CONTROL OF HONEY BEE MITES;TAXONOMIC AND BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ERIOPHYOID MITES; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF MULTIFLOR ROSE: MITE AND INSECT PEST

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
211	3010	1130	50%
211	3120	1130	30%
212	2300	1130	20%

Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The PI retired without filing a report. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The PI retired without filing a report.

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Honey Bee Research for 2007. 1) Jim Amrine, Bob Noel, and David Webb developed a new "Paper-pad" technique for flash fumigating honey bee hives with 50% formic acid; the treatment takes 24 hours or less, all materials can be removed by the bees, no formic acid residues result, average control of varroa mite in capped brood cells exceeds 96%. This method costs about $1.36 per hive, takes five minutes to apply, and requires only one trip to the bee yard. Amrine and others believe that coordinated application of this method could eliminate varroa mites north of Mexico in about four years. 2) Our feeding stimulant/feeding supplement, Honey-B-Honey(R) has been reported by several beekeepers to reduce/eliminate infections of bees by viruses and the relatively new pathogen, Nosema ceranae. It was tested on several thousand hives in the Dakotas and Nebraska in 2007 with excellent results. Cost of feeding 3 1/2 gallons of syrup with HBH is $0.54 per hive. Other infections appear to be reduced or eliminated as well: chalkbrood, both foul broods, etc. Use of HBH greatly assists honey bee recovery from pesticide insult. 3) Our wintergreen-salt grease patties continue to eliminate tracheal mites and keep varroa mites at low levels; an added benefit appears to be an additional week of longevity of forgers due to less wear and tear on wing tips due to the grease. Dissemination: Our research is presented in two websites and we have published papers in the International Journal of Acarology. CD's are sent to beekeepers, researchers and others on request. PARTICIPANTS: Jim Amrine, Prof. of Entomol., Div. Plant/Soil Sci., G-168 Agr. Sci. Bldg., Evansdale Drive, P.O. Box 6108, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6108. Telephone: 304.293.6023, Fax: 304.293.2960, E-Mail: jamrine@wvu.edu Web site: http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/varroa06.htm Bob Noel, Beekeeper, 108 Blackiston Ave, Cumberland, MD 21502. Telephone 301.724.3529, E-Mail: rcnoel@atlanticbb.net Web site: http://rnoel.50megs.com/2000/index.htm David Webb, Professional Beekeeper,Vice President, Florida Beekeepers Association,Webbs Honey, 901 Elkcam Boulevard, Cocoa, FL 32927 Home Telephone: 321.636.5377, E-Mail: webbshoney@msn.com Workshops were presented: Morgantown, WV in April, 2007; in Mahammet, Tunisia to the African Acarological Society, 21-25 Oct 2007; in Syracuse, NY, 10-11 Nov 2007 to the Empire State Honey Producers; a formal presentation was made to the Acarological Society of America, 9 Dec 2007; Amrine was elected President of the Society at the Annual Meeting. TARGET AUDIENCES: Beekeepers, both hobbyists and professional; apicultural researchers at universities and federal laboratories, in the US, Africa, Europe and elsewhere. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Amrine is retiring from West Virginia University; it is unknown if the apiculture research program will continue at this stellar land grant university. When needs are greatest for research and agricultural extension in critical programs like apiculture - with the currently collapsing bee industry all over the world - seems to be when positions are elminated. It is the American way.

Impacts
Beekeepers throughout North America, in Europe and Asia are now aware of our methods and many are using them. No other protocol or IPM system can match the results of our treatments and recoveries of honey bee hives collapsing from pathogens, mites, or pesticides.

Publications

Amrine J. W. Jr., Noel, R., Webb, D. 2007. Results of 50% formic acid fumigation of honey bee hives [Apis mellifera ligustica (Hymenoptera: Apidae)] to control varroa mites (Acari: Varroidae) in brood combs in Florida, U. S. A. Internat. J. Acarology 33(2): 99-109.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
In 2006 we conducted research on controlling varroa mites in Florida using our 50% formic acid fumigator supported by a $50,000 grant from the Florida Dept of Agriculture. In 2006, we treated 31 colonies with the 50% formic acid fumigator (& Honey-B-Healthy to prevent queen loss). The resultant mite mortality in capped drone cells was: 1) 99.2% on 3 April (84 F, 50% RH, 9:15am) (85ml 50% FA + 15 ml HBH; 2-deep, a single hive demonstration; 200 cells were opened); DPI Church Bee Yard, Alachua Co., FL. 2) 92.6% on 15 August (T 94 F, 58,7% RH; 1:30pm) (90ml 50% FA +15 ml HBH; 10, 2-deep colonies (100 cells per colony)) (Mr. Hope's property, Cocoa, FL), and 3) 93.7% on 23 October (T 81.8 F, RH 41.2%; 5pm) (110 ml 50% FA + 15 ml HBH, 5PM; 20, 2-deep colonies (100 cells per colony)) (Duda Ranch, Melbourne, FL). Our overall treatment mortality of varroa mites removed from 100 capped drone cells in 31 colonies was 93.54%. Control mortality averaged 2% and f values of one-way ANOVA were 70.11 in August and 351.07 in October. All of the treatments and results and analysis can be seen at http://rnoel.50megs.com/2000/JanRpt.pdf and http://www,wvu.edu/agexten/varroa06. We noticed that there was a great influx of adult bees from collapsing colonies, causing our alcohol washes to have unusually high numbers of varroa mites despite high mortality in capped brood cells. We believe that a passing cold front on 23 October stimulated workers and drones from weak and collapsing colonies in the region to seek queenright colonies. A new species of eriophyid mite was found on wild and commercial black berries in NW Arkansas; this is the result of joint research with Dr. Rose Gergerich, Univ. Ark. She found a new virus adversely affecting commercial varieties of blackberries (Rubus spp. cultivars). Both will be described in 2007. New pest species of Eriophyids were also found on Venegasia (tree sunflower nursery stock) in California (joint research with Peter Kerr, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch) and on ornamental banana figs (Ficus maclellandi King var. alii) in office displays in Long Island, NY (joint research with Daniel Gilrein, Extension Entomologist, Cornell University). Four new species of eriophyids on Sugar Cane and Bamboo were described in 2006 with Amrine as one of the authors.

