Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Fruit and vegetable producers County Extension educators Homeowners Agricultural supply industry Changes/Problems: Our department hired a new faculty member to conduct research on specialty crops and one of his interests was organic agriculture, so I ceased working on that topic except in collaboration with him. The arrival of new invasive species such as spotted wing drosophila required a shift in focus because of the potential harm this pest could and did cause. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Three graduate students completed masters degrees. Extension educators have received training at field days, workshops, and webinars. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information derived from this project were disseminated to Extension educators as described above. Growers received the information through updates in Extension publications, newsletter articles, and numerous Extension workshops conducted throughout the Midwest. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. We found that insect damage in high tunnels from all pests is as great or greater than on vegetables grown in fields. 2. We developed a dynamic threshold for corn earworms on sweet corn that takes into account the attraction of the neighboring field corn. When field corn is in an attractive stage (silking), the threshold of 10 moths per night in a pheromone trap works well, but when the field corn has not yet reached an attractive stage, the threshold is lowered to 1 moth per night. 3. In a modification of the goals defined at the beginning of the project, we investigated the potential for impact of neonicotinoid insecticides used at seed treatments, seedling drenches, planting time soil applications, and foliar sprays on honey bees in muskmelons. We found that seed treatments resulted in to residues in pollen, but did not provide control either. Lower rates of planting time soil treatments provided comparable levels of control with lower residues in the pollen. Foliar sprays of thamethoxam resulted in unacceptable residues in the pollen but foliar sprays of acetamiprid did not. 4. In response to the arrival of the new invasive pest spotted wing drosophila, a trapping network was established throughout Indiana.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Vegetable growers, fruit growers, gardeners, consumers, Extension educators, pest managers, crop consultants, food processors Changes/Problems: The high tunnel research was concluded and the student responsible graduated with her MS degree. No high tunnel research was conducted in 2013, although a new project has been funded for 2014. New information about the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides in field crops on honey bees prompted us to develop the project on muskmelons. The other muskmelons project fits with the residue study because that information will tell us how we might possibly use the neonicotinoids to effectively protect the plants without harming honey bees. The spotted wing drosophila study was begun because this new invasive pest had the potential to devastate small fruit production in Indiana. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Three graduate students were provided opportunities to learn to conduct field and laboratory research. Students were also afforded the opportunity to present the results of their research to professional societies. An undergraduate intern from Honduras conducted his senior thesis research, teaching him how to conduct research, analyze data, and interpret results. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information gathered in these studies has been disseminated to professional colleagues through society meetings. to growers through various Extenion venues, and to Extenion educators through professional development programs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? All projects described will be continued during the next reporting period. Addtional studies to investigate the management of spotted wing drosophila will be initiated. Studies to investingate management of brown marmorated stink bugs will be initiated if populations are high enough to justify.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A follow-up study was initiated to test whether the proposed new threshold for corn earworms on sweet corn is valid. Five sequential plantings of sweet corn went into the field at two week intervals starting in early May. The new threshold of 1 moth per night and the old threshold of 10 moths per night were compared with untreated controls and calendar sprays. Preliminary results showed that using the lower threshold for early and late plantings and the old threshold during the middle of the season provided the best balance of reducing numbers of sprays and providing adequate protection from earworms. Comparison so reduced risk insecticides for control of corn earworm showed that those products are more consistently effective than the standard pyrethroid applications, due to the continued development of pyrethroid resistance. A study was initiated to determine the most important time to protect muskmelons from striped cucumber beetles using row covers and/or insecticides. Data analysis is ongoing. A study was initiated to determine the potential for harm to honey bees posed by the use of neonicotinoid insecticides on muskmelons as seed treatments, transplant treatments, and foliar sprays. Laboratory analysis of residues in pollen and nectar is ongoing. A study was conducted to monitor the activity of spotted wing drosophila. It was found that this invasive pest was present throughout Indiana in any areas where small fruits were being grown.