IPM Symposium V Poster Abstracts
Mistakes and omissions? Please contact Ron Stinner, NSF Center for IPM.
Poster numbers are the links to posters. If no link is present, we do not have the poster.
Note: * by author name indicates senior author.
New or Non-Traditional Technology Advances in IPM
Economic Distance: A Variable Application of the Economic Injury Level
Gary J. Brewer, gary.brewer@ndsu.edu, Department of
Entomology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
For economic insects with a marked edge effect, it may not always be necessary to direct control applications to an entire field. However, typical sampling procedures and economic injury level considerations are usually made on a field-wide basis. The banded sunflower moth, Cochylis hospes Walsingham, is a major pest of sunflower seeds. It often stages outside of sunflower fields and lays progressively fewer eggs from the field margins to the field interior. We describe procedures to sample for banded sunflower moth eggs along field margins and relate the counts to economic damage. Because sampling is restricted to field margins only, decisions made on the basis of the economic injury level do not pertain to the field interior. For sites at or above the economic injury level (EIL), a new concept, economic distance, is then used to map the field and show the areas of the field at or above the EIL. Economic distance allows plotting areas of the field that warrant treatment and directing treatment only to those areas. The new sampling procedures and economic injury level, coupled with the economic distance technique provides a fast and accurate way to monitor oilseed sunflower fields for potentially economically damaging populations of the banded sunflower moth. The techniques will reduce the time required to sample a field and reduce grower input costs by not requiring whole field treatment.
Demonstration of "RAK 5 OFM" for Mating Disruption of Oriental Fruit Moth in Niagara Peach Orchards
Neil Carter, neil.carter@omafra.gov.on.ca,
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Vineland Resource
Centre, Ontario, Canada
Mating disruption (MD) products for management of oriental fruit moth (OFM) in peaches have been demonstrated previously in Niagara. In 2005, the BASF product “RAK 5 OFM” pheromone dispensers were demonstrated at three locations. Three treatments, each in approximately 10 acre blocks, were compared at each site: RAK 5 alone (no insecticide targeted for OFM); RAK 5 along with one Lorsban (chlorpyrifos) application for 1st generation OFM; and a conventional program (Lorsban for 1st generation OFM and pyrethroids for subsequent generations and pre-pick sprays). MD sites generally had less or equivalent shoot flagging and fruit damage from OFM than conventionally managed orchards, showing that RAK 5 OFM can provide season-long control of OFM. No secondary pest outbreaks were seen in the MD orchards. Unsuitability of one site for MD was apparent after the first shoot flagging assessment; reversion of the site to conventional insecticides was simple and avoided crop loss. The previously unrecognized high OFM pressure at that site demonstrated the value of shoot assessments as monitoring tools and the importance of site suitability evaluations before undertaking any MD program. Late-season peaches may normally be at higher risk from OFM damage, but that was not noted in this demonstration project. Few late season varieties were assessed in this project, so caution should still be exercised when using MD alone for OFM management on late season varieties.
P003
Module Ecological Design:
A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture System
*Joe Kovach, Harper.202@osu.edu, Loren Harper, Rosa Raudales, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH
Research has shown that polyculture systems (growing more than one crop) have fewer pest problems than a monoculture system (growing one specific crop.) The design layout of a polyculture system, along with some added architectural inputs (alternating high and low crops) could improve pest management while limiting pesticide use and increasing total yield. The goal of this project is to determine the optimal design layout (in terms of economics, pest density and efficiency) of an intensive fruit and vegetable polyculture system that can be used by the small periurban farmer. In the experiment there are 4 treatments (18.3m x13.4m) replicated 4 times on 0.538 hectares. They are: a solid row, a checkerboard, a mixed row and a mixed row on raised beds. Each treatment is a mixture of 8 crops (4 woody fruit commodities and 4 herbaceous commodities) arranged in different patterns and heights. Each crop has an early, mid and late harvest, for the perennial plants different cultivars have been selected to mature a different times, annual crops had three planting dates. Preliminary results shown that Japanese beetle population were highest on edamame soybeans (6 beetles/meter), and lower on other crops (1 beetle/meter.) Peach tree diameters were 6% larger on mixed row and mixed row on raised bed compared to solid row and checkerboard treatments. First year establishing costs, included, labor, soil preparation and planting materials to total $28,599 or $1768. per plot.
SPLAT: A New Pheromone Dispensing Technology
Reginald Coler, rcoler@iscatech.com, ISCA Technologies, Inc., Riverside, CA
SPLAT (Specialized Pheromone & Lure Application Technology) is a
proprietary base matrix formulation of biologically inert materials used to
control the release of semiochemicals and/or odors with or without pesticides.
This product is a valuable weapon in the IPM arsenal that can be used against
many economically important pests. SPLAT is a revolutionary product that
facilitates and automates the dispensing of semiochemicals and attractants; by
simplifying the delivery of these chemicals in the field. Mating disruption
with SPLAT is now a viable and extremely effective pest management strategy.
Designed to optimize and modulate the release of odors over time, SPLAT works
with any labile and/or volatile compound. Although originally designed for the
dispensing of semiochemicals, short lived environmentally friendly toxicants
can also be incorporated in SPLAT to increase their field life and efficacy
creating an Attract & Kill pest management strategy. ISCA’s proprietary
SPLAT formulation offers many advantages over traditional dispensing
technologies: perhaps most important, a fixed quantity of this material can be
applied differently depending on the pest population pressure. The application
of this matrix can be tailored by the user to best match the pest distribution
and density in the field. Using a fixed amount of SPLAT per area, one can
choose to either use a high density of small point-sources, thus maximizing the
mating disruption effect; or decrease the point-source density while increasing
its size, thus increasing the longevity of the application.
Using Precision
Agriculture to Reduce Insecticides in Cucurbit Production
*Jim Jasinski1, jasinski.4@osu.edu, Matt Darr2, Bob Precheur3, Erdal Ozkan2, 1Ohio State University Extension, IPM Program; 2Ohio State University, Food, Agriculture & Biological Engineering; 3Ohio State University, Horticulture & Crop Science, Columbus, OH
In 2004 and 2005, researchers at Ohio State University designed a precision insecticide delivery system capable of injecting variable length insecticide bands in-furrow over direct seeded cucurbits (pumpkin, zucchini, and cucumber). Two critical factors supporting this project include wide in-row seed spacing (up to 36 inches) and an effective systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) to control early season pests, particularly Striped cucumber beetles (StrCB), Acalymma vittatum (Fabricius). Studies conducted in both years indicate bander accuracy between 93-96% on all cucurbit seeds, and from 90-97% at speeds up to 4.0 miles per hour. Cucurbit seeds were planted under four treatments in 2004 including 16 and 24 oz./A rate of imidacloprid via precision banding and a 24 oz./A continuous in-furrow application of imidacloprid. In 2005, there were five treatments; water only, 16 and 24 oz./A rate of imidacloprid via the precision bander and continuous in-furrow application of imidacloprid. Treatment efficacy in both years were determined with bioassays of excised cotyledon through 5th leaf stages of cucurbits using StrCB. In 2004 and 2005, scoring moribund beetles as dead in the analysis, there were significant differences in beetle mortality between the check and other treatments in 88% of the trials (21/24). Two trials in 2005 were excluded from the analysis due to high mortality in the check. Projected economic savings using the precision bander system at the rates employed in this study range from 58.3 to 84.5% of the targeted rate per acre. Rate savings are dependent on initial rate, band length, row and seed spacing.
Delivering Weather-Related IPM Information to Apple Growers via the NYS IPM Program's NEWA System
*Juliet Carroll1, jec3@cornell.edu,
Michael Fargione2, and Kevin Iungerman3, 1NYS
IPM Program, Cornell University, Geneva, NY; 2Ulster County Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Hudson Valley Lab, Highland, NY; 3Cornell
Cooperative Extension, NE NY Commercial Fruit Program, Ballston Spa, NY
The New York State IPM Program's Network for Environment and Weather Awareness
(NEWA) maintains a network of weather stations, collects weather data daily,
maintains weather data archives and delivers the information to a free-access
website, newa.nysaes.cornell.edu. NEWA usage continues to increase, up 16% in
2004 over 2003. The number of people receiving NEWA information is much larger
than that measured by web hits since information from NEWA is used in Cornell
Cooperative Extension crop updates and newsletters. The NEWA network expanded to
include additional sites in eastern New York, including Chazy, Clintondale, Red
Hook and Clifton Park as part of NE SARE and NE Regional IPM grants. A weather
database provided the basis for several weather data applications developed in
2004 and 2005, including: a Degree Day Calculator, an Apple Pest Degree Day
Calculator, and a Specware Data Conversion Program. NEWA delivers pest
developmental models for the following apple pests: apple scab, fire blight,
plum curculio, codling moth, oriental fruit moth, obliquebanded leafroller, San
Jose scale, spotted tentiform leafminer, and apple maggot. The weather network
also archives weather data and allows users to browse weather information for
items of horticultural interest such as winter temperatures.
P007
Integrated Pest Monitoring System for On-Time and Online Decision Making
Agenor Mafra Neto, isca@iscatech.com, ISCA Technologies, Inc., Riverside, CA
The backbone of all IPM programs hinges on monitoring; the more real-time
information gathered about pest distributions and densities the more effective
and diverse the IPM strategies can be. The Moritor Pest Management Information
System (PMIS) integrates data collection devices (such as PDAs and automated
insect identification devices), with an internet accessible centralized
database to facilitate data management and decision making for pest management
actions. By shortening the process of data management from days or weeks to
hours or minutes, the Moritor PMIS allows farmers to address pest problems as
soon as they are detected, thus avoiding crisis pest management weeks later,
and resulting in significant cost savings from the reduction in pesticide use
(estimated at $23,000 annually for the average U.S. farm with 240 acres) and
potential crop damage. Moritor PMIS combines the facility and precision of data
collection using handheld computers and Global Positioning System (GPS) with
powerful analytical tools and Geographic Information System (GIS) residing in
the Internet to give users immediate, relevant and accurate information about
their crops.
P008
Application of Information Technology in Global IPM
*Yulu Xia1, yulu_xia@ncsu.edu,
Ronald E. Stinner1, James R. Vankirk1, James D. Harper2,
1NSF Center for IPM, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC; 2
Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
This project will apply web and database technologies and Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) for the IPM CRSP Regional Programs (RP) and other
Global Themes (GT). The main tasks include 1) development of a Global IPM
Technology Database and several regional pest management information systems,
2) application of GIS and other information technologies for IPM infrastructure
building in host countries, and 3) linking additional relevant information
systems and databases for global IPM information and technology sharing.
Geographically, the project focuses in three regions: West Africa, Southeast
Asia, and Latin American and the Caribbean. This is an IPM CRSP Global Theme
grant project (2005 – 2009).