Impacts
Our protocol for managing honey bee mites using organic acids and essential oils resulted in hundreds of recovered, strong colonies in Florida in 2006. Our colleague, David Webb obtained 2 and 3 deep supers of honey from each of his colonies in several bee yards.

Publications

Xue, X.-F., Song, Z-W., Amrine, J. W. Jr., Hong, X.-Y. 2006. Eriophyid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on bamboo from China, with descriptions of three new species from Qinling Mountains. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 99(6): 1057-1063.
Amrine, J. W. Jr. & R. Noel. 2006. Formic acid fumigator for controlling varroa mites in honey bee hives. Intern. J. Acarol. 32(2): 115-123.
Ozman-Sullivan S.K., Walter D.E., Amrine, J.W. Jr. 2006. Eriophyid Mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) of sugarcane in Australia. Intern. J. Acarol., 32(4): 387-395.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
We continue to send out copies of our protocols for IPM of honey bee colonies infested with Varroa Mites; the WVU apiary lost one of 23 colonies during the winter of 2004/2005, and not to Varroa mites. Fluvalinate-resistant and coumaphos-resistant varroa mites caused losses of 50 to 60% of commercial honey bees throughout the USA during the winter of 2004-2005; most of these losses could have been prevented by adoption of our protocols. The successful product, Honey-B-Healthy, developed in our SARE-supported research [1998-2001] on controlling honey bee mites, is now sold by several commercial Honey Bee Supply Dealerships in 16oz, 1 gal & 5 gal plastic containers and in 55 gal drums; the distribution is international. The product sells itself: the resulting improved health of colonies and increased brood production, as well as utility for queen introduction, proves it to be a valuable product. Research continues on the wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella, delineating the Nebraska strain of the mite as the major vector of the High Plains Virus. We plan to publish a guide to delineate significant species of eriophyids occurring on wheat and maize, using both morphological and molecular methods. Work continued on the Computerized Catalog of Eriophyoidea which now contains over 3,900 species, 7,800 host plant associations, and 6,800 known references; the catalog on CD is made available, with no charge, to qualified researchers. We have been asked to update and revise the book, Eriophyoid Mites of the United States (Baker, et al. 1996) to include many new species, new introductions and new records, and to include species found in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. This book is used by APHIS inspectors who find eriophyoids on imported plant products and who need to find a manual that enables rapid and accurate identification of these ubiquitous pests. Rose Rosette Disease of multiflora rose continues to spread eastward and to reduce stands of wild multiflora rose; we estimate that about 50% of the multiflora roses in WV have become infected with RRD.

Impacts
The protocol for managing honey bee mites using organic acids and essential oils allows beekeepers to maintain strong colonies for pollination and honey production without reliance on synthetic acaricides; fluvalinate-resistant and coumaphos-resistant varroa mites can now be successfully treated with the formic acid fumigator. Many new species of Eriophyoidea remain to be described. RRD will continue to spread and to eliminate stands of multiflora rose, but will become an increasing problem for rosarians.

Publications

Craemer C., Amrine J. W. Jr., de Lillo E., Stasny, T. 2005. Nomenclatural changes and new synonymy in the genus Diptilomiopus Nalepa. 1916 (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Diptilomiopidae). Internat. J. Acarol. 31(2): 133-136.
Kamali H., Amrine J. W. Jr. 2005. Studies on the eriophyid mites of Iran (Acari: Eriophyidae). I. Two new species of Aceria, with a key to Iranian species. Intern J. Acarol. 31(1): 57-62.
Amrine J.W.Jr., Stasny T. 2005. The genus Epitrimerus Nalepa 1898 and the pear rust mite, Epitrimerus pyri (Nalepa, 1891)(Prostigmata: Eriophyidae). Internat. J. Acarol. 31(2): 137-141.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
We continued successful of use our four-part protocol for Integrated Pest Management of honey bee colonies in West Virginia [instructions are provided free on request]; this year we maintained 24 colonies at West Virginia University. Our essential oil concentrate, Honey-B-Healthy, continues to be a popular item among beekeepers throughout North America, and is now available in Europe and Japan. The product is available in 16 oz,1 gal, 5 gal and 55 gal drums. Several large-scale beekeepers with 1000's of colonies have adopted use of Honey-B-Healthy. A popular use is to mix the concentrate with sugar syrup [5 to 10 ml HBH to 946 ml of syrup] and thoroughly spray the brood nest every three weeks. This technique is rapid and very effective at maintaining healthy colonies and stimulates foraging and brood production. Our 50% formic acid fumigator [design and instructions supplied free on request] continues to be the most thorough and convenient method for reducing large numbers of fluvalinate- or coumaphos-resistant varroa mites; it has been adopted by many beekeepers throughout the area. It is innocuous to honey bees [when mixed with 15% Honey-B-Healthy] and usually 95%+ effective at killing mites on the bees and in sealed brood cells. Federal and state regulatory agencies need to approve this convenient method of controlling honey bee mites. Work continued on the Computerized Catalog of the gall mites or Eriophyoidea: there are now over 3,900 species recognized world-wide, over 7,800 host plant associations, and over 6,700 known references; the catalogs on CDs were sent to acarological researchers world-wide at no cost. In 2004, Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) of multiflora rose continued to increase in West Virginia; most counties now have over 50% infection of wild multiflora roses; multiflora rose is rapidly losing its noxious weed habit in many areas. RRD continues to be a severe problem on ornamental roses in many regions; the mites, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, are disseminated from infested wild Rosa multiflora to many varieties of ornamental roses. RRD-infected mites disperse for many miles on air currents.