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Egel, D., E. Maynard, R. Foster, S. Weller, and S. Saha. 2013. Vegetable Crops Hotline newsletter. Biweekly during growing season.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Hirst, P., B. Bordelon, J. Beckerman, and R. Foster. 2013. Facts for Fancy Fruit newsletter. Biweekly during growing season.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A study to investigate alternative control methods for seedcorn maggots and wireworms on early season muskmelons did not have sufficient insect damage to judge the effectiveness of the treatments. A sweet corn insecticide trial showed that alternative chemistries such as rynaxypyr and spinetoram provide control of corn earworms that is superior to that provided by pyrethroid insecticides, indicating that resistance to the pyrethroids may be reaching sufficient levels to affect field performance. A study comparing several reduced risk insecticides with older, broad spectrum insecticides for control of insects on cabbage showed that many of the reduced risk and/or biological insecticides provided similar or improved control compared to the older standards. A study to investigate the possibility that neonicotinoid insecticides may be responsible for outbreaks of European red mites resulted in no significant increases in mite populations when various neonicotinoid insecticides were sprayed on apples. A comparison of several miticides for control of twospotted spider mites in watermelon showed that bifenthrin provided superior control when compared with fenpropathrin and fenpyroximate, with all products significantly better than the control. PARTICIPANTS: Funding for two graduate students came from USAID. Steve Weller, Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture is a co-PI on an IPMCRSP project funded by USAID. Training was provided to three summer interns from Honduras, Kelsin Antonio Rivera Huezo, Medardo Antonio Bautista Padilla, and Cristopher Eduardo Zelaya Nunez. Graduate training was provided to Kira Albright, David Perla Martinez, and Ahmad Shah Mohammadi. TARGET AUDIENCES: Undergraduate and graduate students, farmers, homeowners, Master Gardeners, county Extension educators, pest managers, pesticide companies. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The results of the sweet corn insecticide trial will help guide the recommendations for sweet corn growers to manage corn earworm. Past recommendations have been to use pyrethroid insecticides as a first option and to switch to alternative chemistries if results were not acceptable. Because of field failures of pyrethroids in addition to reduced levels of control in my trials, I will be recommending spinetoram and rynaxypyr as first choices for earworm control. Results of the cabbage insecticide trial will be used to further recommend the use of organic or other biological insecticides for control of cabbage looper, imported cabbageworm, and diamondback moth. Results of the mite trial on watermelons will allow me to recommend bifenthrin to growers after a number of years in which that product was not recommended. The lack of any significant effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on European red mite populations will allow me to allay some of the concerns that use of those product could result in mite outbreaks.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A study to investigate alternative control methods for seedcorn maggots and wireworms on early season muskmelons did not have sufficient insect damage to judge the effectiveness of the treatments. A sweet corn insecticide trial was conducted to determine how pyrethroid insecticides, which may be losing effectiveness against corn earworms due to resistance, could be used in combination with newer insecticides with different modes of action to a management program. Results should that the pyrethroid insecticides still provided consistently superior control to the alternative products. Studies comparing insect infestations in high tunnels with infestations in companion plantings outside again showed that populations of several insects, including tomato hornworms, aphids, whiteflies, imported cabbageworms, and cabbage loopers were significantly higher within the high tunnel than in the companion plots grown outside. No pest insects were present in significantly lower numbers inside the high tunnels than outside. A study comparing several reduced risk insecticides with older, broad spectrum insecticides for control of insects on cabbage showed that many of the reduced risk and/or biological insecticides provided similar or improved control compared to the older standards. An insecticide trial was established to compare several newer insecticides with standards for control of codling moth on apple. Apples have yet to be harvested, so data collection is not yet complete. A study to monitor the spread of brown marmorated stink bugs in Indiana was unsuccessful, with no BMSB caught in the traps. The latest information from a USDA scientist in West Virginia shows that the trap design we used was flawed and the source of the lure we used