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/NIFA
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
infestation, cages were treated with an insecticide, a fungicide, an
insecticide + fungicide, or left untreated (control). Soybeans were harvested
each week for three weeks to check for an interaction between treatment and
harvest date. There was no rain during the harvest period, so there was no
impact of harvest date. The application of insecticides at the beginning of R7
had no impact on yield, but had a positive economic impact through improved
quality compared to untreated soybeans. The application of fungicides in dry
weather had no impact on yield or quality so resulted in a negative economic
impact.
P063
Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed Population Identified in the San Joaquin Valley of California
*Anil Shrestha1, anil@uckac.edu, Kurt
J. Hembree2, Neal Va2, 1University of
California, Statewide IPM Program, Parlier, CA; 2University of
California Cooperative Extension, Fresno, CA
Glyphosate-resistance in horseweed has been reported in 10 states in the U.S.,
mainly in annual row-crop systems. However, we found that glyphosate-resistant
(GR) horseweed also exists on canal banks in the southern San Joaquin Valley
(SJV) and California is now the 11th state to report GR horseweed. Our study
showed that horseweed plants were resistant to at least four times the labeled
rate of glyphosate. The level of resistance to glyphosate, however, was
influenced by the stage of growth of horseweed at the time of glyphosate
application. There was a probability of controlling some of the GR horseweeds
at the 5-8 leaf stage with a 2x (2 lb ai/ac) or 4x (4 lb ai/ac) rate of
glyphosate. After the 18-21 leaf stage, the horseweed plants were able to
survive glyphosate application rates up to 4x. At later stages, even some
plants of the glyphosate-susceptible (GS) type escaped the lower rates of
glyphosate. Therefore, it is important to control horseweed at an early stage
of growth. This is the first case of a GR horseweed population in a non-crop
situation. The irrigation canal borders numerous orchards and vineyards and
growers have reported difficulties in controlling horseweed with recommended rates
of glyphosate in these perennial cropping systems. Although, existence of GR
has not been tested in these orchards and vineyards, glyphosate escapes of
horseweed have shown similar injury symptoms as the resistant populations along
the canal banks. Therefore, it is suspected that these orchards and vineyards
may contain GR populations of horseweed. Growers who solely rely on
postemergence products, such as glyphosate, for weed control in
environmentally-sensitive areas may have to modify their weed control strategy
to prevent the spread of these resistant horseweed populations. Close
monitoring and an integrated weed management program will have to be
implemented to manage GR horseweed biotypes in the SJV.
Guaranteeing Performance of Corn Rootworm IPM for Corn Farmers and Advisors
Thomas Green, ipmworks@ipminstitute.org, IPM Institute of North America Inc., Madison, WI
Economic risk is a major barrier to farmer and advisor adoption of IPM and other Best Management Practices. A new program available to corn farmers provides an income guarantee should corn rootworm sampling and threshold use result in yield loss. The program, in its second season of development, uses a check or comparison strip in fields that scout below threshold the previous season. The check strip is treated for rootworm with soil insecticide or plant-incorporated pesticide. The rest of the field is left untreated. Yield comparisons at harvest are made between the check strip and an adjacent strip, and compensation is provided any yield shortfall. This program joins performance guarantees for nutrient BMPs and conservation tillage available to corn farmers in several states. The project is a collaboration between the American Farmland Trust – Agricultural Conservation Center; Agren, Inc., Agflex, Inc.; IPM Works, Inc., and the IPM Institute.
IPM for Fruit and Vegetables
P065
Potato Variety Evaluations for Resistance to Potato Leafhopper
*John Mishanec1, jjm27@cornell.edu,
Abby Seaman2, 1New York State Integrated Pest Management
Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Albany, NY; 2New York State
Integrated Pest Management Program, Geneva, NY
In 2002, leafhopper arrived on upstate New York farms much earlier and heavier than normal. Once leafhopper arrives, if not controlled, it is only a matter of time before the crop is down and yields greatly decreased. As a result, the organic potato crop was devastated. Organic potato growers have few, if any, effective products that can be used to control leafhopper. Since 2002, a number of Extension Educators have been conducting field trials to evaluate potato varieties for susceptibility or resistance to leafhopper damage and yield reduction. Leafhopper numbers and hopper burn were evaluated weekly during the growing season. The potatoes were harvested and evaluated for quality and yield. We evaluated the potato varieties commonly grown by organic farmers as well as lines developed by the Cornell potato breeding program known to be resistant to damage and yield loss from potato leafhopper. We found a range of susceptibilities in the varieties commonly grown by organic farmers, with some nearly as resistant as the known resistant varieties. This research provides useful information for organic potato growers and is the first step in a long-term project to determine if planting mixtures of susceptible and resistant potatoes can alter leafhopper behavior and protect susceptible varieties from damage and yield reduction.
P066
Michigan Codling Moth Areawide Management Program
*Heidi Noordijk, Noordij3@msu.edu, Peter McGhee, David Epstein, Larry Gut, Amy
Irish-Brown, Michigan State University, Department of Entomology, East Lansing,
MI
We have demonstrated the feasibility of biopesticide-based areawide management
of codling moth in MI over the past two years using granulosis virus and insect
growth regulators in combination with pheromone mating disruption. The areawide
CM management program was conducted on ca. 800 acres of apple in 2004 and ca.
2000 acres of apple in 2005. The current areawide region is representative of
regions around the state where organophosphorous-based management programs are
failing to control CM, and growers are experiencing unacceptable levels of
worm-infested fruit at harvest. We are documenting the effectiveness of the
areawide mating disruption approach through direct comparisons with
conventional programs outside the project area, and farms outside the area
using disruption on individual blocks. Intensive monitoring of moths in
pheromone-baited traps has indicated steady declines in adult populations
across the areawide acreage. Larval injury to fruit was lowest in both growing
seasons in orchards using areawide mating disruption, higher in non areawide
mating disruption orchards and highest in orchards with no mating disruption.
The project will continue in 2006.
Alternative Pest Management Practices for Apple
*Donn T. Johnson1, dtjohnso@uark.edu,
Barbara A. Lewis1, John Aselage2, 1Department
of Entomology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR; 2Gerber
Products Company, Fort Smith, AR
The objective was to compare plum curculio (PC) damage in perimeter baited and
unbaited trees and damage by internal Lepidoptera in blocks receiving different
soft spray programs. PC damage in small to intermediate-size baited trees
exceeded that in unbaited trees. Standard-size trees had similar PC damage in
baited and unbaited trees. An IPM block used Isomate C-TT and sprays of Esteem,
Calypso, Intrepid and Diamond. A soft alternative block used Isomate-C TT and
mid and late season Cyd-X and Bt sprays. In 2004, 3M MEC-OFM sprayable
pheromone resulted in < 1.3 Oriental fruit moth (OFM) / trap / week in 2005
justifying no OFM sprays. Both blocks had predatory mites released in late May.
The IPM block peaked at 5 European red mites (ERM) / leaf on 1 June. The
alternative block never exceeded 1 ERM / leaf. From 2004 to 2005, the IPM block
dropped from 1.5 to 0.05% codling moth (CM) fruit damage with deep tunneling
and dropped from 1.8 to 0.75 overwintering larvae / cardboard strip whereas the
alternative block dropped from 12 to 0% CM frass damage with shallow tunneling
and dropped from 0.2 to 0.06 overwintering larvae / cardboard strip. Efficacy
studies found OFM damage lower in trees treated with Guthion, Calypso and
Entrust than with Javelin (Bt) and Cyd-X. CM damage in trees treated with Cyd-X
had less damage than untreated and Javelin treated trees. Cardboard strips on
trunks had less overwintering CM larvae in trees treated with Cyd-X or Javelin
than untreated trees.
The Use of Serenade MAX Biofungicide to Control Summer Diseases of Apples in the U.S.
*H. Brett Highland, bhighland@agraquest.com, AgraQuest, Inc., Nokomis, FL
Serenade MAX (active ingredient Bacillus subtilis) biofungicide (QRD 132,137,131,141,143,713) is a biologically based fungicide/bactericide for use on a wide range of fruit and vegetable diseases in the U.S. Serenade works through a novel mode of action by production of secondary metabolite lipoprotiens that prevent pathogen spore germination, disrupt germ tube formation and hyphal growth, and form a zone of inhibition where applied. This product is OMRI and NOP approved for organic use, can be used in IPM programs (safe on beneficials), has a 0 hour pre-harvest interval, and a 4 hour re-entry interval. Serenade has no restrictions on the number of applications per crop and can be alternated or tank mixed with most other products. Field testing in the U.S. over a two year period has shown excellent activity on a variety of summer "cover spray" diseases of apples, including cedar apple rust, powdery mildew, flyspeck, sooty blotch, bot rot, bitter rot, brooks spot, and the shoot phase of fire blight.
P069
Reduced Risk Tart Cherry Orchard Management Strategies for U.S. Tart Cherry Production
*Nikki Rothwell, rothwel3@msu.edu, Northwest Michigan
Horticultural Research Station, Michigan State University, Traverse City, MI
The overall goal of the project is to implement economically viable and environmentally sound pest management and production systems that significantly reduce reliance on broad spectrum pesticides while meeting high standards for processed tart cherries. The four major thrusts of the project include biointensive IPM strategies, stakeholder input, IPM adoption, and economic evaluation. Reduced insect management strategies included ‘softer’ pesticide chemistries to control cherry insects, such as cherry fruit fly (CFF) and plum curculio (PC). We conducted trials on nine farms across the state with two ten-acre blocks; one block was managed with a conventional program with organophosphates (OP’s) and one block with a reduced risk strategy, which included spinosad, indoxacarb, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid. In 2004 and 2005, we found no larvae in fruit at harvest, but orchards with heavy CFF pressure may need a post-harvest insecticide application. In addition to determining efficacy of these new chemicals, growers are concerned with the translaminar modes of action of these insecticides and potential residues. Two-spotted spider mites are another concern in the tart cherry system. In the RAMP program, thiamethoxam, one of the reduced risk insecticides in the neonicotinoid class, has been shown to “flare” plant parasitic mites in apple systems. Results from 2005 do not suggest that neonicotinoids flare mites in cherry. Economics of the RAMP projects have not proven as successful as the effectiveness of new products. The insecticide costs for the 2004 RAMP blocks are on average 2.5x or $51.00/acre more than the conventional blocks.
Integrated Pest Management Package on Olive Olive Fruit Fly Control in Albania
*Josef Tedeschini, Brunhilda Stamo, ipmcrsp@icc-al.org, Plant Protection
Institute, Durres, Albania
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Package on olive is a strategy of olive
pest control, developed in Albania by the Plant Protection Institute (PPI), as
a leader institution of a wide research consortium. The IPM package gives the
possibility to manage contrast the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera olea Gml), that
causes serious damage to the fruits and reduce the quality of olive oil. The
IPM package consists on an innovative combination of three different methods
for controlling olive fruit fly: - A specific monitoring system of olive fruit
fly, that could be easy adapted to different climatic conditions - the so
called “Attract and Kill” method, that involves pheromones and food attractants;
- cultural practices such as anticipated harvesting of olives, to prevent heavy
attacks of olive fruit fly; The “Attract and Kill” method applied on olive
groves indicated that this method has the potential to replace or reduce
substantially the insecticide treatments for the control of olive fruit fly.
The anticipated harvesting of olive has demonstrated to be a useful cultural
method that aid in integrated control of olive fruit fly. In order to have
optimum of olive oil accumulation, a good olive oil quality and in the same
time to avoid the high attack of olive fruit fly the best time to start the
harvest for cv Kalinjoti could be considered the first decade of November and
for cv Frantoi the first and second decades of October, depending on the years.
The Monitoring of Olive Moth (Prays Oleae Bern) in Albania, Loss Assessment, and Bio-Control with Bacillus thuringiensis
*Josef Tedeschini, ipmcrsp@icc-al.org, Brunhilda Stamo, Mendim
Bacaj, IPM CRSP/AL Project, Plant Protection Institute, Durres, Albania
The phenology of the male of olive moth population was studied during the year
2000-2003 in Vlora region by using sex-pheromone traps. Population dynamics of
olive moth is clarified and more information is now available to better control
this important pest. The olive moth catches showed three peaks, which for
different olive varieties were observed round the third decade of April, the
first decade of June and the second half of October. The observation made
during the carpophagous generation indicated different level of infestation
among the varieties. The high fruit infestation was observed in KMB variety
during June. The influence of olive moth on olive production was studied too
for the main varieties cultivated in Albania (Kalinjoti and Frantio). It was
observed that the fruit drop expressed in percentage of the total yield of the
trees was higher in Kalinjoti than in Frantoi variety. To control the olive
moth alternatives which will provide minor risk to the farmer and environment
are developed. In an organic production system the efficacy of the
bio-pesticides Bacillus thuringiensis was demonstrated. In this system the
number of natural enemies was higher compared with those in conventional system
where the broad-spectrum insecticide BI 58 (dimethoat) was applied.
Integrated Management of Thrips-borne Tospoviruses in Vegetable Cropping Systems in South and Southeast Asia
*Rayapati A. Naidu1, naidu@wsu.edu, David
J. Riley2, Kankanallu S. Ravi3, Chatchawan Chaisuekul4,
Scott Adkins5, 1Department of Plant Pathology, Washington
State University, Prosser, WA; 2Department of Entomology, The
University of Georgia, Tifton, GA; 3Mahyco Research Center, Jalna,
India; 4Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; 5USDA-ARS-USHRL,
Fort Pierce, FL
Tospoviruses (genus: Tospovirus, family: Bunyaviridae) are a group of
thrips-borne plant viruses that are emerging as a serious threat to many crops
in global agriculture and horticulture. It has been estimated that tospoviruses
cause global yield losses of about $US 1 billion in a wide range of crops.
Worldwide, at least sixteen different tospoviruses are reported as pathogens on
vegetables and other crops and at least twelve species of thrips
(Thysanoptera:Thripidae) have been confirmed as vectors of one or more
tospoviruses. In recent years, diseases caused by tospoviruses have
increasingly become a significant limiting factor in the sustainable production
of vegetables in smallholder farming systems of South and Southeast Asia (S
& SEA) region. Because registered insecticides give poor control of thrips
and the virus can be transmitted with only a few minutes of thrips feeding,
efforts to control diseases caused by tospoviruses through insecticides have
been mostly unsuccessful. The Integrated Pest Management-Collaborative Research
and Support Program (IPM-CRSP) of USAID has recently funded a
multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional project to conduct strategic research
on tospoviruses and vector thrips, develop robust and high throughput
diagnostic tools for accurate detection of tospoviruses in plants, and
strengthen institutional capacity in developing countries through training
programs and technology dissemination activities. It is envisioned that the
project outputs will strengthen the capacity of developing countries in S &
SEA to deploy environmentally benign integrated disease management strategies
for mitigating losses caused by tospoviruses.
Expanding the IPM Toolbox: Visual Soil Bioassays for Assessing Root Health and Soil Nematode Infestations
*Beth K. Gugino, bkg9@cornell.edu, George S. Abawi, John W.
Ludwig, Department of Plant Pathology, NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY
Increased incidence and severity of root diseases caused by soilborne pathogens
have contributed to poor soil quality and health, reduced yield, and lower
profitability of vegetable production in New York. Plant roots are the ultimate
integrators of their surroundings, thus they are good indicators of soil
health, in general. We have been using a soil bioassay with bean to visually
assess the soil suppressive capacity of target fields and implemented
sustainable soil management practices against soilborne pathogens (root
health). A minimum of 4 soil samples are collected per field or management
practice, planted to bean, and root health (root rot severity) is rated after
4-6 weeks on a scale of 1 (no disease symptoms, healthy) to 9 (>75% of roots
affected and at various stages of decay). Similarly, on-farm visual soil
bioassays with lettuce and cowpea were developed for assessing soil infestation
levels of the root-knot (Meloidogyne hapla) and lesion (principally,
Pratylenchus penetrans) nematodes, respectively. The severity of root-galling
and lesions caused by M. hapla and P. penetrans, respectively on roots is a
measure of the level of soil infestation, which is also rated on a scale of 1
to 9. Thresholds have been developed for several crops (onions, carrots,
lettuce) for guiding management decisions. These soil bioassays provide
cost-effective tools that can be readily integrated into IPM programs for
various crops for managing soilborne pathogens on as needed basis and for assessing
the general soil suppressive capacity. The participatory training of interested
growers and other personnel is currently on-going.
P074
Survey of Vegetable Insect Pests in Rice-Vegetable Cropping Systems in Bangladesh
*S. N. Alam1, entoipm@bdcom.com, G.J.U. Ahmed 2, A. K. M. Khorsheduzzaman1, A.N.M.R. Karim3, E. G. Rajotte4, 1Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur; 2Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh; 3IPM CRSP, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 4The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Surveys of vegetable insect pests and their on-farm management practices were conducted from 2000 to 2003 in seven intensive rice-based vegetable growing areas Bangladesh. As many as 14 kinds of vegetable crops were surveyed. Data were collected by visual observations as well as through objective-oriented, pre-fixed farmer questionnaires. Eggplant fruit and shoot borer (FSB), Leucinodes orbonalis, was the most prevalent and damaging pest of eggplant in all the studied areas. Three insects, which had insignificant incidence in the recent past, have become alarming pests of eggplant: white fly (Bemicia tabaci) and red mite (Tetranychus biculatus) in Jessore, Narsingdi, and Comilla regions, and jassid (Amarasca bigutella bigutella) in Gazipur region. The Jassid is highly prevalent during the dry periods, particularly from February to April. In Jessore and Comilla districts, where farmers apply pesticides indiscriminately, diamondback moth (Plutella xyllostella) has become a major damaging pest for cabbage and cauliflower. Spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata, was observed as a serious pest of hyacinth bean. In some areas of Narsingdi district, Prodenia caterpillar (Prodenia litura) appeared in outbreak proportions in teasel gourd crop. Use of insecticides was the sole control measure adopted by the vegetable growers in all the surveyed areas. The maximum amount of insecticides were used for controlling the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, followed by hyacinth bean spotted pod borer, cucurbit fruit fly, and diamondback moth, and the frequency of applications peaked during the humid summer season. Farmers put high priority and more attention for plant protection measures for high value crops, such as eggplant, hyacinth bean, cabbage and cauliflower. The farmers of Jessore, Comilla, and Narsingdi districts topped the list of insecticide users in higher amounts. Observations strongly indicate that many of the minor insects have attained major pest status because of indiscriminate pesticide use by the farmers.
P075
Advances in the Study of the Biology and Habits of Phyllophaga Obsoleta in Honduras
*Hernán R. Espinoza,hespinoza@fhia.org.hn, Arnold Cribas, Wilfredo Martínez,
Departamento de Protección Vegetal, Fundación Hondureña de Investigación
Agrícola (FHIA),San Pedro Sula,
Honduras
The white grub, Phyllophaga obsoleta, is one of the most important pests of
horticultural crops in the highlands of Honduras. Due to the cryptic nature of
the immature stages and nocturnal habits of adults, its biology and habits are
still not fully understood. Light trapping of adult P. obsoleta has been
suggested as a control measure assuming that gravid females are attracted to
them before they lay eggs. Preliminary field observations in 2000 indicated
that P. obsoleta females attracted to light traps had already deposited most of
their eggs. Systematic observations were conducted in La Esperanza, Intibucá, Honduras
in 2002 and 2003, between the first week of April and the first week of May, on
the reproductive status of adult females collected from the soil and on the
reproductive status and oviposition of females attracted to light traps after
adult emergence from soil. Gradual eggs development was observed in the females
collected from the soil, indicating that upon emergence, females have already
fully developed eggs in their ovaries. Nevertheless, in females attracted to
light traps the ovaries of those without mature eggs were empty. Moreover, of
ten male/female couples of beetles recovered from light traps and placed in
separate cages, only one female laid eggs, 16 of them. Previous studies
indicated that 67 eggs/emergence could be the potential for the species. From
our data we estimate that females attracted to light traps have already laid
around 90% of their eggs, thus light trapping is not recommended as a control
strategy.
