The University of Minnesota, MN Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES)/Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Containment Facility (hereafter called "the Facility") consists of a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) Insect Biocontrol Facility and a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Plant Pathology Research Facility.
The BSL2 opened in 2003 and the BSL3 opened in 2008. Together, the BSL2 and BSL3 encompass over 7,000 square feet of growth chamber, laboratory, rearing, and greenhouse space. The Facility is jointly operated by the MAES and the MDA. Both the BSL2 and BSL3 are operated under a permit issued to the MDA by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This Facility is the only one of its kind in the Midwest.

Containment Facility Function

The BSL2 supports research and release of imported natural enemies for biological control of exotic insect pests and noxious weeds. The BSL3 supports research on a variety of economically important plant diseases caused by pathogens not yet established in Minnesota.

Facility Access

• All projects in the BSL2 and BSL3 must obtain a USDA/APHIS permit. BSL2 and BSL3 projects must be approved by the Quarantine Officers. In addition, BSL3 projects must be approved by the UMN BSL3 Advisory Committee.
• Only authorized persons are allowed inside the containment facility. The project leader and his/her staff must be approved by the Quarantine Officers to work in the facility.
• There is a procedure for gaining access to the BSL2 or BSL3 Facility including training. All requirements must be met before any project staff is allowed into the Facility.
• All projects are charged user fees in order to maintain the containment facility and keep equipment in good working order. Facility user fees cover general supplies, maintenance and repair of equipment, and other associated charges.

For more information on Facility Access, contact a Quarantine Officer (see below). 
 

Jo Barta conducting host range testing of soybean aphid parasitoids introduced from Asia.

Dr. Jeanie Katovich introducing the garlic mustard biocontrol program to USFS Chief, Dale Bosworth, and other researchers.