; plant pest The terms noxious weed and plant pest have the meanings given those terms in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 7702 ). (b) Grant awards For purposes of addressing the critical threat to numerous tree species posed by nonnative plant pests and noxious weeds, the Secretary shall award competitive grants to eligible entities under which the eligible entities shall— (1) conduct research to promote the restoration of affected tree species, including research on— (A) biological control of nonnative plant pests or noxious weeds threatening or heavily damaging native tree species; (B) exploration of genetic manipulation of plant pests or noxious weeds; (C) enhancement of pest-resistance mechanisms of hosts; and (D) development of other strategies for restoring individual tree species