did not produce a quality product, which probably explains our lack of capture. We have received numerous reports of BMSB in and on homes. Data analysis is being completed on a study to investigate the relationship between corn earworm pheromone trap catch and oviposition in sweet corn PARTICIPANTS: Jonathan Nixon - graduate student Sarah Thompson - graduate student Stephen Weller - faculty member Rick Weinzierl - faculty member, University of Illinois Susan Gomez - undergraduate intern, National Agricultural University, Honduras Kira Albright - undergraduate student High tunnel project was used to provide training to Extension educators and to National Guard Agribusiness Development Teams set to be deployed to Afghanistan. TARGET AUDIENCES: Fruit and vegetable farmers Home gardeners Extension educators National Guard troops Agricultural supply industry personnel PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results of the corn earworm oviposition study have shown that oviposition is reduced when the majority of the field corn in the vicinity of the sweet corn field is silking. Data also show that trap catch and oviposition are reduced when the moon is full and both are significantly reduced when wind speeds exceed 6 miles per hour. These data will be used to help sweet corn growers better understand what their pheromone trap catches mean and how they may need to adjust their thresholds. The results of the 2011 sweet corn insecticide trial showed that pyrethroid insecticides were providing superior control than alternative products so for now we will continue to recommend pyrethroids in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide, which provides recommendations for vegetable growers in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and Kansas. Data from the cabbage insecticide trial showed that reduced risk or biological insecticides were providing control as good as or better than older standard products. We will use that information to revise our recommendations. The insect data collected from high tunnels has allowed us to make growers aware that they need to aggressively monitor insects of all types in high tunnels and be prepared to take management actions when populations exceed thresholds.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A study was continued to investigate the relationship between pheromone trap catches of corn earworm moths and oviposition and subsequent damage. Nine plantings of two varieties of sweet corn were established every two weeks starting March 15 at Lafayette and Vincennes, Indiana and Urbana and Dixon Springs, Illinois. Pheromone trap data were collected at each site from June 1 until the end of September. Silks were bagged to protect them from oviposition except for exposure for a single night. After exposure, silks were collected and eggs counted. Up to 50 silks were exposed on each of 10 nights per planting. Silks were collected from half of those plants and the remainder was again protected and subsequent damage and larval infestations measured at harvest. Data are currently being collated and analysis will begin soon. A study was conducted to determine if a pre-bloom application of insecticide would improve control of plum curculio. Four varieties of apples received all possible combinations of sprays or no sprays at pink, petal fall, and first cover, for a total of 8 treatments. Plum curculio populations were not as high as in previous years, so the results are not definitive. It appears that in most varieties, most of the control of the plum curculio is achieved with the petal fall spray, with the first cover spray being less important, and the pink spray adding a small improvement in some varieties and no improvement in others. This study will be continued in 2011. A study to investigate alternative control methods for seedcorn maggots and wireworms on early season muskmelons did not have sufficient insect damage to judge the effectiveness of the treatments. A sweet corn insecticide trial was conducted to determine if pyrethroid insecticides are still providing adequate control of corn earworms despite evidence that resistance may be beginning to develop. Earworm populations were extremely high and all treatments had unacceptably high levels of damage. Alternative chemistries appeared to provide control as good as or better than most of the pyrethroids, providing some suggestion that resistance to pyrethroids may be increasing. Laboratory studies will be conducted to determine if resistance was a factor in the poor control achieved with pyrethroids. Studies comparing insect infestations in high tunnels with infestations in companion plantings outside showed that populations of several insects, including tomato hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies. No pest insects were present in significantly lower numbers inside the high tunnels than outside. PARTICIPANTS: Richard Weinzierl, University of Illinois Stephen Weller, Purdue University Jonathan Nixon, graduate training, Purdue University Sarah Thompson, graduate training, Purdue University TARGET AUDIENCES: Vegetable growers Fruit growers County Extension educators Crop consultants Pesticide industry Food processing industry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results of the corn earworm oviposition study are still being analyzed. One significant finding that has emerged is confirmation of our hypothesis that larger