Evaluation of Reduced-Risk Pesticides for the Control of Onion Thrips, Thrips Tabaci Lindeman, on Onions
*Jennifer Allen1, jennifer.allen@omafra.gov.on.ca,
Jeff Tolman2, Cynthia-Scott-Dupree3, Ron Harris3,
1Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Guelph ON;
2Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Southern Crop Protection and Food
Research Centre, London, ON; 3Dept. Environmental Biology,
University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Onion growers worldwide have experienced economic losses and control problems due
to onion thrips. In 2005, onion growers in Ontario, Canada experienced high
infestations and severe damage due to this pest. Research has shown that
populations from different onion growing regions in Ontario are resistant to
registered products and effective alternatives are needed. Foliar trials in
both commercial onion and research fields revealed that spinosad (350 mL/ha),
novaluron (1500 mL/ha) and pyriproxifen (750 mL/ha), reduced-risk pesticides,
significantly reduced onion thrips populations. Field trials revealed that
imidacloprid as a seed-, planting-water- or tray-drench treatment delayed the
development of onion thrips populations. Spinosad was successful at reducing
populations immediately after spray while the insect growth regulators, novaluron
and pyriproxifen, were most successful when applied early in the season when
numbers were low. Lambda-cyhalothrin (188.0 mL/ha), the industry standard,
consistently reduced populations in research fields; however, in commercial
fields it was the least effective insecticide tested. In addition to research
on foliar sprays, application of imidacloprid as a seed treatment (55.0 and
80.0 ml/unit seed), in planting-water or as a tray-drench treatment (4.0 and
6.0 ml/1000 plants) delayed development of economically important populations
in all years tested.
P077
Bacterial Wilt Disease
Control in Tomato by Using Grafting Technique
*Shahabuddin Ahmad1, suahmad56@yahoo.com,
M. A. Rashid1, Ataur Rahman1, A.N.M. Rezaul Karim2,
G. Luther3, Sally Miller4, 1Horticulture
Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur,
Bangladesh; 2IPM CRSP, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 3AVRDC,
Taiwan; 4Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
In Bangladesh, tomato is one of the most important vegetables, grown all over
the country mainly in the winter season in about 14,575 ha of land. The
productivity is however low, only 6.86 tons/ha. One of the main reasons of low
productivity is the serious infection of bacterial wilt disease (BW) caused by
Ralstonia solanacearum, resulting in high plant mortalities and poor crop
establishment. The disease is more severe when tomato is grown in early and
late winter periods because of the prevalent high humidity and higher temperatures
which are conducive to BW development. Presently, farmers have become
interested to grow tomato during the early and late winter periods as it
fetches them better economic returns. But, they fail to achieve satisfactory
production due to BW problem. In an effort to control the disease farmers rely
solely on repeated use of toxic pesticides without knowing the actual cause.
Recently, BARI has developed summer tomato varieties that have become popular
among the growers. Unfortunately, high degree of genetic resistance is not
available in the existing tomato germplams in Bangladesh. Grafting of
cultivated tomato varieties on the BW-resistant rootstocks of wild eggplants,
Solanum sisymbriifolium and Solanum torvum, has proved to be a highly effective
technique to combat BW problem ensuring excellent crop stand, higher yields and
better economic returns. Grafting of improved tomato varieties, such as BARI
Tomato-2, BARI Tomato-3 and BARI Tomato-9 which are popular among the farmers,
were highly compatible producing 95-97% grafting success. On-station trials and
on-farm demonstrations at different locations showed that the grafted tomato
plants suffered only 0 to 0.4% mortalities from BW as compared to 10-45%
mortalities in the non-grafted ones, and produced 36-56% higher yields (33-38
t/ha against 22-23 t/ha in non-grafted ones) and brought about 1.5 times
increased income. The most important aspect is the higher production of tomato
by utilizing the grafting technique with minimum or no use of pesticides. Farmers
have adopted this technique in several locations.
Effect of Plant Stand Density and Pesticide Application Technology on Insect Pests and Diseases of Bell Peppers
*Salvador Vitanza1, vitanza.3@osu.edu,
Celeste Welty1, Sally A. Miller2, Mark A. Bennett1,Richard C. Derksen3, 1Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; 2Ohio
State University Plant Pathology, Wooster OH; 3USDA-ARS,Wooster
OH
The impact of pesticide application technology and crop stand density on bell
pepper production was evaluated in a series of field trials, during 2004 and
2005, at the North Central Agricultural Research Station, Fremont, Ohio. In
2004, one trial tested three sprayers, at a speed of 8 and 4 mph, using
insecticides at half the recommended rate and one treatment at full rate.
Sprayers evaluated included an air-assisted electrostatic sprayer, a Cagle
sprayer equipped with AI-11005 or AI-110025 nozzles, and an air-blast sprayer
with XR-1003-VS or XR-110015-VS nozzles. In 2005, one experiment tested the
interaction of two application technologies, three planting distances within
row, and single vs. twin rows. Another experiment compared the Cagle sprayer
(with TJ60-11003 or AI-110025 nozzles) and the air-blast sprayer (with XR-110015-VS
nozzles), at a speed of 4 mph, and insecticides at half the recommended rate.
In 2004, the Cagle sprayer with air-induction nozzle, half rate, at 8 mph
obtained the highest fruit yield. There was not significant improvement in
European corn borer control by applying insecticides at full rate with the
Cagle sprayer. All treatments achieved significantly better bacterial soft rot
control than the untreated check. In 2005, the trials were terminated early due
to crop destruction by Phytophthora capsici. Red fruit weighed less at high
than at medium or low plant stand densities. Clean yield of red fruit was
significantly greater in single rows than in twin rows. Marketable yield of
green fruit was greater using the TJ60-11003 than using the AI-110025 nozzles.
A Multi-Tactic Biologically-Based Alternative Approach to Pepper Weevil Management in the Eastern United States
*Gerald E. Brust1, jbrust@umd.edu,
Charlie Mellinger2, Galen Frantz2, 1University
of Maryland, Salisbury MD; 2Glades Crop Care, Inc, Jupiter, FL
This study examined multi-tactic, biologically-based, integrated solutions for
pepper weevil (PEW) management. Four tactics were explored in the alternative
biologically based program: 1) Elimination of pepper weevil alternative
hosts-nightshade weeds, 2) Augmentation via a biological control
agent-parsitotoid, Catolaccus hunteri, 3) Usage of least toxic pesticides and
4) Monitoring nightshade areas and pepper weevil activity. Our results show that
by using the fully integrated approach of controlling nightshade, releasing the
parasitoid, monitoring the movement of PEW and using reduced risk insecticides,
PEW can be economically controlled. The key to success is judicious management
of the nightshade weed. When nightshade vegetation is not amenable to
eradication, it becomes a candidate for the C. hunteri release program. When
500 to 2000 wasps/A were released on a bi-weekly basis into nightshade
vegetation, PEW populations were reduced 76, 68 and 56% by the third year on
the 3 farms. With the reduced population size of PEW available to migrate into
the pepper fields, the reduced risk chemicals satisfactorily controlled the
in-field infestations. Scouting is necessary throughout the season and during
the fallow for the pepper crop and the nightshade vegetation to anticipate,
detect and evaluate infestations for best decision-making.
P080
Grafting Controls Root-Knot Nematodes and Increases Productivity of Eggplants in Honduras
*Jaime Jiménez,jjimenez@fhia.org.hn,Luis F. Durán M., Programa de Hortalizas and Departamento de Protección
Vegetal, Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA),San Pedro Sula, Honduras
In Chinese eggplants produced in Honduras for export to the USA the root-knot
nematode, Meloidogyne spp, is the most important soil borne pest and it is
controlled customarily with hard pesticides. Grafting on a compatible rootstock
is a proved “clean” practice to control soil borne problems in some crops. The
wild plant ‘Friegaplatos’ (Solanum torvum) was tested as a rootstock of Chinese
eggplants for two years to determine its effect on parasitism by Meloidogyne
spp and on crop performance. In 2003 the mean nematode soil count of five
sampling dates from plots planted to grafted eggplant were significantly lower
than non-grafted and non-grafted oxamyl-treated plots (166, 8186 and 5262
individuals/250 cc soil, respectively), as also was root galling index (7.9%,
71.5% and 62.3%, respectively); correspondingly, the weight of total and
functional roots was higher in grafted plants. In 2005 grafted vs non-grafted
oxamyl-treated plants were compared again at several plant population
densities. The most important benefit derived of grafting was the production
obtained from an additional two-month harvest period resulting from the
resistance to nematodes and extended plant vigor. The economic analyses of the
densities representing the commercially recommended densities for grafted and
non-grafted plants (3,334 and 6667 plants/ha, respectively) showed that grafted
plants yielded 66 % more commercial fruits per unit area than non-grafted ones
(71,107 vs 42,818 kg/ha) and presented an internal rate of return (IRR) of
150.35 %, compared to 103.16 % of non-grafted oxamyl-treated plants. A similar
trend generally occurred at the other plant population densities.
P081
IPM
Package for Controlling Fruit and Shoot Borer, Jassid, and Bacterial Wilt in
Eggplant
*S. N. Alam1, entoipm@bdcom.com, A.K.M. Ziaur Rahman1,
A.N.M.R. Karim2, E.G. Rajotte3, 1Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh; 2IPM CRSP,
Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, VA; 1The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
PA
On-farm demonstration trials were conducted during the 2003-2004 winter season at two locations in Bangladesh to establish an environment-friendly and cost effective IPM package to control fruit and shoot borer (FSB), cotton jassid, and bacterial wilt (BW) disease in eggplant. The IPM package consisted of the use of FSB- and BW-resistant eggplant lines, grafted eggplant seedlings (cultivated eggplant lines as scion and wild eggplants as rootstock), and sanitation. The FSB-resistant eggplant lines BL-114, BL-009 and ISD-006 showed high degree of resistance to FSB, cotton jassid and BW disease. Compared with the farmers' eggplant variety (Chega), the non-grafted resistant eggplant lines controlled FSB infestations by 68% at the vegetative stage and 58% at the fruiting stage, cotton jassid by 50-60% and BW disease by 66%. Bacterial wilt disease was controlled by 90-95% when the grafted seedlings of the FSB-resistant eggplant line ISD-006 or the farmers' variety (Chega) were used. However, grafting caused no improvement in FSB control with the grafted FSB-resistant eggplant line ISD-006 or the farmers' variety. Sanitation consisting of weekly removal and destruction of FSB infested twigs and fruits also contributed significantly to control FSB infestations by 16-41% at vegetative stage and 21-33% at the fruiting stage. The overall results showed that FSB, cotton jassid, and bacterial wilt disease in eggplant can be effectively and economically controlled through integrating the use of resistant varieties, grafting technique and sanitation in an IPM package.
P082
Preliminary Study on the Management of the Broad Mite in Chinese Eggplant with Predatory Mites
*Hernán R. Espinoza,hespinoza@fhia.org.hn, María Cándida Suazo,Departmento de Protección Vegetal and Programa de
Hortalizas, Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA),San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Chinese eggplant is an important crop for export to the US from Honduras. The
broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) is one of the main pest problems,
causing heavy losses due to scarred fruit, thus requiring constant pesticide
applications to prevent its damage. Between February and June 2005 a study was
conducted in Comayagua, Honduras, to determine the ability of the predatory
mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) to become established and control broad
mites in Chinese eggplant. On April 22 and 29, an average of 34 predatory
mites/m2 were released in a 1170 m2 Chinese eggplant plot
with naturally-established populations of broad mites. Population densities of
phytophagous and predatory mites and proportion of scarred fruit were
systematically monitored weekly, using a 4.5 x 5 m grid. The effect of
predatory mites on fruit scarring was observed two weeks after the first
release, and on the broad mite population it was observed one week later. The
plot where predators were released had significantly lower scarred fruit and
lower P. latus population than the control plot. This tendency was maintained
until the end of the experiment, the second week of June. In the last sampling
date, June 14, the plot treated with predatory mites had a uniformly
distributed population of N. californicus, with an average of 0.2 mites/10 cm2
of leaf area, whereas the population of P. latus was reduced to undetectable
levels. On the same date, the control plot had an average of 0.3 P. latus/10 cm2
of leaf area.
P083
Integrated Management of Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae in Bitter Gourd in Bangladesh—A Success Story
*M. Nasiruddin1, entoipm@bdcom.com,
S.N. Alam1, A.K.M. Ziaur Rahman1, A.N.M.R. Karim2,
E.G. Rajotte3, 1Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh; 2IPM CRSP, Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, VA; 3The Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
PA
The cucurbit fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, is the most damaging pest of as many as 16 cucurbit crops in Bangladesh. On-farm trials carried out from 2001 to 2003 showed that the cucurbit fruit fly can be effectively and economically controlled by using bait traps containing synthetic sex pheromone 'Cuelure' and mashed sweet gourd (MSG). Based on those results, large scale on-farm demonstrations for integrated management of cucurbit fruit fly were carried out in the bitter gourd crop during March to August in 2004 and 2005 at Nagarpur, Jessore. The IPM approach consisted of bait trapping with 'cuelure' pheromone and MSG, and clean cultivation. Fifty four farmers adopted the IPM practice in a total area of 5.5 ha in 2004 and 69 farmers in 6.9 ha in 2005. As a result of continual bait trapping practice for two cropping seasons, population of fruit fly as well as fruit infestation rates showed a decreasing trend. Samples taken at random from 15 bait traps showed that the number of fruit flies trapped per week in each trap decreased from 298 in 2004 to 78 in 2005. Similarly, the infestation rates decreased from 12.5% in 2004 to 9.7% in 2005. In 2005, the bitter gourd fields under IPM practice suffered only 9.7% fruit infestation as against 34.5% in non-IPM practices that received weekly insecticide applications. As a result of low fruit infestation, the IPM farmers were able to cut down the cost of fruit fly control (pesticide applications) by 80%, obtained 2.2 times higher yields (23.5 t/ha) as compared to non-IPM fields (10.9 t/ha) and received increased economic returns more than 5 fold.
P084
Strategies for Management of Phytophthora Blight (Phytophthora capsici) of Cucurbits
*M. Babadoost1, babadoos@uiuc.edu, S.Z. Islam1, C. Pavon1, D. Tian2, 1Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL; 2Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
A research program was established to develop effective strategies for managing
Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) of cucurbits by integrating cropping
rotations, seed treatment, field scouting, and fungicide sprays. In field
trials, seed treatment with mefenoxam (0.42 ml Apron XL LS/kg of seed) and spry
applications of dimethomorph (440 g of Acrobat 50WP/Ha) plus copper sulfate
(2.25 kg of Cuprofix Disperss 36.9DF/Ha) alternated with famoxadone-cymoxanil
(700 g of Tanos 50WDG/Ha) plus copper hydroxide (2.25 kg of Kocide-2000/Ha)
resulted in only 11.7% vine and 9.8% fruit infection, compared to 36.7 and
49.4% vine and fruit infection, respectively, in untreated plots. In commercial
fields, integration of seed treatment with Apron XL LS, field scouting and
disking localized infected plants, and spray application of Acrobat 50WP (440
g/Ha) plus copper hydroxide (1.5 L of Champ 37.5F/Ha) alternated with Tanos
50WDG (700 g/Ha) plus Champ 37.5F (1.5 L/Ha), at 7-day intervals, beginning at
first sign of Phytophthora blight, reduced yield losses to less than 10%,
compared to more than 50% yield losses in untreated fields. To evaluate
effective cropping rotations to minimize crop losses caused by P. capsici,
studies are underway to determine survival of the pathogen in soil. A
sucrose-centrifugation method was developed to extract oospores of P. capsici
from soil and determine their viability. The results showed that the
relationship between number of oospores recovered from soil and number of
oospores incorporated into the soil was Y = -1.311 + 1.472(X) - 0.0474(X2),
with R2 = 95.6, where Y = log 10 of the number of oospores recovered from soil
and X = log 10 of number of oospores in soil. Host range of P. capsici also was
determined.
Effects of Planting Density on Canopy Dynamics and Yield of Pickling Cucumber Grown for Once-Over Machine Harvest
*Mathieu Ngouajio, ngouajio@msu.edu, Guangyao Wang, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, MI
Narrow rows and high planting density in pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production have been reported to increase relative humidity in the plant canopy, which promotes fruit rot caused by Phytophthora capsici. However, most growers of once-over machine harvest pickling cucumbers have not adopted wide rows (and low planting density) because of potential yield reduction. This study was conducted to determine effects of row spacing and planting density on cucumber canopy dynamics and fruit yield. Cucumber densities of 88,000 to 330,000 plants ha-1 were obtained using a combination of four spacings between rows (30, 46, 61, and 76 cm) and three spacings within rows (10, 13, and 15 cm). Canopy evolution (% ground cover) was monitored throughout the growing season. Fruit yield was measured and economic value calculated. Spacing within the row did not affect canopy evolution over time. However, the canopy did close earlier when the between row spacing was 30-cm compared to 76-cm. Fruit set was a major yield limiting factor at low densities. When plant density decreased by 73%, fruit number only increased by 50%. Total marketable yield increased with density and the optimum density required to maximize economic value was between 220,000 and 245,000 plants ha-1, depending on selling price. Growers who are using 330,000 plants ha-1 could significantly reduce their planting density without losses in economic value of the crop. Low densities, especially in wide rows, could help reduce relative humidity in the plant canopy and potentially reduce the incidence of fruit rot.
Fate of Vine Mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) in Winery Waste
*Lucia G. Varela, lgvarela@ucdavis.edu, Rhonda J.
Smith, University of California Cooperative Extension, Santa Rosa, CA
Vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret), is an exotic pest in California
that has been found in vineyards in several growing regions and sanitation
practices are required to prevent further movement and reduce its incidence.
The waste from infested fruit may remain contaminated with viable insects after
pressing. There is a subsequent risk that vines may become infested when winery
waste (pomace and stems) is spread as mulch in row middles. Infested clusters
were added to 6 and 12 ton press loads of Grenache and Chardonnay grapes. Into
the press were placed mesh bags that contained single infested units of whole
cluster, rachis, or detached berries+rachis. Press regimen varied for each load
and pressures reached 1.8 and 2.0 bars in 4 and 3.5 hour periods respectively.
Post press, insects survived in all bags and severity of infestation ranged
from 229 (4.4%) to 1196 insects (23.1%) per bag. Vine mealybug (vmb) mortality
in winery waste was evaluated by placing mesh bags containing infested stems at
two depths inside four covered and four uncovered piles of pomace and stems in
the Alexander Valley AVA. A sensor recorded temperatures continuously at each
depth in all piles over a four week period. A stem bag was removed weekly from
each depth. Mortality of vmb ranged from 61 to nearly 100% after one week and
was a function of coverage and stem content. Insect mortality ranged between
99.99 to 100% for stems that remained in the piles for four weeks.
Approaches to Plantain
Pest Management in Andean South America
*Carmita Suárez-Capello1, csuarez@tp.iniap-ecuador.gov.ec, *Jeff Alwang2,
alwangj@vt.edu, *Danilo Vera1, Roger Williams3, Mike
Ellis4, George Norton5, Colette Harris6, Wills
Flowers5,1Instituto Nacional Autónomo de
Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Estación Experimental Tropical Pichilingue,
Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador; 2Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 3OARDC-WOOSTER, Wooster, OH; 4Blacksburg,
VA; 3Ohio State University, OARDC-WOOSTER, Wooster, OH; 4Virginia
Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 5Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL
Studies were conducted to evaluate control methods to manage plantain
constrains in Ecuador. The most important disease as define by producers was
Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis). Poor agronomic practices on
plantations of more than 30 years, debilitated by endemic populations of the
Banana stem borer, and a non define nematodes and viruses attack complete the
picture. Underlying it another problem was determined: the area could become
dependant on same chemical control being used on bananas, with relative success
since different responses to the disease from each crop were not being taken
into account. The IPM CRSP participation focus the problem from three different
angles: Defining causes of crop constrains from both the agronomic and socioeconomic
point of view; development of IPM practices to increase yield; and defining
channels to deliver technologies to farmers. Applying basic IPM practices
(choupon and weed management, replanting, sanitary leaf pruning, fertilization)
to the crop, improved the general well being of plantations: Plantain yield
increased more than 1.5 times, and rate of return of bunches, was reduced in
around two months. Natural resistance of increased, and a combination of
fungicides and forecasting of the disease reduce spraying frequency if and when
used. IPM practices plus the enthomopathogen Beauveria bassiana diminished
weevil population. A nematode survey of the area showed that Meloidogyne sp and
Helicotylenchus sp are the main nematodes in the region. Working with groups of
farmers, a series of Teaching units were prepared including photographs,
questions and experimental tasks that shows research results and biological
information related to plantain IPM.
Plant-pathogenic viruses affecting Solanaceous and Cucurbitaceous crops in Honduras are inadequately catalogued and poorly managed. Identification of the causal agent is essential for effective management of virus diseases. Between October 2001 and May 2005, 590 leaf tissue samples were obtained from solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants with viral disease symptoms in six vegetable crop areas. Depending on the year, the samples were assayed for either nine or eleven viruses belonging to four or five groups: Potyvirus (TEV, PRSV, WMV-2, ZYMV, PepMoV and PVY), Tobamovirus (PMMoV, TMV and ToMV), Cucumovirus (CMV), Tospovirus (TSWV) and Begomovirus. ELISA was used for all the RNA viruses and PCR amplification (universal primers V324 and C889) for Begomovirus. All viruses targeted were detected, with variations in their frequency depending on the year and season, site and crop. Every year a varying number of samples were negative to ELISA and PCR, an indication that pathogens yet to be identified, of viral or other etiology, are inciting disease in local crops. Pathogen identity allows the grower or IPM practitioner to implement one or more of the use-tested IPM methods available for specific virus-crop combinations, e.g., virus-free transplants, eliminating alternate hosts, crop rotation by site and season, no-crop periods, vector and symptom monitoring through visual and trapping means, thresholds, cultural practices to control mechanical transmission, etc. Further surveys are needed to illuminate the entire array of plant-pathogenic viruses in the vegetable production sector and provide the grower with the key information needed to control viruses through IPM.