Tracking Cottontail Rabbit Damage to Southern California Nursery using GIS and GPS Technology
*Autumn Sartain, rtellis@ucdavis.edu, Cheryl A. Wilen, Tracy Ellis, and Terrell
P. Salmon, University of California Cooperative Extension–San Diego County, CA
Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii) cause serious damage to
ornamental plant production in Southern California. A 300-acre Southern California tree nursery is being used as a cottontail CDFA vertebrate pest study
site. The topic of this research is to evaluate the relationship between
nursery practices and the incidence of rabbit damage. GPS technology in
combination with GIS software was employed to map the nursery and ascribe
descriptive characteristics to the growing practices within each nursery bed.
To understand the pattern of rabbit damage to irrigation, handheld GPS units
were utilized by nursery staff conducting irrigation repair to assess damage
caused by vertebrate pests. The waypoints taken by the irrigators superimposed
on the map of the nursery have had numerous benefits to the study, including
demonstrating which growing conditions were most vulnerable to rabbit damage
and elucidating if measures taken to reduce rabbit damage were successful. The
same methodology may be helpful to researchers in many IPM fields.
P010
PREV AM—Novel Technology Approach to Effective and Economical IPM Resistance Management of Insects and Diseases
Mark Russell, mrussell@oroagri.com, ORO Agri, Inc., Trophy
Club, TX
PREV AM is a novel patented technology for use in IPM spray programs for
effective and economical insect and disease control. PREV AM contains the
active ingredient boric acid, known for years for its insecticidal and
fungicidal properties in non agricultural markets. A unique formulation
containing cold pressed orange oil and excellent surfactants enables PREV AM to
control on contact a wide range of insect, mite, and foliar diseases. PREV AM
is EPA registered on many crops, is exempt from tolerance, and has been tested
in over 200 trials globally by university and private researchers and is
currently being marketed in US, South Africa, and parts of Europe. Data
summaries showing biological efficacy of PREV AM and suggested spray programs
with other IPM products will be presented. Pathogens such as powdery and downy
mildew, botrytis, gummy stem blight, late blight and Asian Soybean Rust and
Pests such as whitefly, mites, aphid, thrips and others have been proven to be
controlled by PREV AM in a spray program.
Biological, Biopesticide, and Pesticide Development for IPM
Trichogramma Ostriniaeand European Corn Borer in Sweet Corn: Progress on the Path from Research to Commercialization in New York
*Abby Seaman1, ajs32@cornell.edu, Michael P. Hoffmann2, and Molly Shaw3, 1New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Geneva, NY; 2Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; 3South Central New York Agriculture Team, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga Co, Owego, NY
Trichogramma ostriniae is an effective egg parasitoid of European corn borer (ECB) in sweet corn, with potential for use against ECB in other crops, as well as against several other lepidopterous pests in a variety of settings. Research on this parasitoid began in New York in the early 1990’s with initial trials examining its potential to be established in a classical biological control approach, as well as small plot work assessing its effectiveness in inundative releases. Although the wasp did not successfully establish in New York, on-farm trials using inundative releases revealed its remarkable dispersal and searching abilities as well as its ability successfully reproduce in the field, shifting our focus to an inoculative release approach. The inoculative release approach was found to reduce ECB infestation at harvest by an average 50% compared with fields receiving no releases, but when integrated into the recommended scouting and threshold recommendations for ECB in fresh market sweet corn, this did not translate into consistent reduction in insecticide applications in commercial fields. Concurrent research on rearing technology, host finding behavior, and risk to non-target species has been conducted. Our current release approach, a hybrid between the inundative and inoculative releases, has produced good results with organic and no-spray growers. Future work will focus on developing the skills and confidence of growers to use the wasps on their own, developing a market for the wasps, and refining the rearing technology to make it attractive and profitable for a commercial insectary.
P012
Problems in Manipulating RRD for Rosa Multiflora Biological Control
Laura Jesse,lrahnsen@iastate.edu, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Rosa multifloraThunb., (Rosaceae) is an invasive species in the United States where it grows in pastures and wooded areas. A disease of unknown etiology, rose rosette disease (RRD), infects R. multiflora and other Rosa sp., including ornamental roses. The goal of our research was to determine the effects of habitat on the abundance of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), the presumed vector of RRD, and other arthropods on R. multiflora. We collected branch tips from healthy R. multiflora growing in the sun and shade, as well as, RRD infected R. multiflora growing in the sun. Samples were collected June 2002 to April 2004 from three sites in Iowa, U.S.A. We found that Phyllocoptes fructiphilus is present on diseased and healthy R. multiflora growing in the sun or under trees (shaded), but the greatest numbers of P. fructiphilus were on diseased plants growing in the sun. Several other mite species, both predatory and phytophagous, Chaetosiphon sp. aphids, and thrips species Frankliniella exigua Hood and Neohydatothrips variabilis Beach occur in the same plant microhabitat as P. fructiphilus. Future research needs to isolate and identify the causal agent of RRD so it can be confirmed that, of the many arthropods feeding on R. multiflora, only P. fructiphilus vectors RRD.
Parasitism of the Centruroides exilicauda by Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Dawn Gouge, dhgouge@ag.arizona.edu, University of Arizona, Maricopa, AZ
In laboratory bioassays Steinernema glaseri Steiner, S. riobrave
Cabanillas, Poinar & Raulston, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
Poinar, and H. marelatus Liu & Berry, were capable of infecting and
killing the bark scorpion, Centruroides exilicauda (Wood). Steinernema
feltiae (Filipjev) and S. carpocapsae (Weiser) failed to infect C.
exilicauda at 22oC. Steinernema glaseri, H. marelatus
and H. bacteriophora caused significant mortality at 22oC,
indicating the potential role of these parasites as a biocontrol option.
Efficacy of S. glaseri and H. bacteriophora was reduced in an
assay conducted at 25oC. Only S. glaseri was able to
reproduce in the target host. Dissection of scorpions at the end of the
experimental periods revealed inactive juvenile S. riobrave, H.
marelatus and H. bacteriophora nematodes. Both mermithid and oxyurid
nematodes have been documented as nematode parasites of scorpions, but
rhabditids have not been reported until now. Field studies are warranted to
assess the usefulness of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents of
bark scorpions.
An Egg Parasitoid of Hymenoptra Found In the Field Using the Silkworm Bombyx Mori
Shunichi Shibuya, hymenoptera@s6.dion.ne.jp,
Sericultural Science of Japan (Tohoku Section), Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
The silkworm Bombyx mori is a domestic insect and has excellent manipulability
for establishing mass-cultures. In contrast, continuous rearing has encountered
many difficulties in the case of other lepidopteran insects as Mamestra
brassicae and Ephestia kuehniella. The silkworm has been reared successfully on
artificial diets containing mulberry leaf. When we find a common egg parasitoid
that attacks the silkworm and lepidopteran pest insects, we will expect to
establish mass-cultures of the silkworm eggs infected by hymenopteran
parasitoids and release these parasitoids in pest management. In July of 2005,
the silkworm eggs exposed to lower temperature and UV light were transferred to
the field in Miyagi of Japan and they were repeated each one week. As a result,
general Trichogramma parasitoids were not found, but an unknown species of the
same size as in Trichogramma was observed. This result suggests that a novel
species used mass-culture of the silkworm may be important in biological
control of pest insects.
P015
Biological Management (Control) of Wildlife Damage–Advances in the Last Quarter-Century
*Scott Hygnstrom1, shygnstrom1@unl.edu, Kurt VerCauteren2,
1School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE; 2National
Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO
Specialists in wildlife damage management have borrowed the term “biological
control” from the field of entomology, where it has been traditionally defined
as the reduction in number or density of pests through biological processes
such as predation, pathogens, habitat modification, and fertility control.
Advances in science during the past quarter-century have led to the testing and
potential development of several biological methods for controlling wildlife
damage caused by individual animals or overabundant populations. No methods,
however, have been fully developed or are without problems. Areas of greatest
promise include the development of damage-resistant plants and modified
pathogens through genetic manipulation, chemical and immunological fertility
control, improved delivery systems, and behavioral modification. Social
pressures have changed our perspectives on wildlife damage management. The
axiom “to reduce the number or density of vertebrate pests” is often
insufficient and in many cases inappropriate. The current directive in wildlife
damage management is to “reduce damage to a tolerable level.” We therefore
abdicate the term “biological control” and encourage the use of a new term,
“biological management” of wildlife damage.
Cereal Leaf Beetle: Biological Control Efforts in Oregon
*B.B. Bai1, bbai@oda.state.or.us, R.A. Worth1, K.J.R.
Johnson1, H.W. Rogg1, D. Walenta2, G.W. Brown3,
1Oregon Department of Agriculture, Salem, OR; 2Oregon
State University Extension Service, La Grande, OR; 3USDA, APHIS-PPQ,
Portland, OR
Cereal leaf beetle (CLB), Oulema melanopus (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), was
first identified in Oregon in 1999 in Malheur County. Statewide surveys for CLB
have detected CLB in 19 Oregon counties to date. The cooperative Oregon CLB
biological control program, consisting of ODA, USDA, and Oregon State
University (OSU), began immediately after the initial detection of CLB and has
continued through 2005. The program now has six field insectaries, three for
the egg parasitoid Anaphes flavipes (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) in Washington and
Union counties, and another three for the larval parasitoid, Tetrastichus julis
(Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) in Benton, Jefferson, and Union counties. More than
32,000 egg parasitoids, A. flavipes, obtained from the Colorado Dept. of
Agriculture’s Biocontrol Lab were released in two Oregon insectaries in 2005.
Recovery samples showed parasitism rates of up to 30%. More than 24,000 T.
julis were released in either larval parasitoid insectaries or growers’ fields.
Tetrastichus julis was recovered with parasitism rates ranging between 3 and
100%. Recoveries of T. julis in Linn County, where it had never been released
before, suggest that T. julis is actively spreading throughout western Oregon. Tetrastichus julis-parasitized CLB larvae were acquired for release from Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon. The parasitism rates among CLB release material
from all areas ranged from 29% to 100%. Successful biological control of CLB is
needed to protect Oregon’s watersheds by reducing the amount of pesticides used
against this exotic pest. In 2005, more than 50,000 acres of cereal crops were
sprayed against CLB.
Too Little and Too Late???? Rhyzobius lophanthae Introduced against Asian Cycad Scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui, on Guam
Ross Miller, rmiller@uog9.uog.edu, University of Guam, Mangialo, Guam
Asian cycad scale (ACS), Aulacaspis yasumatsui, was first detected in Tumon, Guam in December 2003 in front of a hotel where Cycas revoluta, an introduced ornamental cycad and Cycas micronesica, an indigenous cycad were planted. The scale is believed to have been imported from Hawaii in 1998 on ornamental cycads. The scale currently infests introduced and indigenous cycads on about two thirds of Guam’s 354 square kilometers. Severe infestations have been observed to kill both species within a few months. We fear that C. micronesica may be threatened with extinction should the scale spread to the few other Micronesian islands that harbor it. Rhyzobius lophanthae, a coccinellid introduced to Hawaii in 1894 for other scale insects, was imported from Maui to Guam in November 2004 and released on C. micronesica at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian point in February 2005. R. lophanthae populations have subsequently spread to other C. micronesica, and additional releases have been made throughout the island. However, R. lophanthae alone will not likely contain the infestation. A Chinese strain of Coccobius fulvus, a hymenopteran parasitoid originating in Thailand and China, has recently been imported from Florida. Funds are being sought for exploration for additional biocontrol agents in Asia. IPM strategies using systemic insecticides applied to pruned cycad boles are also being developed.
