (Alismatales: 

Butomaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (7/18/2022)

21-03 (AKA 

18-02)

Scott Salom Field Release Eucryptorrhynchus brandti Tree-of-Heaven, Ailanthus 

altissima

Recommended for 

Release (6/6/2022)

21-02 Jeffrey Littlefield Field Release Dichrorampha aeratana (Pierce and 

Metcalfe, 1915) (Lepidoptera, 

Tortricidae)

Oxeye daisy, Leucanthemum 

vulgare Lam.

Recommended for 

Release (6/6/2022)

21-01 John Gaskin Host Test Plant 

List

N/A: no specific identification at this 

time.

Field bindweed, Convolvulus 

arvensis (Convolvulaceae)

8/3/21: 

Recommendation for 

the Petitioner to 

examine all 

comments provided 

and proceed with 

testing with the 

understanding that 

concerns raised by 

the reviewers should 

be considered, and 

addressed where 

possible and 

reasonable.

20-02 Mark Schwarzlander Field Release Mogulones borraginis (Fabricius) 

(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (weevil)

Cynoglossum officinale L. 

(houndstongue)

Recommended for 

Release (2/25/2021)

20-01 Mark Schwarzlander Field Release Ceutorhynchus cardariae (weevil) Lepidium draba, L. 

chalepense and L. 

appelianum (hoary cress 

species) 

Not recommended 

for Release (8/13/20)

19-03 Timothy Collier Field Release Aceria angustifoliae (mite) Elaeagnus angustifolia 

(Russian olive)

Recommended for 

Release (5/27/2020)

19-02 Melissa C. Smith Host Test Plant 

List

N/A: no specific identification at this 

time.

Acacia auriculiformis A. 

Cunn. ex Benth. (Fabaceae) 

Common name: Earleaf 

acacia

3/11/20: 

Recommendation for 

the Petitioner to 

examine all comments 

provided and proceed 

with testing with the 

understanding that 

concerns raised by the 

reviewers should be 

considered, and 

addressed where 

possible and 

reasonable.

19-01 Melissa C. Smith Field Release Lophodiplosis indentata Gagné 

(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) 

Melaleuca quinquenervia 

(Cav) S.T. Blake (Myrtaceae) 

Recommended for 

Release (5/22/2020)

11/18/2020

18-03 Bernd Blossey Field Release Archanara gemipunca (Haworth), A. 

neurica (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: 

Noctuidae)

Introduced genotypes of 

Phragmites australis (Cav.) 

Trin. ex Steud. [Poaceae] = 

P. communis Trin. 

Recommended for 

Release (4/19/2019)

18-02 Scott Salom Field Release Eucryptorrhynchus brandti Tree-of-Heaven, Ailanthus 

altissima

Not recommended 

for Release 

(4/19/2019)

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

Page 1 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

18-01 Gregory S. Wheeler Field Release Gadirtha fusca Chinese tallow tree (Triadica 

sebifera )(Euphorbiaceae) 

Recommended for 

Release (10/19/2018)

Nov-18 6/18/2019 May-19

17-01 F. Allen Dray Jr. Field Release Lilioceris egena (Weise) (Coleoptera: 

Chrysomelidae)

Air potato: Dioscorea 

bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (04/02/2018)

5/31/2018 2/21/2019 7/23/2019

16-03 Judith HoughGoldstein,Host Test Plant 

List

N/A: no specific identification at this 

time.

Microstegium vimineum 

(Poaceae)

3/31/17: 

Recommendation for 

the Petitioner to 

examine all comments 

provided and proceed 

with testing, realizing 

that some additional 

plants will be required 

to ensure the concerns 

of the reviewers are 

addressed.