Impacts
The four-part protocol for managing honey bee mites using organic acids and essential oils allows beekeepers to maintain strong colonies for pollination and honey production without reliance on synthetic acaricides; large-scale beekeepers with 1000 or more colonies have adopted our protocol in Canada, California, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Our formic acid fumigator successfully treats fluvalinate-resistant and coumaphos-resistant varroa mites. The catalogs to Eriophyoidea allows acarologists to accurately find information on 100's of important phytophagous mite pests world-wide. RRD will continue to spread and to reduce stands of wild multiflora rose, but will become an increasing problem for ornamental roses in the east.

Publications

Navia, D., Amrine, J. W. Jr., Flechtmann, C. H. W. 2005. Supposed ovoviviparity and viviparity in the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae); an example of female senility. Intern. J. Acarol. 31(1): [print date: March 2005].

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
We continued to use our four-part protocol for IPM of honey bee colonies in West Virginia; this year we maintained 28 colonies. 2003 was the worst honey year observed since 1978. The cool night temperatures, record rainfall of 60.7 inches, and constant wet, rainy conditions resulted in very little nectar collection by most colonies. We fed sugar syrup and Honey-B-Healthy to colonies in August, September, and October to try to keep them going. Several large-scale beekeepers with 1000's of colonies have adopted our use of Honey-B-Healthy and the formic acid fumigator in California, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Canada. The Revised Keys to World Genera of Eriophyoidea was published in August 2003; there are now 304 valid genera of Eriophyoid mites known around the world. Work continued on the Computerized Catalog of Eriophyoidea: there are now 3,729 species, 7,580 host plant associations, and 6,446 known references; CD's with the catalog was made available to acarological researchers. In 2003, Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) of multiflora rose continued to increase in West Virginia; many counties now have ca. 50%, or greater, infection of wild multiflora roses.

Impacts
The four-part protocol for managing honey bee mites using organic acids and essential oils allows beekeepers to maintain strong colonies for pollination and honey production without reliance on synthetic acaricides; large-scale beekeepers with 1000 or more colonies have adopted our protocol in California, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Canada. Fluvalinate-resistant and coumaphos-resistant varroa mites can now be successfully treated with our formic acid fumigator. The Revised Keys to Eriophyoidea will allow acarologists to accurately identify 100's of important pests world-wide. RRD will continue to spread and to reduce stands of multiflora rose, but will become an increasing problem for ornamental roses in the east.

Publications

Amrine J. W. Jr., Stasny, T. A., Flechtmann, C. H. W. 2003. Revised Keys to World Genera of Eriophyoidea (Acari: Prostigmata). Indira Publishing House, West Bloomfield, MI. iv + 244 pp.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Our four part protocol for IPM of honey bee colonies infested with Varroa and tracheal mites is very effective and has kept our colonies [Amrine: 28; Noel: 80; Delia: 25] in excellent condition. The protocol consists of: Part I: feeding colonies 1:1 sugar syrup in early spring (Feb-Mar) and fall containing 10 cc per quart of Honey-B-Healthyr, a commercial product we developed. Part II: maintain all colonies on screened bottom boards. Part III: apply grease patties containing salt and wintergreen oil onto brood chambers and at the entrances beginning in June, and throughout the fall-winter. Part IV: treatment in August-September with a special fumigator applying 50% formic acid combined with 10% Honey-B-Healthyr: a single, 24hour application kills all mites on bees and about 95% inside cells. Fluvalinate-resistant Varroa mites are now common in WV and MD, and coumaphos-resistant mites have been found in WV and MD, increasing the importance of our IPM protocol for controlling mites. The Key to World Genera of Eriophyoidea (Amrine 1996) was extensively revised and has been sent to the printer; there are now 298 valid genera of Eriophyoid mites known around the world. Work continued on the Computerized Catalog of Eriophyoidea: there are now 3,674 species, 7,476 host plant associations, and 6,318 known references; a CD with the catalog is made available to acarological researchers. In 2002, Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) of multiflora rose was found in Delaware for the first time. It has spread as far east as just south of Philadelphia.

Impacts
Impact: The modified protocol for managing honey bee mites using organic acids and essential oils will allow beekeepers to maintain strong colonies for pollination and honey production without reliance on synthetic acaricides; several large-scale beekeepers with 1000's of colonies have adopted our formic acid fumigator in Florida, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Canada and elsewhere. Fluvalinate-resistant and coumaphos-resistant varroa mites can now be successfully treated with our formic acid fumigator. The revised keys to Eriophyoidea will allow acarologists to accurately identify 100's of important pests world-wide. RRD will continue to spread and to reduce stands of multiflora rose, but will become an increasing problem for ornamental roses in the east.