Evidences of Weeds in the Albanian Olive Groves
*Bujar Huqi1, Endrit Kullaj2, endritkullaj@yahoo.com,
Shpend Shahini2, 1Plant Protection Institute-Durres,
Albania; 2Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
Olive groves in Albania are heavily infested with weeds. The main objective of a three-year study (2000 – 2002) which was carried out in Vlore was the monitoring of weeds every month, starting from May in an area of 100 ha with olive groves. On the basis of pedo-climatic conditions, aspect and altitude, this surface was divided into 5 sub-areas. In each sub-area, monitoring and measurements were carried out in random in 5 trees, using squares of 50 x 50 cm out of which the plant material was taken for determination purposes. This three-year study resulted that the main weeds infesting the area of Shamogjin, Vlore belong to the botanical families of Graminacea (Poaceae), Leguminaceae, Compositaceae, Rosaceae, Dispaceae and Ranunculaceae. Less common were the species of Caryophyllaceae, Umbelliferae, Gerzniacea and Linaceae, while the species of families Labiateae, Cruciferae and other families constituted a small proportion of the total plan coverage in the olive groves of this area.
The second experiment was carried out in two sites with 7 variants (planting with leguminous plants and rye; control; treatment with non-selective systemic herbicide; treatment with systemic herbicide; pasturing of livestock; tillage; and mulching). Each variant was repeated 5 times (5 trees with about 245m2 in total). The effects of all variants were measured and conclusions were drawn. Olive groves heavily parasitized with weeds could only be adequately controlled through chemicals while less infected ones were controlled with the use of mulching and cultivation with other crops.
IPM for Greenhouses and Nursery
FACIN, the New Frontier
*Hélène Chiasson, helene.chiasson@codena.ca,
Nadine Beloin,Codena Inc.,
Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
FACIN offers an excellent IPM solution for several crop protection situations
whether in the greenhouse, in turf management or with the home owner. FACIN is
a biopesticide product based on an essential oil extract and represents a new
class of acaricides and insecticides. FACIN promises to gain acceptance among
growers as well as consumers because of its broad spectrum of activity that is
comparable in efficacy to synthetic products and because of its high safety
profile. FACIN essential oil is extracted from a variety of Chenopodium
ambrosioides, a North American herbaceous plant and as with most essential oils
is volatile and subject to rapid degradation and therefore generally less
persistent in the environment than synthetic products. It is composed of
several compounds with several modes of action thus giving the added bonus of
potentially delaying development of resistance. Results demonstrating how FACIN
is an effective IPM tool in several ornamental greenhouse and turf pest
management situations will be presented.
Greenhouse Evaluation of Bacillus licheniformis SB 3086 for Control of Rhizoctonia on Vinca; Botrytis on Geranium, and Phytophthora on Poinsettia
Lee West, lwes@novozymes.com, Novozymes Biologicals, Salem, VA
Bacillus licheniformis SB 3086 is the active ingredient in the commercial
product EcoGuard. EcoGuard has been labeled for turf applications and
laboratory screenings have shown inhibition of several ornamental diseases.
This IR-4 funded study conducted at Auburn University looked at an ornamental
formulation of EcoGuard and in an IPM program for control of Rhizoctonia solani
on Vinca; Botrytis cinerea on Geranium, and Phytophthora drechsleri on
Poinsettia. This formulation controlled Rhizoctonia up to 70%, Botrytis up to
80%, and Phythophthora up to 75% in these studies. EcoGuard also improved the
efficacy of two standard chemistries used for these diseases when used as part
of a tank mix.
Greenhouse IPM for the Amish and Mennonite Community of Central Pennsylvania
*Cathy Thomas, caththomas@state.pa.us, Sarah Pickel, Wade
Esbenshade, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg, PA
An Integrated Pest Management/biological control (IPM/biocontrol) program was
developed for greenhouse growers in the Amish and Mennonite communities in
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Growers have shifted to greenhouse production
as a minor crop to replace or supplement income lost from tobacco production
and the low market prices being received. Amish and Mennonite greenhouse
operations involve the whole family and can include intensive use of
pesticides. Barefooted children working in and near their parents in pesticide
application areas is a concern to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Because Amish and Mennonite communities often travel by horse and buggy, their
ability to attend educational meetings is limited. Traditional broad-based
educational presentations using slides, overheads, videos or powerpoint are
forbidden by many sects of the Amish religion. One-on-one instruction has
taught greenhouse operators integrated pest management (IPM) and biocontrol
systems specific to their own operation. New techniques and changed attitudes
have resulted from a one-on-one approach creating positive changes in pesticide
usage. A successful IPM/biocontrol system replaced traditional pesticides with
biologically compatible pesticides, slowing resistance in target pests,
creating a safer working environment for the family, and maintaining quality
crops by increasing profitability when marketed as “pesticide free.” The
success of this IPM/Biocontrol project has created a demand for this
information in other regions of Pennsylvania with Amish and Mennonite
communities. This program has resulted in transferable technology that can be
used in greenhouses throughout the United States.
P093
IPM Technique for Nurseries: Subjecting Nursery Plant Cuttings to Hot Water Treatments as a Non-Chemical Control of Insects and Mites
*Stanton Gill1, Sgill@umd.edu, Paula Shrewsbury2, David Ross3, Chuck Schuster4, Ginny Rosenkranz5, Suzanne Klick1, Shannon Wadkins1, 1Central Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Ellicott City, MD; 2Department of Entomology, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, College Park, Maryland; 3Department of Biological Resources Engineering, Engineering and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; 4Montgomery Co. Office, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Derwood, MD; 5Wicomico County Office, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Salisbury, MD
Nursery managers are anxious to adopt effective, cost efficient methods of
non-chemically controlling pests. Concerns over worker’s unnecessary exposure
to chemicals has prompted many owners to look for alternative methods to deal
with insect and mite control that places less reliance on pesticides. Greater
regulation on the use of chemical pesticides has created an opportunity to look
to other methods of dealing with pests. The idea of using hot water treatments
to control pests on nursery cuttings is relatively simple but effective. Most
pests of ornamental plants can survive at high temperatures but there is
temperature windows which insect pests die and at which plant material is
tolerant. Funding from MNLA and NEIPM Group enabled us to build a portable hot
water immersion system that is economical, relatively easy to construct and
operate by nursery plant propagators. The system involves an instant hot water
heater that rapidly heats water to the proper temperature and re-circulates the
water around plant cuttings. Propagation plant material is placed in treatment
mesh baskets and placed in a re-circulating hot water system. Growers are
likely to adopt methods that are practical and easy to use – criteria which
this system meets. We tested multiple temperature and treatment times for 13
species of woody plant and herbaceous plant material, establishing threshold
temperatures that cuttings of these species can be treated without suffering
injury. We also evaluated the impact of hot water treatment on 4 different
insect and mites populations on plant cuttings taken.
Nipping the Problem in the Bud: Using IPM Techniques for Control of White Pine Weevil
*Jenny S. Carleo1, carleo@aesop.rutgers.edu,
Dr. Richard Cowles2, Brian Oleksak3, Pedro Perdomo4, Nicholas Polanin5, Dr. Mark C. Vodak6, 1Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension of Atlantic County; 2Research Scientist, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Windsor, CT; 3Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension of Sussex County; 4Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension of Morris County; 5Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension of Somerset County, 6Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension, New Brunswick, NJ.
A 2004 survey of New Jersey christmas tree growers revealed an average yield
loss of 10% to Pissodes strobi, or White Pine Weevil (WPW). Since registration
of the long-residual organochlorine insecticide Lindane was terminated, farmers
and landscapers have reported more WPW damage than ever before. WPW is known to
emerge at 7 Growing Degree Days Base 50 (GDD50). Preliminary data from 2005
indicate that although WPW activity coincides with the flowering of the
accepted Plant Phenological Indicator (PPI) Forsythia, it may not be reliable
as an indicator of WPW emergence. In New Jersey WPW was trapped after only 0.6
GDD50 at one location. It is also the contention of many farmers that Forsythia
bloom is highly variable and that Red Maple may prove to be a viable and more reliable
alternative. The objectives of this WPW study are to 1) evaluate Forsythia spp.
and Red Maple (Acer rubrum) as PPIs, 2) re-evaluate 7 GDD50 as an accurate
emergence time, 3) evaluate the Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) diflubenzuron as
an alternative control to the pyrethroid bifenthrin and, 4) educate Christmas
tree growers on IPM techniques, including GDD, insect identification, trapping,
and control options. In multiple locations across New Jersey, 2006 data will be
collected on temperature, flowering stages of PPIs, trap counts and chemical
and cultural controls. Educational workshops for growers on weevil
identification, the use and calculation of GDD, trap construction, baiting and
monitoring will present our findings.
Lethal Effects of Pesticide Mixtures on the Predatory Mite Neoseiulus cucumeris
*Heather E. Lash, hek@uiuc.edu, Daniel F. Warnock, Raymond A. Cloyd, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) is a predatory mite utilized in greenhouses for managing western flower thrips,(Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande). However, greenhouses oftentimes contain a diversity of pests such as insects, mites, and fungal pathogens, which require the use of multiple pesticides. In order to manage an array of pests, greenhouse managers often mix several pesticides. Information on the lethality of pesticide mixtures on N. cucumeris is lacking. This laboratory study was conducted to determine the compatibility of N. cucumeris with spinosad (insecticide), abamectin (insecticide/miticide), thiophanate-methyl (fungicide) and fenhexamid (fungicide), when mixed in all combinations. Deutonymph and adult stages of N. cucumeris were directly exposed to the pesticide treatments or a water control. Mortality after a 24 hour exposure period to the treatments indicated that pesticide mixtures differentially affected N. cucumeris survival. Overall, deutonymphs were more susceptible to the pesticide treatments than adults. Some mixtures had a higher percent mortality than either of the pesticides alone. Five out of seven pesticide mixtures containing spinosad and four out of seven mixtures containing abamectin resulted in at least 50% mortality of deutonymphs with the highest percent mortality being 68.8%. Thiophanate-methyl alone and in combination with spinosad or abamectin resulted in >35% mortality of deutonymphs. These results suggest that spinosad, abamectin, and thiophanate-methyl when used alone or in pesticide mixtures can reduce N. cucumeris populations. This information is important to greenhouse managers who want to use pesticide mixtures to manage arthropod pests and fungal pathogens without compromising management of western flower thrips with N. cucumeris.
Progress Made in the Development of IPM for Powdery Mildew in Ornamental Plants
*Margaret Mmbaga, mmmbaga@tnstate.edu, McMinnville Research Center, Tennessee
State University, Nashville, TN
Powdery mildew affects many ornamental plants; it reduces the aesthetic value
of plants, stunts plant growth and may kill young seedlings. Due to the vast
diversity of nursery plants and the difficulties in breeding for resistance in
tree plants, it is important that the available resistance be used in an IPM
system. The objective of our research was to identify components of IPM and
develop an IPM system for nursery production using flowering dogwood (Cornus
florida) as the model crop. Flowering dogwood is highly susceptible to powdery
mildew and the few accessions that are resistant require some fungicide
applications. An IPM approach that uses biorational compounds in fungicide
rotations has been developed. The use of household soaps (Ajax® or Equate®) or
insecticidal soap (M-Pede®) as surfactants for bicarbonate salt, Armicarb™ had
a synergistic effect and the combination was as effective as traditional
fungicides with no phyto-toxicity. Armicarb™ is labeled for use on ornamental
plants and the improved efficacy will likely enhance its adoption as an
alternative to fungicides. The Armicarb/soap combination was also evaluated in
fungicide rotations and was as effective as the best fungicide and reduced
fungicide use by 50-66%. Because nursery growers like the assurance of traditional
fungicides, an IPM system that incorporates a few fungicide applications is
likely to be better adopted. In addition to biorational products, biological
agents that are highly effective on powdery mildew management have also been
identified as additional IPM components for powdery mildew in ornamental
plants.
IPM for Urban and Residential
Update on Child-serving Facility IPM in Tennessee
*Karen Vail1, kvail@utk.edu, Mary Rogge2,
Martha Keel1, J. Pat Parkman1, 1UT Extension,
Knoxville, TN; 2UT College of Social Work, Knoxville, TN
Integrating IPM into schools is an essential strategy for limiting pesticide
exposure, yet this strategy does not reach preschool age children who may be at
even greater risk physiologically. To further outreach in child-serving
facilities in Tennessee, a three-component plan to reduce risk associated with
pests and pesticides in Tennessee’s schools and licensed child care centers by
increasing IPM adoption was funded by the USDA Southern IPM Grants Program.
School purchasing officers were trained to understand IPM and were provided bid
specifications to modify. Extension agents and Child Care Resource Center
personnel were trained to provide IPM workshops to child care and other
child-serving facility personnel using the train-the-trainer method as is done
with Master Gardeners. Finally, a state award/ recognition system and IPM
continuum is being developed to acknowledge child-serving facilities that
reduce pesticide risks and to market IPM in such facilities. This poster
summarizes our results to date.
Partnership for Successful Indoor IPM Implementation, A Strategy to Control Environmental Triggers in Households with Asthma
Marta Hernandez, mhernan1@health.nyc.gov, New York City Department of Health
Asthma Initiative, New York, New York
Community in general and households with asthma in particular, are constantly
exposed to indoor chemical and biological pollutants such as pesticides,
cockroaches, mice, dust mites, mold, etc, which might become asthma triggers
for those affected by asthma. According to the NYC Community Health Survey of
2004 conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in
New York City, 30% of households reported having cockroaches in their homes and
nearly 25% see mice or rats around their homes. This survey also shows that
pest infestation is often symptoms of housing disrepair. Traditionally,
landlords and tenants respond to pest infestation either by regular extermination
sessions, conducted by pest control companies, or by using over the counter and
illegal pesticide respectively. The problems with pesticide use are that
families are potentially exposed to these chemicals, even after they are
applied in their homes, and pests have become more resistant to pesticide.
Moreover, traditional pest control practices don’t target the building
structural aspects and human behaviors that contribute to pest infestation. The
success of a safe pest control practices must be a result of a collaborative
effort of those living and in charge of building management and maintenance.
The goals of this poster presentation is to present the collaboration between
the Indoor Integrated Pest Management Program at the New York City Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene Asthma Initiative, community health organization and
private pest control companies to promote safe pest control. This poster also
intends to create a ground for discussion among organizations that implement
IPM practices, government and communities to achieve effective partnership for
successful and safe pest control.
A New Look for Maryland's Online Residential Resources
Mary Kay Malinoski, mkmal@umd.edu, University of Maryland, Home and Garden
Information Center, Elliott City, MD
The Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) is committed to assisting
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic residents in solving their pest, plant and landscape
problems. The Center’s approach to this mission has been the development of
web-based self-help diagnostic tools and a gardening question submission
service. We recently redesigned HGIC’s web sites to improve the functionality
and update the appearance. The main HGIC site (hgic.umd.edu) includes a large
collection of online publications, timely tips, invasive species sections,
large collection of useful links and the popular “send a question” feature. The
Plant Diagnostic Site (plantdiagnostics.umd.edu) has been completely redesigned
and is now database driven with dynamic web pages and a custom search engine.
P100
Integrated Pest Management in Schools
Sherry Glick, glick.sherry@epa.gov, US EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs, Las
Vegas, NV
Pesticides are powerful tools for controlling pests. However, pesticides need to be used carefully and judiciously, especially when used in sensitive areas where children are present. Children are more sensitive than adults to pesticides. Young children can have greater exposure to pesticides from crawling, exploring, or other hand-to-mouth activities. Put simply, integrated pest management (IPM) is a safer, and usually less costly option for effective pest management in a school community. A school IPM program uses common sense strategies to reduce sources of food, water and shelter for pests in your school buildings and grounds. An IPM program takes advantage of all pest management strategies, including the judicious and careful use of pesticides when necessary. Since children spend so much of their day at school, integrated pest management provides an opportunity to create a safer learning environment - - to reduce children's exposure to pesticides as well as eliminate pests. EPA is encouraging school officials to adopt IPM practices to reduce children's exposure to pesticides. The EPA IPM in Schools Program builds partnerships with universities, who are developing training programs, school districts doing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pilot programs, and non-profit organizations developing IPM models and certification programs. The overall goal is to get schools to adopt IPM practices to control pests in their facilities.
Measuring the Success of School IPM in Texas
*Janet A. Hurley, ja-hurley@tamu.edu, Michael E. Merchant, Paul
Pope, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University, Dallas, TX
A statewide survey was mailed to 1,037 school districts in Texas during
December 2005. Since 1995, the state of Texas has required all public schools
to follow IPM practices. Texas’ model can be used for other states considering
mandatory IPM legislation; however, the impact and success of Texas’
regulations has never been extensively evaluated. Purposes of the survey
included assessing the current extent of adoption of IPM practices in Texas
schools compared to pre-1995. Assessing the impact of mandatory IPM legislation
on pest control budgets, pest complaints, pesticide-related complaints,
pesticide use and other objective measures of program success. In addition, we
attempted to assess the impact of the educational programs of the SWTRC for
School IPM on IPM implementation in Texas schools. The study is a
retrospective, statewide evaluation of the impact of school IPM legislation in
Texas. This survey evaluated the impact of ten years of the Texas school IPM
law, and looked at school adoption levels and other key indicators of program
success. Such a study will be helpful for enforcement agencies and legislators
objectively evaluating the impact of the Texas law, and will provide other
state and federal lawmakers with valuable information to inform the design of
additional state or federal mandatory programs. The Texas Structural Pest
Control Board who oversees the regulation of the school IPM law is under review
from the Texas Sunset Commission. This Commission is currently reviewing the
results of this study in order to make recommendations to the Texas Legislature
for 2007.
Pest Management in New York State Schools: What’s Happening?
*Lynn Braband, LAB45@cornell.edu, NYS IPM Program of Cornell University,
Rochester, NY
In 2001, New York State (NYS) public school districts were surveyed on the status of their pest management policies and practices. This statewide mail and phone survey was followed up with several dozen on-site interviews. Written pest management policies were common, but most districts did not have a pest management advisory committee. Generally, school boards, district administrators, teachers, and students had little involvement with pest management. The pest management plans for landscaping (trees, shrubs, flowers) were usually more loosely organized than the plans for structures and turf. Structural pest management was most frequently done by outside contractors. Pest management on school grounds was shared by school staff and outside contractors. Immediately before implementation of the NYS Neighbor Notification Law, at least half of the districts were already notifying usually by posting. The most frequently mentioned impacts of the notification law were little impact, reduction of pesticide use, and costly paperwork. When asked why their district was practicing IPM, the most frequent responses included meeting legal requirements, better pest management, health concerns, environmental concerns, and good citizenship. Most districts considered their pest management programs successful. The most common reasons given were fewer pest problems and pesticide reductions. The most frequently mentioned obstacles to practicing IPM in schools were food in classrooms, constituency apathy/resistance, funds, and heavy use of facilities. Long-term goals established by a Statewide School IPM Committee include the development of IPM curriculum, incorporating pest prevention in new facility construction, and incorporating IPM in teacher training.
P103
Education and Incentive Based Program to Accelerate Implementation of IPM in North Carolina Schools
*Godfrey W. Nalyanya, godfrey_nalyanya@ncsu.edu, Michael, G. Waldvogel,
Michael, H. Linker, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a safer and more effective approach of pest
control than calendar-based sprays that are predominantly used in public
schools. Although government and non-governmental agencies recommend or mandate
IPM to schools, the rate of adoption has been slow nationwide. In North
Carolina, the most sited factors contributing to this slow pace of adoption
include lack of time and money, lack of knowledge of IPM, poor communication
and coordination between departments and people in the school community. The
goal of this program is to increase implementation of IPM in North Carolina
schools by increasing awareness of pest and pesticide issues in schools, staff
training, demonstrating effectiveness of IPM and providing incentives to school
districts to implement IPM. This poster provides a synopsis of the School IPM
Program in North Carolina, current status of IPM implementation and future
initiatives.