16-02 Laura Van Riper Field Release Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis 

(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Alliaria petiolata 

(Brassicaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (02/22/2017)

3/29/2017 Jun-17

16-01 Gregory S. Wheeler Field Release Bikasha collaris Baly (Coleoptera: 

Chrysomelidae)

Chinese tallow: Triadica 

sebifera (Euphorbiaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (08/10/2016)

7/13/2017 7/17/2017 6/18/2019 May-19

15-02 William A. Overholt Field Release Calophya latiforceps Burckhardt 

(Hemiptera: Calophyidae)

Brazilian peppertree: 

Schinus terebinthifolia 

Raddi (Sapindales: 

Anacardiaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (04/08/2016)

12/2/2016 12/16/2016 1/10/2018 Jan-18 5/10/2019

15-01 Jeffrey Littlefield, et al Field Release Cheilosia urbana Meigen (Diptera: 

Syrphidae)

Hawkweeds: Pilosella 

aurantiaca, P. caespitosa, P. 

flagellaris, P. floribunda, P. 

glomerata, P. officinarum, P. 

piloselloides (Asteraceae) 

Recommended for 

Release (5/26/2016)

5/26/2016 4/1/2017 7/11/2018 Aug-18 7/8/2019 Dec-19

14-04 James L. Hanula Field Release Leptoypha hospita (Hemiptera: 

Tingidae)

Chinese Privet Ligustrum 

sinense (Oleaceae)

Not recommended 

for Release 

(3/25/2016)

7/19/2016 N/A

14-03 John A. Goolsby, Ph.D. Field Release Lasioptera donacis Coutin (Diptera: 

Cecidomyiidae)

Giant reed, Arundo donax L. 

(Poales: Poaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (04/02/2015)

5/7/2015 8/13/2015 4/27/2016 5/26/2016 12/13/2016 12/15/2016

14-02 Gregory S. Wheeler, 

Veronica Manrique, 

William A. Overholt, 

Fernando Mc Kay, and 

Kirsten Dyer

Field Release Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) 

(Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Brazilian peppertree, 

Schinus terebinthifolia 

Raddi (Anacardiaceae)

Recommended for 

Release (5/26/2016)

2/28/2017 3/6/2017 1/10/2018 Jan-18 5/10/2019

14-01 Dana K. Berner 

(Contact), Craig Cavin, 

Dan Bean, and William 

L. Bruckart, III

Field Release Colletotrichum salsolae B. Weir & P. 

R. Johnst. (Phylum Ascomycota, 

Order Glomerellales, Family 

Glomerellaceae)

Russian thistle, Salsola 

tragus L. (Chenopodiaceae)

Not recommended 

for Release 

(3/25/2015)

4/21/2016 N/A NA NA

Page 2 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

13-05 Alec McClay and Urs 

Schaffner

Host Test Plant 

List

Dichrorampha aeratana Pierce & 

Metcalfe (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), 

Cyphocleonus trisulcatus Herbst 

(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Apion 

stolidum Germar (Coleoptera: 

Curculionidae), and Tephritis neesii 

Meigen (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Oxeye daisy, Leucanthemum 

vulgare (Vaill.) Lam. 

(Asteraceae)

3/25/15: 

Recommendation for 

the Petitioner to 

examine all comments 

provided and proceed 

with testing realizing 

that some additional 

plants will be required 

to ensure the concerns 

of the reviewers are 

addressed

N/A

13-04 Luke Skinner and 

Laura Van Riper

Host Test Plant 

List

Ceutorhynchus scrobiocollis 

(Curculionidae; Coleoptera) 

Nerensheimer & Wagner

Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) 

Cavara and Grande 

(Brassicaceae, Thlaspideae)

Recommended: 

11/26/2014

N/A

13-03 William L. Bruckart, III 

(Contact), Farivar 

Eskandari, and Dana 

K. Berner

Field Release Ramularia crupinae Dianese, Hasan & 

Sobhian (Deuteromycotina)

Common crupina Crupina 

vulgaris Cassini (Asteraceae)

Recommended for 

Release (5/10/2016)

12/7/2016 2/2/2017 3/19/2019 3/21/2019 12/16/2020

13-02 Dana K. Berner, Craig 

Cavin, and Dan Bean

Field Release Boeremia exigua (Desm.) 