Publications

Amrine, J. W. Jr., 2002. Multiflora Rose, Ch. 22, pp. 265-292 in: Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. USDA, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, FHTET-2002-04. 413 pp.
Noel, R., Amrine, J., & A. Kovacs. 2002. Organic treatment IPM for honey bee mites. American Bee Journal 142(5):359-361.
Noel, R., Amrine, J., & A. Kovacs. 2002. Integrated Pest Management combined with mite resistant queens to combat acaricide-resistant Varroa. American Bee Journal 142(9): 672-674.
Amrine, J. W., Jr., Stasny, T. A., and Flechtmann, C. H. W. 2003. Keys to World Genera of Eriophyoidea, Revised (Acari: Prostigmata). Indira Publish. House, West Bloomfield, Michigan, USA: 234 pp. [in press]

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
We modified our four part protocol for IPM of honey bee colonies infested with Varroa and tracheal mites as follows: Part I: feed colonies sugar syrup in early spring (Feb-Mar) containing 1cc per quart of spearmint and lemongrass essentail oils (formulated in a concentrate, Honey-B-Healthyr). Part II: maintain all colonies on screened bottom boards, allowing mite fall and to provide an assay of mite populations. Part III: grease patties containing salt and wintergreen oil, are placed on brood chambers and at the entrance beginning in June. Part IV: colonies with significant mite populations are treated in August-September with 50% formic acid combined with 10% HBH using a redesigned top fumigator. These measures allow us to keep mites well below threshold injury levels: four beekeepers kept 186 colonies successfully in 2001 using these methods. Fluvalinate-resistant Varroa mites became common in WV and MD, increasing the importance of the new protocol to control mites. We have not seen tracheal mites for two years; the protocol is devastating to this pest. Several hives infested with lesser hive beetle were illegally brought into WV in fall 2001; these colonies will be checked in 2002 for the pest. Two pest eriophyid mites appeared on hybrids and genetically modified Zea mays in greenhouses in 2001; Aceria zeasinis appeared in St. Louis, MO and Aceria zeala in Davis, CA. Several samples were received for identification; A. zeasinis had been found in a greenhouse in Auburn AL in the sixties, and had not been seen in the US since then-the mite causes deformation of leaves and appears to interrupt pollination and seed set. Aceria zeala was first described from corn in Columbia in the seventies and this is its first occurrence in the USA; it occurs on the leafy sheaths covering developing ears, coating the husks with white dust resembling pollen; mites appear to interfere with pollination and seed set in the greenhouse. Infested plants were destroyed in California, representing losses of valuable, genetically modified corn worth several million dollars. Investigations revealed several new species of eriophyoids from grapes (Vitis spp. in the USA and Korea), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum in Australia), and various grasses. Keys to the genera of Eriophyoidea were rewritten to include 64 new genera (340 total); work continued on the Computerized Catalog of Eriophyoidea: there are now 3,544 species, 7,100 host plant associations, and 6,204 known references; a CD with the catalog is made available to researchers. In 2001, Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) of multiflora rose was found in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia for the first time. It has spread as far east as Queen Annes and Talbot counties in MD (Delmarva Peninsula). Due to favorable weather in 2001, spread of RRD increased significantly in WV, infecting up to 40-50% of plants in some areas of WV, MD and PA; the epidemic is expected to rapidly increase in the next few years and to enter Delaware, New Jersey, New York and the piedmont of South Carolina.

Impacts
The modified protocol for managing honey bee mites using organic acids and essential oils will allow beekeepers to maintain strong colonies for pollination and honey production without reliance on synthetic acaricides; fluvalinate-resistant varroa mites can now be successfully treated with the formic acid fumigator. RRD will continue to spread and to eliminate stands of multiflora rose, but will become an increasing problem for rosarians.

Publications

Noel, R., Amrine, J., Kovacs, A., Delia, A. 2002. Organic four-fold freatment IPM for controlling honey bee mites. American Bee Journal 142(3)
Flechtmann, C. H. W., Amrine, J. W., Jr., Stasny, T. A. 2002. Keys to World Genera of Eriophyoidea, Revised (Acari: Prostigmata). Indira Publish. House, West Bloomfield, Michigan, USA: 232 pp.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
A four part protocol for management of Honey bee colonies infested with Varroa Mites was developed in 2000. First, colonies were fed a sugar syrup in early spring (February-March) containing 1cc per quart of the essential oils, spearmint and lemongrass; the essential oils were formulated in a concentrate (Honey-B-Healthy) with emulsifiers. Second, all colonies are maintained on screened bottom boards to take advantage of natural mite fall and to provide a method of measuring mite populations. Third, colonies are administered grease patties containing salt and wintergreen oil, beginning in July. Fourth, Colonies with significant mite populations are treated in August with 50% formic acid using a newly devised top fumigator. The combination of these measures allows us to keep mites below threshold injury levels. Measurements and images were made on wheat curl mites, Aceria tosichella (Keifer, 1969), from 8 collections from locations in the US and Yugoslavia (paratypes of the wheat curl mite); each sample will be statistically processed. This work was extended to new material from the plains states and from Australia and Canada. It supports studies of wheat cultivar resistance to wheat curl mite that are being conducted in Nebraska, Kansas and other states, to insure the taxonomic identification of the vectors of wheat streak mosaic and high plains viruses. In 2000, Rose Rosette Disease of multiflora rose was found in all 55 counties in WV after the addition of 8 new counties. In some regions, the rate of infection in local stands of multiflora rose approaches 30%; the epidemic is expected to rapidly increase in the next few years.

Impacts
Successful results from the protocol for managing honey bee mites will allow beekeepers to maintain strong colonies for pollination and honey production without reliance on pesticides; treatments will be available for pesticide-resistant mites. RRD will continue to spread and to eliminate stands of multiflora rose.