Effective Utilization of Biofungicides for Disease Control in the Agricultural and Ornamental Environments
*Paul Walgenbach1, pwalgenbach@agraquest.com, Brett Highland2, 1AgraQuest, Inc., El Dorado Hills, CA; 2Agraquest, Inc., Nokomis, FL
AgraQuest is a Davis, CA based company that discovers, develops and markets effective biopesticides. The current portfolio of products consists of biofungicides that have been effectively used in organic and conventional agriculture, as well as in the ornamental industry. Serenade® (Bacillus subtilis, strain 713) is a broad spectrum material that controls a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases and has widespread utilization in specialty crops. Sonata® (Bacillus pumilis, strain 2808) is a recently registered material. It has a narrower spectrum of activity than Serenade, but has lower use rates and longer residual activity than Serenade. It also has greater activity on obligate parasites. It has been rapidly adapted in many specialty markets. Rhapsody® and Ballad® are product extensions of B. subtilis and B. pumilis, respectively. Rhapsody is widely used in greenhouse production of ornamentals and vegetables. Ballad is used on field crops and has been shown to be an effective tool in the management of Asian Soybean Rust. Extensive in-house research and collaborations with University researchers continue to define roles for these products in integrated disease management programs. The efficacy of the products, along with their safety to crops, humans and the environment provide growers with tools to address many production and food export issues.
Biopesticide Research Grants and IR-4’s Role in Regulatory Assistance
*Michael P. Braverman, braverman@aesop.rutgers.edu,
Dan L. Kunkel, Jerry J. Baron, Robert E. Holm, Rutgers University, IR-4
Project, North Brunswick, NJ
The IR-4 Project has an annual biopesticide grant program to enable research on
new products, label expansion and biopesticide demonstration projects. For
2005, we awarded a total of $475,000 in research dollars and will have $400,000
in grants for 2006. For the last 2 years, IR-4 and EPA have jointly funded and
reviewed a cooperative demonstration grant program to reduce the barriers to
the adoption of biopesticides. The Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention
Division (BPPD) of EPA have provided $100,000 each of the year to fund the
program . The IR-4 Project is involved in assisting the registration of
biopesticides. Recent EPA registrations submitted by IR-4 include Milsana
(Reynoutria sachinilensis) for powdery mildew control in vegetable crops, Dutch
Trig (Verticillium WCS850) for control of Dutch elm disease in American Elm and
Agriphage(Bacteriophage) for the control of bacterial diseases in tomato and
pepper. A searchable biopesticide label database is under development to
provide listings of biopesticides for food and ornamentals based on pest
control problems which has been supported by EPA region 2.
Efficacy of Biopesticides
and Fungicides against Rhizoctonia Pre- and Post-emergence Damping-off
*Fulya Baysal-Tustas, miller.769@osu.edu, Jhony Mera, Melanie L. Lewis Ivey,
Sally A. Miller, Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University,
Wooster, OH
Damping-off, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, can cause significant losses in
transplant and micro-vegetable production in protected environments.
Experiments were performed in a greenhouse to determine the efficacy of
biorational products and fungicides against Rhizoctonia damping-off in cabbage
‘Bravo’ and pepper ‘California Wonder’. Treatments applied were the biofumigant
Muscodor, composted cow manure, Omega Grow and Omega Grow Plus (fish proteins),
the biocontrol agents Trichoderma hamatum 382 and Serenade (Rhapsody) ASO, and
the fungicides Thiram, Endorse and Moncut. Plants were rated 4, 7 and 10 days
after emergence. Post-emergence damping-off in pepper was low (0-3.7%).
Muscodor (3.5 g/L planting mix) reduced post-emergence damping-off in cabbage
and pre-emergence damping-off in pepper compared to the untreated controls.
Composted cow manure (10%) incorporated into planting mix increased the total
number of healthy seedlings of both pepper and cabbage. Omega Grow Plus reduced
post-emergence damping-off in cabbage in one of two experiments, and reduced
pre-emergence damping-off in pepper. Incorporation of Trichoderma hamatum 382
into peat mix at 0.4 g/L increased the number of healthy seedlings in one of
two cabbage experiments and in pepper. Serenade ASO (1% drench) reduced
post-emergence damping-off in cabbage. Moncut (0.71 lb/A) reduced
post-emergence damping-off in cabbage and pre-emergence damping-off in pepper.
Endorse (2.0 lb/100 gal, drench) was effective in reducing pre-emergence
damping-off in pepper but was very phytotoxic to cabbage. Both cabbage and
pepper seedlings produced in composted cow manure mix or treated with Omega
Grow or Serenade ASO were taller than the inoculated, untreated controls.
P021
Evaluation of Alternative
Pesticides on the Pineapple Borer in Central America
*Felipe Bermúdez1, williams.14@osu.edu, Edgar Alvarado1,
Panfilo Tabora1, H. Castillo1, Roger Williams2,
Michael Ellis2, 1EARTH University, Limón, Costa Rica; 2The
Ohio State University, Wooster, OH
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of non-synthetic
insecticides on infestations of the pineapple borer, Strymon basilides (Geyer)
under field conditions. The experiment was conducted at the EARTH University’s Academic Farm, Limón, Costa Rica, from April to September 2005. Plots
consisted of 48 pineapples each arranged in four rows in a randomized block
design with six treatments and six repetitions. The treatments; Metarhizium
anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, Quassia amara, Carbaryl
(Sevin), and an untreated check, were applied weekly, manually and with a spray
boom. The exceptions were Carbaryl, which was applied only twice during the
experiment, and the untreated check that did not receive any treatments. The
applications where conducted for 49 days, starting at 45 days after bloom
induction. Twelve plants were evaluated, from the middle of each plot, at the
end of the trials. Bacillus thuringiensis and carbaryl were the best at
controlling populations of pineapple borer. There were no significant
differences between the two at P <0.05. However, the cost of applying the
Bacillus thuringiensis was considerably cheaper. We evaluated the cost of the
treatments, manual vs. boom sprayer and found that those applied by boom
sprayer were generally half the cost of those applied manually.
Pasteuria for Nematode Control: Development of a Commercial Production Process for a Promising Biocontrol Agent
*Kelly S. Smith, ksmith@biotech.ufl.org, Thomas E. Hewlett, Susan Griswold, Pasteuria Bioscience, LLC, Alachua, FL
Bacteria of the genus Pasteuria have long been recognized as promising biological control agents for plant-parasitic nematodes. They have been shown to reduce root-knot nematode damage below economic threshold levels and to improve crop yields. Pasteuria endospores, the active ingredient applied to crops, are very desirable as nematode control products due to their inherent resistance to heat, drying and mechanical shearing. Pasteuria is highly host-specific and has an excellent safety profile. It has never been produced commercially due the inability of researchers to grow them in the absence of a nematode host, thus precluding the use of large-scale, low-cost production methods. Pasteuria Bioscience has developed a production process using submerged fermentation, which has allowed us to produce active endospores in benchtop fermenters. Submerged (liquid culture) fermentation is well-understood as an economical production method for a huge variety of industrial products, including biopesticides. Our process models indicate that production of Pasteuria will be possible at costs competitive with chemical nematicides, using standard fermentation equipment. We have conducted tests of Pasteuria endospores produced in-vitro for nematode control activity and have found them to be as effective or better than in-vivo endospores in these experiments. In addition, we can produce endospores of Pasteuria isolated from Sting nematode, and have demonstrated growth of Pasteuria from Cyst, Lance and Lesion nematodes in tissue culture plates. Products controlling this group of nematodes will allow us to become an integral part of pest management strategies in a wide variety of crops, including turf, tomato, strawberry, vegetables, peanut, soybean and sugar beet.
Current Status of the Greenhouse Whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporarioum, Susceptibility to Neonicotinoid and Conventional Insecticides in California
*J. L. Bi, jianbi@citrus.ucr.edu, N. C. Toscano, Department of Entomology,
University of California, Riverside, CA
Since 1998, the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporarioum Westwood
(Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), has emerged as a major insect pest of many
horticultural crops in coastal California. Control of this pest has been
heavily dependent upon chemical insecticides. Objectives of this study were to
determine the status of the greenhouse whitefly susceptibility to neonicotinoid
and conventional insecticides on strawberries in Oxnard/Ventura, a year-round
intensive horticultural production area of southern California. For bioassay
tests, adult whiteflies were collected from commercial strawberry crop and
immatures were directly developed from eggs laid by these adults. LD50s of
soil-applied imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran were 8.7-, 3.2- and 4.9
-fold higher for the adults, 75%, 24% and 52% higher for the first instar
nymphs, and 89.4-, 390.3- and 10.4-fold higher for the third instar nymphs,
respectively, than their top label rates. LC50s of foliar-applied imidacloprid,
thiamethoxam and acetamiprid were 6.1-, 6.0-, 1.7-fold higher for the adults,
3.8-, 8.7-, and 4.4-fold higher for the second instar nymphs, respectively,
than their top label rates. For the adults, LC90s of endosulfan, malathion,
methomyl, bifenthrin, and fenpropathrin were 55%, 17%, 46%, 53% and 80% lower
than their respective top label rates. Chlorpyrifos was not very effective
against the adults as indicated by its LC90 being 120% higher than its top
label rate. Susceptibility of the whiteflies to these neonicotinoid and
conventional insecticides is discussed.
The Impact of Spray Application Methodology on the Development of Resistance to Cypermethrin and Spinosad by Fall Armyworm Spodoptera Frugiperda (J. E. Smith)
*Ali Al-Sarar, Asarar@ksu.edu.sa, Franklin R. Hall, King Saud
University-College of Food & Agricultural Science, Saudi Arabia
The development of resistance to an insecticide under various type of
application methods has yet to be reported in the literature. Colonies Five
fall armyworm reared in the chamber for 10 generations before starting topical
application bioassay. From each FAW colony, 200-500 3rd -4th –instar larvae
were fed for 72 hours on corn plant sprayed with cypermethrin or spinosad at
minimum application rate (20 g ha-1) using the small droplet size nozzle
XR8001vs (VMD = 163µm) the large droplet nozzle XR8008vs (VMD = 519.1µm).
Surviving larvae were transferred to untreated corn leaves to complete their
life cycle. Next generation 3rd instar larvae of each colony were topically dosed
with technical cypermethrin or spinosad at 1µl/larvae and mortality recorded 24
hours post treatment. The results indicated that cypermethrin demonstrated an
insecticidal activity greater than spinosad and the cypermethrin LD50 lines
moved to the right faster than spinosad indicating an increased tolerance of
cypermethrin. Generally, larvae from all generations (F1-F7) under the XR8008vs
treatments were less susceptible to cypermethrin and developed resistance
faster and to higher levels than larvae from the XR8001vs treatments. The
confidence limits (95%) of LD50 for all spinosad treatments indicated there was
no significant difference from the LD50 value of the susceptible reference
strain. The results are a first indicating that application technology/
insecticide reaction may affect the rapidity of resistance development in
certain pest/ plant scenarios but field studies are needed to confirm this
conclusion.