Aveskamp, Gruyter & Verkley 

var. rhapontica (Pleosporales: 

Didymellaceae) 

Russian knapweed, 

Rhaponticum repens (L.) 

Hidalgo (Asteraceae)

Not recommended 

for Release 

(3/04/2013)

4/4/2016 N/A

13-01 (AKA 

11-04)

Richard Casagrande Field Release - 

Supplemental

Hypena opulenta Christoph 

(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum 

nigrum and V. rossicum)

Recommended for 

Release (9/04/2013)

9/30/2013 11/19/2013 orig 

12/17/2015 r2

8/8/2016 6/27/2016 8/21/2017 8/24/2017

12-09 James Cuda Field Release Apocnemidophorus pipitzi (Faust) 

(Coleoptera:Curculionididae)

Schinus terebinthifolia Rabbi 

(Aapindales: Anacardiaceae) 

Brazilian Peppertree

Not Recommended for 

Release (11/25/2013)

none NA NA

12-08 Fritzi Grevstad Field Release Aphalara itadori (Heteroptera: 

Psyllidae)

Invasive Knotweeds 

Fallopia sachalinensis (Giant 

knotweed), Fallopia 

japonica (Japanese 

knotweed), Fallopia x 

bohemica (Bohemian, hybrid 

knotweed)

Recommended for 

Release (10/28/2013)

1/31/2014 10/5/2016 4/27/2018 5/28/2019 ? Mar-20

12-07 James Cuda Field Release Episimus unguiculu Clarke 

(Lepidoptera:Tortricidae)

Brazilian peppertree, 

Schinus terebinthifolius 

(Anacardiaceae), in 

Florida .. 

..(Supplemental Report: 

Response to Reviewers’ 

Comments to Petition 09-

09)

Not Recommended for 

Release (5/17/2013)

npne NA NA

12-06 Fritzi Grevstad Field Release Sericothrips staphylinus 

(Thysanoptera: Thripidae) 

Gorse, Ulex europaeus 

L. (Fabaceae) 

Recommendation for 

Release (8/8/2014)

11/21/2014 11/7/2016 ? ? YES; 10/2019 Nov-19

12-05 John Herr Field Release Digitivalva delaireae Gaedike & 

Kruger 

(Lepidoptera:Acrolepiidae) 

(Delairea odorata , 

Lemaire ( Asterales: 

Asteraceae) Cape-ivy 

Recommendation for 

Release (12/12/12) 

9/5/2013 2/15/2013

Page 3 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

12-04 Shirley Wager-Page Field Release Secusio extensa (Butler) (Lepidoptera: 

Arctiidae)

Fireweed, Senecio 

madagascariensis Poiret 

(Asterales: Asteraceae), in 

Hawaii

Recommendation for 

Release

EA Published in HI Yes: Signed 

11/8/2012

12-03 Jeff Littlefield Field Release Aceria drabae (Acari:eriophyidae) 

Gall Mite 

Lepidium draba L. Heartpodded hoary ress, 

Lepidium chalapense L. lenspoddedhoary cress, whitetop 

pepperwort, Lepidium 

appelianom Al-Shehbaz 

Globe-podded hoary cress

Recommendation for 

Release (5/01/2013)

9/30/2013 12/11/2013 orig 

1/11/2016 r2

8/4/2016 7/29/2016 1/8/2018 3/12/2018

12-02 Sharlene Sing Field Release Rhinusa pilosa (Gyllenhal, 1838) 

(Coleoptera:Curculionidae)

Linaria vulgaris (Mill.: 

Plantaginaceae) yellow 

toadflax

Recommended for 

Release (9/04/2013)

1/21/2014 07/31/2014 orig 

2/09/2016 r1

12/16/2016 3/27/2017 12/7/2017 1/8/2018

12-01 John Herr Field Release Parafreutreta regalis Munro 

(Diptera:Tephritidae)

Delairea odorata Lemaire 

(Asterales: Asteraceae)

