Public Enemy Number One?

The article discusses the environmental assessment prepared by the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) relative to the management of Arundo donax, or giant reed. The assessment considers the alternatives to the release of a wasp, Tetramesa romana, into the country for use as a biological control agent to minimize the severity giant reed infestations. APHIS senior entomologist Dr. Carmen Soileau explained that herbicides, burning, and manual removal was expensive and ineffective. The APHIS notice stated the possibility of plant death.