IPM Budget Calculator: A New Management Tool for School Maintenance Departments
*Michael E. Merchant, m-merchant@tamu.edu,
Blake K. Bennett, Janet A. Hurley, Texas A&M University Research and
Extension Center, Dallas, TX
Pest-proofing and building repair are integral parts of IPM programs designed to reduce the need for pesticides in schools and other complex structures; however implementing such practices can be costly. Without being able to weigh the costs and benefits of various maintenance activities, schools can find themselves paying for practices that are only marginally effective. An Excel-based calculator was developed to help school decision-makers estimate the costs and pest-reduction benefits of various IPM-related actions. The calculator is built on a model for predicting pest risks based on facility inspection results and a history of facility pest problems. Default values are used in estimating costs of various maintenance actions; however these costs are easily customizable by the each user. Use of the calculator allows managers to prioritize needed building improvements based on pest management needs. Results of preliminary field testing of the calculator with Texas school districts are presented.
An Innovative Approach to Implementing School IPM in Arizona
*Jennifer L. Snyder, jsnyder@ag.arizona.edu,
Dawn H. Gouge, University of Arizona, Maricopa Agricultural Center, Maricopa,
AZ
Arizona’s school IPM program uses a model for implementation that incorporates innovations from the Monroe IPM Model ("A Worm in the Teacher’s Apple", Dr. Marc Lame) and the US EPA’s Tools for Schools program (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/). The approach draws from social science innovation theories and validated technical pest management strategies to create a sustainable, verifiable school IPM program. University of Arizona Urban IPM staff facilitates the bio-intensive nature of the implementation process, which begins with a demonstration pilot site. Education, awareness, and communication are emphasized as districts transition from a traditional pest control approach to one that stresses compatibility with existing staff functions. The approach is highly diffusible and transferable, both district-wide and regionally. Adoption of IPM is further supported by membership in a state-wide Children’s Environmental Health Coalition, coordinated by the University staff. The Coalition facilitates partnerships among district staff, involvement from federal and state agencies, the pest control industry, and incorporates technical knowledge and experience from a team of national IPM implementers.
Responsible Pesticide Use in School IPM
Angela Jamison, angela@communicopiapr.com, Communicopia, Wake Forest, NC
The judicious and responsible use of pesticides is an important component of
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools. Pesticides are crucial tools in
safeguarding children from dangerous pests and diseases. Pesticides should not
be considered as the first and only method to control pests, but they are
frequently an essential and sometimes the only means to reduce the threat of
wasps, cockroaches, rats, fire ants and other pests. Some organizations and
individuals want to ban or greatly restrict the use of pesticides in schools
and communities. They want schools to believe IPM can be accomplished without
pesticides. A 2003 report written by Beyond Pesticides states a school IPM
program can effectively prevent and manage pest problems without pesticides.
Safer Schools: Achieving a Health Learning Environment through Integrated Pest
Management, included 27 case studies from schools in 19 states that “do not
rely on hazardous pesticides.” When IPM coordinators from these schools and
states were contacted in spring 2005, they stated that pesticides were being
used as part of an IPM program in their schools. One who claimed pesticides had
not been used in over 18 months went on to say baits (that contain pesticides)
were used for school pest control. Non-pesticide means of pest control are
important but are often not sufficient on their own. Improved cultural
practices, maintenance and cleaning combined with pesticides when needed are
the best ways to safeguard the health and safety of children in school. These
components are the true essence of IPM.
P107
Reduced Risk Management of Golf Course Putting Greens
*Jennifer A. Grant1, jag7@cornell.edu, Debra Marvin1,
Frank S. Rossi1, Andrew Wilson2, Kathy Wegman2,
1Cornell University, Geneva, NY; 2Bethpage State Park,
Farmingdale, NY
We designed a project to provide information on the feasibility and performance of golf course turf managed with few or no chemical pesticides. The project is conducted on the 18 putting greens of the Green Course at Bethpage State Park, Long Island, NY. In its sixth year, the project is currently funded by NE IPM, previously by the USGA. Current golf course pest management practices (“unrestricted”) are compared with IPM and reduced-risk (previously non-chemical) management. Further comparisons are made between standard cultural practices and “alternative” practices that we believe will reduce turfgrass stress and thereby minimize pest problems. Total management systems, as practiced by turf managers are imposed, rather than focusing on individual technologies and isolated practices. Systems are evaluated for numerous aesthetic and functional factors including: greens quality, pest occurrence and severity, environmental impact of pesticide applications, golfer satisfaction, and cost. Pesticide applications on the IPM greens were 27-60% less than on the unrestricted pest management greens, and quality on the 6 IPM greens almost always equaled that of the unrestricted pest management greens. We were unable to consistently retain acceptable quality on totally non-chemical greens and therefore modified those systems to a reduced risk strategy as of 2003. Results from the first 5 years will be presented and discussed.
Management of Three New
Invasive Species in Hawaii: Cycad Scale, Aulacaspis Yasumatsui Takagi (Homoptera:
Diaspididae), Nettle Caterpillar, Darna Pallivitta Moore (Lepidoptera:
Limacodidae) and Coqui Frog Eleutherodactylus Coqui Thomas (Anura:
Leptodactylidae)
*Arnold H. Hara1, arnold@hawaii.edu,
Christopher M. Jacobsen1, Walter T. Nagamine2,
Christopher Kishimoto3, Ruth Y. Niino-DuPonte1, 1University
of Hawai`i at Manoa, Beaumont Agric. Res. Center, Hilo, HI; 2Hawai'i
Dept. of Agriculture; 3University of Hawai`i at Manoa, Department of
Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Honolulu, HI
Management of three invasive species to Hawai‘i has attained varied levels of
success. Outbreaks of the cycad scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Homoptera:
Diaspididae) occurred on all major islands from 1998 through 2004, virtually
exclusive to sago palms Cycas revoluta used extensively in landscaping. Within
2-3 months of initial infestations, Rhyzobius lophanthae (Blaisdell)
(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which was introduced in Hawai‘i in 1894 for
biological control of another scale, gradually brought A. yasumatsui under
control. The nettle caterpillar Darna pallivitta Moore (Lepidoptera:
Limacodidae) was first found in 2001, and is of concern for its painful sting,
voracious appetite, lengthy larval feeding stage, high fecundity, and wide host
range. A locally-established trichogrammatid wasp was observed depositing eggs
into D. pallivitta eggs but has had only limited effect on the nettle
caterpillar population in Hawai‘i. Efficacy trials of Dursban, Sevin, Dipel,
Decathlon, and Conserve at labeled rates demonstrated that while Decathlon and
Dursban were the fastest acting, all products tested were effective against the
larval stage. The coqui frog Eleutherodactylus coqui Thomas (Anura:
Leptodactylidae) arrived from Puerto Rico in 1988 and threatens agriculture as
potential quarantine pests, native eco-systems by competition with native
species, and the quality of human life by the males’ loud, persistent nocturnal
calling. For potted plant disinfestation, froglets and adults are killed with
exposure to a hot water shower (45ºC, 5 min) or vapor heat (45ºC, >90% r.h.,
20 min). Hydrated lime and citric acid solutions, approved by EPA, require
direct contact for mortality.
Bed Bugs in America: A Pest Management Industry Survey
*Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann1, jlg23@cornell.edu,
*Craig Hollingsworth2, chollingsworth@umext.umass.edu, Jeffrey Hahn3,
Laurel Hansen4, Bradford Kard5, Michael Waldvogel6,
1Cornell University, Farmingdale State University, Farmingdale, NY; 2University
of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA; 3University of Minnesota, St. Paul,
MN; 4Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA; 5Oklahoma
State University, Stillwater, OK; 6North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC
Bed bugs have become a significant economic pest in the many places where people sleep, including homes, rental units, hotels and college dormitories. Risks associated with bed bugs include sleeplessness, itchy bites, anemia, stress, and possible overexposure to pesticides for bed bug control. An increase in bed bug complaints over the past five to ten years throughout the United States indicates that there is a tremendous need for research and outreach. Our team developed a national perspective of the problem through a survey of the pest management industry. This project was designed to characterize the status of bed bugs as a pest of significance in the community environment. The survey tool was developed by a national group of entomologists familiar with bed bugs, and was administered by The Survey Research Institute at Cornell University. The survey was administered in six regions of the United States to gather information from the pest management industry about the prevalence of bed bugs, efficacy of control options, innovative techniques used by companies, and needs of the industry. Our goals are to direct scientific and public interest toward bed bugs as a significant (non-vector) public health issue to foster the development of standard best management practices and improve public awareness while reducing human health and economic risks associated with bed bug infestations.
Comparison of IPM and Baiting for Cockroach Control in Public Housing
*Changlu Wang, changluw@purdue.edu, Gary W. Bennett, Center
for Urban and Industrial Pest Management, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
The cost and effectiveness of a building-wide cockroach Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) program compared with bait alone treatment in public housing
was conducted in 2003. A total of 12 buildings (66 apartments) were treated and
monitored for cockroach infestations over 7 months. The buildings were divided
into two groups: bait treatment and IPM. Apartments in the bait alone group
were treated with Maxforce® FC Select and Maxforce® Roach Killer Bait Gel.
Apartments in the IPM group received flushing and vacuuming at the beginning,
sticky traps, educational materials, and gel baits. Effects of the treatments
were monitored using sticky traps (6 per apartment) at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 29
wk after treatment. Those apartments with high levels of infestations
(≥12 cockroaches in 6 traps) before treatment were used to compare the
IPM and bait only treatments. IPM resulted in significantly greater trap catch
reduction than the bait treatment. The IPM (n = 12) and bait only treatment (n
= 11) resulted in 100.0% and 94.6% reduction in trap catch after 16 wk. At 29
wk, only one apartment in the IPM group had a high level (>12 cockroaches)
of cockroach infestation. In contrast, 5 apartments in the bait treatment group
had high level infestations at 29 wk based on overnight trapping counts. The
cumulative cost of IPM was significantly higher than that from the bait
treatment. The median costs per apartment during 29 weeks were $64.8 and $35.0
for the IPM and bait treatment, respectively.
Performance
of Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System for Control of Subterranean Termites
at a Condominium Development in Southern California
*G.M. Getty1, ggetty@berkeley.edu, C.W. Solek1, M.D. Lees2, R.J. Sbragia2, M.I. Haverty3, V.R. Lewis1, 1Division of Insect Biology, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA; 2Dow AgroSciences, Granite Bay, CA; 3U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Berkeley, CA
The RockPointe Condominium Complex in Chatsworth, California, has had a long history of subterranean termite activity and termite-related homeowner complaints. A total of 7,327 Sentricon® stations were installed between October and December 2001 along the perimeter of 134 buildings and inspected monthly thereafter. Sentricon® stations with actively foraging termites present were immediately baited with hexaflumuron following label instructions. The active ingredient was changed to noviflumuron in April 2003. When feasible, additional stations were installed adjacent to the active stations to increase the rate of station discovery and enhance bait consumption. Within two months of installation, 41% of the buildings had stations that revealed visual signs of subterranean termite activity. These stations were then baited. This percentage rose to 90% after 6 months and 95% after one year. Of the 7,327 stations initially installed, 12% had subterranean termite activity. Comparing the newly active stations between 2002 and 2003 resulted in 70% fewer stations with new activity, likely the result of baiting. Since March 2004, a few stations have become active. A reduction in resident’s complaints of termites at the complex paralleled the reduction of termites in stations at the site. These results strongly suggest that the ongoing baiting program utilizing the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System has had a significant impact on the subterranean termite population at this site.
Zone Treatments Using a Non-Repellent Insecticide for Control of Nuisance Ants
*ElRay M. Roper1, Elray.roper@syngenta.com,
Bob Cartwright2, 1Syngenta Professional Products, Orem,
UT; 2Syngenta Professional Products, Moore, OK
Nuisance ants such as Ghost ants and Argentine ants are the number one pest
resulting in calls to Professional Pest Management firms for treatment of
structures. The most common practice for controlling these nuisance pests is to
create a chemical barrier around the structure by applying an insecticide to
the entire perimeter of the building including the areas around doors, windows,
and eaves. This practice results in the application of more insecticide than is
practically needed to keep ants out of the structure. Registration of the
insecticide, thiamethoxam (OptigardTM ZT) for structural applications, allows
for a targeted application of insecticide to a structure to achieve control
without applying a full chemical barrier. This is possible because Optigard is
non-repellent to ants so that they trail across treated surfaces. Optigard is
slow acting and highly transferable so that ants which have picked up residues
of thiamethoxam transport it back to the nest where it kills other ants in the
colony. Zone treatments applying Optigard ZT as a foam to voids where ants gain
entry to the structure, combined with a limited perimeter spray provide long
term control of nuisance ants. Further control is achieved by selectively
treating plants in the landscape which harbor honey-dew producing insects and by
pruning foliage around the structure so that it does not touch the structure.
The use of ant baits can help reduce ant pressure by reducing the size of
foraging colonies of ants.
Plant Health
A Taro Evaluation Program for American Samoa
Fred Brooks, f.brooks@ascc.as, fredbrooks@hotmail.com,
American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, AS
The leaf blight epidemic of 1993 decimated taro (Colocasia esculenta)
production in the Samoan Archipelago. American Samoa produced 357,000 kg of
taro corms that year, but yields dropped to 22,000 kg in 1994 and 5,000 kg in
1995. Taro cultivars resistant to the leaf blight pathogen, Phytophthora
colocasiae, were introduced in 1997 but were from one island, Palau, and
probably genetically similar. We therefore established a program to evaluate
putative blight-resistant hybrids with different genetic backgrounds and eating
qualities. These taro hybrids are from breeding programs in Southeast Asia and
Oceania, imported through the Regional Germplasm Centre in Suva, Fiji. After
the hybrids are multiplied in our tissue culture laboratory and prepared for
the field, agricultural agents select growers to participate in on-farm
evaluations. An initial meeting is held to introduce the program and decide on
a uniform method of cultivation and harvest. The growers raise the taro hybrids
on their farms while Land Grant staff measure growth and development and
estimate disease incidence and severity. In this participatory program grower
evaluations play a major role in deciding which taro hybrids will be introduced
to the islands. We also developed a complementary leaf bioassay that tests
young greenhouse plants for blight resistance. If laboratory results correlate
with those in the field, this method could be used for rapid evaluation of taro
breeding lines.
P114
Identification of Begomoviruses in Selected Vegetable Crops in Honduras and Guatemala
*J.K. Brown1, jbrown@ag.arizona.edu, Maria Mercedes Roca2,
Margarita Palmieri3, Jose Mauricio Rivera4, Jose C.
Melgar4, Dale T. Krigsvold4, Alfredo Rueda2, 1Plant
Sciences Department, The University of Arizona, Tucson AZ; 2Escuela
Agricola Panamericana, Honduras; 3Universidad del Valle de
Guatemala, Guatemala; 4Fundación Hondureña de Investigación
Agrícola, Honduras
Whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses (Begomovirus), potyviruses, and
tobamoviruses were found to be common economic deterrents to vegetable crop
production in Honduras and Guatemala, with losses estimated at 50-90%, However,
the majority of begomoviruses have not been identified, nor have the most
economically important viruses or their distributions been determined. Here we
report the results of a three-year study in which we examined the distribution
and determined begomovirus identity in selected vegetable crops as a major
USAID IPM CRSP objective. PCR was employed to obtain a 575 bp fragment of the
viral coat protein gene for which the sequence was determined. Provisional
virus identity was established by comparison with reference sequences of
well-studied begomoviruses, revealing the presence of Bean golden mosaic virus
in bean, Abutilon mosaic virus, Havana tomato virus, Pepper hausteco virus, and
several uncharacterized viruses in tomato, Pepper golden mosaic virus in pepper
and tomato, and Melon chlorotic leaf curl and Squash leaf curl viruses in
cucurbits. Begomovirus diversity was found to be highest in Guatemala; however,
a number of previously undescribed viral species or strains (<88-98%
%identity) were identified in both countries for the first time.
P115
Wheat Height and Canopy Input Radiation as Influenced by Wild Oat Interaction
*Farshad Abrahimpour Noorabady, farshadabrahimpour@yahoo.com, Islamic Azad
University, Ahwaz, Khozestan, Iran
In order to evaluate the interaction effects of wild oat on wheat in different
date of sowing and densities, a field experiment was conducted in Iran in two
years 2003 & 2004. The experiment was carried out as Split-Plot in a
randomized complete block design with four replications. The main factor
included oat date sowing at 9 levels, Four levels (16, 22, 26 November and 1
December) before time wheat sowing, one level (6 December) same time wheat
sowing and four levels (11, 16, 22 & 26 December) after time wheat sowing
and sub factor included wild oat densities at 6 levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80
&100 plant/m2). Time of wheat planting was 6 December. The
result showed that wheat height declined as wild oat plant density increased
and wild oat sowing faster than wheat. Amount of canopy input radiance
increased as wild oat plant density decrease and wild oat sowing by delay of
wheat. Increase densities and oat sowing before wheat led to decline LAI and
yield. The maximum amount of wheat height and canopy input radiance loss was nearly
35% in 100 wild oat plant/m2 and nearly 38% in 16 November wild oat
sowing date. The maximum amount of wheat yield loss was nearly 82% in same
density and sowing date.
IPM Related Programs and Initiatives
Twelve Years of Strawberry IPM in Maine: A Work in Progress
*David T. Handley, dhandley@umext.maine.edu,
James F. Dill, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Monmouth, ME
Strawberries are an important retail crop for small farms in Maine.
Historically, the crop was intensively managed, using fairly high levels of
pesticides to control insect and disease pests, including tarnished plant bug,
strawberry bud weevil, two spotted spider mites and gray mold. Because the crop
is frequently sold “pick your own” to customers and eaten unprocessed,
potential exposure to pesticide residue was potentially high, and consumers
coming to the farms expressed concerns regarding pesticide use. In 1993, the
University of Maine Cooperative Extension initiated a strawberry IPM program to
address the concerns of both farmers and consumers regarding pesticide use on
this crop. The program introduced pest monitoring techniques and economic
action thresholds developed in the northeastern states to selected volunteer
farms. Since that time the program has expanded to serve over 50 farms
statewide, and worked with other New England states to provide information
throughout the region. Nine sites within the state are now regularly scouted
and information is delivered to growers via weekly newsletters, e-mail, and web
sites. Annual pre-season grower meetings provide updates on monitoring and
management technologies. Applied research is an important part of this program,
cooperating with growers to evaluate plant pest resistance, low risk pesticide
efficacy and biological controls to reduce pest populations. Evaluations
indicate that nearly all participating growers have modified their pesticide
use as a result of the program. Most have seen an improvement in the crop
quality and profitability, and want the program to continue.
Growers Use Financial Incentives Available in USDA Conservation Programs to Implement IPM in Michigan
*Michael Brewer, brewer@msu.edu, Joy Landis, Rebecca Lamb, Amy
Irish-Brown, Nikki Rothwell, Dave Epstein, Norm Myers, Tom Dudek, Michigan
State University IPM Program, East Lansing, MI
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a powerful crop and environmental protection tool. Expenses incurred by growers are initial adoption costs and maintenance costs, and the expenses may be particularly high for IPM techniques that have excellent environmental protection value. The U.S. Farm Bill recognizes the environmental value of IPM by authorizing financial assistance to growers to increase their use of IPM techniques and other conservation techniques. The assistance is offered through two USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs, but conservation program specifications and lack of knowledge of the programs in the grower community are challenges in utilizing these programs for IPM adoption. This is particularly true for specialty crop growers faced with environmental and pest management challenges. From 2003 to 2005, Michigan State University, agricultural consultants, and commodity groups worked together to: a) recommend to NRCS program staff appropriate statewide financial incentive rates for IPM implementation in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and b) work with local NRCS staff to help growers apply to EQIP in five Michigan counties where IPM is an important farm management practice. As a result, funding for IPM implementation increased by more than five-fold statewide from when the project started in 2003. And in the five Michigan counties where activities were focused, 15% of EQIP funds in grower contracts were devoted to IPM. With this team effort, growers have responded to this opportunity to implement many IPM techniques: scouting, reduced risk products and application techniques, and non-pesticide management methods.
University of Florida's Plant Medicine Program: Five Years Old and Growing
Robert J. McGovern, rjm@ifas.ufl.edu, University of Florida-IFAS,
Plant Medicine Program, Gainesville, FL
The University of Florida-IFAS Plant Medicine Program (PMP), established in
1999, offers a unique multidisciplinary, professional doctoral degree, the
Doctor of Plant Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. The D.P.M. degree is conceptually
similar to the M.D. and D.V.M. degrees offered by the sister disciplines of
human and animal medicine, respectively. DPM students are required to complete
90 graduate credits in coursework and 30 in internship encompassing agronomy,
horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, soil science and weed science.
Approximately 1/3 of the coursework and internship credits are elective,
thereby allowing students to specialize by crop or other professional interest.
A certificate in Plant Pest Risk Assessment and Management has recently been
developed within the PMP that enables students to prepare for careers with
state and federal regulatory agencies. Thus far, 21 graduates have received
D.P.M. degrees and have begun to make contributions to many segments of agriculture.
Positions held by graduates include crop consultant, multi-county extension
agent, plant pest survey specialist, pesticide information specialist, plant
health manager and plant disease clinic coordinator.