Recommendation for 

Release (4/26/2013)

9/5/2013 6/27/2013 2/9/2015 3/2/2015 4/27/2016 5/19/2016

11-05 Mark Schwarzlaender Field Release Ceutorhynchus cardariae Lepidium draba L. Hoary 

Cress species in North 

America

Not Recommended for 

release: 11/7/2012 

11-04 Richard Casagrande Field Release Hypena opulenta Vincetoxicum nigrum and V. 

rossicum Swallow-worts

Not Recommended for 

Release, but additional 

testing be completed 

and resubmitted

None Required

11-03 Luke Skinner Field Release 

Supplemental 

documentation

Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis Alliaria petiolata Not Recommended for 

release: 5/30/2013 

11-02 Sharlene Sing Host Specificity 

Plant List

Mecinus heydeni, Mecinus janthinus, 

Mecinus laeviceps, Mecinus 

peterharrisii n sp., Rhinusa brondeii, 

Rhinusa pilosa

Linaria spp, (Plantaginaceae) 

Toadflax

Recommendation for 

the Petitioner to review 

the Host Plant List 

based on the TAG 

Reviewers comments

None Required

11-01 Thomas McAvoy Field Release Eucryptorrhynchus brandti Ailanthus altissima Not Recommended for 

Release

None Required

09-11 William Bruckart III Field Release Uromyces salsolae Salsola tragus L. Russian 

Thistle

Recommended for 

Field Release

09-10 Scott Horn Testing Host 

Specificity Plant 

List

Argopistes isekooni, and Leptoypha 

hospita

Ligustrum sinense Lour. 

(Oleaceae) Chinese Privet

4/4/2013: TAGBCAW 

recommends petitioner 

develops testing 

protocol to address 

reviewer's concern

09-09 James Cuda Field Release Episimus unguiculus Clarke Schinus terebinthifolius Not Recommended for 

Release

None at this time

Page 4 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

09-08 Robert Pemberton Field Release Neostromboceros albicomus Lygodium microphyllum Recommends 

additional informaiton 

on N. albicomus be 

provided to address 

concerns of the 

reviewers.

09-07 James Cuda Field Release Pseudophiothrips ichini (sensu lato) Schinus terebinthifolius TAG cannot make a 

recommendation, 

because which species 

were tested is unclear.

09-06 Fritzi Grevstad Host Test Plant 

List

Sericothrips staphylinus Haliday 

(Thysanoptera: Thripidae) gorse 

thrips, Agonopterix umbellana 

(Lepidoptera:Oecophoridae) gorse soft 

shoot moth

Ulex europaeus L. Researchers examine 

the information 

provided in detail and 

develop their testing 

protocol to 

accommodate the 

reviewers concerns.

09-05 Joe Balciunas Field Release Digitivalva delaireae Gaedike & Kruger 

& (gall forming fly) Parafreutreta 

regalis Munro

Delairea odorata Lemaire 

Cape-ivy

Review in progress

09-04 Dr. Robert W. 

Pemberton

Field Release Lilioceris cheni Dioscorea bulbifera L. Recommend for Field 

Release

EA Published Yes, Signed 

2/22/2011

Yes

09-03 Dr. Bernd Blossey Host Specificity 

Plant List

Arenostola phragmitidis, Archanara 

neurica, Archhanara dissoluta, & 

Archanara geminipuncta 

(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

Phragmites australis Comments reviewed 

8/10/09, researcher to 

examine information 

from TAG and develop 

testing protocol for 

concerns.

