U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research
The U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research (USACEHR) conducts research to protect U.S. forces from hazardous environmental toxicants that may be present in the theater of operations. The USACEHR is also a leader in the development of alternative animal models and sentinel species for evaluating toxic hazards in water and air.

Currently, the USACEHR’s Army-funded intramural research is divided into two categories. The first category is the development of an Environmental Sentinel Biomonitor (ESB), which involves the selection and development of cell and tissue-based sensors to interrogate the environment for toxic threats. These sensors must be amenable to integration with electronic systems to provide real-time data for use in risk assessment, management, and/or effects mitigation. The USACEHR has historically led this effort with technologies such as its automated fish biomonitoring system, which transitioned to commercial production in 2004. This aquatic biomonitor has been used to monitor the effluent of groundwater treatment for several years from sites contaminated by munitions and historical chemical disposal activities, for monitoring toxic algal blooms in local bodies of water, and to provide continuous monitoring for the drinking water supplies of several large metropolitan areas nationwide. The ongoing research effort is aimed at developing new biological sensor systems which may be more easily deployed for military use and which are directed toward more demanding user requirements down to vehicle-mounted and individual soldier employment.

The second category of intramural research applies the new disciplines of genomics and proteomics to the challenge of developing new toxicity testing methods (toxicogenomics) and the identification of biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility to toxic chemicals. The use of alternative (nonmammalian) species – a historical strength of this laboratory -- provides many advantages in genomic and proteomic research, including well-characterized models for study, reduced husbandry and animal maintenance costs, and gene functions that are also highly conserved into higher mammals. Many of the species used by the USACEHR are genome-sequenced models useful for in studying the changes in gene functions and the developmental effects of chemical exposure. These models are also supported by the availability of bioinformatics databases and microarray technologies for analyzing gene expression on a massive scale. The conservation of gene function across species permits the identification of responses to toxic exposures that can then be verified in higher vertebrates and humans, the goals being development of diagnostics and identifying physiological opportunities for protection of the Soldier.

USACEHR scientists also collaborate with a variety of organizations, including other U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command research laboratories, the Army’s Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, municipalities, universities and industrial partners. Such collaboration promotes synergy and provides the Army with access to a broad range of research and product development capabilities in support of our mission. Because our nation supports a large research and development base in the environmental sciences and chemical/biological defense, USACEHR is able to leverage new information and innovative products being developed in these other laboratories and institutions against military environmental health requirements.

The US Army Center for Environmental Health Research combines state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and an outstanding cadre of scientists dedicated to protecting the warfighter from the medical effects of toxic chemicals and materials presented in the water, air, and soil. More information on our activities is available at http://www.usacehr.org/.

U.S. Army Garrison
The Headquarters, U.S. Army Garrison is the landlord of the installation and provides critical base operations support to Department of Defense and non-Department of Defense mission partners. Through its special and personal staff offices, the garrison provides public affairs support, legal advice, Chaplain services, Equal Opportunity and Equal Employment programs, internal review and auditing, and military personnel. Many other aspects of base operations support are provided through several directorates.

The Directorate of Information Management provides command, control, communications, and computer information management support to the installation. It is charged with support of the network infrastructure, telephone services, electronic mail, internet availability, helpdesk operations, server hosting and consolidation services, and information assurance. The Directorate also supports records management and visual/audio/graphics services for the installation. Mission partners IM/IT projects are supported by the Directorate’s certified Army Acquisition Workforce. Services are negotiated on a reimbursable basis.

The Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation is responsible for all the "well-being" programs and is designed to enhance morale and promote readiness. DMWR divisions include family readiness and Child and Youth Services,. The Directorate of Community Support Programs provides services in the areas of military personnel, Army Substance Abuse Program and Detrick Center for Training and Education Excellence. Army Substance Abuse Program and Detrick Center for Training and Education Excellence.