Insecticide Resistance Action Committee—Resistance Management for Sustainable Agriculture and Improved Public Health
*Gary D. Thompson1, gdthompson@dow.com,
Nigel Armes2, Alan McCaffery3, 1Dow
AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN; 2BASF, Research Triangle Park, NC; 3Syngenta,
Bracknell, Berkshire, UK
The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) was formed in 1984 to
provide a coordinated crop protection industry response to prevent or delay the
development of resistance in insect and mite pests. The mission of IRAC is to:
- Facilitate communication and education on insecticide resistance; - Promote
the development of resistance management strategies in crop protection and
vector control to maintain efficacy and support sustainable agriculture and
improved public health. IRAC is implementing comprehensive strategies to
confront resistance through a range of activities. The aim is to keep all
classes of insecticides and acaricides as viable control options. By
maintaining efficacy, IRAC is dedicated to the support of sustainable
agriculture and vector control. IRAC has developed a mode of action
classification based upon the known ways in which different products act.
Effective resistance management (IRM) is dependent on reducing selection
pressure and IRAC has developed and recommends strategies that involve using
different modes of action. IRAC promotes product labeling to help growers
practice effective IRM through the use of alternations or sequences of modes of
action.
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Following the IPM Roadmap in a Multiple Minor Crop State: IPM Developments in Oregon
*Paul C. Jepson, jepsonp@science.oregonstate.edu,
Integrated Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Oregon growers occupy a number of distinct agricultural ecoregions, which between them produce over 200 commodities, mostly classified as minor crops. The climatic and geological diversity of the state delivers distinct assemblages of pests, diseases and weeds, into environments that vary enormously in their capacity to tolerate the adverse impacts of pest control practices, including pesticides, cultural practices and biological control agents. Oregonians are leaders in the development of sustainable land-use practices, but with a small population and limited resources, IPM must advance through careful prioritization, consensus building, multi-state and multi-agency collaboration, and constant innovation. Several new programs are highlighted: Regional collaboration in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is illustrated by summarizing the composition and programs of the Western IPM Center Weather Workgroup, the Western IPM Center PNW Workgroup and the PNW PMSP regional program, housed at OSU. Regional collaboration that integrates IPM with water quality, nutrient management and farm conservation planning is illustrated by a summary of a large scale educational program (the iSNAP Program), that brings tools for pest and nutrient management to grower and agricultural professional audiences. Novel IPM information delivery throughout the PNW is illustrated by reference to the on-line PNW IPM Handbooks Regional (and national) pest and disease risk and phenology modeling is illustrated with examples from the Internet-based services housed within the IPPC. Biological control and the development of IPM support for the expanding organic sector is illustrated by a focus on the IPPC “Farmscaping for Beneficials” Program
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USAEC IPM Program
*Sandra Alvey, sandra.alvey@us.army.mil, Herb Bolton, USAEC, Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD
The Army is responsible for organizing, training, supplying, equipping and mobilizing forces for assignment in support the Department of Defense (DOD) mission to provide the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States. Executing this mission requires efficient and effective use of resources in a manner that ensures operational and environmental sustainability. The Army IPM Program directly supports this mission by protecting Army personnel from vector-borne disease and Army property from pest damage. Army IPM Program: INVESTMENT AND PROGRESS The magnitude of the Army’s challenge in complying with the requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act—including the requirement to use IPM—is reflected in the sheer number of buildings/structures (US: 796 million sq ft; OCONUS: 204 million sq ft), and acreage (US: 15,245,347 acres; OCONUS: 231,072 acres) that have been entrusted to its care. This challenge has also been confounded by emerging vector-borne diseases and the extensive spread of invasive species on training lands. In the past ten years, the Army has developed a solid IPM program. Significant achievements include publication of AR 200-5 Pest Management in 1999, meeting EPA’s training and certification requirements, institution of streamlined processes to review IPM plans and pesticide use, and several innovative initiatives (IPM-in-CDCs, 4-Poster tick control project, and the Yellow Star Thistle control project) to demonstrate IPM techniques. Our short and long-term challenges are to: · Protects the health and well being of our military and their dependents, civilians, and contractors from injury and disease by insects, ticks, rodents, birds and snakes and the diseases they may carry; · Enhance readiness by sustaining and improving installation infrastructure and ranges. Protect millions of acres of natural resources on which the Army trains and for which it serves as steward from degradation by invasive species, natural enemies and mismanagement. Army IPM Program: VISION. Our vision is to be recognized nationally as a leader and innovator in approaches to develop and implement cost effective, sustainable, and environmentally safe pest management practices in which to prevent or limit the risks of human disease, injury, and damage to property and training resources, as well as materiel and natural resources by pest species at Army installations.
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Integrated Pest Management in the National Park Service (NPS)
*Carol DiSalvo, carol_disalvo@nps.gov, National Park Service
IPM Program, Washington, DC
What is a Pest? “Pests are living organisms that interfere with the purpose or
management objectives of the specific site within a park, or that jeopardize
human health or safety. Pests should be managed on a case by case basis with
management strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of the
individual site. The NPS implements a nationwide Integrated Pest Management
Program to reduce risk from pests and pest management related activities,
affecting the public, employees, park resources and the environment. IPM is a
risk reduction process which coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental
information and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest
damage by the most economical means and posing the least possible risk to
people, property, resources and the environment. The NPS IPM Program addresses
pest issues from all divisions: natural and cultural resource management,
maintenance, concessions, and public health. Each pest issues is investigated
individually and reviewed on a case by case basis. IPM Coordinators work
cooperatively with other NPS divisions, federal, state, local and academic
experts to ensure that the selected pest management approach is the most
effective and presents the least risk. If a pesticide is proposed as part of an
IPM program the IPM Coordinators review the proposal (approve or deny it) and
provide additional technical guidance, and track pesticide use through the NPS
PUPS (Pesticide Use Proposal System). The NPS IPM Program is staffed with
10-Regional and Servicewide IPM Coordinators. All IPM Coordinators have
technical skills in pest management, specific training in the IPM Process,
extensive experience in NPS pplicy,and hold a valid state pesticide
applicator’s license. The NPS IPM Program is available to provide technical
assistance and guidance in all pest management arenas including vegetation management
in natural, cultural and developed areas, public health pests, structural pests
and agricultural pest issues. Assistance is also available for preparing urgent
management strategies and long term IPM Plans.
Online IPM Weather Data and Degree-Days—2006 Update
*Leonard Coop, coopl@science.oregonstate.edu, Paul Jepson, IPPC, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Online decision support tools have been expanded at the website http://pnwpest.org/wea as supported by USDA grants, W. Region Pest Management Center, and the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Near real time data from over 6,300 weather stations are coupled to degree-day (DD) calculators and models, DD mapping tools, and some plant disease models. DD models have been featured at this website since 1996, and expanded to a national extent since 2005. DD mapping tools were first developed in 1998 and have been continuously improved and expanded to cover the 48-state US since then. New "date of phenological event prediction" (DPEP) maps allows dates of selected degree-day events to be mapped, which we expect to help end-user utility and acceptance. A new prototype 48-state disease risk modeling tool is demonstrated that will be available for a variety of existing and introduced plant diseases such as powdery mildew, apple scab, and potentially, invasives such as soybean rust. Other new and expanded features of the system include automated estimation of missing weather data, national and regional daily degree-day maps, a new server array for custom DD mapmaking by 5+ simultaneous users, a DD models database with 49 species linked to the degree-day modeling tool, a custom grass seed stem rust simulation model, and 7 to 10 day temperature forecasts integrated with DD models. Website usage has increased continuously, for example DD model/calculator usage has grown from 6,000 in 2000 to 15,000 in 2005.
Practices, Priorities, and Strategic Directions
Measuring IPM Utilization in Production Agriculture Using PAMS and the IPM Road Map
*Douglas W. Johnson, doug.johnson@uky.edu,
Patty L. Lucas, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky Research &
Education Center, Princeton, KY
The success of a program is measured by the ability to impart knowledge and
then demonstrate the adoption and use of practices. With this in mind, we are
developing a tool to score the utilization of IPM practices and techniques.
Developed by the National Foundation for IPM Education, the PAMS (Prevention,
Avoidance, Monitoring and Suppression) approach was utilized to measure the
level of IPM utilization by producers, crop consultants and county extension
agents who participated in Kentucky IPM training programs. In 2005,
participants in IPM trainings completed surveys that included questions to
determine their use of specific IPM practices or techniques. Each of these
questions was identified as an indicator for one or more of the PAMS
components. By scoring the answers to these questions, participants were placed
on a continuum of IPM utilization as defined by the PAMS approach. This
performance measure was conducted on a pilot scale, and will hopefully be used
to measure progress and identify needs in meeting strategic directions of the
IPM Road Map on a much larger scale.
Are Those Who Practice IPM More Safety Conscious?
*Patty L. Lucas, plucas@uky.edu, Douglas W. Johnson, Integrated
Pest Management Program, University of Kentucky Research & Education
Center, Princeton, KY
Both Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pesticide Safety Education (PSE)
programs emphasize the reduction of exposure to pesticides to the applicator as
well as the environment. IPM emphasizes the reduction of pesticide use by
scouting, correct identification of pests and proper selection and use of
practices, techniques and /or chemicals. PSE programs concentrate on safe
application and handling practices of pesticides. Many of those who participate
in IPM education programs are also trained in pesticide application safety.
Participants attending 2005 Kentucky IPM Training Programs were surveyed for
the following safety-related information: •Safety-related items kept in their
work vehicle •Had they ever felt ill following a pesticide application •If they
felt ill following a pesticide application did they seek medical assistance
•Had they experienced a fitting or valve break and if so, did they have tools
needed to repair •Satisfaction of their knowledge of pesticides used regularly.
The PAMS (Prevention, Avoidance, Monitoring and Suppression) approach was used
to place surveyed participants on a continuum of IPM utilization. (See poster
Measuring IPM Utilization in Production Agriculture Using PAMS and the IPM Road
Map, Douglas W. Johnson, University of Kentucky). The responses of these
participants to the pesticide safety questions were then compared to the PAMS
continuum in an effort to detect any relationship between the two sets of
practices.
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Pest Management Strategic Plans: What Do They Tell Us about the Status of IPM?
*Russell F. Mizell, III1, rfmizell@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, Margaret
Rotstein2, 1University of Florida, Quincy, FL;2Knoxville, TN
We have developed a MSACCESS database
that contains much of the data reported in the pest management strategic plans
(PMSPs) developed through the regional pest management centers. Our first goal
is to mine the database to describe the current tactics and strategies used in
IPM for crops in the U.S. Our second goal is to analyze and synthesize the
aggregate PMSP data to provide an assessment of the current status of IPM
within commodity groups and over all crops. This poster reports our current
progress and results.
Maine’s IPM Council: Promoting IPM Policies, Practices, and Programs Statewide
Kathleen Murray, kathy.murray@maine.gov, Maine Department of Agriculture,
Augusta, ME
The Maine IPM Council was established by state legislature in 2002. Its 11
appointed volunteer members serve 3-year terms and represent broad IPM
interests from agriculture and forestry to community and structural settings.
The Council meets twice annually to identify priority needs for promoting,
facilitating and enhancing IPM adoption as a means of reducing harmful impacts
of pests and pest management practices across the state. The Council develops
collaborative partnerships with other organizations and agencies to advance IPM
adoption and education. The group promotes awareness and understanding of IPM
by the general public in order to reduce risks of pesticides used in and around
homes and to increase public demand for reduced-risk IPM-produced products and
IPM services. The Council has developed a traveling exhibit used to engage the
public in learning about IPM. Members take turns staffing the display at garden
shows, shopping malls, and other public venues. The Council also partners with
other agencies, organizations and municipalities to educate the public about
reduced-risk pest management strategies at household hazardous waste collection
events. The Council reports annually to State Legislature on its
accomplishments. The Maine IPM Council also provides a forum for timely
information-sharing to promote and facilitate productive partnerships and
collaborations for increasing IPM adoption. Since 2004, the Council has been
recognized by EPA as a Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Partner.
Evaluation of Pesticide Use on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands
*Tiffany A.S. Parson, tiffany_parson@fws.gov,
Nancy H. Golden, Greg R. Masson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, VA
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service applies pesticides on Service lands as one
tool in an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to manage pest species
that interfere with desired resource management objectives. Most IPM
strategies, including pesticide use, occur on National Wildlife Refuges for the
management of non-native invasive species, such as Canada thistle (Cirsium
arvense), johnson grass (Sorghum halapense), and phragmites (Phragmites
australis) or to manage for disease vectors, like mosquitoes. In order to
ensure protection of our trust resources before pesticide use, we have a
pesticide use proposal process which is a conservative, tiered approach based
on analysis of factors such as pesticide and adjuvant toxicity, application
distance from water, application method, and probability of leaching. We also
encourage numerous IPM strategies, which do not require pesticides, such as
crop rotations, burning, and other habitat manipulations.
IPM Training and Technical Transfer
Training Educators about Beekeeping, Crop Pollination, and Honey Bee Pest Management in Alabama and Tennessee
*P. Parkman1, jparkman@utk.edu, J.
Skinner1, K. Ward2, R. Ward3, J. Tew4,
1Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, University of
Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; 2Center for Forestry and Ecology, Alabama
A&M University, Normal, AL; 3Department of Plant & Soil
Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL; 4OARDC, Ohio State
University, Wooster, OH
Honey bees are vital to agriculture in the U.S. with annual benefits to crop
production estimated at over $14.6 billion, yet few county Extension agents are
familiar with beekeeping and honey bee pest management. Information on pest
management is critical because several introduced pests have made beekeeping
more difficult and costly, and have substantially reduced hive numbers. Funded
by the Southern SARE program, seven workshops were held in Alabama and
Tennessee to train Extension agents and invited beekeepers on beekeeping
fundamentals, crop pollination and pest management. Workshops consisted of
three hours of lecture followed by hands-on experience in honey bee hives.
Participants were provided training materials (printed and digital) and
beekeeping equipment (gloves, veil, hive tool). One participant per workshop
was rewarded with 2 sets of woodenware (hive bodies, lids, bottoms and frames)
for greatest improvement on their before- and after-lecture tests, which were
administered at every workshop to determine participants’ comprehension and
retention of presented material. Thirty-six agents and seven beekeepers in
Tennessee and nine agents and 55 beekeepers in Alabama attended. Average
increases in participants’ scores were 29 and 32% in Alabama and Tennessee,
respectively.
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The BioIPM Potato Workbook: A Tool for Grower Adoption of Biologically Based Practices
*Deana L. Sexson1, dlsexson@wisc.edu,
Timothy R. Connell2, Katherine Schmidt1, 1University
of Wisconsin, NPM Program, Madison, WI; 2Portage County
UW-Extension, Stevens Point, WI
A Biointensive IPM Potato Workbook has been developed for Wisconsin Potato
Growers and the Potato Industry to help growers implement biologically based
IPM practices on their farm. The workbook, written by Deana Sexson and Tim
Connell (Editors, 2004, NPM Program UW-Madison), is organized seasonally to
provide a comprehensive, year round self-assessment tool and reference on pest
management and cultural practices for the potato production system. It draws on
extensive University of Wisconsin research from multidisciplinary departments
particularly by Entomology, Plant Pathology, Soils, and Horticulture. The
workbook is intended as a practical tool for growers use throughout the entire
production cycle. It is organized into five chapters – pre-plant, planting,
in-season, harvest and post-harvest. Each chapter is further divided into
pertinent topic sections with self-assessment statements followed by
information on standard recommended practices as well as advancements to a
biointensive production system. Information in the workbook provides the how or
why to implement specific activities and practices during various times of the
year. Growers are encouraged to read and consider the biologically based
practices that may not currently be part of their potato growing system. The
National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) recently selected
the BioIPM Potato Workbook as a national winner in its NACAA/Bayer Advanced
Communications Award Program as the best learning module for growers. All
Wisconsin potato growers received a complimentary copy at the February, 2005
Wisconsin Annual Potato Conference.
Beyond “Strobies” and
“Triazoles”: How Do Fungicides Work?
*Bruce E. Paulsrud1, paulsrud@uiuc.edu,
Matthew P. Montgomery2, 1University of Illinois, Urbana,
IL; 2University of Illinois, Sangamon-Menard Extension, Springfield,
IL
A wealth of pesticide information is available for those involved in production
agriculture, particularly as it relates to herbicide and insecticide target
spectra, rate specifications, and application methods. In addition, herbicide
and insecticide resources are also available that delve into the topic of mode
of action thus providing a firm foundation for professionals who wish to
develop pesticide-resistance management plans. However, the list of resources
shrinks significantly when fungicides are discussed. While information related
to fungicide rate specifications and target pest spectra can be secured,
information related to fungicide characteristics, fungicide application,
fungicide terms, and fungicide mode of action is more difficult to locate. To
address this need, University of Illinois Extension developed a new resource
entitled, “Report on Plant Disease 1002: Characteristics of Fungicide Used in
Field Crops” (http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/abstracts/a1002.html). This 18-page
resource highlights site of action designations available from the “Fungicide
Resistance Action Committee” and provides a detailed explanation for each of
the ten major fungicide families common to field crop production. This poster
highlights the mode and site of action information encompassed in RPD 1002.
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IPM Partnerships and Training–Pest Management Considerations in Conservation Management Planning Training Session
Amy Irish-Brown, irisha@msu.edu, Michigan State University Extension, Clarksville,
MI
Agricultural agency personnel in Michigan were offered a new facilitated
training program, Pest Management Considerations in Conservation Planning, in
March of 2004 and 2005 in Dewitt, Mich. This training was planned by a group of
agencies: MSU Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the
Michigan Department of Agriculture. Attendees were from the NRCS, MDA, and
employees from various conservation districts who are working with the Michigan
Groundwater Stewardship Program. The workshop was designed to provide classroom
and hands-on training and to fulfill the requirements for Module 7 of the NRCS
course, Nutrient and Pest Management Considerations in Conservation Planning.
Other pre-requisite modules in this coursework are self-paced and available
on-line. This hands-on training is the only group activity involved in this
whole certification training program. Instructors were professionals from the
planning agencies and EPA. The first day of training was devoted to providing a
background to the pest management certification process for planners. On the
second day, instructors gave attendees a look at a “day in the life” of various
commodity production systems. The goal of this instruction was to give a
broader perspective of pest management as it relates to fruit, vegetable,
nursery, and field crop production. Topics included a general introduction to
IPM and IPM components. Then participants examined specific IPM tactics
available for fruit, vegetables, nursery, and field crops. Organizers concluded
the day with a group exercise that introduced how to prepare the pest
management component of a conservation plan.
P133
Delivery of an IPM Education Program in Michigan Vineyards Reduces Pesticide Use and Increases Grower Confidence in Alternative Practices
*Rufus Isaacs1, isaacsr@msu.edu, Annemiek Schilder2,
Steve Van Timmeren1, John Wise1, Tom Zabadal3,
Mark Longstroth4, Al Gaus5, Joy Landis1,6,
Michael Brewer1,6, Tom Davenport7, 1Department
of Entomology; 2Department of Plant Pathology; 3Department
of Horticulture; 4Southwest Michigan MSU Extension; 5Berrien
County MSU Extension; 6IPM Program, Michigan State University, East
Lansing, MI; 7National Grape Cooperative, Westfield, NY
A multi-tactic IPM education program has been developed and delivered to the
Michigan grape industry during 2004 and 2005. We have employed intensive
classroom training, vineyard IPM meetings, weekly scouting of participating
grower vineyards, and website development to increase IPM information delivery.
This project has resulted in measurable increase in scouting activities and
reduction of pesticide use by the participating growers, leading to reduced
costs. Growers in this project also have adopted, or plan to adopt, other IPM
practices expected to reduce costs and the need for pesticide applications. The
grapes.msu.edu website was established as part of this project and now receives
over 2,000 visits per week during the growing season. Continued expansion of
our grape IPM program was made possible through a 2005 collaborative project
between National Grape Cooperative and Michigan State University, in which 14
southwest Michigan growers received IPM training and then scouted their own
farms. This has demonstrated the potential of regular scouting by growers to
reduce costs, reduce pesticide risk, and increase confidence in effective pest
management among the participants.