None Required

09-02 Jeff Littlefield Field Release Aulacidae subterminalis Hieracium spp. Hawkweeds Recommend for Field 

Release

EA Published Yes, Signed 

2/2/2011

Yes

09-01 Julio Medal Field Release Anthonomus elutus Solanum tampicense 

Wetland Nightshade

Review in progress: 

Additional information 

is requested from the 

petitioner -3/12/2013

08-08 Julio Medal Field Release Anthonomus tenebrosus 

(Coleoptera:Curculionidae)

Solanum viarum Tropical 

Soda Apple

Review in progress

08-07 Julio Medal Field Release Gratiana graminea Klug Solanum viarum Tropical 

Soda Apple

Review in progress

08-06 Philip Tipping Field Release Megamelus scutellaris Eichhornia crassipes Approved for release 

2/2/09

EA Published Yes, signed 

Jan 2010

Yes

08-05 Luke Skinner Field Release Ceutorhynchus scrobiocollis Alliaria petiolata Do not release 1/29/09 None Required. 

08-04 John Goolsby Field Release Rhizaspidiotus donacis Arundo donax Revised copy EA Published. Yes, Yes

Review in progress

08-03 James L. Hanula Testing Host 

Specificity Plant 

List

None specified Ligustrum sinense Chinese 

privet

Review In Progress None Required. 

08-02 John Goolsby Field Release Tetramesa romana Arundo donax Approve for release 

8/6/08.

EA Published. Yes signed 

April 2009

Yes

08-01 William Bruckart, III Host Plant Test Puccinia crupinae Crupina vulgaris Review in progress. None Required.

Ranojevic Cassini (Asteraceae)

07-07 Julio C. Medal Field Release Anthonomus tenebrosus Solanum viarum Comments reviewed 

9/23/08, more info. 

needed from 

researcher

Pending

07-06 Alec McClay Test plant list Microplontus millefolii, Cassida 

stigmatica, Isophrictis striatella, 

Dichrorampha spp., Rhopalomyia 

tanaceticola 

Tanacetum vulgare Comments reviewed 

9/22/08

Page 5 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

07-05 William L. Bruckart Test plant list Uromyces salsola Salsola tragus Comments reviewed 

8/8/08

None required, 

unless requested

07-04 Ted D. Center Field Release Lophodiplosis trifida, (stem-gall fly) Melaleuca quinquenervia Approve for release EA Published 4/14/2008 Yes

07-03 T. Collier, U. Schaffner, 

and J. Littlefield

Field release Jaapiella ivannikovi Acroptilon repens Russian 

knapweed

Approve for release 

9/19/08

EA Published 4/27/2009 Yes

07-02 Grevstad Test plant list none specified Fallopia spp. Comments reviewed 

8/15/08

None required. 

07-01 McAvoy Test plant list Eucryptorrhynchus brandti Ailanthus altissima Comments reviewed 

12/14/07

None required.

06-08 Medal Field Release Gratiana graminea Solanum viarum Do not release, 3/17/08 None required.

06-07 Medal Field Release Metriona elatior Solanum viarum Do not release, 3/17/08 None required. 

06-06 Cuda Field Release Pseudophilothrips ichini Schinus terebinthifolius Approve for release 

3/24/07

EA not prepared

06-05 Cuda Field Release Heteroperrayia hubrichi Schinus terebinthifolius Agent should not be 

approved for release 

3/12/07

None required.

06-04 Littlefield Test plant list none specified Lepidium latifolium, L. draba, 

L. appelianum

Comments reviewed 

3/12/07

none required

06-03 Milbrath Test plant list none specified Vincetoxicum nigrum and V. 

rossicum (swallow-worts)

Comments reviewed 

3/12/07

none required

06-02 T. Collier Field Release Aulacidea acroptilonica Acroptilon repens Approve for release 

3/5/07

EA Published 6/9/2008 Yes

06-01 Lincoln Smith Field Release Ceratapion basicorne Centaurea solstitialis Approve for release 

9/15/06

EA Published ? ? ? YES Oct-19

05-04 McAvoy Test plant list none specified Ailanthus altissima Comments reviewed 

03/23/06

none required

05-03 Berner Test plant list none specified Silybum marianum Comments reviewed 

9/15/06

none required

05-02 Pemberton and 

Goolsby

Filed Release Neomusotima conspurcatalis Lygodium microphyllum Approve for release, 