P025
Development of Methods to Evaluate Susceptibility of Soybean Aphids to Neonicotinoids Insecticides
Leonardo Magalhaes, lmagalh1@unlserve.unl.edu,
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, has posed a serious threat to
soybean production in North America. The neonicotinoid insecticides
imidacloprid (Gaucho) and thiamethoxam (Cruiser) have been suggested as seed
treatments against this pest, but may exert high selective pressure. Therefore,
reliable techniques to quantify susceptibility levels among soybean aphid
populations are essentials to monitor resistance. We developed a methodology
which exposes soybean leaflets immersed in insecticide solution to evaluate
these insecticides under laboratory conditions. The results show that
imidacloprid and thiamethoxam produce very similar responses and are very toxic
to soybean aphid. These insecticides reduced the population growth at very low
concentrations (EC50s are 10 and 12 çg/ml for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam,
respectively). These results provide methods to establish baseline
susceptibility levels, which is an essential first step in resistance
management.
P026
Evaluation of Soil Insect Management Practices in Sweetpotato: Can Foliar Insecticide Applications be Eliminated?
*Mark R. Abney, mark_abney@ncsu.edu, George G. Kennedy,
Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Feeding injury to sweetpotato roots by wireworms and other soil dwelling
insects reduces root marketability and often results in serious economic
losses. Because of a low tolerance for damage due to this injury and the
difficulty associated with sampling these pests, the prophylactic use of foliar
insecticides is a common practice among sweetpotato producers. The current
study, evaluating more than 60 commercial sweetpotato fields in North Carolina
over two years, demonstrates that foliar insecticide sprays do not effectively
reduce insect feeding damage on roots. The incidence and severity of insect
damage on roots harvested from plots treated with preplant soil insecticides,
with preplant soil and foliar insecticides, and untreated plots in commercial
fields were assessed. Preplant soil insecticide applications resulted in
significant reductions in damage compared with roots from untreated plots.
However, the addition of foliar insecticides following preplant soil
applications did not provide any further reduction in damage over that observed
with soil insecticides alone. North Carolina producers are responsible for more
than 50% of the sweetpotato acreage grown in the U.S.; the elimination of
ineffective foliar sprays from standard production practices would lessen input
costs for growers and also reduce the amount of pesticides that are released
into the environment.
P027
Why Insecticides Are Not Effective at Reducing Wireworm Damage
*Juan M. Alvarez1, jalvarez@uidaho.edu,
T. Kuhar2, 1University of Idaho, Aberdeen, ID; 2Department
of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Painter,
VA
Wireworms are the most important soil-dwelling pest of potatoes in the U.S. In
the Pacific Northwest significant potato crop losses of 5-25% from wireworm
damage are common, with losses resulting in millions of dollars annually.
Growers in the U.S. rely on preventative soil insecticide treatments for
wireworm control. The 5 registered organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
are only moderately-effective often resulting in sporadic control of wireworms.
The Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of re-registering
pesticides under the requirements of the Food Quality Protection Act and could
eventually cancel some or all organophosphate and carbamate pesticides on
potatoes. We conducted insecticide trials for three years with the overall goal
of anticipating the possible cancellation of broad-spectrum pesticides by
determining potential chemistries that would reduce wireworm damage. All
insecticides provided poor or partial reduction of wireworm damage. Results
from our phenology studies showed that most damage to tubers occurs after
mid-June. This indicates that all the wireworm insecticides may be applied
prematurely (preplanting or at planting) because the wireworm damage is
occurring mostly at the end of the season when the effectiveness of these
insecticides has probably been reduced.
The Critical Role of IR-4 in Specialty Crop Pest Management
*Jerry J. Baron, jbaron@aesop.rutgers.edu,
Daniel L. Kunkel, Robert E. Holm, IR-4 Project Headquarters, Rutgers
University, North Brunswick, NJ
IR-4’s mission is to provide safe and effective pest management solutions for
growers of high value specialty crops, which includes most vegetables, fruits,
nuts, herbs, nursery and flower crops. The total value of these crops in the
U.S. is approximately $43 billion which represents 46% of the total U.S. farm
crop value. IR-4 has considerable expertise in, and focuses its effort on
chemical and biological pest management tools that require registration by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For over 40 years, IR-4 has been the
major resource for acquiring pest management tools for specialty crops by
developing data to support registrations. In 1977, IR-4’s mission was expanded
to include facilitation of registrations of crop protection chemicals on
nursery, floral, forestry seedling, Christmas trees and turf grass. In 1982,
biological pest control agents were added to IR-4’s mission. The need for IR-4
was reinforced in 1996 with the passage of the Food Quality Protection Act
(FQPA), which required the reassessment of nearly 10,000 pesticide tolerances.
EPA has given priority to the registration of replacements for organophosphate
insecticides with Reduced Risk chemicals, which has become a major focus of
IR-4’s effort. IR-4’s success rate is remarkable and the return on investment
of governmental funding for IR-4 is significant. Since 1963, IR-4 has developed
data to support over 18,200 food use and ornamental clearances. As the
agrichemical industry continues to undergo worldwide consolidation, IR-4’s role
will become increasingly critical for maintaining the efficient and competitive
production of high value specialty crops.
P029
Reduced Pesticides Use for Thrips Control in Onions with Pressure Regulating Valves and Spray Booms Attached to Manual Backpack Sprayers
*J. Mauricio Rivera C.,mrivera@fhia.org.hn,Luis F. Durán M., Departamento de Protección Vegetal, Fundación
Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA),San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Agricultural scenarios in which pesticides are applied via manually-operated backpack sprayers urgently need improvements in spraying technology as part of integrated pest management (IPM) schemes. A pressure regulating valve [PRVs (Model R3-8BSP, G.A.T.E., Fl., USA; 145 Kpa)] was evaluated on onions, fitted either to standard single-nozzle lance or experimental man-drawn four-nozzle boom configurations equipped with flat nozzles (SS-8002) and attached to a commercial manually-operated sprayer (output: 245 l/ha @ nominal pressure ± 262 Kpa). The prevalent pest, onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), was controlled using threshold-based insecticide applications. Although addition of PRVs to the single-nozzle and boom configurations did not improve thrips control, it reduced pesticidal mix usage by 29 and 21%, respectively. The boom, with and without PRVs, significantly (p = 0.5) reduced thrips population in comparison to the single-nozzle configuration (0.50 vs 1.07 and 0.50 vs 1.00 mean cumulative thrips/leaf, respectively). Boom use reduced labor by 58%, although it increased pesticidal mix usage by 29 and 44% without and with PRVs, respectively; addition or omission of PRVs had no effect on labor use. There was no statistical yield difference but configurations without PRVs produced more saleable onions as a result of less damage inflicted to the bulbs, while curing in the field, by late-season-hatching larvae of Spodoptera exigua; apparently, the higher pressure obtained without PRVs brought about this unexpected beneficial effect. Notwithstanding this effect, the PRVs and the boom showed advantages that, added to their low-cost, simplicity and ease of adoption, merit attention for their utilization in IPM schemes.
Mormon Cricket Control in Utah’s West Desert: Impacts on Non-Target Arthropod Communities and Implications for Vertebrate Species of Concern
*Becky Close1, tim_graham@usgs.gov, Anne M. D. Brasher1,
Tim B. Graham2, Mike Freeman1, Annie Caires2, 1U.S.
Geological Survey, Utah Water Science Center, Salt Lake City, UT; 2U.S.
Geological Survey, Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, UT
In rangeland ecosystems of the United States, Orthoptera (grasshopper and cricket) populations can rapidly reach levels that are economically damaging to land owners. Consequently, insecticides are applied to suppress cricket and grasshopper populations and protect rangelands. In spring of 2005 we began investigating the effect of diflubenzuron for Orthoptera control on non-target arthropods living in these areas. We sampled in three areas of the Utah West Desert to compare terrestrial and aquatic arthropod community structure (abundance and species composition): (1) Vernon and Ibapah, treated the previous year (2004), (2) Grouse Creek, treated in the spring of 2005, and (3) sites not treated with pesticides at all three areas. Eight terrestrial (with 60 pitfall traps at each site) and 8 aquatic (springs, ponds, and small intermittent streams) sites were sampled in each of the three areas, 4 in treatment, and 4 in untreated sites. Terrestrial sites were dominated by Acari (mites), followed by Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Aranae. Aquatic sites were dominated by zooplankton, followed by Ephemeroptera, Diptera, and Zygoptera. In addition to directly affecting aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate communities, pesticide use may have indirect impacts on vertebrate species (amphibians and birds) that rely on the invertebrate communities for food.
Biotechnology
P031
Utilizing a “Systems-Based” Approach for Evaluating Transgenic Pest Management Alternatives
*Clinton D. Pilcher, clinton.d.pilcher@monsanto.com, Todd A. DeGooyer, Robert J. Starke, Richard M. Cole, Monsanto, St. Louis, MO
Traditional means of evaluating pest management products have historically involved setting objectives that analyze one specific question that asks how the performance of one particular treatment compares to another using basic field experimental design. More recently, some academic studies have focused specifically on how multiple components of an agricultural system interact with one another and how those interactions might impact yield. Recent developments in biotechnology have allowed for the creation of transgenic crops that have built-in protection to multiple targeted insect pests or tolerance to certain herbicides. Decision-making timelines for certain pest management options continue to shift from a historically curative approach (insecticides) to a preventative approach (seed). Growers have experienced the added value of several of these traits individually and desire stacked trait options in combination with the hybrid genetics they purchase to grow on their farms. The decisions are becoming more complex because their pest management decisions must be made at the same time they are determining which seed genetics best fit their farm. In a few years, certain agronomic traits will be added that will help a certain hybrid mitigate environmental stresses that crop plants encounter during the growing season. Systems analyses attempt to compare specific trait and genetic system combinations in a way that will assist a grower with their seed-purchasing decision process. As more traits receive registration, several seed and biotech companies will be offering multiple system packages to their customers and we will discuss a few of those available options.
Towards Stacked Transgenic Virus Resistance in Tomato
*J.K. Brown1,
jbrown@ag.arizona.edu, C. Michael Deom2, Maria Mercedes Roca3,
Dale T. Krigsvold4, 1Plant Sciences Department, The
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; 2Plant Pathology Department,
University of Georgia, Athens, GA; 3Escuela Agricola Panamericana,
Honduras; 4Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola, Honduras
Previously, Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV)
(Tobamovirus) and Pepper golden mosaic virus (Begomovirus) were identified as
major deterrents to tomato production in Honduras. To counter crop losses
transgenic tomato lines have been produced with the long-term goal being
high-level ‘stacked’ transgenic resistance to both ToMV and PepGMV. Tomato
lines were transformed either with coat protein (CP) constructs (ToMV), or with
inverted repeat constructs (ToMV, PepGMV) that are expected to result in gene
silencing. Using the RNAi approach up to 80% of transgenic lines may typically
exhibit virus resistance. It is now the most common approach for inducing high
levels of resistance through gene silencing and the production of siRNAs,
whereas, the percentage of lines with high-level CP mediated resistance may be
lower. Approximately 70-80 transgenic open pollinated tomato (cv ‘Moneymaker’)
plants have been obtained for each target virus, and plants are under analysis
to identify lines having the most robust resistance to ToMV and PepGMV,
respectively. Using this combined approach, transgenic plants will be obtained
and used as the source of resistance for introgression through plant breeding
into locally adapted varieties, followed by their further selection toward
high-level resistance in tomato for the American Tropics.