IPM Across Washington State
*Catherine Daniels1,3, scoates@tricity.wsu.edu, Carrie Foss1,
Doug Walsh2, Holly Ferguson2, Sally O’Neal Coates3,
1WSU Puyallup, Puyallup, WA; 2WSU Prosser, Prosser, WA; 3WSU
Tri-Cities, Richland, WA
Washington ranks 15th in the US in population and 4th in minor crop production. Eighty-two percent of the state’s 5.8 million residents live in urban areas, some with densities as high as 6,800 people per square mile. Approximately 3% of the state's population is farmers who produce crops on approximately 7 million acres. Washington’s crops contribute 12% of the state’s economy both directly and indirectly via associated industries and transportation. Changes in pesticide use patterns that decrease spray drift, runoff, and inadvertent exposure to humans or the environment are critical in both urban and agricultural areas. Washington State University (WSU) actively pursues an integrated research, teaching, and extension approach by providing a wide variety of research-based information on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to growers, landscapers, structural pest control operators, schools, homeowners, and others. The Washington State Pest Management Resource Service, the Agricultural IPM Program, and the Urban IPM and Pesticide Safety Education Program provide printed materials, classroom instruction, websites, workshops (including an IPM certification program), pesticide safety education, databases of registered pesticides and tolerance limits, expert counsel, and development and implementation of IPM strategies in agricultural settings. WSU delivers IPM training and technical transfer across the state for pests plaguing urban sites and agricultural crops.
Novel Measurement of
Group Adoption of IPM in Diverse Cropping Communities
*Peter C. Ellsworth1, peterelle@cals.arizona.edu,
John C. Palumbo2, Al Fournier3, Yves Carriere4,
Christa Ellers-Kirk4, 1University of Arizona, Maricopa
Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ; 2University of Arizona, Yuma
Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ; 3University of Arizona, Arizona Pest
Management Center & Maricopa Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ; 4University
of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
IPM in the sensitive environments of the desert Southwest is vulnerable to the
destabilizing impact of mobile polyphagous pests that are capable of attacking
winter vegetables, melons, and cotton, most notably, the silverleaf whitefly
(Bemis tabaci). Because of the year-round growing season present in desert
cropping systems and the chronic nature of pest incidence, emphases are needed
on area-wide reduction of pest populations through all means possible. This has
led to the development of IPM programs for these crops that emphasize selective
and other reduced-risk technologies, including insect growth regulators (IGRs)
and neonicotinoid insecticides for the control of pests. In order to preserve
these valuable IPM tactics by protecting them from resistance, we have
developed IPM guidelines for cross-commodity management of whiteflies that
transcend field or grower borders and depend on group adoption over large areas
to be effective in area-wide source reduction as well as in proactive
resistance management for major reduced-risk technologies (IGRs and
neonicotinoids). We have developed a novel approach for measuring
spatially-relevant adoption of our IPM guidelines. This new analytical approach
utilizes pesticide use reporting data and GIS/GPS technology as a means to
understand area-wide adoption of the cross-commodity guidelines and to further
guide future research, technology transfer, and outreach efforts. This
technique allows us to evaluate IPM, and its implementation and adoption, to a
level of organization that spans multiple crops and pests over entire
ecosystems. Our model system of analysis should be broadly applicable to the
measurement and improvement of IPM systems worldwide.
Cross-Commodity Guidelines for Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Arizona
*John C. Palumbo1, jpalumbo@ag.arizona.edu,
Peter C. Ellsworth2, Al Fournier3, Timothy J. Dennehy4,
Robert L. Nichols5, 1University of Arizona, Yuma
Agricultural Center, Yuma, AZ; 2University of Arizona, Maricopa
Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ; 3University of Arizona, Arizona
Pest Management Center & Maricopa Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ; 4University
of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; 5Cotton Incorporated, Cary, NC
Arizona enjoys a sustained recovery from the devastating silverleaf whitefly
(Bemis tabaci) outbreaks of the early 1990’s. This success is built on an IPM
strategy that includes the use of selective and effective chemistry. Admire®
has been a key soil insecticide protecting vegetables and produce throughout
Arizona and is the first member of a burgeoning class of chemistry known as the
neonicotinoids. New members of this valuable, reduced-risk, class of chemistry
are now available to agricultural producers, placing a burden on users of these
compounds to adopt science-based plans for sustaining their efficacy. This
consensus document represents our best efforts to share this chemistry among
different agricultural interests. Our goal is to preserve the long-term
efficacy of the neonicotinoids and protect growers’ interests in sustainable
and economical whitefly management. Through identification of crop communities
(i.e., ‘multi-crop’, ‘cotton-intensive’, and ‘cotton / melon’) common to
Arizona agriculture, we have designed sensible plans of use that should allow
access to this valuable chemistry for everyone, while protecting it from
resistance.
Extension of Integrated Pest Management Methods for Nicaraguan Bean Producers: Effects on Adoption, Profitability, Farmer Health, and Beneficial Insects
*Ricardo A. Labarta, labartar@msu.edu, Scott M. Swinton, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, MI
Bean growers in Central America face important insect pests and diseases,
including whitefly, bean pod weevil, web slight, angular leaf spot, and many
others. Despite many efforts at IPM dissemination in the region, its adoption
has been low. In 2001, Farmer Field Schools (FFS) were introduced in Nicaragua
to offer a participatory “learning by doing” approach to IPM extension.
Participant farmers learn about pest biology, alternative control methods, and
environmental and health risks, making on-farm experimental comparisons. This
research uses data from a 2004 survey of 436 Nicaraguan bean growers to
evaluate whether IPM FFS have 1) reduced pesticide risk to human health and
beneficial insects, 2) induced greater adoption of non-chemical pest control,
and 3) improved the capacity of the institutions involved to disseminate IPM
knowledge. Preliminary results show that FFS and other IPM training contribute
to the adoption of non-chemical IPM practices. However, neither form of IPM
education has a significant effect on profitability or pesticide use by
Nicaraguan bean growers. Interestingly, the impact of FFS and other IPM
training depends critically on which institution coordinates training. The
institutions implementing FFS and other IPM training differed in field
experience, institutional resources and the relative internal importance
accorded to IPM activities. Some institutions achieved the goals of reduced
pesticide risk among their clients, while others have produced the opposite
effect (more pesticide use and less IPM adoption).
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Integrated Pest Management Program in Central America, PROMIPAC
*Alfredo Rueda,arueda@zamorano.edu, Orlando Caceres, Julio Lopez, Ernesto Garay,
Zamorano University, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The Integrated pest Management Program in Central America, PROMIPAC is a Swiss
Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC program executed by Zamorano
University with the collaboration of more that 80 partner institution in
Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras. PROMIPAC introduced and adapted the Farmer
Field School, FFS methodology in the region as an extension tool. The FFS has
been evolving form pure Integrated Pest Management, IPM to Integrated Crop
Management, ICM including topics such as Good Agricultural Practices, GAP,
marketing, gender, empowerment. Today we can find several development,
extension, and educational programs that are using the FFS tools as the main
extension methodology for their programs. For the formal educational component
of PROMIPAC program several universities and schools are adjusting their
curricula activities to more practical experiences with FFS methodology. The
research component of the program is responding the needs for biological
intensive pest management by conducting research with students’ thesis from
national and international universities in farmer’s fields.
Adoption of IPM Practices by Vegetable Growers in New York State
*Curtis Petzoldt1, cp13@cornell.edu, Abby Seaman1, Julie
Kikkert2, 1New York State IPM Program, Geneva, NY; 2New
York State IPM Program, Canandaigua, NY
Surveys of New York vegetable growers’ Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
practices were conducted in 1995, 2002, and 2005. The surveys were based on IPM
Elements, lists of IPM practices that were developed to define and document the
practice of IPM in New York. Results of the surveys indicate that fresh market
sweet corn growers have increased their adoption of IPM practices between 1995
and 2002. Sweet corn IPM educational programs and marketplace demands for
documented IPM products that occurred during the time between the surveys may
have contributed to the increased IPM practice growers reported. Results of the
2005 survey of growers of a more diverse group of crops indicate that while
there are some that practice a high level of IPM for all crops, other growers
do not keep records of important aspects of their IPM activities and have not
widely adopted some important IPM practices. Additional educational programs
will be needed to address the increasing market pressure to document the
practice of IPM.
Understanding and Assessing Plant Invasions: An Online Workshop for Wildland Weed Managers
Mary McFadzen, mmcfadzen@montana.edu, Center for Invasive Plant Management, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
To support effective and sustainable wildland weed management efforts, the
Center for Invasive Plant Management offers an online workshop to land managers
on ecologically based weed management. The goal of the workshop is to provide
the participants with an understanding of ecological principles and processes
to better assess weed populations in conjunction with land management goals,
and to develop and prioritize weed management strategies in an adaptive
management approach. Five weed ecologists from three western universities
facilitate the eight-week workshop, which contains seven content modules.
Module content covers adaptive management, the invasion process, risk
assessment, monitoring, management options and actions (integrated tools), and
the influences of spatial and temporal scales on management. Opportunities for
dialogue and information exchange among participants, and between participants
and instructors, occur via asynchronous discussions, real-time chats, and a web
conference. By the end of the workshop, participants complete a draft
ecologically based weed management plan for an area they manage. This poster
will describe the workshop in more detail and will include the participants’
evaluation results of the January, 2006 workshop.
An International Educational Opportunity: Professional Development in IPM
*Connie I. Reimers-Hild1, creimers2@unl.edu,
John E. Foster2, E.A. “Short” Heinrichs2, 1University
of Nebraska Southeast Research and Extension Center, Ithaca, NE; 2University
of Nebraska Department of Entomology, Lincoln, NE
Continuing education is a key success factor for IPM professionals and organizations. The continuous changes and challenges in the world of IPM create a need for professional development and lifelong learning that must be available anytime, anywhere. IPM centers and organizations now have the option to create distance-delivered professional development opportunities designed to meet the needs of their employees and clientele. International Plant Protection is a distance-delivered course available for undergraduate and graduate credit at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The course focuses on the principles of pest management, key pests in major crops of global importance, food and fiber production and concerns associated with agriculture and the environment. Now, the concepts of this unique and successful class are being redesigned and expanded upon to support the professional development needs of IPM professionals. The instructors of International Plant Protection are offering customized, distance-delivered professional development opportunities designed to meet the specific educational needs of IPM centers and organizations. Interested centers, organizations and institutions work with faculty from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to identify, create and customize professional development opportunities for their organizations. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to general IPM, rice IPM, host plant resistance, genetically modified organisms, women in agriculture, communication and interpersonal skills development and leadership, IPM networking and participatory IPM. Knowledge is the key to success for IPM professionals and organizations. By participating in customized education and training, IPM centers and organizations will empower their employees and enhance their ability to serve the world.
Year-Round IPM Programs
from the University of California
Mary Louise Flint, mlflint@ucdavis.edu, Carolyn
Pickel, Joyce F. Strand, Jodi Azulai, Barbara Ohlendorf, Pete Goodell,
University of California Statewide IPM Program, Davis, CA
Statewide IPM Program has created a new set of tools on its web site to walk
growers through the steps required to implement a comprehensive IPM program on
their farm. Developed for specific crops, each Year-Round IPM Program guides
farmers through a year of monitoring pests, making management decisions, and
planning for the following season. The programs also outline practices to
reduce water quality risks and other environmental problems. They are the
University of California's "Best Management Practices" for integrated
pest management. Growers can use the annual check list as a tool for working
with their pest control adviser to ensure that all elements of an IPM program
are considered. They can also use the check list to document procedures for
various IPM certification programs or USDA/NRCS conservation programs. On the
Web, the year-round IPM programs link to:
• annual IPM checklist for planning and evaluating an IPM program
• detailed monitoring instructions that include decision thresholds
• monitoring forms to print and use to keep records
• printable photo handouts to identify pest problems, as well as beneficial insects that might be seen during monitoring
• application checklist to identify ways to prevent or mitigate negative impacts of pesticides
• pest management guidelines to determine nonchemical and pesticide alternatives
• WaterTox database to rate the available options according to potential to damage water quality. Year-round IPM programs are part of the UC Pest Management Guidelines database. See the UC IPM Web site at www.ipm.ucdavis.edu
Horticultural Entomology Resources on IPM for the Field Practitioner
Kenneth A. Sorensen, kenneth_sorensen@ncsu.edu, North Carolina State
University, Raleigh, NC
Horticultural entomology includes tree and small fruits, nuts, vegetables, and
consumer horticulture. Insects use these environments and those in greenhouses
and home gardeners and cause economic damage or constitute a nuisance. Their
identification (stages and damage) is the first step in IPM. Understanding
their biology and life history leads to an approach to their management. Many
control tactics and management strategies exist and await discovery and
implementation at the individual home, commercial field, greenhouse or
production area. Field practitioners and growers need identification tools to
assist them with and ensure correct and rapid diagnosis. Some helpful insect
identification tools and resources include: colored posters/handouts, colored
pest posters, field identification guides/manuals, pest alert fact sheets,
pocket id guides, videotapes and CD's, references, Web Sites and pest
identification clinics, and contacts with university specialists, county
extension agents and field professionals. This poster contains some available
and invaluable resource aids that are useful in insect identification for the
county extension agent, the master gardener, and field practitioner that have
direct application for IPM on horticultural crops.
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Landscape IPM Pilot Program for Iowa Schools
*Mark Shour1, mshour@iastate.edu,
Tigon Harmison2, Jerald DeWitt3, 1Department
of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; 2Harmison’s
Gardening Service, Ames, IA; 3Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Woody ornamental landscaping on public school properties provides curb appeal,
functionality, and various outdoor educational opportunities. Regrettably,
little to no money is allotted annually for the maintenance of these plants. If
some malady affects a given tree or shrub, the grounds manager is often at a loss
to find help in identifying the plant, the specific problem and an appropriate
and safe remedy. The purpose of this project was to provide participating
schools with basic information needed to initiate an integrated pest management
(IPM) program for landscapes. To this end, 121 maps of 17 landscapes for 5
public school districts in Iowa were drawn and placed in Autodesk DWF.
Districts received paper and electronic copies of these maps. Further, a list
of potential insect and disease pests associated with common ornamental plants
in Iowa was created for this project. Each pest species was hyperlinked to an
Internet Web site describing identification, life history, and management
aspects. If a school experiences a pest on a certain woody plant in the future,
this resource can be used as the basis for sound pest management decision
making. And, to assist future landscaping projects, a master list of ornamental
plant species suited for Iowa’s landscapes was created. Each entry was
hyperlinked to an Internet Web site describing the plant’s appearance,
function, identification, and other horticultural aspects. Work products are
available at http://school.ipm.iastate.edu.
Something for Everyone: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Information Delivery
*Timothy H. Weigle1, thw4@cornell.edu,
Andrew J. Muza2, 1NYS IPM Program, Fredonia, NY; 2Penn
State Cooperative Extension of Erie County, Erie, PA
The demographics of growers in the Lake Erie grape industry makes it difficult
to plan IPM educational activities appropriate for this diverse audience.
Because many newcomers are approaching grape growing as a part-time business
venture in the beginning, attending traditional educational events during the
day or evening is often in direct conflict with their primary off-farm jobs.
The type of timely, in-depth information growers need in order to make
intelligent decisions during the growing season is not found in the traditional
newsletters delivered through the mail. In recent years the Lake Erie Regional
Grape Program (LERGP) extension team has been making a concerted effort to
develop programming that can be delivered electronically. However, even when
combined with the team’s conventional information transfer methods of meetings,
newsletters, publications and fact sheets, there was a void in connecting the
available information with vineyard IPM practices in the Lake Erie Grape
Industry. In response to potential challenges in disease and insect management,
weekly small group meetings were held across the 30,000 acres of the Lake Erie
grape belt. The agenda for discussions at the small group meetings are
determined during the meeting by questions and concerns of those attending the
meeting. This has allowed the team to provide a more hands-on approach to
implementing new research-based information. Informal surveys conducted at the
end of meetings found that a majority of participants had changed at least one
of their vineyard practices based on information obtained through the
multi-pronged approach.
Balancing between Social and Natural Sciences to Define Opportunities for IPM in Subsistence Maize Agriculture in Central America
*Kris A.G. Wyckhuys1, wyckh001@umn.edu, Robert J. O’Neil2,
1University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; 2Purdue
University, West Lafayette, IN
In many subsistence production systems, farmers compete with insect pests in an
effort to safeguard their harvest. During the past decades, IPM has been
promoted as a cost-effective and environmentally-sound tool to aid farmers in
this struggle. However, throughout the developing world, the adoption of IPM
has encountered numerous social and ecological roadblocks. Our research
quantified opportunities for IPM in small-scale maize agriculture in Honduras,
identified the actual need for farmer intervention in pest control and assessed
broader effects of the local farming environment and social capital. Our
approach was fourfold: (1) Assessment of in-field pest severity and natural
control in various ecological settings; (2) Determination of extra-field
effects on natural control in maize; (3) Farmer surveys to determine pest
management behavior and associated ecological and technical knowledge; (4)
Social network analysis to quantify the role of social connectedness in IPM
diffusion. This approach effectively illuminated multiple facets of IPM
adoption and diffusion in smallholder production systems. Natural control could
be credited for keeping a key maize pest below economic threshold. Composition
and management of the agro-landscape are reflected in the nature of the
in-field natural enemy complex. Farmers generally evaluate pest severity well
and have a solid ecological knowledge base. IPM training filled certain gaps in
farmers’ knowledge and promoted an appropriate response to actual pest levels.
Information on ecological facets of IPM and non-pesticide management options
seemingly spread through interpersonal communication channels. Implications for
design of IPM extension packages are discussed and a marriage between natural
resource management and IPM extension is advocated.
Outreach Programs
KIDzANTS: Fire Ant Curriculum for Youth - A Curriculum Enrichment Program
Paul R. Nester, p-nester@tamu.edu, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M
University, Houston, TX
In Texas the red imported fire ant costs the average household $151 annually.
This includes repairs to property and equipment, first-aid, pesticides, baits,
and professional services. A full damage assessment for all of Texas estimates
costs of $581 million per year. Treatment costs accounted for over 50% of this
total cost. In Houston the average medical treatment costs per household of
$25.46. The duration of injury for children and adults was 6.6 days and 5.6
days, respectively. Education of the general public about health and safety
issues concerning fire ants is important. Innovative methods for the
presentation of concepts are always needed so teachers/volunteers can
accurately present information on fire ants in a method that is both appealing
to the respective audience and satisfying to the teacher/volunteer. Focusing on
elementary children can be an excellent avenue for getting a message concerning
fire ants and fire ant safety home to parents. The KIDzANTS curriculum with educational
CD was developed, containing six 'learning experiences' to educate young
children about the fire ant. This curriculum includes six lessons covering the
introduction of the fire ant to the United States, morphology, life cycle
(queen, workers, brood, and mating flight), mound development (single vs
multiple queen and structure), identification versus other ant species, impact
on wildlife, health and safety issues, and the diet of the fire ant. Activities
requiring total class involvement have been included. Students in 3rd, 4th and
5th grade science classes are targeted.
IPM in Schools Web
Learning Modules
*Erin Bauer1, ebauer2@unl.edu, Clyde
Ogg1, Barbara Ogg2, Stephen Vantassel3, Dennis
Ferraro4, Anne Streich5, Shirley Niemeyer6,
Ron Johnson3, Roch Gaussoin5, Robert Shearman5,
Scott Hygnstrom3, Dallas Virchow7, 1Pesticide
Education Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 2Lancaster
County Extension Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 3School
of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 4Douglas-Sarpy
County Extension Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha, NE; 5Agronomy
and Horticulture Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 6Textile,
Clothing, and Design Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 7USDA-APHIS
Wildlife Services, Lincoln, NE
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Pesticide Education Office offers
information about IPM in Schools through its "IPM: Easy as ABC"
website (schoolipm.unl.edu), including getting started with an IPM program,
administrator and teacher resources, an IPM How-to manual, and online
resources. The Pesticide Education Office sought to expand this website through
the creation of learning modules as a multimedia enhancement that would provide
IPM information, in a graphical format, on a less technical level. The 23
modules cover topics such as introduction to pest management, assessment and
evaluation, asthma triggers in schools, mold and indoor air quality, specific
pests, and landscape and turf.
Web statistics show that the IPM modules page is the most accessed component on
the IPM site (74% as of October 2005). Actual hits to the website as a whole
have increased by 78% from January 2005, when the modules were being developed,
to October 2005. New modules continue to be added on an ongoing basis.
For more information about or to view the modules, visit
http://schoolipm.unl.edu/ipmmodules/
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A Model for School IPM in Florida
*Rebecca Baldwin, baldwinr@ufl.edu, *Faith M. Oi, foi@ufl.edu, Marc
Lame, Earl Lewellan, Richard Smith, Sally Scalera, Norman Leppla, Jennifer
Gillett, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
The goal of the Florida School IPM program is to reduce the risk of pests and
pesticides in and around schools. Our demonstration model is a modification of
the Monroe model and is unique because it is working in a school district with
>80 schools. Previously, the model has been successful in school districts
of 25 or less schools. At the mid term evaluation (6 mos after IPM
implementation), we have achieved an overall 29% reduction in pesticide use and
a 38% reduction in pests.