03/21/06

EA Published 9/13/2007 Yes

05-01 Overholt Test plant list none specified Dioscorea bulbifera Comments reviewed, 

10/18/05

none required

04-06 Lincoln Smith Field Release Aceria salsolae Salsola tragus Approve for release, 

08/08/05

EA Published No

04-05 Hough-Goldstein Test plant list none specified Pueraria montana var. lobata Comments reviewed, 

05/17/05

none required

04-04 A. A. Kirk Test plant list none specified Arundo donax Comments reviewed, 

04/01/05 

none required

04-03 Goolsby and 

Pemberton

Field Release Floracarus perrepae Lygodium microphyllum Approve for release, 

11/10/04

EA Published Yes Yes

Taeniatherum 

caput-medusae 

ssp. asperum

04-01 Rector Test plant list none specified Dipsacus fullonum Comments reviewed, 

09/09/04

none required

03-06 Center Field Release Fergusonina turneri and its obligate 

nematode, Fergusobia quinquenerviae

Melaleuca quinquenervia Approve for release, 

03/16/04

EA Complete Yes Yes

03-05 Cuda Test plant list Episimus utilis Schinus terebinthifolius Comments reviewed, 

09/01/04

none required

03-04 Cuda and Wessels Test plant list Tectococcus ovatus Psidium cattleianum Comments reviewed, 

04/27/04

none required 

03-03 Hough-Goldstein, 

Reardon and Ding

Field Release Rhinoncomimus latipes Polygonum perfoliatum Approve for release, 

12/30/03

EA Complete 7/20/2004 Yes

Comments reviewed, none required

03/28/05

04-02 Sforza Test plant list none specified

Page 6 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

03-02 Littlefield Field Release Urophora kasachstanica and U. 

xanthippe

Acroptilon repens Approve for release, 

12/30/03

BA submitted to 

FWS, FWS did not 

approve. No EA 

will be prepared. 

Not approved.

No No

03-01 Buckingham Field Release Cataclysta camptozonale Lygodium microphyllum Approve for release, 

12/03/03

EA written, permit 

issued

02-04 Cuda Field Release Pseudophilothrips ichini Schinus terebinthifolius Agent should not be 

approved for release at 

this time, 10/14/03

none required 

02-03 Buckingham & Goolsby Field Release Fergusonina turneri and its obligate 

nematode, Fergusobia quinquenerviae 

Melaleuca quinquenervia Agent should not be 

approved for release at 

this time, 07/14/03

none required

02-02 Bruckart Test plant list Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Salsola tragus Comments reviewed, 

07/11/03

EA Completed Yes

02-01 Pitcairn and Akers Test plant list Salsola tragus Comments reviewed, 

4/17/03

none required

01-05 Medal Field Release Gratiana boliviana Solanum viarum Approve for release, 

4/22/2002

EA Complete 3/14/2003 Yes

01-04 Flores and Wendel Field Release Cyrtobagous salviniae Salvinia molesta Agent recommended 

for release in previous 

petition

EA written, permits 

issued

9/13/2001 Yes

01-03 Tipping Field Release Cyrtobagous salviniae Salvinia molesta Approve for release 

9/24/01

EA written, permits 

issued

9/13/2001 Yes

01-02 Wilson Test plant list Hieracium spp. (Hawkweeds) Comments reviewed, 

10/04/01

none required 

01-01 McClay Field Release Cecidophyes rouhollahi Galium spurium Recommend for 

release 12/12/01

no US permit is 

pending 

00-09 Flores Field Release Cyrtobagous salviniae Salvinia molesta Agent should not be 

approved for release at 

this time, 11/30/00

EA Complete

00-08 DeLoach Field Release Diorhabda elongata deserticola Tamarix ramosissima Approve for release 

01/09/01

Permit issued 

00-07 Bruckart Field Release Puccinia jaceae Centaurea solstitialis Approve for release 

05/11/2001

EA Complete Yes Yes

00-06 DeLoach and Lewis Field Release Coniatus tamarisci Tamarix ramosissima Approve for release 