The Directorate of Installation Services was formed in 1995 as a result of Vice President Gore's National Performance Review to include consolidation of operations to adopt better business practices. DIS is a consolidation of the workforce and expertise in public works and logistics. DIS is the largest customer service oriented directorate in the Garrison at Fort Detrick, with approximately 170 employees dedicated to providing and maintaining Fort Detrick with the highest level of engineering, maintenance, utilities, housing, transportation, mail, freight, hazardous materials, master planning, government vehicle and supply management affordable in an era when the government's resources and budget are being reduced. Installation Services maintains 1,142 acres, and various administrative buildings, research laboratories, communication facilities and morale welfare facilities. Several services are provided by DIS to those who live and work at Fort Detrick.

The Security, Plans, and Operations Office provides for public safety through security and intelligence monitoring, anti-terrorism and force protection analysis, and contingency plans development for Fort Detrick.

The Directorate of Emergency Services protects people and property. Trained firefighters and police officers are available for response 24-hours-a-day and seven-days-a-week. Other functions include law enforcement, traffic and visitor control, prevention and investigation of crimes, physical security, and vehicle, pet, bicycle, and weapon registration. A contract guard force headquartered in the PMO mans Fort Detrick's gates. The Fort Detrick DES Fire and Emergency Services Division proudly protects the approximately 7,900 people living in a two-square-mile area. The department is a Federal department whose members are on a paid status. The DES F&ES division provides a variety of services to its military and civilian customers.

The Directorate of Resource Management provides a full range of resource and management services for the directorates and offices of the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Fort Detrick. This support includes such things as budget formulation and execution; managerial accounting; development, documentation and maintenance of the manpower and equipment TDAs; management of the Commercial Activities (CA) program; Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) support; Strategic Planning; and other management support programs. Additionally, it is the coordinating office for all Interagency Support Agreements (ISAs) between USAG organizations and supported Mission Partners.

It serves laboratories, administrative and office occupancies, communications facilities, barracks and family housing areas with fire protection, crash fire and rescue, emergency medical services, confined space rescue and hazardous materials incident mitigation from the department’s headquarters station. Public fire education and a proactive facility inspection campaign are administered by the career firefighters at Fort Detrick. Mutual aid response areas include portions of Frederick City for suppression activities, and Frederick County and vicinity for hazardous material incident response.

The Safety, Environment and Integrated Planning Office manages the civilian resource conservation program, radiation program, hazardous materials management, natural resources, strategic plans, master planning and real property planning. It ensures Fort Detrick meets or exceeds the environmental requirements to protect our natural and cultural resources.

The Installation Safety Division establishes guidelines and procedures to provide a safe and healthful work and living environment free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The numerous programs and actions include inspections and surveys throughout the installation covering a wide range of industrial operations to Family Child Care Provider home inspections.

Some of the work related programs include hazard communication, respiratory protection, confined space entry, radiation protection, and worker’s compensation. They train Fort Detrick personnel in supervisor/collateral duty safety, safe child care for providers, HAZCOM, motorcycle safety, and accident reporting procedures to name a few. They advise and assist in accident and hazard reporting through safety committee meetings, group training, and one-on-one sessions. The concern for safety extends beyond the work place in their involvement with bow hunting, swimming, and many other recreational activities on Fort Detrick.

For more information about the U.S. Army Garrison and its services visit the Web site: www.detrick.army.mil.

U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command-Fort Detrick Engineering Directorate
The U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command - Fort Detrick Engineering Directorate is a critical element within U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM) located at Fort Monmouth, N.J. Its roots began in 1929 with the establishment of a Plant and Traffic Branch with the mission of performing engineering tasks for the Signal Corps. Over the years, the organization evolved through name, mission and location changes.

In 1972, the organization, then known as U.S. Army Communication Electronics Engineering Installation Agency-National Communication Command (USACEEIA-NCC), was established with a mission to support Strategic Communication Command-National Communication Command by performing communications-electronic engineering, installation, test and evaluation, and software development and maintenance for Defense Communication System (Army) and communications systems.

Later reorganizations saw other name changes, such as USACEEIA-CONUS (continental United States), U.S. Army Electronic Systems Engineering Installation Activity, and USAISEC-CONUS; and relocation to Fort Ritchie, Md. In October 1996, USAISEC, along with USAISEC-CONUS, were realigned under CECOM to continue its unique mission as the only Army Command in the CONUS performing information systems engineering, installation, testing, construction rehabilitation and removal of information systems and facilities.

