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Plant Health

Center for Plant Health Science and Technology

CPHST Lab, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Location: 2301 Research Bldg., Suite 108, Fort Collins, CO 80528
Phone: (970) 490-4464
Fax: (970) 482-0924
Contact: Dr. Richard Zink

The Fort Collins Laboratory works primarily in four areas:  weed management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, support for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program, and matrix based identification tools.  The Fort Collins Laboratory provides APHIS with support for the management of invasive plants and plants on the Federal Noxious Weeds list through applications of cultural, chemical, and biological controls.   We also develop new tools and technologies for evaluating the risk of imported plants for planting, and transfer these tools to PPQ and other Federal and State agencies.  At a satellite lab in Albany, CA, staff members develop artificial diets and rearing systems for light brown apple moth and biological control agents for weeds and insects.  In our lab we utilize GIS software, spatial analysis and statistics to support PPQ programs, both domestic and emergency.  We examine spatial patterns in data, such as host distribution, trade patterns, and changes in weather and climate to model pest spread and to enhance trap placement. The lab also develops manuals to help transfer biological information, methodologies, and tools to field operations, ensuring efficient and effective survey, detection, identification, emergency response, and eradication in support of CAPS.  Finally, as the primary source for new technologies, the laboratory develops electronic, matrix-based identification resources or digital diagnostics to support rapid, consistent, and accurate identification and nomenclature of pest species.  We also conduct training on the use of these tools for PPQ staff, state cooperators, and students in plant health certification programs.

Recent Accomplishments

  • Developed laboratory and greenhouse methods for the evaluation of plants that are potential invasive weeds to support Federal regulation. Developed molecular diagnostic tools for invasive plants.
  • Developed a geospatial model that predicts areas of highest Asian gypsy moth (AGM) introduction risk for the Western United States, including the States of Washington, Oregon, and California.
  • Delivered six electronic identification tools in 2010 and managed 34 identification products in cooperation with 18 institutions.
  • Tested waste disposal machines that are currently used by hospitals and research labs for use in disposal of regulated airline waste and found that these machines would be a more cost-effective alternative.
  • Conducted prerelease research on nine weed targets: Canada thistle, dyer’s woad, garlic mustard, hawkweeds, hoary cress, hound’s-tongue, perennial pepperweed, Russian knapweed, and yellow toadflax.
  • Facilitated field releases of Russian knapweed and yellow toadfl ax biocontrol agents in several western States.
  • Improved artificial diets for three potential biocontrol insects (one each on loosestrife, the diffuse/spotted knapweed complex, and light brown apple moth).

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Last Modified: June 18, 2012