05/11/2001

00-05 Medal, Gondolfo and 

Cuda

Field Release Gratiana boliviana Solanum viarum Agent should not be 

approved for release at 

this time, 10/04/00

none required 

00-04 Buckingham and 

Wineriter

Field Release Boreioglycaspis melaleucae Melaleuca quinquenervia Approve for release, 

07/24/00

EA completed Yes Yes, for 

quarantine 

only

00-03 Littlefield Field Release Aceria centaureae diffuse and spotted 

knapweeds

Agent should not be 

approved for release at 

this time, 10/03/00

none required 

00-02 Littlefield Field Release Bradyrrhoa gilveolella rush skeletonweed Approve for release, 

08/15/2000

EA written, permits 

issued, 9/2002

Yes

00-01 Grevstad Field Release Prokelisia marginata Spartina alterniflora Approve for release, 

6/17/2000

permit issued 

99-04 Medal Field Release Metriona elatior Klug Solanum viarum agent Should not be 

released at this time, 

05/15/2000

none required 

99-03 Price Test plant list None specified Polygonum perfoliatum Comments on test list, 

3/22/2000

none required 

99-02 Mann Field Release Thamnurgus euphorbiae Euphorbia esula Approve for release, 

01/16/2000 

EA under 

development

Page 7 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

99-01 Yang Field Release Myrothecium verrucaria morningglories, others Should not be 

approved for release at 

this time 6/24/99 

none required 

98-04 Buckingham Field Release Lophyrotoma zonalis Melaleuca quinquenervia

98-03 Kropp Test plant list Puccinia thlaspeos Isatis tinctoria

98-02 Medal Field Release Metriona elatior Solanum viarum

98-01 Medal Test plant list host test list review Solanum viarum

97-04 McClay Field Release Rhopalomyia n.sp. Matricaria perforata

97-03 Parker Test plant list (Host test list review) Acroptilon repens

97-02 DeClerck-Floate/Story Field Release Longitarsus quadriguttatus Cynoglossum officinale

97-01 Brewer/Trujillo Field Release Pythium rostratum (PR1) Centaurea spp.

96-14 Habeck/Medal Field Release Pseudophilothrips ichini Schinus terebinthifolius

96-13 Story Test plant list Tinthia myrmosae-formis and 

Anthonomus rubripes

Potentilla recta

96-12 Mann Field Release Spurgia capitigena Euphorbia esula

96-11 Habeck Field Release Heteroperryia hubrichi Schinus terebinthifolius

96-10 McClay/Trottier Test plant list Cecidophyes galii Galium spp.

96-09 Butts Field Release Altica carduorum from Xinjiang Cirsium arvense

96-08 DeClerck-Floate Field Release Mogulones cruciger Cynoglossum officinale

96-07 Knutson Field Release Psylliodes chalcomera Carduus sp.

96-06 Balciunas Pomponatius typicus Melaleuca quinquenervia

96-05 Campobasso Test plant list Thamnurgus euphorbiae Euphorbia esula

96-04 Balciunas and 

Buckingham

Filed Release Oxyops vitiosa Melaleuca quinquenervia

96-03 Lloyd Knutson Test plant list (none designated) Salsola kali

96-02 Lloyd Knutson Test plant list (none designated) Crupina vulgaris

96-01 Balciunas Eucerocoris suspectus Melaleuca quinquenervia

95-07 Harris Field Release Aphthona venustula Euphorbia spp.

95-06 Harris Field Release Altica carduorum Cirsium arvense

95-05 DeLoach Psectrosema sp. Tamarix

95-04 (joint) DeClerck-Floate and 

Nowierski

Field Release Gymnetron linariae Linaria

95-03(AKA 

94-11)

Nowierski Field Release Mecinus janthinus Linaria

95-02(AKA 

94-12)

Nowierski Field Release Gymnetron antirrhini Linaria

95-01(AKA 

94-10)

Nowierski Field Release Eteobalia intermediella and E. 

serratella

Linaria

94-9 Harris Altica cirsicola Cirsium arvense Research should 

continue -10/94

none required - 

(see 95-06).