The critical brigade level command supported CONUS-wide major commands, combat and strategic command, control, communications, computer systems for unified and specified commands and deployable forces in support of warfighting commanders in chief. The command served as the critical link in fulfilling the Army’s Information Mission Area initiatives in nearly 152 far-flung CONUS installations as well as Department of Defense agencies, the White House, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, National Security Agency, and the Department of the Army staff.

In October 1997, USAISEC-CONUS reorganized and was designated USAISEC-Fort Ritchie Engineering Office, becoming a directorate of the USAISEC. The move to Fort Detrick in September 1998 once again changed their designation, to USAISEC-Fort Detrick Engineering Directorate.

The U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command - Fort Detrick Engineering Directorate staff continues its unique mission as the provider of engineering, installation and testing of information systems and facilities throughout the Department of the Army as well as Defense Department agencies.

U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency
The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency (USAMMA) is a unique, multifaceted organization globally managing strategic medical logistics contingency programs; medically equipping the active component, Army Reserve, and National Guard forces; and providing technical solutions at the medical treatment facilities.

A key pillar within the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, USAMMA’s mission is to provide medical materiel lifecycle management and logistics solutions for the warfighter across the full spectrum of healthcare missions worldwide. True to this mission, the agency is continually improving its business practices and technology capabilities based on its vision that "Every healthcare provider has the required equipment and supplies to deliver optimal healthcare to America’s Warfighters."

Through its four-core competencies USAMMA distinctly contributes to the Army Medical Department’s (AMEDD) role in the Global War on Terrorism and as part of Army Transformation. USAMMA’s core competencies are: (1) materiel acquisition and lifecycle management, (2) force projection and force sustainment, (3) medical logistics information and knowledge management, and (4) enterprise/organizational excellence.

As part of its role in materiel acquisition, USAMMA participates in and conducts technology watch, materiel development, acquisition logistics, and materiel distribution. Moreover, USAMMA manages medical sets, kits and outfits; and conducts medical maintenance management, engineering and operations. Fundamental to this role are the materiel assessment, procurement, fielding, and follow-on support for improved or new medical technologies at the field medical organizations and medical treatment facilities.

In the realm of force protection and force sustainment execution, USAMMA centrally manages several Army and Surgeon General contingency programs. These programs include the acquisition, storage, distribution, and transfer of pre-positioned stocks located ashore and afloat, as well as medical chemical defense packages and short shelf life pharmaceuticals and other materiel. Integral to this support are partnerships with defense organizations and industry. Critical to this core competency is USAMMA’s deployable medical logistics support teams.

Further, USAMMA is constantly exploring and employing innovative methods to meld automated information technologies with logistics and transportation best business practices. Such focused logistics initiatives provide more efficient and accurate ways to deliver and manage precision packages and biomedical maintenance capabilities.

In the medical logistics information and knowledge arena, USAMMA performs functions such as unit assembly database management, medical cataloging, medical materiel quality control message management, automated information system management, and logistics evaluation and analysis. These functions result in numerous products designed to promote knowledge sharing and provide tools and techniques that enhance efficiency and economy. In addition, the agency produces a variety of supply and maintenance publications, as well as, information papers and documents used by stakeholders and customers alike.

The agency’s last core competency centers on the organization, or business enterprise, as a whole. This focus includes continually developing staff, incorporating new technologies, implementing innovative approaches, and measuring performance and business results. USAMMA’s long-range approach for adopting and improving business practices and transforming the organization’s structure to support the AMEDD and warfighter is called the URL, or USAMMA’s Revolution in Logistics. The URL, both a business philosophy and methodology for achieving organizational excellence and long-term success, is the cornerstone of USAMMA’s efforts to balance today’s realities with tomorrow’s expectations.