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Honey bee colonies infested with Varroa Mites were again treated with emulsifiable concentrates of essential oils (lemongrass + spearmint) in sugar syrups, containing 1cc of each essential oil per quart of syrup and administered to 10 colonies weekly from mid-August until the end of September. Treated colonies were compared to colonies receiving syrups only, syrups plus concentrate, syrups plus Apistan strips, paper towels with canola oil + essential oils, grease patties with 15% wintergreen, the new wick system, and no treatments by counting Varroa mites in brood cells and dead mites on detector boards. The results did not show differences between treated colonies and controls; colonies that received Apistan had the lowest number of mites and lowest colony mortalities. These experiments will be repeated in 2000, as well as experiments using essential oils in a new wick system where a reservoir on the side of the hive is connected to 3 wicks that conduct the oils into the brood nest. A collaborator from Cumberland, MD and inventor of the new wick system had considerable success with this new method in 1999. He developed an alternative method using the wicks to conduct a mixture of 5% acetic acid and 18% formic acid into the brood nest; this technique killed mites in the brood nest and in sealed brood cells in four days, but had minimal impact on the bees. Measurements and images were made on wheat curl mites, Aceria tosichella (Keifer, 1969), from 8 collections made at locations in the US and Yugoslavia (types of the wheat curl mite). Each sample will be statistically processed. This work will be extended to new material from the plains states and from Australia and Canada. It supports studies of wheat cultivar resistance to wheat curl mite that are being conducted in Nebraska, Kansas and other states to insure the taxonomic identification of the vectors of wheat streak mosaic and high plains viruses. A new species, Cecidophyes rouhollahi Craemer, was described from Galium aparine L. in France. This mite has the potential to control the noxious weed, Galium spurium in Alberta, Canada.

Impacts
Varroa mites have devastated honey bee populations in many areas of the U.S. The lack of honey bees has significant impact on many agricultural crops since they are major pollinators. This research is investigating the effectiveness of essential oils in controlling Varroa mites and the most practical method for delivery of the essential oils into the colony. If practical treatment systems can be developed for use in small and larger apiaries, it would significantly increase the number of bee colonies in an area which in turn would impact crop yields and honey production.

Publications

Craemer, C., Sobhian, R., McClay, A. S., Amrine, J. W. Jr. 1999. A new species of Cecidopyhes (Acari: Eriophyidae) from Galium aparine (Rubiaceae) with notes on its biology and potential as a biological control agent for Galium spurium. Internat. J. Acarol. 25(4): 255-263.

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
In fall/winter 1998-1999, the rose seed chalcid (Megastigmus aculeatus var, nigroflavus)(Hoffmeyer) (Hymenoptera; Torymidae) had an average infestation of about 50%, down considerably from the 71.9% of fall/winter 1997-98. The reason for this is unknown, but we suspect that the unusually mild winter (warmest on record) failed to break diapause for many of the larvae. This should be an important research topic for future studies. Honey bee colonies infested with Varroa mites were treated with concentrates of essential oils in natural emulsifiers designed to evenly disperse lipid essential oils into aqueous sugar syrup solutions. The concentrates were formulated by Tony Delia, Anpack Associates (Connecticut), using natural emulsifiers, in collaboration with our USDA, SARE grant, "Controlling Honey Bee Mites With Essential Oils." Sugar syrups were prepared containing 1 cc of spearmint oil per quart and 1 cc of lemongrass oil per quart, in separate treatments and administered to six colonies weekly from mid-August until the end of September. Treated colonies were compared to colonies receiving syrups only, syrups plus concentrate, syrups plus Apistan strips, and no treatments by counting Varroa mites in brood cells and dead mites on detector boards. The results were disappointing: there was no difference between treated colonies and control; colonies that received Apistan had the lowest number of mites and lowest colony mortalities. Unusually high influx of fall nectar may have diluted treatments to the point that no benefit was derived. It is planned to repeat these experiments n 1999, as well as experiments using essential oils in paper towels, grease patties, and tracking strips. No new counties were found in 1998 for Rose Rosette Disease in multiflora rose in West Virginia or in neighboring states.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

No publications, 1998.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
The eriophyid vector, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus (Acari: Prostigmata) and rose rosette disease were found in Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., PA, in 1997 (R. Lehmann, peronal communication). This is the easternmost known distribution of these biological control agents of multiflora rose. Rose rosette disease and the associated vector continue to spread eastward. A year-round investigation at 40 meters above ground using water pan traps (0.35m2 surface area) in Morgantown, WV, produced 2390 airborne eriophyoids in more than 700 species. This sample included several specimens of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus. The traps were 20 times more efficient at trapping eriophyoids, compared to grease-covered, glass slides, and resulted in perfect specimens. Investigation of snowborne mites in Morgantown, WV in winter of 95-96 produced eriophyoid specimens in every snowfall, from November until March; showing that these mites and tarsonemids possess extraordinary potential for winter and long-distance aerial dispersal unmatched by other arthropods. A survey for the rose seed chalcid (Megastigmus aculeatus var. nigroflavus Hoffmeyer) Hymenoptera: Torymidae) found an average infestation of 71.9% of viable seeds in plots at the West Virginia Univerisity Horticulture Farm for winter 1996-1997, up slightly from 1995-96. The level of infestation continues to increase annually. Overall for Monongalia Co. in winter of 96-97, the chalcid infested 77.2% of viable seed, which in our opinion is causing a considerable reduction in the spread of this noxious weed.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

ZHAO, S., AMRINE, J.W.JR. 1997. Investigation of snowborne mites (Acari) and relevancy to dispersal. Intern. J. Acarol. 23(3):209-213.
ZHAO, S., AMRINE, J.W. JR. 1997. A new method for studing aerial dispersal behavior of eriophyoid mites (Acri: Eriophyoidea). Syst. & Appl. Acarol., 2(1):107-110.

