Progress 07/01/23 to 02/29/24

Outputs
Target Audience:This USDA SBIR project aims to develop Acttra Plutella, a semiochemical-based technology to control diamondback moth (DBM), a key pest of crucifer crops. Acttra Plutella will combine an attractant with a reduced-risk pesticide, drawing DBM to the formulation and inducing contact and/or consumption by the target pest. This work is directed to address the priorities of USDA research topic area "8.12 Small and Mid-Size Farms", by providing small- and mid-scale crucifer growers with alternative tools to reduce or eliminate crop damage by one of the most impactful insect pests they face, DBM, which is becoming increasingly difficult to manage due to this species' evolution of resistance to multiple pesticides. The Acttra Plutella product being developed through this project will address the needs of these growers for 1) alternative control strategies for DBM showing resistance to traditional management tactics, 2) control strategies that reduce or eliminate the need for broad-spectrum insecticides, which are not only resistance prone and potentially harmful to the environment and to human health, but are also falling out of favor with American consumers, and 3) long-lasting and cost-effective crop protection. Changes/Problems:Initial difficulties locating fields with sufficient DBM populations delayed the final conclusion of the project, but once suitable test areas were discovered, the trials concluded as planned. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Task 1: Bioassays for DBM Attraction to Acttra Plutella The first task was to assess the olfactory response of DBM to Acttra Plutella using a four-choice olfactometer. The experiment was conducted in the Small Fruit and Vegetable IPM laboratory at the University of Florida. DBM adults were tested individually to see if they preferred cabbage discs treated with Acttra Plutella versus untreated cabbage. The results showed that both male and female DBM showed a strong preference for cabbage discs treated with Acttra Plutella over untreated cabbage or air controls. This confirmed that Acttra Plutella is a key attractant for DBM. Task 2: Field Trials in Arizona (Broccoli) The second task involved testing Acttra Plutella A&K in a commercial broccoli field in Yuma, Arizona. The objective was to evaluate its impact on DBM populations and crop damage compared to growers' best practices. A randomized complete block design was used, with four different treatments applied to the broccoli plots. These treatments included Acttra Plutella combined with two different insecticides (Lannate LV and Radient), and a control group with no Acttra Plutella applied. The treatments were applied twice during the growing period, and the number of dead moths in the treated plots was monitored. Results showed no dead moths in any of the plots, indicating that Acttra Plutella did not cause immediate mortality of DBM in the field. There were also no signs of phytotoxicity, although droplets of the formulation were visible on plants throughout the trial. This suggests that while Acttra Plutella did not immediately kill DBM, it did not cause harmful effects on the crops either. Task 3: Field Trials in Florida (Cabbage) Task 3 focused on field trials at the University of Florida's Plant Science Research and Education Unit, aimed at evaluating Acttra Plutella's effectiveness in cabbage fields. Various pest management strategies for DBM were tested, including the combination of Acttra Plutella with organic and conventional insecticides, and other treatments that rotated different insecticides. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used, and pest pressure from DBM was monitored through visual inspections of randomly selected plants. The results showed that overall DBM populations were low across all treatments. Plots treated with Spinosad and Acttra Plutella had significantly fewer DBM compared to other treatments, such as those with emamectin benzoate and Acttra Plutella. Despite some variations in DBM presence, plots treated with Spinosad and Acttra Plutella had the highest marketable cabbage yields. These plots also had fewer unmarketable cabbages compared to the control group. Other treatments also resulted in high yields, but the control group showed significantly more unmarketable cabbages. Conclusion Overall, the trials demonstrated that Acttra Plutella has potential as an effective semiochemical-based pest control tool for DBM. It significantly influenced their behavior, attracting them to treated cabbage in bioassays. The field trials showed that combining Acttra Plutella with insecticides could help reduce pesticide use while maintaining effective pest control. Additionally, it contributed to higher yields of marketable cabbage in Florida, outperforming the control group. These findings suggest that Acttra Plutella could be a valuable tool for small- and mid-scale crucifer growers, helping them manage DBM while reducing reliance on traditional chemical pesticides.

Publications