Notable achievements by USAMMA in this area of enterprise/organizational excellence include its new role as the Army medical set assembly manager; rapid hand-off of Army Pre-positioned Stocks during Operation Iraqi Freedom; Maintenance Divisions’ recognition as ISO 9001-2000 quality management compliant; and winner of 2003 The Surgeon General’s Excalibur Award in the Active Component, non-medical treatment facility category.

Finally, USAMMA’s world-class reputation is the direct result of the outstanding leadership, work ethic, and selfless devotion of its highly talented military, civilian, and contractor staff. Essential to USAMMA’s success now and into the future, this dedicated and professional staff work and live in locations around the world including Fort Detrick, MD; Tobyhanna, PA; Tracy, CA; Ogden, UT; Charleston, SC.; Germany; Korea; and Southwest Asia.

U. S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA)
The USAMMDA mission is to develop and manage medical materiel- numerous products, devices, vaccines and diagnostics through their Advanced Development life cycle and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval - to protect and sustain the Warfighter on point for the Nation.

We accomplish our mission by exercising three core capabilities: Advanced Product Development Program Management for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) advanced development programs; Regulatory Affairs support and clinical monitoring of all protocols conducted using Investigational New Drugs (INDs) or Investigational Devices (IDs); and coordinate The Surgeon General’s Executive Agent management of Force Health Protection INDs. In addition, USAMMDA has the authorization to directly participate in the Army Domestic Technology Transfer Program (ADTTP), through its Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA).

Our program managers guide the advanced development of medical products for the U.S. Army Medical Department, other U.S. Services, the Joint Staff, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the U.S. Special Forces community. This process takes promising technology from Department of Defense (DoD), academia, including all testing required for FDA approval or licensing, and all testing, logistics support planning and programmatic documentation necessary for procurement and fielding of a finished product to the Soldier.

Program Management
The USAMMDA program managers address critical readiness issues identified in user requirement documents to meet cost, schedule and performance objectives. Use is made of the most current acquisition procedures, including tailored procurement, rapid prototyping, and a variety of cooperative and contractual arrangements with academia and industry. The USAMMDA staff’s mix of technical and scientific expertise, acquisition training and experience, and knowledge of quality assurance and regulatory affairs is an asset that is unique within the DoD.

Examples of Advanced Development Efforts

• Ground-casualty evacuation platforms
• Field hospital equipment
• Expandable, portable medical surgical suite
• Hemorrhage control bandages
• Oxygen generation systems
• Drugs and vaccines that minimize, prevent, and/or treat infectious agents such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, adenovirus, and many more.

Regulatory Affairs
The Division of Regulatory Affairs (RA) provides the Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG), the Department of the Army sponsor’s representative, oversight for regulated activities for USAMRMC to support our U.S. Forces.
Ensuring that the USAMRMC activities fulfill all regulatory requirements, including regulatory filings, clinical monitoring, and product testing and accountability, the RA is comprised of three primary operating branches: Clinical, Regulatory and Product Technical Operations.

The Division also acts as the liaison to the FDA and is responsible for directing, planning, and implementing all regulatory activities for OTSG-sponsored products. This includes developing regulatory strategies for new product registration and submission to the appropriate regulatory agency.

The RA works with Chemical and Biological Medical Systems, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Navy Medical Research Command, and other partners to ensure regulatory compliance of OTSG-sponsored products.

Medical Affairs
The Medical Affairs Division integrates the review of safety data regarding OTSG-sponsored products. The division coordinates, in conjunction with RA, the submission of expedited safety reports using existing RA information systems to maintain safety information and coordinate processes to ensure required regulatory file is maintained. The division is in the process of coordinating the establishment of a comprehensive system of medical experts supporting each OTSG-sponsored product. Additionally, Medical Affairs is coordinating with RA, the Medical Research Information Technology System (MeRITS), Pharmaceutical Systems, and investigator community on standards for safety data collection (e.g., standard sets for drug products, standard sets for vaccines) based on industry standards for Phase I, II, and III research – including standards for active versus passive surveillance. The division coordinates with RA for update of Investigator Brochures and preparation of IND annual reports; and is also responsible for the supervision and direction of the Force Health Protection Branch.