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
Rose Rosette Disease (RRD), potential bio-control agent of multiflora rose, vectored by Phyllocoptes fructiphilus was found in three new counties in West Virginia (Mineral, Jefferson and Mercer) and two new counties in Maryland (Alleghany and Frederick) in 1996. The Frederick Co. site is the eastern-most known point of spread of the disease. The findings show that RRD continues to spread eastward. In dispersal experiments examination of flying insects found P. fructiphilus phoretically associated with insects. To date, 12 P. fructiphilus have been collected on oil-coated pans, indicating significant aerial dispersal. In addition, over 500 slides of aerially dispersing eriophyoid mites were prepared, with two to 30 mites each; most mites were new to science and included several new genera. Survey for the rose seed chalcid, Megastigmus aculeatus var. nigroflavus Hoffmann, in multiflora rose at the West Virginia University Experiment Station revealed an average 71% infestation of all viable seed (12 samples, 20 hips each). This number is considerably higher than the average of 23.3% in Fall of 1994 (20 samples, 20 hips each), following the January 1993 cold wave which killed chalcids not covered by snow. The rose seed chalcid is a significant factor in reducing the spread of multiflora rose. Drs. Bryan and Amrine collaborated with John Underwood, Extension Agent in Jackson Co., OH, to produce a bulletin regarding chemical, cultural and biological control of multiflora rose.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

AMRINE, J. 1996 Ch. 4.1.6, Biological control of multiflora rose with Phyllocoptes fructiphilus & Rose Rose Rosettte Disease, pp. 771-749, In: LINDQUIST, E. ET AL. (Eds.) World Crop Pests, Eriophyoidea. Elsevier Inc.
UNDERWOOD, J.F., LOUX, M,M, AMRINE, J. W., JR., BRYAN, W.B. 1996. Multiflora rosecontrol. Ohio State University Extension Bulletin No. 857. 14 pp.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Rose Rosette Disease (RRD), potential biological control agent of multiflora rose, transmitted by the eriophyid mite, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, was found in four new counties in Ohio (Fairfield, Licking, Muskingum, and Perry) and three new counties in Pennsylvania (Greene, Fayette and Allegheny). The findings show that RRD continues to spread, but not as quickly as anticipated. To determine how RRD spreads, experiments were conducted at the WVU Hort Farm and in Greene Co., PA. To determine method of dispersal of the vector, malaise traps were used at each site to capture flying insects originating from RRD infected roses and to attempt to determine whether P. fructiphilus disperses by phoresy on insects. No P. fructiphilus was found phoretically associated with insects but the close species, P. adalius was found dispersing on Japanese beetles. A new design for trapping aerially dispersing mites and insects was developed using oil-coated pans. Two specimens of P. fructiphilus were collected on the pans indicating aerial despersal. In addition, about 200 slides of aerially dispersing eripphyoid mites were prepared, each with two to 21 mites; of these, over 80% were new to science and included two new genera. Samples of snow were collected in December, the meltwater filtered and several living eriophyoid, tarsonemoid, oribatid and other mites were found. This appears to be the first demonstration of eriophoid mites dispersing in winter conditions via examination of snow melt.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

AMRINE, J. 1996. Chapter 4.1.6, Biological control of multiflora rose with Phyllocoptes fructiphilus and Rose Rose Rosette Disease, IN LINDQUIST, E., SABELIS, M.W. ( Eds.) World Crop Pests, Eriophyoidea. Vols. 1 & 2. Elsevier Inc.
AMRINE, J., KASSAR, A. & STASNY, T. 1995. Phyllocoptes fructiphilus vector of RRD: Tax. Bio. Distr. pp 61-66 IN EPSTEIN & HILL. J. (eds.), Int. Sym.: RRD and other Eri-mite Trans. Dis. ISU, May 94.