Collaborative Research
towards Development of Transgenic Bt Eggplant Resistant to Leucinodes orbonalis
Guenee
*S. Mohankumar1, smohankumar65@yahoo.com,
D. Sudhakar1, V. Udayasuriyan1, S. Subramanian1,
D. R. Sudha1, T. Ramasubramanian1, P. Yasodha1,
Amit Kumar Mishra1, Sunil Martin1, Geetha Rajalakshmi1,
R. Babu1, P. Anandakumar2, Greg Welbaum3 and
Ed Rajotte4, 1Department of Plant Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India; 2NRC
on Plant Biotechnology, IARI, New Delhi, India; 3Department of
Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 4Department of
Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Transgenic eggplant expressing cry1Ab gene (Bt-Pusa Purple Long) developed at
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi was evaluated in greenhouse
and field condition during initial phase of IPM-CRSP collaborative research
program. The larval survival and the fruit area damaged by first instar larvae
of L. orbonalis in both Bt as well as non-Bt Pusa purple long egg plants were
recorded in transgenic glass house, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
Coimbatore. The area of damage was found to be less than 7.58% in Bt plants
analyzed as against 84.34% in non–Bt plants. In the field, the transgenic
Bt-Pusa Purple Long (Bt-PPL) recorded significantly lower shoot and fruit
damage than the non-Bt counterpart on 63 and 70 DAP (days after planting). The
fruit damage was however on par in Bt-PPL and PPL after 125 DAP. Significant
difference was not observed between the Bt and non-Bt cultivars with reference to
occurrence of Epilachna viginctioctopunctata, leafhopper, aphid, white fly and
natural enemy population besides yield. The Cry1Ab protein expression in leaves
shoots and fruits of Bt-PPL was estimated using pre-coated ELISA kit. Cry1Ab
protein expression in leaves, shoots and fruits was significantly higher on 80
DAP and subsequently decreased. Among the different plant parts, shoots showed
the highest expression at 63 DAP (2.04 ppm). Since the level of resistance is
not sufficient in transgenic eggplant developed with cry1Ab gene, use of other
genes or pyramiding with other genes was felt necessary. Bioassay experiments
with Cry2Aa (~65 kDa) proteins resulted in significant level of mortality of L.
orbonalis neonates. Hence, second phase was initiated with the major objective
of transforming eggplant (Co2) with cry2Aa gene and the work is in progress.
The cry2Aa gene cloned from an Indian isolate is codon optimized to produce Bt
eggplant through Agrobacterium mediated transformation. Co-transformation of egg
plants with Agrobacterium strain that contains two binary vectors one carrying
gene of interest and the other a selectable marker gene (kanamycin resistance
gene) is also in progress with a view to develop marker free transgenic
eggplant expressing Bt genes.
P034
PCR-based Synthesis of Codon Optimized cry2Aa Gene for Production of Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) Resistant Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Cultivars
*Rahul Gupta, welbaum@vt.edu, Richard Veilleux, Gregory E.
Welbaum, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis
Guenee) is a major pest of eggplant in Asia. Pesticides and conventional
breeding have not been effective in controlling the borer, so Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) strategies are needed. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is known to
produce a variety of insecticidal crystal proteins toxic to lepidopteran,
dipteran, and coleopteran pests. This study reports the development of a
codon-optimized cry2Aa gene, based on an Indian isolate of Bt, for the eventual
production of a fully resistant cultivar. The cry2Aa gene was modified for
optimal expression in eggplant using codon usage frequencies from sequences in
eggplant, tomato, and pepper. The GC content was increased from 34.3% in the
native gene to 41.3% in the optimized gene, thus removing the AT-rich regions
that are typical of Bt cry genes. Also, other mRNA destabilizing and hairpin
forming structural sequences were removed. The gene was synthesized in four
different parts with complementary restriction sites. A total of 152
oligonucleotides (oligos) were assembled into a 1.9 kb gene using dual
asymmetric (DA) and overlap extension (OE) PCR. The individual parts were
subsequently ligated, using complementary restriction sites, and inserted into
vector pCAMBIA 1302 in preparation for transformation.
P035
Microsatellite Technology as a Tool for Managing Insecticide Resistance in the Whitefly, Bemisia Tabaci (Biotypes B and Q)
*Cindy L. McKenzie1, cmckenzie@ushrl.ars.usda.gov,
Laura Boykin1, Frank Bryne2, Jim Bethke2,
Roberts G. Shatters, Jr1, 1USDA-ARS, U. S. Horticultural
Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL; 2Department of Entomology,
University of California, Riverside, CA
A new strain of Bemisia tabaci, “Q” biotype, was first detected in the U.S. on
poinsettias purchased at a retail outlet during December 2004 in Tucson,
Arizona. Although indistinguishable in appearance from silverleaf whitefly (B
biotype), these insects proved markedly less susceptible to insect growth
regulators and many neonicotinoids leaving few insecticide options for control.
To date (12/05) Q biotype has been detected in 19 states. Microsatellites,
relatively short tandem repeats of di-, tr- or tetra- nucleotides randomly
distributed throughout the genome, were used as markers to study relationships
among the U.S. populations of Q. The number of repeats at a particular locus is
highly polymorphic between individuals of the same species or biotype making
this a very powerful tracking tool that can be used for genetic fingerprinting
and paternity testing. This new technology allows you not only to detect the
presence of a particular biotype, but also determine where that insect
originated from and if it is a product of hybridization. This is an extremely
powerful tool when taken a step further and used with toxicological data
(insecticide profiles). For example, knowing that a whitefly population
infesting a grower in upstate New York came from a grower in southern
California whose insecticide profile has been extensively evaluated should
allow solid predictions on how a particular insecticide will perform on that
population a priori. Microsatellite data on the relationship of Q populations
collected throughout the U.S. are presented. Comparisons with Q populations
from the region of origin (Spain, Israel, Northern Africa) are provided showing
the nature of the emerging spread in the U.S., and application of this data to
insecticide resistance management are discussed.
DNA Markers for Identifying Bemisia tabaci B and Q Biotypes Originated from Various Locations in Israel
*Vadim Khasdan1, vadim@volcani.agri.gov.il,
Haggai Breslauer3, Svetlana Kontsedalov2, Shai Morin3,
Mario Rippa1, A. Rami Horowitz1, 1Department
of Entomology, Gilat Research Center, M.P. Negev, Israel; 2The
Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel; 3Department of Entomology, Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
The B and Q biotypes of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci are widespread in southern
Europe and the Middle East and considered important pests of field and
protected crops. Though these biotypes are morphologically indistinguishable,
they differ in their fitness and tolerance to insecticides. Hence, genetic
identification of these biotypes is of a special importance for developing
efficient control measures. Consequently, we have compared various DNA markers
in order to distinguish between these biotypes. The single RAPD (random
amplified polymorphic DNA) fragments of B and Q biotypes were used for
developing SCAR (sequence characterized amplified regions) and CAPS (cleaved
amplified polymorphic sequences) techniques, respectively. The CAPS were
investigated on the basis of nuclear sodium channel and mitochondrial
cytochrome oxidase I genes (mtCOI) sequence. Complete agreement was found
between the different markers used. Analysis of field samples collected from
various areas in Israel for several years, using the above markers, indicated
that under non-insecticidal regimes, B biotype was apparently more competitive
than the Q-type. Hence, analysis of our recent collections of B. tabaci samples
taken simultaneously from organic and conventional fields may support our
assumptions that the Q-type has higher tolerance to various insecticides than
the B-type and the latter exhibits higher fitness in untreated fields.
Advances in Anthracnose Stalk Rot Resistance
*Laura Abad1, laura.abad@pioneer.com, Petra Wolters2, David Stucker1, Paula Davis1, 1Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnston, IA; 2Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Wilmington, DE
Anthracnose stalk rot, caused by Colletotrichum graminicola, is the most significant stalk rot pathogen in North America corn. Early plant death and deterioration of stalks by anthracnose leads to loss in yield and increased risk of stalk lodging. Researchers at Pioneer have identified, mapped, fine mapped, and cloned a rare maize gene which provides improved resistance to anthracnose. Through the use of molecular breeding techniques, Pioneer is working to incorporate this valuable trait into North American hybrids which should be available commercially as soon as 2008.
Efficient Microbes ("EM") for Pest Management
Matthew Wood, matthew@scdworld.com, Sustainable Community
Development, Kansas City, MO
Sustainable Community Development work with a natural biotechnology that
utilizes beneficial and effective microorganism (EM) technology. We distribute
consumer product for human health and environmental sustainability. We also
work with progressive, environmentally conscious companies to co-develop
industry changing applications in the fields of human and animal health, crop
agriculture, and wastewater reclamation.
Host Plant Resistance
Chemical Ecology of the Sugarcane Beetle, Euetheola Humilis (Burmeister), Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae
*Tara P. Smith, tsmith@agctr.lsu.edu, Abner M. Hammond, Louisiana State
University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA
The sugarcane beetle, Euetheola humilis (Burmeister) was first documented as a
novel pest of sweetpotato in 2001 in Louisiana. Initial field observations and
reports from sweetpotato growers indicated severe damage in some fields
compared to adjacent fields with minimal to no damage by the beetle.
Entomological literature is replete with reports of volatile compounds produced
by plants that mediate plant/insect interactions. Sweetpotato plant volatiles
have been identified that are attractive to other pests of sweetpotato.
Experiments were conducted 2005 to define the aggregation behavior of the
sugarcane beetle, using a classical Y-tube olfactometer and other bioassay
arenas. Results indicate that beetles are significantly more attracted
(P<0.05) to host plant volatiles from both insect damaged and mechanically
damaged sweetpotatoes than to intact sweetpotatoes and that sweetpotato
cultivars may be differentially attractive to sugarcane beetles.
P040
Status of Soybean Aphid Investigations in Kansas
*John Reese1, jreese@ksu.edu, John Diaz-Montano1, William
Schapaugh2, C. Michael Smith1, Randall Higgins1,
Phillip Sloderbeck1, Leslie Campbell1, Jeff Whitworth1,
1Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS; 2Department
of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is an introduced pest of soybeans,
Glycine max (L.) Merr., in North America, and may reduce yields by 50%. Since
2000, when A. glycines was first detected in the US, studies of this insect,
possible control methods, and educational programs have been underway in
Kansas. Plant resistance to this species is one important component of
integrated control. Of 240 soybean entries evaluated, eleven had lower numbers
of nymphs produced when compared with susceptible control lines. Antibiosis and
antixenosis have been assessed in no-choice and choice tests, respectively.