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An Experiential Approach to the Study of Weed Emergence Periodicity and its Relevance to Teaching IPM Principles
*Andrew Hulting1, agh11@psu.edu, Matthew Ryan1, David
Mortensen1, Steven Mirsky1, Ben Hartman1, Alex
Martin2, 1The Pennsylvania State University, University
Park, PA; 2University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
This poster describes an experiential learning activity designed to increase
knowledge about the phenomena of weed germination periodicity (GP) and its
relationship to weed management in organic and reduced external input cropping
systems. Specifically, our objectives were to (1) describe the steps we have
used to successfully implement an active learning approach/activity centered
around teaching the concept of weed species GP and related management factors
that ultimately influence the emerged weed flora present in producers’ fields,
and (2) discuss the possible logical extensions of this active learning
approach to teaching other weed management or IPM principles. The learning
activity underscores two generalizations regarding periodicity. The first is
that weeds have more than one period of germination, and the second, that
individual species have discrete periods of germination. A series of
demonstration plots is initiated in a field with a relatively homogenous weed seed
bank that is expected to become uniformly weedy. A series of disturbances is
then implemented during the spring resulting in distinct patterns in weed
species emergence and density across the plots. Using active learning
techniques in the field, learners are asked to report on their observations and
to think critically about causal mechanisms of the patterns of germination and
emergence quantified. By applying this learning technique to a variety of
compelling research questions a number of times with undergraduate and graduate
students, farmers and agricultural practitioners the resulting discussions have
been stimulating and learning outcomes and their implications for pest
management realized.
IPM in Childcares: New Methods-New Successes
Rachel Rosenberg, rrosenberg@spcpweb.org, Safer Pest Control Project, Chicago,
IL
In the past decade, many state governments have recommended or legislated the
use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools to reduce pests and
pesticide exposure risks to children. School IPM programs have often
demonstrated reductions in both pests and pesticides compared with more
traditional pest control programs. Despite the success of IPM in school
environments, relatively few IPM programs for childcares have been documented
nationwide and few states require the use of IPM for childcares and preschools,
although younger children’s behavior and physiology may place them at greater
risk from pests and pesticides. Indiana and Illinois have used a
capacity-building approach to educate childcare providers and to foster IPM
adoption through a network of state agencies and associations by integrating
IPM education into existing training programs and resources for childcare
providers. Much as been learned about promoting voluntary childcare IPM
programs in Indiana and legislatively mandated programs in Illinois, and
stimulating discussion on the distinctions between IPM in schools and IPM in
childcare settings. Safer Pest Control Project in Illinois and Purdue
University in Indiana have made great strides in the education and training of
childcare providers. Successes have included working closely with the childcare
community to schedule regular trainings and educational events, partnering with
the regulatory agencies charged with enforcing the law, and promoting the
publication of articles in journals that regularly communicate to childcare
owners and parents.
ISEC Home Pest Management
*Wizzie Brown1, ebrown@ag.tamu.edu, Tom
Fuchs2, 1Texas Cooperative Extension, Austin, TX; 2Texas
Cooperative Extension, San Angelo, TX
The ISEC Home Pest Management program which teaches four basic concepts: identify, sanitize, exclude and control. With these concepts, audiences learn action steps to prevent potential pest problems in the home, generally without using pesticides. ISEC also increases homeowner awareness of IPM principles and concepts and reduces exposure to pesticides by teaching audiences to utilize alternative and least toxic methods in tandem with proper pesticide disposal. A pilot program conducted with 258 clients in 5 counties during 2004, increased clientele knowledge 29% as measured by a pre and post test. There was a 38% response rate to a follow-up mailed survey, showing that 84% of respondents were following action steps learned in the ISEC program and that 79% were using IPM methods. A recent 2- hour training of 270 potential trainers, increased average test scores from 71.4 pre-training to 86.7 post-training with 67% receiving a score of 70 or better on the pretest and 90% on the post-test. Most of the potential trainers were County Extension Agents in Family and Consumer Sciences who will teach the curriculum as a part of their Extension education program.
Pilot School Program
Encourages Adoption of Integrated Pest Management
*Clyde Ogg1, cogg@unl.edu, Erin Bauer1, Barbara Ogg2,
Stephen Vantassel3, Anne Streich4, Roch Gaussoin4,
Robert Shearman4, George Haws5, Kelly Feehan6,
Dennis Ferraro7, 1Pesticide Education Office, University
of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 2Lancaster County Extension
Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 3School of
Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 4Agronomy
and Horticulture Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 5Lincoln-McPherson
County Extension Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, North Platte, NE; 6Platte
County Extension Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Columbus, NE; 7Douglas-Sarpy
County Extension Office, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha, NE
A national movement is underway to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure by
implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concepts in our schools.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Extension developed a pilot school program
to help selected school districts evaluate and implement IPM in their schools.
Six school districts enrolled in the program and pilot schools were chosen from
each district. As part of the program, school district representatives were sent
to the Nebraska Turfgrass and the UNL Urban Pest Management Conferences to
learn more about IPM. UNL Extension then conducted on-site assessments with
pilot school officials, and provided each school district with a set of
reference materials to use as an aid in making pest management decisions. Pilot
participants indicated that the use of IPM improved the learning environment in
their schools by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, decreasing pest-related
distractions, and keeping parents and staff better informed. Participants also
said that direct contact and encouragement from UNL Extension was the most
effective approach to encourage other schools to adopt IPM. Survey results
indicated that all of those involved in the pilot study would recommend that other
Nebraska schools participate in a similar pilot program. Sixty-seven percent of
participants said they would decrease their use of pesticides. None said they
would increase their use of pesticides.
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Athletic Field IPM Pilot
Program for Iowa Schools
*Mark Shour1, mshour@iastate.edu, David Minner2, Ryan Holl2, Jerald DeWitt3, 1Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; 2Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; 3Extension State Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Turfgrass on public school athletic fields and general playground areas receive varying amounts of fertilizers and pesticides, often based on budget, administrative direction, parental expectation, and previous pest outbreaks. To assist grounds managers in making informed decisions, a pilot program for turfgrass integrated pest management (IPM) was conducted at 5 Iowa schools from March 2004 through September 2005. The approach used was to develop a site history (discussions with managers, review of prior seasons’ fertilizer and pesticide use, review of recent soil tests, and site evaluations), engineer an action plan for pests, and assist in plan implementation over two seasons. Although recommendations were made for other potential pests at each site, northern masked chafer white grubs were the focal point of assistance for all districts. A grub scouting program was implemented in early August 2004 and 2005. A 4” cup cutter was used to take a minimum of 24 samples in a football field or 18 samples in a baseball or softball field to generate average grub densities. If white grubs were found, authors would walk the field and hand pull grass in thin or wilted turf areas (approximately 20 additional locations) to develop a visual turf injury scale. In the two-year program, five insecticide applications were not necessary, five curative applications were justified, and three preventive treatments were made. Two of the preventive treatments were based on prior experience rather than grub scouting data, while the third was based on prior white grub scouting data.
The Evolution of TAg
*Julianne Stavisky1, js38@cornell.edu, Kenneth Wise2, J.
Keith Waldron3, 1Cornell University - NYS IPM Program,
Newark, NY; 2Cornell University - NYS IPM Program, Albany, NY; 3Cornell
University - NYS IPM Program, Geneva, NY
The Tactical Agriculture, or TAg, Program, has led the way in innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) training for field crop and dairy producers in New York State for 15 years. TAg is an experiential, hands-on training program that provides on-farm IPM and ICM education in local areas for small groups of agricultural producers and agribusiness personnel throughout a growing season. The TAg program focuses on training participants in identification and management of insect, weed, and disease pests as they appear during the growing season. The New York State IPM Program staff and their Cornell Cooperative Extension colleagues have used the TAg model to assist hundreds of producers in managing field crops, protecting the environment, and reducing health risks associated with pest control. In recent years TAg has evolved to meet new Extension program challenges. While TAg was originally designed to target dairy producers growing field corn and alfalfa hay, recent local needs assessments have indicated an interest in additional topic-specific, individually designed programs. As a result, TAg programs have been developed and implemented for new crop topics, including wheat pest management and soybean pest management. Additionally, with the growing markets and demands for organically produced crops, these specialty producers have worked with TAg facilitators to custom-build a season-long pest management training to meet their unique needs. Producer requests have led TAg extension facilitators to build on the experiences of TAg alumni to develop an enhanced program in which participants receive advanced pest management training.
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Building an Extension Tree Fruit IPM Program on Strong University-Industry Relations
*Diane G. Alston,
dianea@biology.usu.edu1, Sherman V. Thomson1, C. Kent
Evans1, Anthony H. Hatch2, Brent Black2, 1Department
of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT; 2Department of Plants,
Soils, and Biometeorology, Utah State University, Logan, UT
The Utah tree fruit industry has participated in the Utah State University Extension Service IPM program for over 20 years. The success of this collaboration is founded on a well-organized, centralized grower association with a grower-supported research grant program, strong interactions with and support from the state department of agriculture and other relevant agencies, and grower interest in innovative and economically-sound orchard management systems. Major components of the Utah tree fruit IPM program include research on pest and natural enemy biology, ecology, and behavior; demonstration of new IPM technologies (research plots and on-farm trials); a robust outreach education program involving industry- and extension-organized training for both short-term (e.g., pest scouting training) and on-going (e.g., publications, lectures) education; a full-time extension IPM technician; access to relevant orchard climate data and use of pest and crop phenology models; a pest and orchard advisory system (disseminated by e-mail and posted on the web); a centralized extension IPM web page designed for one-stop shopping for tree fruit IPM information; and annual industry-university needs assessment, prioritization, and strategizing meetings. Successes and challenges of the Utah Tree Fruit IPM Program will be discussed.
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Pollinating Healthy Ecosystems: IPM Recommendations by the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign
Kim Winter, kw@nappc.org, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Pollinators are critical components to healthy natural ecosystems and to the
production of 1,000 of the 1,330 crop plants cultivated worldwide for food,
beverages, fibers, spices, and medicines - an estimated $200 billion service to
the global economy. About 80% of all flowering plants depend on animals to
distribute the pollen necessary to adequately reproduce seeds and fruits. The
world’s animal pollinators include a wide variety of the organisms such as
butterflies, bees, moths, bats, birds, wasps, flies, mosquitoes, and beetles.
Yet, declines in global pollinator populations and diversity have been recorded
in recent decades, largely attributed to improper use of pesticides, development
activities in previously wild areas, pollution, and invasive species.
Integrated Pest Management professionals can promote the services of
pollinators as beneficial animals with other positive roles in increasing plant
productivity and biodiversity in natural and managed landscapes. The North
American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) is a collaboration of over 100
organizations, including federal agencies such as the EPA, growers,
applicators, garden clubs, non-profits, and other environmental stewards
interested in promoting the conservation of pollinators and their habitats.
NAPPC provides expert advice and resources to public and private resource
managers to assist them in incorporating practices that conserve pollinators
and promote biodiversity and ecosystem health, while considering the issues
involved in pest management and control. Pollination services are the
foundation of all ecosystems, and IPM practices that promote pollinators help
to maintain the biodiversity and production that will maintain healthy
agricultural, recreational, natural and community landscapes.
Multiple Outreach Program
for Urban IPM Training
*Cheryl A. Wilen1, cawilen@ucdavis.edu, Vincent F. Lazaneo2,
Scott Parker2, Michele Stress3, Margarita Mogollon3,
1University of California Statewide IPM Program, San Diego, CA; 2University
of California Cooperative Extension, San Diego County, San Diego, CA; 3San
Diego County Department of Public Works, Watershed Protection Program, San
Diego, CA
Through funding by the California State Water Resources Control Board, the
County of San Diego created a partnership with the local University of
California Cooperative Extension office and UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM)
to develop a three-pronged outreach program to educate San Diego County
residents about IPM and water quality. First, a group of UC Master Gardeners
was given advanced training in IPM and water quality. These volunteers staffed
booths at community events and spoke to local community groups about IPM and
reducing the impact of pesticides on water quality. Second, staff at a retail
nursery were trained in similar topics and provided with supplemental
information for their customers via handouts and a monthly newsletter. Training
materials for both the UC Master Gardeners and nursery staff included the UC
IPM Pest Note Series as well as other materials. Third, free public workshops
were presented on timely topics such as weed control, pests of citrus, and
irrigation. “Pest Tip Cards” previously developed by UC IPM were adapted for
distribution at nurseries and home supply stores throughout the region. Public
service announcements were created and shown on the local County network to
raise awareness of the “Project Clean Water” program
(www.ProjectCleanWater.org). Each public workshop and the nursery and Master
Gardener trainings were evaluated by the participants for relevance and measure
of success in understanding the role of IPM in improving water quality.
Progress has been made in increasing public participation resulting in the
likelihood of sustaining the program after the initial funding period.
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Wildlife Damage
Management on the Web: Protecting Health and Resources by Providing
Research-based Information through eXtension
*Scott Hygnstrom1, shygnstrom1@unl.edu, Paul Curtis2,
Robert Schmidt3, Greg Yarrow4, Stephen Vantassel1,
Raj Smith2, 1School of Natural Resources, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE; 2Department of Natural Resources,
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; 3Department of Environment and
Society, Utah State University, Logan UT; 4Department of Forestry
and Natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Every year, wildlife activity causes an estimated 45 billion dollars in lost
agricultural revenue, 75,000 human injuries, and damage to thousands of homes
and other structures. Whether these negative human-wildlife interactions are
minor or catastrophic, everyone deserves access to professional advice and
assistance. In 1995, we developed the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
(currently http://ICWDM.org), which has become the leading resource for
information on wildlife damage on the worldwide web. Funding was provided by
the USDA-NIFA-IPM Eastern, North Central, and Western Regions. The ICWDM is:
1) accessed by over 60,000 visitors per year (1.6 million hits); 2) accessed
monthly by users from over 40 countries; and 3) the number one hit for
“wildlife damage” on Google, Yahoo and MSN Internet search engines. In 2005,
the USDA-NIFA-eXtension provided funding to revise, expand and merge the
ICWDM into the eXtension environment and to increase interaction between the
community of interest and practice. The website will include “how-to” guides on
over 70 species of wildlife; Extension publications from 40 universities; on-line
training courses; risk assessment and decision models; links to equipment and
service providers, state and federal agencies, and professional organizations;
Ask the Expert, FAQ, and Calendar of Events sections; on-line copies of leading
references; full text articles from conference proceedings; youth FLASH
modules, teacher-scientist partnerships, and career profiles; and an image
library. We anticipate that the eCWDM will significantly increase public
awareness of human-wildlife conflicts and adoption of IPM strategies.
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Taking IPM to the People:
A Collaborative Project with Public Libraries
Paul Guillebeau, bugman@uga.edu, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
With funding from USDA, we collaborated with public libraries to increase understanding of IPM. A series of displays and promotional items were used to help the public how IPM is used 1) around the home; 2) in schools; and in agriculture to manage pests and minimize pesticide risks. Public participation and support for the project were outstanding. This poster will discuss the project and show other IPM professionals how to establish similar collaborations.
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What's Online at the NYS IPM Website
Karen J. English, kje7@nysaes.cornell.edu, New York State Integrated Pest
Management Program, Cornell University, Geneva, NY
From natural enemies of soybean aphid to the latest information on bedbugs, the NYS IPM Program’s website provides numerous resources for those practicing IPM. Our newly redesigned website delivers information for Fruits, Vegetables, Livestock, Field Crops, Nursery and Greenhouse, Buildings, Landscapes, Parks and Golf Courses. Database-driven technology efficiently downloads Fact Sheets, Brochures, Elements of IPM for 26 different crops, hundreds of project reports detailing original research, and numerous titles listed in our Catalog. Our new features include a specialized search function for each commodity, enabling visitors to search our database by pest, crop, setting or management technique. New content such as Trac© Software assists fruit growers in generating reports and keeping records up-to-date. Other agriculturalists benefit from our weekly Pest reports from the field (in season), and learn how to qualify for IPM Labeling. Our newest section, "Teaching IPM," provides online resources for K12 teachers, including hands-on learning aids for rent, such as the Mosquito Pinball machine. Learn more about developing sustainable ways to manage pests and use methods that minimize environmental, health, and economic risks. Please visit http://nysipm.cornell.edu
The Alaska IPM Program Educational Outreach and Early Detection
*Corlene Rose1, ancr@uaa.alaska.edu, Thomas Jahns2, Jay
Moore3, Michael Rasy1, Jamie M. Snyder1, 1UAF
Cooperative Extension Service, Anchorage, AK; 2UAF Cooperative
Extension Service, Soldotna, AK; 3UAF Cooperative Extension Service,
Fairbanks, AK
Since 1981, the Alaska Integrated Pest Management (AKIPM) Program has been the most recognized and successful educational outreach program of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service (UAF-CES). This unique statewide program is a cooperatively funded effort, combining the resources of UAF-CES, the US Forest Service Region 10 Forest Health Protection and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (NIFA), with additional contributions from the State of Alaska Division of Agriculture and the USDA Western Plant Diagnostic Network. The AKIPM program operates with a faculty oversight committee, two full time staff members and eight seasonal IPM Technicians, placed within strategic urban and rural centers, statewide. These combined staff form an experienced and talented AKIPM team responsive to a diverse public, which includes urban and rural residents, educators, youth groups, community agencies, agricultural and horticultural producers, garden clubs and the green industry. This AKIPM team raises the pest management awareness level of more than 14,000 Alaskans and tourists, annually. Adhering to the principles of the IPM Road Map, this program supports a least toxic, most effective, economically sound, and environmentally responsible approach to pest control by offering clientele a wide range of pest management alternatives. The AKIPM team also serves as proactive, first detectors through the performance of daily monitoring, trapping and educational outreach to help prevent destructive, imported pests from becoming established in Alaska's forests, woodlots, agricultural fields, home gardens and greenhouses. This work facilitates early detection and rapid response, helping to safeguard Alaska's natural resources.
The Art and Science of IPM Leadership Development for the 21st Century
*Connie I. Reimers-Hild1, creimers2@unl.edu, E.A. “Short” Heinrichs2,
John E. Foster2, Deana Namuth3, 1University of
Nebraska, Southeast Research and Extension Center Ithaca, NE; 2University
of Nebraska, Department of Entomology, Lincoln, NE; 3University of
Nebraska, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Lincoln, NE
Entrepreneurial leaders are essential to the success of all organizations, including those focusing in the area of IPM. In order to be successful in the 21st Century, entrepreneurial IPM leaders must be change makers, innovators, calculated risk takers and high achievers. Thus, the specific leadership development needs of IPM professionals are very complex and unique. IPM leadership development can be described as both an art and a science. IPM leadership development is an art in that social science proficiencies must be addressed. These proficiencies include the development of interpersonal skills, the ability to facilitate and work in teams, the capacity to create and maintain relationships and networks and the capabilities needed to deal with diversity and change. IPM leadership development is also a science in that the knowledge and skills associated with the hard sciences must be included in the curriculum. IPM professionals must possess knowledge in a number of areas, such as entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agronomy, ecology, horticulture, chemistry, plant breeding, genetics and biochemistry. IPM leadership training must integrate social science, hard science and entrepreneurial leadership development in order to be effective. The need to develop this essential combination of talent and expertise can be achieved by participating in unique professional development opportunities offered by faculty at the University of Nebraska. Current and future IPM leadership development opportunities are presented and discussed.
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IPMnet News: A Globally Distributed News and Information Service
*Allan Deutsch, IPMnet@science.oregonstate.edu, Paul C. Jepson, IPMnet News,
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
IPMnet News is a free, globally-disseminated news and information service,
supported by the IPPC, the USDA NIFA, and the USAID IPM CRSP. One hundred and
forty-five issues have been published since 1993, and these are distributed to
4,452 current subscribers in 141 countries, with an estimated audience of 7,400
per month. This poster outlines the history, content and global scope of the
“News,” and outlines how scientists, institutions and anyone interested in IPM
can obtain a free subscription. It will invite Symposium participants to
identify additional possible overseas participants and programs of interest and
outline editorial policies and procedures. The FAO identifies IPMnet News as
one of the key information sources about IPM globally, and we will review the
degree to which maintaining the News requires a constant and dynamic process of
developing and maintaining contacts in the still evolving global digital
network. Many countries lack library or literature resources in IPM, and the
Internet provides an important, still under-utilized pathway for communication
and the sharing of important advances in IPM.