As manager of Force Health Protection INDs, USAMMDA executes the Secretary of the Army’s responsibility with all investigational products which may be used to protect the health of the deployed Force. This includes stockpiles, regulatory maintenance of the IND protocols, and maintaining equipment and supplies needed by the Special Medical Augmentation Response Team (SMART) for INDs.

Matrix Support
USAMMDA provides people and administrative support to: Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care (MC-4) and the Chemical and Biological Medical Systems Project Management Office (CBMS).

U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA)
USAMRAA is the acquisition arm of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, providing business solutions to support its research, materiel development, information management/technology missions. USAMRAA provides both pre- and post-award total lifecycle contracting and assistance agreement (grants and cooperative agreements) services. USAMRAA’s customers include the worldwide network of laboratories, program managers, materiel managers, the Fort Detrick U.S. Army Garrison, military and civilian tenant activities, and projects sponsored by The U.S. Army Surgeon General. USAMRAA provides business and acquisition services to Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, The Department of Homeland Security, the TRICARE Management Activity and other customers on a reimbursable basis through interservice support agreements.

Through its network of suppliers and institutions, USAMRAA acquires for its customers the products necessary to ensure the health and well-being of the U.S. warfighter, U.S. allies and the greater community.

USAMRAA is a strong supporter of competition in government contracting and of small businesses. It awards more than 90 percent of its contracts and assistance agreements competitively, and approximately 38 percent of actions go to small and small-disadvantaged businesses.

Contracting officers, serving as customer account representatives, and contract specialists partner closely with project managers, technical representatives, and leaders in business and academia. These teaming relationships ensure projects remain focused and best value business decisions are made in accordance with desired outcomes and applicable laws and regulations.

As an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001-2000 certified enterprise, USAMRAA offers its diverse customer base the highest quality acquisition products and services through continual monitoring and testing of its processes and management systems. USAMRAA continues to be a nationally recognized leader in delivering the highest quality acquisition products in a global marketplace.

U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command
The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Medical Command responsible for lifecycle management of medical materiel, from basic laboratory research through advanced development, prototyping, procurement, delivery to units, maintenance and disposal. The USAMRMC is responsible for planning, programming and budgeting for construction of Army medical facilities and for corporate information management and information technology requirements of the Army Medical Department.

Headquartered at Fort Detrick, Md., the USAMRMC operates six medical research laboratories and institutes in the United States. These laboratories make up the core science and technology capability of the command. They are centers of excellence in specific areas of biomedical research, staffed by highly qualified military and civilian scientists and support personnel. The command’s in-house science and technology capabilities are enhanced by a large extramural contract research program and numerous cooperative research and development agreements with leading research and development organizations in the civilian sector.

The command also operates eight subordinate units exclusively focused on medical materiel development, contracting, medical logistics management, health facility planning, and information management and technology. Approximately 5,400 military, civilian and contractor personnel are assigned to the headquarters and 14 subordinate units. Officers, enlisted service members, and civilians provide a wide variety of medical, scientific, and technical expertise. Many of these personnel are among the most respected and knowledgeable specialists in their fields.

In addition to eight elements at Fort Detrick, USAMRMC operates units at the Forest Glen Annex of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Silver Spring, Md.; Alexandria, Va.; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.; Natick, Mass.; Fort Rucker, Ala.; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and Pirmasens, Germany. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, one of USAMRMC’s laboratories, operates overseas research units in Germany, Kenya, and Thailand.

The USAMRMC is the Department of Defense executive agent for medical chemical-and-biological defense research programs and combat maxillofacial surgery. It is also Defense Department lead agent for infectious disease research and military nutrition. Finally, it acts as the Department of Defense’s manager of congressionally mandated, peer-reviewed research programs in breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, neurofibromatosis and military women’s health.