Nine of these eleven entries demonstrated a moderate antibiotic effect, while
the other two showed antibiosis plus antixenosis. We view the results as
indicating these entries have strong potential as source material for soybean
aphid plant-resistance breeding programs. Other work involves studying the
inheritance of resistance, identifying molecular markers to screen for aphid
resistance, and identifying resistance genes. Plant populations will be
established and advanced in the field, greenhouse and winter nursery to
expedite the development of progeny for additional evaluation. We also continue
to respond to reports of significant aphid populations infesting commercial
soybean fields in Kansas. We joined the regional aphid suction trap network and
hope this tool will help us predict future population trends in production
fields. A wide variety of educational strategies are employed to keep soybean
producers, crop consultants, county agents, state and area specialists, plus
researchers informed of progress resulting from these efforts.
Comparison of Black Sigatoka Disease in Banana and Plantain Crops
*Danilo Vera1,dvera@tp.iniap-ecuador.gov.ec,Carmen Suàrez Capèllo1, Luiz Maffia2,
Mike Ellis3, Carlos Belezaca 4, 1Instituto
Nacional Autónomo de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Los Ríos, Ecuador; 2Universidad Federal de Vicosa; 3OARDC-WOOSTER,
Wooster, Ohio; 4Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ),Quevedo, Ecuador
In several countries, banana and plantain are part of the staple food and
sources of income and employment. Black sigatoka, caused by Mycosphaerella
fijiensis, is the most important foliar disease of both Musaceae, inducing
losses up to 100% production. The progress of Black Sigatoka was studied in
commercial crops of banana cv. ‘Williams’ and plantain cv. ‘Barraganete’,
during dry and rainy seasons, in Ecuador. In both seasons, area under disease
progress curve (AUDPC) on banana was higher than AUDPC for plantain. Values of
AUDPC were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season for plantain. In
plantains, disease severity was correlated with weather variables, measured
from one to four weeks before estimating severity. A significant correlation
was found between severity and both number of hours with temperature ranging
from 24 to 28 ºC and relative humidity higher than 90%, measured at four or
three weeks before severity assessment, in either dry or rainy seasons,
respectively. Severity was not correlated with rainfall. For Ecuador, this is
the first report of epidemiological studies of Black Sigatoka in the dry and
rainy seasons.
Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
Spinosad as an Organophosphate Alternative for Areawide Fruit Fly Control in Hawaii and Production of Organic Fruits and Vegetables
Roger Vargas, rvargas@pbarc.ars.usda.gov, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Hilo, HI
Protein bait sprays and the highly attractive male kairomone lures methyl
eugenol and cue-lure have been used in conjunction with organophosphate
insecticides in area-wide fruit fly campaigns worldwide. An effective spinosad
protein bait spray (GF-120) without an organophosphate insecticide has recently
been developed for area-wide control of oriental fruit fly [Bactrocera dorsalis
(Hendel)] and melon fly [Bactrocera cucurbitae(Coquillett)] in Hawaii. In
addition a male annihilation spinosad treatment has been developed for
area-wide suppression of oriental fruit fly and melon fly. These treatments
offer environmentally friendly alternatives to present organophosphate
formulations for eradication or suppression of fruit flies not only in Hawaii,
but throughout the world. Many cooperators in the Hawaii Area-Wide Pest
Management Program have employed these techniques to produce organically
certified fruits and vegetables.
P043
Increasing the Use of Low-Input Plants in Urban Landscapes
*Gretchen V. Pettis1, gmark@uga.edu, S. Kristine Braman2,
L. Paul Guillebeau1, 1University of Georgia, Athens, GA; 2University
of Georgia, Griffin, GA
The goal of this combined research and extension project is to simultaneously
encourage the demand, production and ultimate use of low-input,
horticulturally-desirable plants in southeastern landscapes. Use of low-input
plants from production through establishment would greatly reduce the pollution
potential associated with the high pesticide use necessary to maintain
pest-susceptible turf and ornamental plants. The research component will A)
identify and develop pest resistant or other lower-input plant material
suitable for the southeast and B) investigate, through surveys, interviews and
facilitated conferences, the most appropriate methods to facilitate location of
low-input plants and educate Green Industry professionals on the feasibility
and technical aspects of sustainable landscapes. The education and extension
component will 1) offer a database and software package in a user-friendly and
updatable web-enhanced format; develop the plant material source locator; and construct
instructional modules and 2) deliver programs via a variety of outlets such as
multi-state agent training, statewide and regional conferences for producers
and other Green Industry professionals, workshops for those involved in
landscape design, implementation and curriculum development, and field days and
"research on display" gardens. This research and education project
investigates the potential and addresses the impediments to using the
environmentally sound practice of host plant resistance as a foundational
management strategy for pests in urban agricultural production of amenity
crops. We hope to achieve the goal of increasing the use of low-input plants to
create sustainable landscapes, on a broader scale, by simultaneously engaging
supply and demand in a real-time, responsive, whole-system approach.
P044
Competitiveness of Erect, Semi-erect, and Prostrate Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Genotypes with Sunflower and Purslane
*Guangyao Wang, milt@ucr.edu, Jeff D. Ehlers, Edmund J. Ogbuchiekwe, Shengping
Yang, Milton E. McGiffen, Jr., Department of Botany and Plant Sciences,
University of California, Riverside, CA
The growth habits of the crop and competing weed species are important
determinants of crop-weed competition. Three cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]
genotypes with similar vegetative vigor but different growth habit were
assessed for their relative competitiveness with two weed species. ‘Iron-Clay’
(IC) grows erect, ‘IT89KD-288’ (288) is semi-erect, and ‘UCR 779’ (779) is
prostrate. Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), a short statured weed, and
common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), a tall species, were planted within
the cowpea rows. Sunflower reduced the leaf area, amount of light received, and
biomass of all cowpea genotypes. Purslane reduced the leaf area of 779 and the
biomass of 288 and 779, but the biomass and leaf area of IC was not affected.
The presence of sunflower increased the height of IC and 288, but the presence
of purslane decreased the canopy height of 779. IC reduced sunflower biomass,
while IC and 779 reduced purslane biomass. IC and 288 reduced sunflower leaf
area, while IC and 779 reduced purslane leaf area. The growth analysis of
biomass, leaf area, and canopy height of cowpeas and weeds showed similar results.
IC was the most competitive genotype, suggesting that an erect growth habit may
be more effective in suppressing weeds than semi-erect or prostrate growth
habits. Results were used to develop a simulation model based on INTERCOM to
help develop competitive crop varieties.
P045
Does Flowering Habitat Contribute to Insect Pest Management in Organic Production Systems?
*Mike Linker1, mike_linker@ncsu.edu, David Orr2, 1Crop
Science Department, North Carolina State University; 2Department of
Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Organic growers in North Carolina assume managed habitat improves insect pest
biological control. In 2000, a survey of organic growers found that the most
important research priority was “insect pests” and that beneficial insect
habitat was very high on their list of interests. For the last three years we
have addressed grower priorities by conducting on-farm and experiment station
research with commercial beneficial insect habitats. Additionally, we examined
habitats we developed based on literature, experience, and grower input. We
determined that commercial mixes were not suited to being grown in the
southeast. Problems documented include poor competitiveness with weeds, seed
quality, expense, and concerns with supplier recommendations for planting. All
commercial habitats were either completely eliminated by weed competition or
the integrity of the planting was compromised by the high proportion of weeds.
Pest and beneficial insects attracted to the habitat were monitored. A small
proportion of insects attracted to habitat plants were natural enemies that are
known contributors to insect management in surrounding crops. Planting a
commercial habitat around organic tomatoes did not appreciably affect beneficial
or insect pest populations. A more economical and weed-competitive combination
of millet, soybeans, and buckwheat was planted around organic cotton with mixed
results. The habitat attracted common beneficial insects but did not
significantly reduce pest insect numbers or crop damage.
Threshold-based Cover Cropping Strategies for Weed Management
*M. Murray1, mjm58@psu.edu, S. Mirsky1, W.
Curran1, D. Mortensen1, E. Gallandt2, 1The
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; 2University of
Maine, Orono, ME
This project focuses on decreasing the equilibrium density of the weed seed
bank by creating different management strategies that integrate tillage and
cover cropping practices. The study conducted in Maine evaluated five cropping
systems: fallow, oat/pea followed by rye/hairy vetch,
brassica/buckwheat/brassica, winter rye/hairy vetch, and oat/red clover. The
Pennsylvania location included one additional crop; soybean. To determine the
effect of cover crops on the weed seed bank, a synthetic weed seed bank of
common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), yellow foxtail (Setaria lutesens) and
velvetleaf (Abutilon theoprasti) was established. The germinable portion of the
seed bank was determined by exhausting the soil samples, measuring the
densities of weed species and assessing most abundant species in each plot.
Potential loss of weeds by invertebrate biocontrol agents was determined by
observing the activity density of Harpalus pensylvanicus, an abundant ground
beetle known to prey on weed seeds. Preliminary results from Maine indicate
that yellow foxtail and velvetleaf seed densities were highest in the oat/red
clover rotation and lowest in the brassica/buckwheat/brassica rotation. Results
from seed predator research in Pennsylvania indicate that the highest beetle
activity density occurred in the oat/pea followed by rye/hairy vetch rotation
with the lowest being in soybean. Meanwhile, peak H. pensylvanicus activity
density occurred during the beginning of August of 2005. In an effort to
determine if H. pensylvanicus activity density has an association with giant
foxtail, seed rain was monitored and found to peak in Central PA during the
period of October. The potential association between giant foxtail seed rain
and beetle activity density is still being determined.
P047
The BugScaping Game: Interactive Farm Planning for Conservation Biological Control
*Gwendolyn Ellen, gwendolyn@science.oregonstate.edu, Paul C. Jepson, Mario Ambrosino, Integrated Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
The BugScaping Game is a tool that helps farmers plan and implement
Conservation Biocontrol (CBC) practices. It is an interactive planning exercise
that stimulates players to think of the farm as an agro-ecological whole. The
goal of the game is to “scape” a farm to have an ideal configuration of
habitats for beneficial organisms. Players develop comprehensive lists of the
practices, elements, and what must be done to create them, actions. The
elements and actions are then graphically plugged into the game board’s
seasonal diagrams for discussion and review. By the end of the game each player
has a comprehensive picture of actions needed to adopt and adapt specific
elements, and when they need to happen. The poster shows examples of the
Bugscaping Game being played at a CBC educational faire where twenty-four
players had the opportunity to assimilate and apply new information they had
obtained at the faire. A second example shows a small group of southern Oregon
vegetable and tree fruit growers playing the BugScaping Game using the hosting
farm as the game board. The Bugscaping Game is an effective exercise where
farmers can share knowledge and experience in designing, funding, developing,
and maintaining CBC practices. It is a tool that can be used to recognize and
develop leadership in a farming community in a portable, versatile, and
repeatable manner.