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) was newly recorded in Preston County, bringing the number of counties where found in West Virginia to 37 of 55 counties. RRD continues to spread in multiflora rose in many parts of Monongalia, Harrison, Tyler, Marshall and Clay counties. The sporadic rate of spread justifies the need for studies on the mode of dispersal. Additional records of RRD were found in Greene, Delaware and Union counties in Ohio, and in Adair, Barren, Metcalf, Pulaski, Russell and Warren counties in southern Kentucky. When exposed to severe cold temperatures in January 1994 (-25 to -40 F) (35 to -40 C) nearly 100% mortality occurred to the biocontrol agent, Megastigmus aculeatus var. nigroflavus (the rose seed chalcid) throughout most of West Virginia and neighboring states. Mortality, however, was near zero for chalcids in hips or seeds covered by snow. Partial analysis of populations of the chalcid in fall 1994 show that the percentage of infested seeds decreased from 40.4 to 14.3%, indicating that a sizable proportion of the chalcids were beneath the snow, perhaps as a result of feeding by birds. Preliminary sampling for dispersing Phyllocoptes fructiphilus (Acari: Eriophyidae), vector of rose rosette disease of roses, indicates that dispersal is probably phoretic on insects rather than by air; specimens were collected from plastic monofilament fibers passed over diseased plants but not from sticky plates exposed to air currents.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
In 1993, no additional counties reported the presence of Rose Rosette Disease (RRD); 36 of 55 West Virginia Counties have previously reported this disease. Local spread of RRD in multiflora rose was observed: about 65 plants in two locations near Fairmont, WV; 27 newly infected plants in pastures on the Animal Sciences Farm, Monongalia County, WV; extensive areas in Harrison, Tyler, Marshall and Clay Counties. The sporadic rate of spread of RRD further justifies the need for studies on the mode of dispersal. Nocturnal behavior of the biocontrol agent Megastigmus aculeatus var. nigroflavus (the rose seed chalcid) was observed and photographed in July 1993; the insects do not fly but become inactive on leaf undersurfaces until daylight. Mating of the rose stem borer, Agrilus aurichalceus aurichalceus, was observed and photographed in July, 1993; additional locations of infestation of this potential biocontrol agent were found in Morgan County, WV and Frederick County, MD.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
In 1992, six additional West Virginia counties reported Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) in multiflora rose, bringing the total to 36 (65%). Counties reporting RRD are: Boone, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mingo, Monongalia, Nicholas, Ohio, Pleasants, Putnam, Richie, Roane, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood. Selected Rosaceous plants, ten each of apple, peach, pear, plum, cherry, apricot, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, mountain ash and black cherry--challenged the past four years with RRD by grafting and with vector eriophyid mites (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus exposed to infected R. multiflora)--continue to be free of symptoms of RRD. Backgrafts from challenged plants to R. multiflora were negative. We confirmed RRD symptoms in multiflora rose collected in Washington County, Pennsylvania in September 1992. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of RRD from that state.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
In 1991, Rose Rosette Disease was found in 29 counties in West Virginia (53%). In six transects of 178 marked Rosa multiflora at Madison, Indiana (fifth season), 94% of plants were infected or dead and 88% dead (Sep. 1991). Revised average longevity of infected R. multiflora is 22.9 months (N=100). R. multiflora is no longer a weed at Madison. Survey revealed that reproduction of R. multiflora is very low, only 20% of the original population, and many are infected with RRD. Drought conditions in 1991 reduced vector (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus) populations; rate of spread of RRD may thus be reduced. Rosaceous plants (10 per species) were again challenged with RRD by grafting and using vector eriophyid mites exposed to infected R. multiflora; to date, no symptoms have appeared in apple, peach, pear, plum, cherry, apricot, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, mountain ash, or black cherry; backgrafts to R. multiflora were negative. In pesticide trials using biweekly treatments of carbaryl, amitraz, and diazinon, no ornamental roses (floribunda, grandiflora, hybrid tea, shrub rose, climbing rose, and miniature rose) became infected; however, all control R. multiflora and one multiflora in each treatment became symptomatic. R. multiflora is the most sensitive species, and treatments should be weekly rather than biweekly.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

AMRINE, J.W. JR. 1991. Biocontrol of Multiflora Rose. pp. 10-13 in Annual Report for 1990, West Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90

Outputs
In 1990, Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) was found in 12 additional counties in central and western West Virginia (total = 22); the rate of eastward spread follows predicitions made in 1988. In six transects of 176 marked multiflora rose at Madison IN, infection increased to 93% and mortality to 78% (Oct. 1990). Average longevity of infected plants is 22 months. Populations of vector eriophyids, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, were greatly reduced in 1990 compared to previous years: only 2.8 mites per shoot in 1990 compared to a three year average of 45.3 mites per shoot. The reduction was caused by low temperatures in Dec. 1989: -24 F (= -31 C), which killed RRD-symptomatic multiflora rose tissue above ground, and overwintering P. fructiphilus which require living host tissue. The following rosaceous plants were challanged with RRD and vector mites in 1990: apple, peach, cherry, plum, pear, apricot, black cherry, mountain ash, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry; no symptoms were observed and back-grafts to multiflora rose were negative; P. fructiphilus host acceptance was also negative. Pesticide trials to protect ornamental roses from P. fructiphilus showed greatest efficacy for carbaryl, amitraz, and diazinon; acephate, avermectin and dicofol were ineffective against this species.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

AMRINE, J.W. JR., D.F. HINDAL, R. WILLIAMS, J. APPEL, T. STASNY, AND A. KASSAR. 1990. Rose rosette as a biocontrol of multiflora rose, 1987-1989. Proc. Southern Weed Sci. Soc. 43: 316-319.
KASSAR, A. AND J. W. AMRINE JR. 1990. Rearing and development of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus (Acari: Eriophidae). Entomol. News 101 (5): 276-282.

Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89

Outputs
Rose rosette disease was found in Cabell, Jackson, Mason, Monongalia, Ohio, Putnam, Roane, Wayne, Wetzel, and Wirt Counties, West Virginia in 1989. Additional findings were made in Ohio (Adams, Franklin and Jackson Counties) and Grand County, Utah. In six transects of 176 marked multiflora rose in Madison IN., infection increased to 87% and mortality to 44% as of Oct. 1989; reversion of symptoms during the three season study was 15%; the average longevity of infected R. multiflora was 19 months. Forest canopy protects R. multiflora from the vector and RRD: incidence of RRD in 1695 plants sampled under forest canopy was 7.9% (vs. 87% in open fields). Populations of the eriophyid vector, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, in 1989 were only 66% as large as in 1987 and 1988. The cold wet spring and numerous heavy rains during 1989 greatly reduced mite populations which peaked in September. The following rosaceous plants were challenged with infected mites and by grafting: apricot, peach, cherry, apple, plum, pear, black cherry, mountain ash, strawberry, blackberry (wild and cultivated) and raspberry; no symptoms of RRD developed. Rosa bracteata, McCartney Rose, was infected with RRD. Tests of vector feeding on the above rosaceous plants were negative, including R. bracteata; vector host tests were positive on Rosa palustris, R. fendleri and six ornamental roses (hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, climbing, shrub and miniature roses).