U.S. Army Picture Archiving and Communications Program Management Office
The U.S. Army Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) Progam Management Office (APPMO) was charted within the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). The APPMO is a corporate level coordination, execution and policy making body that crosses functional elements of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD). It ensures that the AMEDD PACS program is effectively managed and that PACS requirements are appropriately defined against the clinical need and supporting business case, prioritized and embedded throughout the AMEDD. Their primary mission is to develop the Army’s strategic vision for PACS and other medical imaging information systems as they evolve. They are responsible for executing the Army’s PACS and teleradiology program to ensure successful and coherent planning, deployment, integration, sustainment and life cycle management to the Army’s greatest clinical and financial benefits.

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) conducts basic and applied research on biological threats resulting in medical solutions to protect the warfighter. USAMRIID is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, and is the only laboratory in the Department of Defense (DoD) equipped to safely study highly hazardous infectious agents requiring maximum containment at Biosafety Level 4.

Institute scientists focus on the identification and initial development of medical countermeasures to protect military personnel against biological attack. These products include candidate vaccines and drugs, diagnostic capabilities, and medical management procedures to minimize the effects of disease, preserve fighting strength, and maximize return to duty.

If exposure and illness do occur, rapid diagnosis is essential for proper treatment and medical management. USAMRIID scientists—often in collaboration with industry partners—develop new laboratory and field diagnostic methods for disease agents that pose a threat to U.S. armed forces.

Information is another key product of USAMRIID research. The Institute has a cadre of physicians who understand the unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of biological agents used in battlefield or terrorist situations. Over the past decade, USAMRIID has taken the lead in training military and civilian healthcare providers to recognize and treat biological casualties.

USAMRIID’s laboratory facilities are unique and include 50,000 square feet of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment laboratory space and 10,000 square feet of Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) maximum containment laboratory space. The Institute has an outstanding safety record and consistently meets or exceeds regulatory requirements for safety and ethics in biomedical research.

USAMRIID maintains several rapid response teams that can deploy on short notice upon request. Some teams provide training to personnel charged with establishing diagnostic laboratories in theaters of combat operations. Other teams specialize in rapid response to investigate disease outbreaks anywhere in the world, and can evacuate patients under BSL-4 isolation.

The Institute’s military and civilian staff of 800 includes microbiologists, physicians, veterinarians, pathologists, chemists, molecular biologists, virologists, and pharmacologists, and the technical and administrative staff necessary to support the research. Over one-third of the USAMRIID staff has advanced degrees.

USAMRIID scientists are internationally recognized experts in their respective fields and are frequently sought to share that expertise. They publish their research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present at national and international scientific meetings, hold faculty positions in their fields of study, and serve on numerous scientific committees and review boards.

In addition, USAMRIID collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, the Department of Energy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, industry partners, and academic centers of excellence worldwide.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit
The Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, identifies new, improved, and innovative methods for protecting crops against plant diseases and weeds.

Scientists emphasize studies of foreign plant diseases that pose potential threats to U.S. agriculture, biological weed control with plant pathogens, weed biology, host-pathogen interaction and molecular genetics of fungal pathogens.

Special attention is given to foreign diseases that threaten major food and fruit crops. Foreign beneficial plant pathogens are evaluated for possible biological control of weeds. Attempts are made to discover and develop alternative weed control strategies utilizing an integrated pest management system. Research efforts include:

• Laboratory and greenhouse study of selectedpathogens to gain information on their disease causing potential to crops;
• Investigations on disease increase, spread and damage potential;
• Development of molecular "fingerprints" torapidly detect and identify introduced pathogens;
• Molecular biology studies of host-pathogeninteractions;
• Fundamental research on the biology of exoticplant pathogens for control of introduced weed species;
• Isolation and identification of beneficial plant pathogens for use in biological weed control;
• Discovery and manipulation of physiologicalmechanisms used by host plants in response to attack by plant pathogens.

The research program uses two laboratory-greenhouse complexes located on post in addition to separate storage buildings and research acreage. Both laboratory-greenhouse complexes are equipped with controlled environmental chambers that permit simulation and control of a wide range of plant growing regimes.

One of the laboratory-greenhouse complexes provides total containment that permits study of foreign plant pathogens with no danger to local agriculture. This capability allows this facility to serve as the federal quarantine introduction center for all imported plant disease pests.