94-8 Gassmann Field Release Chamaesphecia crassicornis Euphorbia Some concern 

expressed over 

specificity and 

capability of the agent, 

but no objection to 

release- 10/94

EA Complete Yes

94-7 DeLoach Field Release Trabutina mannipara Tamarix Approve for release -

10/14/94

On hold. 

94-6 DeLoach Field Release Diorhabda elongata Tamarix Approve for release 

6/1/95

EA Completed Yes

94-5 Balciunus Boreioglycasp. melaleucae Melaleuca quinquenervia Approve into 

quarantine 9/94

permit issued for 

quarantine in FL.

94-4 Davis - Mycogen Corp. Field Release Pseudomonas syringae var tagetis Cirsium arvense Approve for release 

with reservations -

EA, FONSI, 

Permits issued for 

release in CA, ND, 

OH, ID, SD, ND, 

MD.

94-3 Story Test plant list Potentilla recta Comments returned to 

researcher

none required.

Page 8 of 9
Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds TAG Petitions - APHIS Actions

(Updated April 2023)

TAG No. Petitioner Petition Type Agent (Biological Control 

Organism)

Target Weed TAG 

Recommendation 

(date)

APHIS Decision 

Letter (date)/ 

Action

Biological 

Assessment to 

F&WS (date)

F&WS 

Concurrence 

NLAA (date)

PPQ initiates 

process (date) 

with Draft EA 

FONSI 

signed 

Date Permit 

Issued/ 

Release 

Authorized

ESA Sect. 7 Consultation NEPA Process

94-2 Knutson Field Release Psylliodes chalcomera Carduus Do not Approve for 

release until concerns 

are addressed - 6/94

none required

94-1 Fornasari Field Release Aphthona chinchihi Euphorbia Should not be 

approved for release 

until concerns 

addressed

Permits issued into 

quarantine. 

93-07 McCallum Field Release Apion hookeri Matricaria perforata

93-06 Jordan et al Field Release Ceutorhynchus cruciger Cynoglossum officinale

93-05 Malecki, Blossy, 

Schroeder

Field Release Nanophyes marmoratus and N. brevis Lythrum salicaria

93-04 

(revised)

Coombs, Isaacson, 

Miller and Turner

Filed Release Tetranychus lintearius Ulex europaeus

93-03 DeClerck-Floate Field Release Ceutorhynchus edentutlus Matricaria perforata

93-02 Balciunas and Burrows Lophyrotoma zonalis Melaleuca quinquenervia Approved into 

quarantine 5/93

permit issued for 

quarantine in FL.

93-01 Harris Field Release Chamaesphecia astatiformis Euphorbia Approved for release 

7/93

No permits in 

database

92-08 Spencer and Prevost Field Release Pegomya curticornis Euphorbia Rejected for release 

4/93

permits issued for 

quarantine, MT & 

TX

92-07 Spencer and Prevost Field Release Minoa murinata Euphorbia Approve for release - 

4/93

Permit issued for 

release in ND

92-06 Spencer Field Release Lobesia euphorbiana Euphorbia Reject 4/93 no permits issued

92-05 Harris Field Release Gymnetron antirrhini Linaria dalmatica Approve for release 

8/92

Permit issued into 

quarantine in MT. 

92-04 Storey Field Release Larinus obtusus Centaurea maculosa Approve for release 

8/92

permits issued for 

release in MT, TX, 

OR, SD, WY, ID, 

UT, CO, ND, NB

92-03 Balciunas and Purcell Oxyops vitiosa Melaleuca quinquenervia Approve into 

quarantine 6/92

permits issued for 

quarantine. 

92-02 Harris Field Release Apion hookeri Matricaria perforata Approve for release in 

Canada 6/92

none required see 

93-07

Page 9 of 9