P048
Organic Pest Management Solutions through the New Agriculture Network
*Joy Landis1, landisj@msu.edu, Dale R. Mutch2, Deborah
Cavanaugh-Grant3, Liz Maynard4, 1Michigan
State University IPM Program, East Lansing, MI; 2Michigan State
University, Hickory Corners, MI; 3University of Illinois Agroecology
Sustainable Agriculture Program, Greenview, IL; 4Purdue University,
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Westville, IN
The New Agriculture Network (NAN), www.ipm.msu.edu/new-ag.htm, was established
in 2004. This three-state network (Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois) enables
farmers, land grant universities (Michigan State University, Purdue, and
University of Illinois) and Extension educators to address organic vegetable
and field crop issues. We have formed a community of practice to support
organic and transitioning farmers through cooperative inquiry for systematic
learning about organic nutrition and pest control in Midwest field crop and
vegetable systems. Similar to growers, Extension educators and university
researchers interested in organic options find limited resources for
scientifically based advice that is scattered among universities and grower
groups. NAN provides timely information for Midwest conditions through its
stakeholder forum.
Bi-monthly conference calls are conducted for field crop and vegetable organic
farmers connecting farmers as advisors with researchers and educators. Each
conference call is followed with production of an on-line newsletter. It
includes timely articles written by researchers along with farmer reports from
each state. In 2004, university specialists wrote 41 articles and the site
received 5,009 hits. In 2005, specialists produced 43 articles and more than
7,500 hits occurred. In 2005, NAN farmers and researchers collaborated to write
proposals for an NCR-SARE Research and Education grant and a producer grant.
The research/education grant would develop an organic vegetable and field crop
production book and the farmer grant proposes to address organic weed control
in vegetables. Michigan State University also was awarded an USDA/CSREES
Integrated Organic Program grant that uses NAN as part of its extension
structure.
IPM for Field Crops
Integrating Pest Management Practices in Eastern Oregon: Potato Tuber Moth Case Study
*Silvia I. Rondon, silvia.rondon@oregonstate.edu, Sandra DeBanno, George
Clough, Oregon State University, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Education
Center (HAREC), Hermiston, OR
Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the most important potato pests worldwide. Typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, PTM was first detected in Oregon in 2002. By 2005, PTM spread extensively across Oregon and Washington and currently threatens about 200,000 acres of potatoes valued at more than $500 million. Because it is a new pest in this region, information on the distribution and biology of PTM in the Pacific Northwest is incomplete, hindering the development and implementation of effective control measures. Integrating management practices to control this pest in critical.
Development of an Integrated Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema Melanopus) Management Program in Oregon
*D. L. Walenta1, darrin.walenta@oregonstate.edu,
S. Rao2, B. B. Bai3, R. A. Worth3, K. J. R.
Johnson3, H. W. Rogg3, G. W. Brown4, 1Oregon
State University Extension Service, LaGrande OR; 2Oregon State
University, Corvallis OR; 3Oregon Department of Agriculture, Salem
OR; 4USDA, APHIS-PPQ, Portland OR
The cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) is a new pest of economic importance
to cereal grains and other grass-host species in Oregon and the Pacific
Northwest region. Cereal leaf beetle (CLB) continues to expand its range and
population levels throughout Oregon in the absence of natural predators.
Currently, insecticide application provides the only effective means of CLB
control. The PNW region lacks quantifiable information on crop yield impact,
economic threshold levels, monitoring tactics, and host-crop range of CLB. In
response to the CLB threat, a series of research, extension, and biological
control projects have been conducted in an effort to develop an integrated CLB
management program (ICLBMP) for implementation in CLB-infested areas of Oregon
and adoption in the PNW region. Projects to date include: determination of
winter and spring wheat yield impact, evaluation of host-crop preference,
investigation of economic threshold levels, evaluation of aggregation pheremone
for monitoring over-wintering adult populations entering cereal grain fields in
the spring, CLB biology and management educational programs, and active
participation in the cooperative Oregon CLB biological control program with the
Oregon Department of Agriculture and USDA-APHIS. The goal of the ICLBMP is to
provide management guidelines to mitigate CLB damage and economic impacts,
reduce production costs through judicious insecticide use, reduce the potential
for development of CLB insecticide resistance, and facilitate establishment of
introduced CLB parasitoid wasp species Tetrastichus julis and Anaphes flavipes.
P051
Development of IPM for a New Mealybug Pest, Ferrisia gilli, of Pistachios in California
David R. Haviland1, dhaviland@ucdavis.edu,
Robert H. Beede2, Kent M. Daane3, 1Kern
County, University of California Cooperative Extension, Bakersfield, CA; 2Kings
and Tulare Counties, University of California Cooperative Extension, Hanford
CA; 3University of California Berkeley, Kearney Agricultural Center,
Parlier CA
Ferrisia gilli Gullan is a newly describes species of mealybug that has become
a pest of pistachios in California. It was first noticed late 1990’s in Tulare
County. Initial infestations remained localized for several years and then
began to spread rapidly. As of late 2005, over 3,000 acres of pistachios spread
out over at least eight different counties have become infested. Due to the new
nature of this pest, very little was known about its biology, its affects on
the pistachio crop, or how to control it. Growers were making repeated
applications of the only registered insecticides, the organophosphate phosmet
and the carbamate carbaryl, with minimal success. As a result of the threat
this new mealybug posed to the California pistachio industry, we developed a
research and extension program to develop and promote IPM. Research on F. gilli
was used to determine its biology, when each life stage occurs, and where in
the tree the mealybugs are located. This information was coupled with
information on naturally occurring biological control and insecticide efficacy
trials to identify effective reduced risk alternatives to phosmet and carbaryl,
and when to use them. Information on the effects of mealybugs on yield and quality
have been used to determine economic losses from this pest, and correlations to
the density of mealybugs that caused those losses are being used to develop
economic thresholds. Lastly, extension programs are being used to educate
growers about this new pest and how to control it and slow its spread.
Decision Guides for Late Season Management of Tarnished Plant Bug in Midsouth Cotton using the COTMAN™ Crop Monitoring System
*T.G. Teague, tteague@astate.edu, N.P. Tugwell, D.M. Danforth, P.F. O'Leary,
University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, State University, AR
The capacity to identify the final stage of crop susceptibility to insect pests
in cotton is a major benefit to using the COTMAN™ crop monitoring system. A
crop which has accumulated 350 DD60s following physiological cutout has been
shown to be safe from new infestations of major fruit feeding insects including
boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman), tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens
(Fab.)) and bollworm (Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)). Studies with tarnished plant
bug (Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois) that have been underway in Arkansas
indicate that new infestations of tarnished plant bugs after Cutout + 350 DD60s
result in no significant yield penalty. Studies were conducted in furrow and
drip irrigated small plots from 2001 through 2005. Effects of bug injury on
crop earliness, final yield and fiber quality will be discussed.
Identifying Root-Knot Nematode Areas in Cotton using Soil Electrical Conductivity
*C. Overstreet1, coverstreet@agctr.lsu.edu, E. Burris2,
D. R. Cook2, E. C. McGawley1, G. B. Padgett3,
M. C. Wolcott1, 1Department of Plant Pathology and Crop
Physiology, Baton Rouge, LA; 2Northeast Research Station, St.
Joseph, LA; 3Northeast Research Station-Macon Ridge Location,
Winnsboro, LA
USA Alluvial soils predominate most of the cotton growing regions of Louisiana.
These soils vary in both soil texture and distribution of the southern
root-knot nematode. A study was initiated to determine if apparent soil bulk
electrical conductivity (ECa) could be used to predict where root-knot nematode
was likely to occur in fields. The initial site was a 78 acre field (Gin Ridge)
ranging in soil texture from light sand to clay. The Veris 3100 EC mapping system
provided a geo-referenced (GPS receiver) measurement of bulk soil electrical
conductivity at two soil depths, 0-1’ (30cm) and 0-3’ (91cm). Nematode samples
were collected from one acre grids in the field to establish incidence and
population estimates. Clay content was found to be highly correlated with
ECa-sh (R2 = 0.89). Root-knot nematode was found only in areas of the field
which had 18% or less clay and an ECa-sh reading of <30mS/m. The field could
easily be divided in two zones based on the ECa values. Zone 1 would be where
nematodes are likely to be present (66%) and zone 2 where root-knot nematode is
not likely to occur (34%). A number of nearby fields were included in the
study. These fields could also be classified into zones indicating where root-knot
nematode is likely to occur. Site-specific application of nematicides could
then be applied to only the areas of a field where the nematode has been
identified or potentially present.
The South American Rice Miner, Hydrellia wirthi Korytkowski:
A Case of a New Invasive Insect Pest of Rice in the United States
*Boris A. Castro1, bcastro@agcenter.lsu.edu, Wayne N. Mathis2, Tadeusz Zatwarnicki3, 1Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; 2Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC; 3Department of Biosystematics, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
The South American rice miner (SARM), Hydrellia wirthi Korytkowski, is a new invasive insect pest of rice in the United States. The species was first described from collections in rice fields from Peru and Colombia. It was reported for the first time in the United States from rice fields in Jefferson Davis parish in Louisiana in 2004. The species was then reported in different rice areas of Louisiana and Texas. The SARM is a shore fly (Diptera: Ephydridae). The only shore-fly species previously known to infest commercial rice in the United States was the smaller rice leafminer, Hydrellia griseola (Fallén). A field survey for the SARM was conducted in the most important rice producing areas of Louisiana in 2005. The objective of the survey was to determine the distribution of this new invasive species and to assess the severity of infestations in rice fields. The field survey revealed that the SARM is widely distributed in all the important rice producing areas of Louisiana. Higher infestations, i.e. those causing significant yield losses, were observed in coastal parishes including Acadia, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion. The insect was found at very low levels in other rice areas of central and northeastern Louisiana. This poster provides important information about the known field biology of the SARM in Louisiana and morphological descriptions of different developmental stages of this insect.
P055
A Kairomone Based Attract-and-Kill System Effective against Female Alfalfa Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Adult Activity
*Leonardo De A. Camelo1, leocamelo@wsu.edu,
Peter J. Landolt2, Richard S. Zack1, Daryl L. Green2,
1Washington State University, Department of Entomology, Pullman, WA;
2USDA/ARS, Wapato, WA
Insecticide applications and genetically engineered crops are commonly used
methods for controlling caterpillars of noctuid moths in North America. FQPA,
growing environmental issues, and worker safety related concerns have
instigated research and development of alternative approaches for controlling
these insects such as “attract-and-kill”. We have developed a series of floral
chemical lures from compounds derived of “moth-visited” flowers, which lures
both sexes of the insects. Attractants are dispensed from polypropylene vials
that provide controlled release rate for extended periods of time. A killing
station was tested in the field for use in combination with these lures as an
“attract and kill” system. Baits are implemented to reduce numbers of female
moths before they are able to lay eggs. Field trials were conduced in alfalfa
fields at the Yakima valley during the 2003 and 2004 growing seasons. Activity
of female Autographa californica adults in alfalfa fields was significantly
reduced by the use of 50 bait stations per acre containing the floral chemical
lure. Alfalfa looper moths demonstrated a high attraction rate to the killing
station on wind tunnel studies and an 80% mortality ratio when the insect
contacted the killing agent. We also demonstrated that numbers of eggs laid by
females was significantly reduced on a small scale field cage experiment.