Partnerships and Cooperation
Driving the IPM Roadmap Forward: A Progress Report from the National IPM Interagency Subcommittee on Evaluation
*Jill Auburn1, jauburn@NIFA.usda.gov, Bill Coli2, Linda
Herbst3, William Hoffman4, Peg Perreault5,
Carol Pilcher*6, csimmons@iastate.edu, Ann Sorensen7,
Barbara VanTil8, 1Sustainable Ag. Research and Education
Program, Washington, DC; 2Department of Entomology, University of
Massachusetts, Amherst, MA; 3University of California, Davis, CA; 4USDA-NIFA,
Washington, DC; 5EPA Region 8, Denver, CO; 6Department of
Entomology, Iowa State University, Wentzville, MO; 7American
Farmland Trust, DeKalb, IL; 8EPA Region 5, Chicago, IL
In October 2004, individuals representing various facets of IPM (i.e., American Farmland Trust, NIFA, EPA, Universities, and others) formed the National IPM Interagency Group. The purpose of this group was to evaluate the current status of IPM throughout the nation and determine the next steps needed to drive the IPM Roadmap forward. A subcommittee on evaluation was formed to examine the economic, environmental and health impacts associated with the adoption of IPM at the national level. This committee has been actively working with the IPM Roadmap, the IPM Matrix and Logic Models to develop a framework to evaluate IPM. To date, ten logic models have been developed to evaluate IPM. It is anticipated that these models will serve as guides for measuring the impacts associated with adoption of IPM practices and guides for developing additional IPM program evaluations.
The National Integrated Pest Management Interagency Group: An Interagency Cooperative Effort to Utilize the National Road Map
Carol L Pilcher,
csimmons@iastate.edu, Department of Entomology, Iowa State University,
Wentzville, MO
In October 2004, over 30 individuals representing different entities associated with IPM (i.e., American Farmland Trust, NIFA, EPA, Universities, and others) met in Vermont and formed the National IPM Interagency Group. This meeting was a unique opportunity for individuals to enter into an interagency cooperative effort to determine the outcomes associated with IPM on a national level. More specifically, the group began to develop a long-term strategy of cooperation to evaluate the current status of IPM throughout the nation and determine the next steps needed to drive the IPM Roadmap forward. The National IPM Interagency Group has outlined action items and formed four subcommittees (Goals/Objectives, Evaluation, Reporting and NRCS/595) to address the priorities associated with the IPM Roadmap. The Goals and Objectives subcommittee was designed to look at the mission statements, goals, and objectives of the agencies involved with IPM. These efforts will allow the National IPM Interagency Group to determine potential collaborative efforts in the IPM realm. The Reporting subcommittee was designed to determine the feasibility of constructing a database to track IPM programs. The Evaluation subcommittee was formed to examine the economic, environmental and health impacts associated with the adoption of IPM. This committee could use the abovementioned database, as well as other sources of information to evaluate IPM on a national level. The NRCS/595 Subcommittee was formed to explore the NRCS Program and determine if collaborative evaluation efforts can measure the impact of adopting IPM practices. Members of the National IPM Interagency Group continue to work together to assess the current status of IPM and develop a national program evaluation for IPM.
Participatory Appraisal in Expanding the Eastern European IPM CRSP
*Douglas G. Pfeiffer1, dgpfeiff@vt.edu,
Anthony D. Bratsch2, Josef Tedeschini3, 1Department
of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 2Department of
Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; 3Plant Protection
Institute, Durrës, Albania
For the past several years, the IPM CRSP (Integrated Pest Management Collaborative
Research Support Program, funded by USAID), has been active in Albania. The
project has dealt with the total pest complex, including insects, diseases,
weeds and nematodes, on a single crop, olive. The Eastern European site of the
IPM CRSP is in the process of expanding it focus to several high value
horticultural crops, and it geographical coverage to include Ukraine and
Moldova. The first phase of work involves a Participatory Appraisal (PA). A PA
involves interviews of a range of stake holders in IPM, including farmers,
marketers, and government representatives. A PA covering tomato, cucumber,
grape and apple was held in Albania in August 2004. Unannounced visits were
made to farms producing the crops involved. Background information was obtained
on pest status, grower practices and grower knowledge levels. A second PA will
be held in Ukraine and Moldova in spring 2006. A planning trip in July 2005
indicated certain commonalities in pest management systems in the three
countries; this will be followed in the second PA. The process will capitalize
on the experience of Albanian scientists with the PA process by incorporating
some of the cooperators in the PA team visiting these countries. It is expected
that this will foster an international research team of plant protection
specialists in high value horticultural crops.
The Pacific Northwest IPM Workgroup
*Ronda Hirnyck1, scoates@tricity.wsu.edu, Sally O’Neal Coates2,
Thomas Jahns3, Catherine Daniels4, 1University
of Idaho Boise, Boise, ID; 2Washington State University Tri-Cities,
Richland, WA; 3University of Alaska Fairbanks, Soldotna, AK; 4Washington
State University Puyallup, Puyallup, WA
Since 2001, several Pacific Northwestern U.S. states have acted as a flexible
coalition, united by similar crops and cropping systems and the shared
objective of promoting IPM in agricultural settings. With a mutual involvement
in the Western IPM Center at their core, they interact and share expertise
about a host of common concerns. Meeting at least twice per year, the workgroup
has collaborated on a number of projects benefiting their constituents. By
sharing resources, they maximize expertise and minimize duplication of effort.
The result is not only economic efficiency, but also numerous measurable
outcomes. Working across state lines for the good of all, the group has
produced Pest Management Strategic Plans for 16 crops, providing valuable
feedback to USDA and USEPA to assist in regulatory and policy decision-making.
They have developed projects such as the “One Plan” for farm planning in
cooperation with NRCS; regionwide pest alerts, models, and forecasting tools;
and interstate pest management handbooks. They originated a position called a
Comment Coordinator, a grower-to-agency feedback mechanism so successful it is
being emulated in other parts of the country. The PNW Workgroup has impacted
endangered species, IR-4, researchers, and producers as well as USDA and USEPA.
At the end of 2005, seven states were active in the group. With its flexible
structure and rotating leadership, the PNW Workgroup remains uniquely
responsive and adaptable to projects and ideas beneficial to all.
Partnerships Expand the
Horizon for the Maryland Integrated Pest Management Program
*Sandra Sardanelli1, ssardane@umd.edu, Amy E. Brown1, Carol Holko2, 1Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD; 2Plant Protection Section, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Annapolis, MD
Programmatic affiliations among the University of Maryland Statewide Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) Program, the Maryland State Network Project and the
Maryland Department of Agriculture allow for an inclusive approach to
information transfer. Additionally, the IPM Program benefits greatly from the
support and collaborative efforts of a number of Maryland Cooperative Extension
resource laboratories, facilities, and allied programs. The goal of these
partnerships, increased stakeholder awareness, supports the expansion of
opportunities for Maryland residents to engage in IPM related activities.
Personnel in all above units contribute to multiple cross-programming efforts
which address both ongoing and emerging pest management issues. Drawing from
expertise in research based IPM best management practices, pesticide education
and assessment venues and regulatory issues this networking of resources
provides a consistent and reliable flow of timely pest management information
for state residents. These cooperative efforts result in increased stakeholder
participation in advisory groups, program committees, policy decisions,
research and outreach projects, new pest detection, conference and workshop
attendance and use of web based resources.
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Orkin Collaborates to Promote IPM in Food Manufacturing and Health Care
Randall Kirsch, rkirsch@jacksonspalding.com, Orkin, Inc., c/o Jackson Spalding,
Inc., St. Louis, MO
Nowhere could the chemical-reduction strategies of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) be more important than in food manufacturing and health care, where health
and safety is a top priority. For the past two years, pest control company
Orkin, Inc. has spearheaded efforts to promote wider use of IPM in these two
industries, working with The IPM Institute of North America, the American
Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) and Hospitals for a
Healthy Environment (H2E). The Gold Medal IPM Partner Awards, launched by Orkin
and The IPM Institute in 2004, honor food and beverage processors that have
shown outstanding commitment to their IPM partnerships with Orkin through
vigilant sanitation, reliable pest monitoring and documentation, effective
communication, and timely responsiveness to Orkin’s IPM recommendations. Since
its inception, the program has recognized 11 facilities across the United States
and Canada and been publicized in a number of food-industry publications. In
early 2005, certified entomologists from Orkin collaborated with ASHES, an
affiliate of the American Hospital Association, to author Integrated Pest
Management, the first in a series of “Recommended Practice” documents for their
more than 1,800 members across the United States. The document is a complete
“how to” guide to implementing and maintaining an effective IPM program in a
health care facility. Later in 2005, Orkin contributed to the development of a
“10 Step Guide to Implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program” published
by Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) (a joint project of the American
Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, Health Care without Harm and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) for distribution to the more than
5,000 “H2E Partner” health care facilities across the country.
IPM Florida Partnerships: The UF, IFAS Statewide IPM Program
*Norman C. Leppla, ncleppla@ufl.edu, Jennifer L. Gillett,
University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, FL
The Florida statewide integrated pest management program known as IPM Florida
addresses pests and plant diseases in agricultural, community and natural
settings. New pest management projects have been developed and implemented in
collaboration with researchers, extension agents, and stakeholders. The key to
IPM Florida’s success is building strong partnerships.
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Urban IPM Education: Philadelphia School and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP)
*Lyn Garling1, ljg5@psu.edu, Rhonda Griffin2, Michelle Niedermeier2, Edwin Rajotte3, Nicole Webster4, 1PA IPM Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; 2Philadelphia School and Community IPM Program (PSCIP), PA IPM Program, Penn State Philadelphia Outreach Center, North Philadelphia, PA; 3Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; 4Agriculture and Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Urban pests degrade city environments: homes, schools, hospitals, restaurants,
parks and public and private offices. In such environments, routine pesticide
use remains the “first line of defense” and pest problems remain chronic.
Targeted IPM outreach education programs covering the spectrum of urban
environments and clientele are sorely needed. Through the Philadelphia School
and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP), the PA IPM Program reaches out to
students, school administrators, community groups, families and individuals
through diverse partnership and programming. PSCIP currently has 3 active
programs funded by USEPA:
-Row House Project: This project “demonstrates by doing” IPM in attached row houses and gathers information about residents’ pest and pest management knowledge pre- and post- contact. Residents become “ambassadors” for IPM in their communities. Partners: Rhonda Griffin, Pest Free Maintenance, Inc.
-IPM Service Learning Project: Students at Shaw Middle School form a “Pest Patrol Team” to assess their school and community for pest problems and discuss options and help implement IPM actions. Students then present IPM information and advice to school and community groups. Partners: Mr. Sharif El-Mekki, Principal; Patricia Whack, Teacher.
-Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools & IPM Star Certification: Presence of pests and pesticides affect school indoor air quality and childrens’ health. This project introduces both the EPA IAQ Tools for Schools kit and the IPM Star Certification from the IPM Institute of North America’s to Philadelphia schools and day care centers. Partners: Mr. Joe Bondiskey; Pest Control Foreman, Philadelphia School District; Ms. Evelyn Samuels, CEO, Montgomery Early Learning Centers.
The U.S. Forest Service,
the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, and the NIFA in Alaska: Pulling
Together to Control Invasive Plants
*Jamie M. Snyder1, fnjms2@uaf.edu, Michael Shephard2, Tom
Jahns1, Michael Rasy1, Corlene Rose1, Fred
Sorensen1, Jay Moore1, 1UAF Cooperative
Extension Service, Anchorage, AK; 2U.S. Forest Service, State &
Private Forestry, Anchorage, AK
Historically, biologists and land managers have viewed Alaska’s geographic
isolation and harsh climates as protection from invasive plants. However, in
recent years many invasive plant species have been introduced and become
established in America’s last great wilderness. Today, Alaskans have a unique
window of opportunity to prevent many invasive plant infestations before they
become so widespread that control is costly and eradication impossible. The
long-standing partnership between the US Forest Service, Region 10 Forest
Health Protection (USFS), the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative
Extension Service (UAF-CES), and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Extension
and Education Service (NIFA) has supported a successful statewide IPM Program
for two decades. In 2001 the focus of the program expanded to include an
Invasive Plants Program (IPP), focused on prevention via statewide public
education and establishment of Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs), and
early detection via invasive plant inventory for the Alaska Exotic Plant
Information Clearinghouse statewide database. This database currently contains
over 35,000 points, all web-accessible. Over 2,000 client contacts and 46
presentations were made in 2005 alone, in response to the growing demand for
prevention, detection, and control information. Further evidence of increased
invasive plants awareness was the record high attendance and media coverage at
Alaska’s 6th annual invasive plants conference, hosted by the IPP. Alaska is
now home to two functioning and two developing CWMAs. Through funding and
support from the USFS, UAF-CES, and NIFA we are educating the public and
building alliances between agencies to address the emerging threat of invasive
plants in Alaska.
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Highlights of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Potato Initiative
*Deana L. Sexson1, dlsexson@wisc.edu, Timothy R. Connell2, Katherine Schmidt1, 1NPM Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI; 2Portage County UW-Extension, Stevens Point, WI
The World Wildlife Fund, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, and the University of Wisconsin have worked to accelerate adoption of pest, crop, and farm management practices in Wisconsin. This ground-breaking collaboration began in 1996 with the development of a set of goals which include: increased Integrated Pest Management, reduced use of high-risk pesticides, ecosystem restoration, increased biodiversity, and improved soil and water quality. The success of this project has come from the continual involvement of growers in the development and implementation of standards. Research-based measurement systems for pesticide risk (both human and environmental risk) and IPM have been developed and used to monitor changes in grower practices. In 2000, a stringent IPM standard was developed which enabled certified growers to market under the nation’s first eco-brand for potatoes (Healthy Grown). This subset of Healthy Grown growers have documented significant reductions of high-risk pesticide use and demonstrated an increase in IPM strategies through targeted outreach programs. For the last three years, the Collaboration has been working toward expanding the bio-IPM model of potato management to include a broader “ecosystem” perspective. In essence, the Collaboration has sought to develop an agricultural model and whole farm standard that balances the management of all resources that occur on the farm. The Healthy Grown project provides an excellent test case for exploring the possibilities of ecologically comprehensive management combined with economically viable agriculture by working with the innovative growers who are involved in this project.
Technical Advisory Committee of the Q-Biotype Whitefly Taskforce: A Rapid Response to an Emerging Pest
*Scott Ludwig1, swludwig@ag.tamu.edu, Peter Ellsworth2,
Lance Osborne3, Tim Dennehy4, 1Texas
Cooperative Extension, Overton, TX; 2University of Arizona Maricopa
Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ; 3University of Florida
Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Apopka, FL; 4University
of Arizona Department of Entomology, Tucson, AZ
In December 2004, whitefly specimens of the Q-biotype were collected from a
retail market in Arizona. Industry leaders subsequently met with members of the
scientific community and federal and state regulatory officials in April 2005,
in Phoenix, Arizona, to explore options for dealing with the Q-Biotype of the
whitefly. As a result, USDA-APHIS coordinated the formation of an ad hoc
taskforce to address relevant issues in dealing with the pest. The Technical
Advisory Committee of the Q-biotype Whitefly Taskforce is co-chaired by Tim Dennehy
and Lance Osborne. They oversee subcommittees covering: Survey & Diagnosis,
Biology and Ecology, Management, and Education. The Technical Advisory
Committee worked to provide a means for growers and state regulatory officials
to survey for and identify Q-biotype whiteflies. This has resulted in the
whitefly being detected in eighteen states. Pesticide efficacy studies were
conducted in California, Georgia, and New York on poinsettias to determine
efficacy of pesticides commonly used on ornamentals. Additional studies are
being conducted as the whitefly is detected in additional states. Information
has been distributed to growers by means of the major cotton, vegetable and
ornamental magazines, on http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm,
and at many major commodity meetings. A “Best Guess” Pesticide Program for the
Management of the Q-biotype of Bemisia tabaci on Poinsettia was distributed by
ANLA and SAF to its members and Paul Ecke Ranch distributed a copy to its
customers. This committee will continue to evolve to meet growers’ needs as the
status of this important pest changes.
Implementing IPM Practices in Missouri Schools
*Judy Grundler1, Judy.Grundler@mda.mo.gov,
Russell Thompson2, 1Missouri Department of Agriculture,
Jefferson City, MO; 2Missouri Center for Safe Schools, University of
Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
The Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Center for Safe Schools were awarded an EPA grant to implement IPM in Missouri schools. The objectives of the grant were to establish a Missouri School IPM Workgroup, assess the current status of IPM in Missouri schools, develop appropriate training material, conduct training with school district safety coordinators and plan a pilot program for urban, suburban and rural school districts. The IPM Workgroup has representation from twelve stakeholder agencies and organizations. The IPM Workgroup has been advising the project leaders for each phase of the grant as well as acting as resource providers for their agencies and organizations. This structure has provided IPM information dissemination to a wide array of key players such as school administrators, school district safety coordinators, school plant managers, school nurses, and pest management professionals. Three surveys were used to determine the targeted pests and method of pest control used by schools. Survey results found: target pests were cockroaches, ants, mice/rats, spiders; majority of indoor pesticide applications were applied by private contractors; majority of pesticide applications were performed on a fixed schedule; majority of schools did not use a notification policy; and majority of applications were not posted. Based upon these results, the IPM Workgroup developed an example school IPM policy and procedures, notification protocols, suggested treatment protocols for target pests, provided pest control information including least toxic treatments, outlined maintenance procedures, and highlighted cost savings of IPM implementation to school districts. Specific survey results will be presented.
Diagnostic Methods for Diabrotica Virgifera Virgifera, LeConte: Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae
*Ejup Cota, imb@albmail.com, Shpendi Shahini, Plant Protection Institute,
Durres, Albania
Field monitoring of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera,
LeConte) has been conducted within the framework of the International Working
Group on Ostrinia (IWGO) network group. Since 1999 we have conducted nationwide
monitoring of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, LeConte using the Hungarian-type
pheromone traps. The traps were set up mainly at “Mother Teresa” Airport and at
some other sites in Albania (Shkodra, Durres, Dibra, Saranda, etc.), close to
the border of Montenegro, FYROM, and Kosovo. The sexual pheromone used was
8-methyl-decane-2-oylpropanate. We are considering the use of new methods such
as PCR for identification of insect species, including coleopterans. This would
allow identification of Diabrotica larvae, which are much more difficult to
correctly identify than adults. This method is quite new for entomologists in
Albania, but could be started after training and acquisition of the necessary
equipment for the entomology laboratory of our Institute.
The Effect of Soil Solarization to Control of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne Spp on Protected Crops in Albania
*Vangjel Jovani, imb@albmail.com, Plant Protection Institute, Durres, Albania
Vegetables in Albania are produced on total area of 36.000 ha. Greenhouse
vegetable production is important for fresh vegetable, although greenhouses
comprise only 1.9 % of the total vegetable area. The commonest and most
widespread root-knot nematode is Meloidogyne incognita which may cause severe
reduction in crop yield. Studies on cultural, physical and chemical methods of
control have been conducted in order to compare their economic value and to
increase awareness about the successful use of biological and non-chemical
alternative techniques. The best methods used against Meloidogyne incognita is
the soil solarization. This methods is used during years 1997 - 2000, in sandy
soil in Durres Albania glasshouse. The soil is irrigated and plought just after
harvest. A thin white polyethylene sheet, 0,08 mm is spread over the soil, and
left undisturbed for a period of four to seven weeks during the July - August
period. Maximum soil temperature achieved under solarization plots were 53,1 to
49,2 0C resp. at depths 10,20 cm and 45 to 38 0C for uncovered plots. Nematode
populations were reduced significantly from 49 to 93 %. All variants with soil
solarization were significantly better than the control. During the years
2001-2005 in many districts on protected crops, are used 6 ha soil
solarization, with white polyethylene sheet 0,06-0,08 mm. Several experiments
were conducted to compare the effectiveness of soil solarization with that of
several chemicals. Moreover when soil solarization was combined with low rates
of Fenamiphos (six weeks with soil solarization + 150 kg/ha Fenamiphos), the
control of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp was really excellent.
Grape Vine Moth in Albania
*Shpend Shahini, imb@albmail.com, Ejup Cota, Endri Kullaj, Plant Protection
Institute, Durres, Albania
Among a number of insect pests the common grape-vine moth, Lobesia botrana is
predominant. Other insect causing only sporadic damage. Lobesia botrana was
found in all types of vineyard, producing three generations a year. Three
generation a year were observed, but with high population densities only in a
years with moderately hot summers and high humidity. The most severe
investation normally occurred in vineyards with extended training systems and
on compact cluster varieties. Limiting factors were high summer temperatures
and mortality of over wintering pupae from numerous parasites and predators.
Damage provoked by the carpophagous generations varied with the cultivar,
compact-cluster varieties being the most attacked. Varieties with lose grape
clusters were less susceptible. The intervention thresholds established from
the control experiments and vintage damage evaluations took into account the
dependence of treatment effectiveness upon cluster confirmation as well as
cultivar susceptibility to attack. For the less susceptible varieties, sampling
was done a set at a larval infestation of 10 % to 15 % of the cluster. For
varieties with compact grape-clusters, not only limited did the intervention
threshold have to be lower (5 % to 10 %), but also the decision to intervene
required much more urgency. Pheromone traps helped considerably to minimize
pest management costs. Further their use made it possible to intervene at
exactly the right moment against heavy attacks, particularly important in the
casa of compact-cluster varieties.