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

AMRINE, J. W. JR. and D. F. HINDAL. 1989. Rose Rosette: a fatal disease of multiflora rose. West Virginia University Agric. Expt. Stn. Circular 147 (revised).
LULEY, C. and J. W. AMRINE JR. 1990. Potential for biological control of multiflora rose. IN: Non-herbicide alternatives, Symposium, Nov 1989, Rolla, MO. Mark Twain Nat. For. and MO. Dept. of Conserv. (in-press).
HAGENBUCH, B., J. AMRINE, and T. STASNY. 1989. Distribution of rose rosette disease of multiflora rose and its eriophyid mite vector in the United States. Proc., WV Acad. Sci. 61:16. (Abstract).

Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

Outputs
In a field of 180 marked Rosa multiflora, rose rosette disease (RRD) infection and mortality increased from 31% and 1.1% respectively in May 1987, to 78% and 25% respectively in October 1988. Vector (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus) populations in 1988 were similar to those of 1987: symptomatic plants had an average of 77.7% infestation with a peak of 100% in July 1988; healthy plants averaged 47.6% infestation with a peak of 84% in June. Vector densities were higher on symptomatic plants: an average of 49.5 mites/shoot on infected plants compared to 4.3 mites/shoot on healthy plants. RRD was newly found in Clermont, Brown and Scioto Counties in Ohio; the eastern most location is 45 km (28 mi) NW of WV. Ten each of the following rosaceous plants were challenged with RRD: apple, peach, strawberry, blackberry, and native mountain ash. Plants were approach-grafted to symptomatic R. multiflora; each was shield or bud-grafted with 3-5 pieces of symptomatic stems; each recieved 10+ infected Phyllocoptes fructiphillus; and each recieved naturally infesting eriophyid mites following 48 hrs exposure on RRD infected foliage; none developed symptoms of RRD. Agrilus aurichalceus (Buprestidae) attacked up to 50% of canes of some R. multiflora, killing canes distal to attack; several parasites were reared from this potential biocontrol agent.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

HINDAL, D. F., AMRINE JR., J. W., WILLIAMS, R. L. and STASNY, T. A. 1988. Rose rosette disease on multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) in Indiana and Kentucky. Weed Tech. 2:442-444.
AMRINE, J. W. JR., and HINDAL, D. F. 1988. Rose rosette: a fatal disease of multiflora rose, WV Univ. Agr. and For. Expt. Sta. Circ. No. 147. 4 pp.
AMRINE, J. W. JR., HINDAL, D. F. ET.AL. 1988. Transmission of the rose rosette disease agent to Rosa multiflora Thumb. by Phyllocoptes fructiphilus K. (Acari:Eriophyidae). Entomol.News 99(5): 239-252.

Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87

Outputs
In May 1987, six transects consisting of 30 Rosa multiflora each were set up at Madison, Indiana and evaluated monthly for rose rosette disease (RRD). Of 178 plants, (180 plants were initially set up for study, but 2 were R. Setigera), 55 were infected in May (30.9% and 94 in October (52.8%). The largest number of new infections, 24, occurred in July, indicating that dispersion of the eriophyid mite vector, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, occurred in late May to June. Ten plants died by October (5.6% mortality). Ninety shoots each were collected monthly from healthy and diseased plants in the transects to survey for the vector. Shoots of diseased plants had higher infestations and more mites: 64.4% infestation (37 to 87%) of diseases shoots compared to 22.5% (8 to 31%) for healthy; diseased shoots averaged 49.1 mites/shoot (0 to 3518) versus 2.8 (0 to 299) for healthy. Peak mite infestation and numbers occurred in September. Field transmission trials with mites resulted in 6 of 65 plants becoming infected in 30-90 days for 9.23% transmission; lab trials resulted in 9 of 50 plants becoming infected in 37 days for 18.0% transmission. Mite transmission in 1987 was lower than in 1986, and was attributed to the drought (precip.=62% normal) which either reduced the mites' transmission capacity or the agents' availability. In lab trnsmission trials, all mites were eliminated in 14 days by pesticide spray; however, RRD continued in test plants.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

HINDAL, D.F. and AMRINE, J.W. 1987. New Findings of rose rosette disease. Phytopahol. 77:987. (Abstract).

Progress 10/01/86 to 12/30/86

Outputs
Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) was found in Rosa multiflora in Kentucky and Indiana in 1986; the easternmost site was Aberdeen, Indiana (24 km or 15 mi SW of the Ohio border). The disease appears to be spreading eastward at 96 km (60 mi) per year. Transmission of RRD to R. multiflora by feeding of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus K. (Acari: Eriophyidae) averaged 92.3% in three trials. A 1986 survey of R. multiflora in WV found no RRD; however, two eriophyid mites P. fructiphilus and P. rosarum (Liro), were found in 29 of 55 counties. Development of P. fructiphilus and P. rosarum continues in the fall until the temperature falls below 12.7 degrees C (55 degrees F); last immatures of P. rosarum occurred 26 November 86 in Morgantown. Diapausing larvae of the R. multiflora seed chalcid, Megastigimus aculeatus var. nigroflavus Hoffmeyer, have a developmental threshold of 13.3 degress C (56 degrees F). In laboratory studies, 279 out of 313 wasps emerged 29 to 71 days following 12 weeks (+) exposure to 0 degrees C; 34 wasps emerged following a second exposure of 90 days to 0 degrees C, indicating the potential for second season emergence in this species.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.