Numbers of viable larvae on subsequent generation were also significantly
reduced. This system can be potentially adopted in vegetable and field crops
and development of new attractants can increase the number of insects targeted.
A Western Bean Cutworm Pheromone Trap Network and Scouting Advisory System
*Richard O. Pope1, ropope@iastate.edu, Carol L. Pilcher1,
Marlin E. Rice1, Brent A. Wilson2, Scott H. Jungman2,
Kevin L. Steffey3, 1Iowa State University, Ames, IA; 2Pioneer
Hi-Bred/DuPont-Midwest Region, Johnston, IA; 3University of
Illinois, Urbana, IL
Western bean cutworm (WBC), Richia albicosta Smith (Noctuidae), is an insect
that infests corn and dry beans. Historically, economically damaging
populations have occurred in western states, especially Colorado and Nebraska.
During 2000, producers in western Iowa observed cornfields with reduced yields
and damage consistent WBC feeding on ears; large WBC populations were confirmed
with pheromone trap captures in succeeding years. Additional trapping in
subsequent years determined the presence of reproductive populations across
Iowa and the first reports in Illinois and Missouri. In 2005, cooperators from
four states managed pheromone traps. Pheromones were supplied by the Iowa State
University IPM Program. Cooperators were recruited by Iowa State, University of
Illinois and Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Illinois, Iowa and northern
Missouri. Cooperators used an interactive website to post trap capture data so
that the information was accessible on a real-time basis. These data enabled
field scouts to track adult emergence and manage WBC. Also this trap network
expanded the known range of WBC eastward to the Indiana border and southward to
central Illinois and Missouri. A post-season survey of cooperators determined
that: *46% (18 of 39) reported they scouted corn fields based on trap data. *
Twelve of the 18 respondents who scouted found larvae and/or egg masses; eight
found larvae or eggs that exceeded the economic threshold of 8% of plants.
*Reporting cooperators projected corn yield losses from WBC damage at 125,000
bushels. An additional five cooperators reported WBC feeding, but could not
estimate losses.
P057
Effect of Spray Timing on Soybean Aphid Control and Soybean Yield in Michigan
*Michael Jewett1, jewettmi@msu.edu, Chris DiFonzo1, Martin Nagelkirk2, Michelle Brown2, 1Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; 2Sanilac County MSU Extension Office, Sandusky, MI
Soybean aphid (SBA, Aphis glycines) has had a dramatic impact on soybean production in the U.S. In 2005, an estimated 85% of Michigan soybean acres were treated for SBA at least once. One challenge facing producers is to properly time insecticide application. The current recommendation is to treat when SBA numbers reach the economic threshold (ET) of 250 per plant, with the population increasing towards the economic injury level (EIL) of 1,000 per plant. In 2005, timing trials were established to further test this recommendation. Whole-plant aphid counts and yield in plots sprayed a single time (= weeks of the season) were compared to aphid numbers and yield in treated (= multiple sprays) and untreated check plots. At one location, SBA numbers never crossed the EIL in any treatment. Yield at this site did not differ significantly between single-spray timings and the treated or untreated checks. At two locations, SBA numbers increased to more than 10,000 per plant in untreated check plots. Yield at these sites differed significantly by spray timing. Yields at spray timings at or near 250 SBA per plant were not significantly different from yields in the treated check. Plots sprayed too early or too late suffered yield loss compared to the plots sprayed at or near the ET. This study supports the current EIL and ET for SBA in vegetative to R4 soybeans.
Insect Days and their Relationship to Soybean Yields
*G. L. Andrews1, jrobbins@drec.msstate.edu, Jeff Gore2,
Dan Poston1, Jim Robbins1, 1Delta Research and
Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Stoneville, MS; 2Southern
Field Crops Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS
During the 2004 and 2005 growing season insect samples were collected from
soybean plots. Plots varied in size from four 38” rows 50’ long to 21’ wide and
50’ long. Twenty-five samples were taken from each plot. Theoretical sample
numbers for the days between sample dates were calculated using linear
extrapolation between each sample date and all samples were converted to
insects/100 sweeps. At each sample date the growth stage of the beans was also
recorded. These data allowed all samples both real and theoretical to be summed
over any period during the growing season. The sum of these samples is referred
to as insect days. By regressing yield and yield quality on insect days
relationships between these variables become evident. Yield was regressed on
bean leaf beetles, total stinkbugs (adult and 4 and 5 instar nymphs), and
3-cornered alfalfa hopper (adult and nymphs). Test weights and bean damage was
also regressed on insect days. In 2004 three tests by different researchers
showed negative slopes when test weights were regressed against stinkbug days
between stages R5 and R8. A soybean crop which accumulates 1000 stinkbug days
may lose 0.3 to 1lb per bushel based on these data. Current stinkbug thresholds
would allow 1000 stinkbug days in 41 days. In 2004 and 2005 regression of yield
on 3-cornered alfalfa hopper days (3 CAHD) showed negative slopes indicating
yield losses at 1000 3CAHD accumulated between stages R5-R8. At current
thresholds for alfalfa hoppers, 1000 3CAHD would be accumulated in 10 days.
P059
Development of Improved Management Options for the Soybean Stem Borer
*Randall Higgins1, rhiggins@ksu.edu, Lawrent Buschman1,
Phillip Sloderbeck1, Terutaka Niide1, William Schapaugh2,
C. Michael Smith1, 1Department of Entomology, Kansas
State University, Manhattan, KS; 2Department of Agronomy, Kansas
State University, Manhattan, KS
The larval stage of the soybean stem borer (SBSB), Dectes texanus texanus,
tunnels within soybean leaf petioles and plant stems. By season’s end, it has
moved to the plant base and may have internally girdled the lower stem. Girdled
plants lodge, especially under dry, windy conditions. Some Kansas fields experience
nearly 100% infestation on a yearly basis. To date, no High Plains- or
Midwestern-adapted soybean varieties exhibit effective resistance to the
insect. This poster will review methods developed for evaluating host
resistance to SBSB and summarize our progress in identifying potentially useful
germplasm. From 4- to 40-fold differences in egg laying scars among entries
have been documented under caged field and greenhouse conditions, respectively.
Differences in numbers of larvae also have been detected. Collectively, these
results indicate that antixenosis and antibiosis are represented. We also
recently demonstrated that two field-scale applications of lambda-cyhalothrin
can reduce SBSB infestation by 80%. We have also shown that a systemic insecticide
not yet registered for use on soybeans can effectively suppress or even
eliminate this pest. The latter discovery allowed us to determine that
tunneling of SBSB larvae causes a 10% physiological yield reduction,
independent of harvest losses caused by lodging. We hope to conduct a survey of
pest managers in soybean-growing states to determine the geographical extent of
this vexing pest problem. A wide variety of educational strategies are employed
to keep soybean producers, crop consultants, county agents, state and area
specialists, plus researchers informed of progress resulting from these
efforts.
Fall and Spring Development of SCN on Winter Annual Weeds
*William Johnson, wgj@purdue.edu, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Certain winter annual weeds have been confirmed as alternative hosts to soybean
cyst nematode (SCN) in the greenhouse. However, SCN development is known to
cease at temperatures below 10ºC. Thus, the potential interaction between
winter weeds and SCN in the field is limited to a short period of time in the
fall and the spring when both the nematode and the weeds are present and
active. SCN reproduction on purple deadnettle was recently confirmed at one
site in southern Indiana. The objective of this research was to determine the
distribution of SCN development and reproduction on winter annual weeds in the
North Central region. To address this objective, surveys were conducted in
Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Three sampling sites were chosen in each state to
represent a range of environmental conditions. Sampling occurred in both
mid-December 2004 and 1 May 2005. Four purple deadnettle or henbit plants were
removed from 5 locations within each field and transported to the laboratory
where SCN juvenile, cyst, and egg counts were performed. Fall SCN reproduction
occurred at all sites in fall 2004 but was generally higher at the southern
field sites. Reproduction of SCN in the spring was more limited than the fall
but juvenile presence within the root was higher. Thus, SCN reproduction in the
eastern Corn Belt appears to be widespread and SCN management programs in
fields with high populations of henbit or purple deadnettle should include a
winter weed management component. In addition, delaying burndown of winter
annual weeds until mid-May or later could allow spring-hatching SCN juveniles
sufficient time to complete a life-cycle and further enhance the effect these
weeds have on an SCN population.
Impact of Winter Weed Management and Crop Rotation on Winter Weed and SCN Population Density
*William Johnson, wgj@purdue.edu, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a threat to profitable soybean production in
Indiana and throughout the soybean growing regions of the U.S. Research has
shown that a number of winter annual weed species can serve as alternative
hosts for SCN. However, the importance of winter weed management in managing
SCN has not been documented. The objective of this research was to evaluate the
value of winter annual weed management on SCN population densities, winter
annual weed populations, and soybean profitability. Long-term field experiments
were established in fall 2003 at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education
(ACRE) in West Lafayette, IN and at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center
(SWPAC) in Vincennes, IN. The winter annual weed management regimes included
(1) no control of winter annuals in the fall or spring, (2) control of winter
annuals in both the fall and spring, (3) control of winter annuals in the fall
but not the spring, (4) control of winter annual weeds in the spring but not
the fall, (5) Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cover crop, and (6) winter
wheat (Triticum aestivum) cover crop. The SWPAC site has high weed and SCN
pressure while the ACRE site has low weed and SCN pressure. The only
significant treatment difference between the winter weed treatments on SCN
population density after 1 year was the annual ryegrass cover crop at SWPAC
where SCN was reduced from 5,940 to 3,480 eggs/100 cc soil. After 1 year, total
winter annual weed seed in the soil seedbank was significantly lower in
treatments where winter weed management tactics were utilized than the
treatment were weeds were allowed to grow uninhibited. No significant soybean
yield differences due to winter weed treatments were detected in 2004.
Late-Season Stink Bug Management Impacts on Soybean Yield and Quality
*Fred R. Musser, fm61@msstate.edu, Department of Entomology and
Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
Stink bugs are an annual pest of soybeans in the southern US, feeding directly
on the developing beans by piercing the pods and extracting plant fluids. The
holes created by the stink bugs also provide openings for secondary pathogens
to become established, causing further damage to the soybean. To minimize stink
bug damage, insecticides are commonly used when populations exceed established
thresholds. However, there is no consensus as to when control can be
terminated, with many growers stopping when soybeans begin to dry down (R7). To
address this issue, a trial was conducted in 2005 to test for any benefits from
insecticides or fungicides when applied at R7. Soybeans in field cages were
infested with stink bugs, mainly southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula), at
late R6 maturity and kept on the soybeans for 17 days. One day after
infes