numbers of eggs are laid on sweet corn silks relative to the number of moths caught in the pheromone trap when no other silking corn is present in the vicinity of the test field. Although more thorough analysis of the data are required, it suggests that we may need to revise the action threshold downward from 10 moths per trap per night for early or late sweet corn that silks when nearby field corn is not silking. The results of the plum curculio study are inconclusive and the study will need to be repeated in 2011. Therefore, no outcomes were produced. The results of the 2010 sweet corn insecticide trial have again raised concern about the possibility of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in the corn earworm. This is significant because these insecticides have been the most effective and inexpensive materials available for sweet corn growers to use for the management of the various pests of sweet corn. The alternative insecticides are significantly more expensive that the pyrethroids. Nonetheless, for now we will continue to recommend pyrethroids in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide, which provides recommendations for vegetable growers in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and Kansas.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A study was initiated to investigate the relationship between pheromone trap catches of corn earworm moths and oviposition and subsequent damage. Ten plantings of two varieties of sweet corn were established every two weeks starting March 15 at Lafayette and Vincennes, Indiana and Urbana and Collinsville, Illinois. Pheromone trap data were collected at each site from June 1 until the end of September. Silks were bagged to protect them from oviposition except for exposure for a single night. After exposure, silks were collected and eggs counted. Up to 50 silks were exposed on each of 10 nights per planting. Silks were collected from half of those plants and the remainder was again protected and subsequent damage and larval infestations measured at harvest. Data are currently being collated and analysis will begin soon. A preliminary study was conducted to determine if a pre-bloom application of insecticide would improve control of plum curculio. Two varieties of apples received either just a post-bloom insecticide application or both a pre-bloom and post-bloom applications. In a very early apple variety, Pristine, the pre-bloom application significantly improved plum curculio control. In a very late apple, GoldRush, the pre-bloom application provided no improved control. A study to investigate alternative control methods for seedcorn maggots on early season muskmelons did not have sufficient insect damage to judge the effectiveness of the treatments. A sweet corn insecticide trial was conducted to determine if pyrethroid insecticides are still providing adequate control of corn earworms despite evidence that resistance may be beginning to develop. Insect damage in the study was fairly light and there was no evidence that resistance is resulting in lack of field efficacy. PARTICIPANTS: University of Illinois TARGET AUDIENCES: Vegetable growers Fruit growers County Extension Educators PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The results of the corn earworm oviposition study are too preliminary for any outcomes yet. The results of the plum curculio study are promising enough that we will conduct a more thorough study on four different apple cultivars in 2010. Again, the 2009 study was a preliminary study only, so no outcomes were produced. The results of the 2009 sweet corn insecticide trial have allowed me to continue to recommend pyrethroid insecticides for control of corn earworms. This is significant because these insecticides are the most effective and inexpensive materials available for sweet corn growers to use for the management of the various pests of sweet corn. Therefore, in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (ID-56), which provides pesticide recommendations for vegetable growers in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and Kansas, I still recommend pyrethroid insecticides for control of corn earworms.
Publications
- Zhou, Y.-C., Noussourou, M., Kon, T., Rojas, M. R., Jiang, H., Chen, L.-F., Gamby, K., Foster, R., and Gilbertson, R. L. 2008. Evidence for local evolution of tomato-infecting begomovirus species in West Africa: characterization of tomato leaf curl Mali virus and tomato yellow leaf crumple virus from Mali. Arch. Virol. 153 693-706.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A 10-year study to determine the feasibility of growing apples organically in Indiana was concluded in the fall of 2008. The plots were established in 1998-99 at the Meigs Horticultural Research Farm south of Lafayette, IN. The treatments were conventional, which consisted of growing apples in a manner consistent with local industry standards, and organic, which used practices acceptable under the National Organic Standards. Two scab-free varieties, Pristine and GoldRush, were planted in four rows of eight trees each in each of four replications. Some of the organic methods that have been effective include the use of weed mats and wood mulch for weed control, hand thinning, and picking up and removing all dropped fruit both during the growing season and at harvest to assist in insect and disease management. Insects were further managed by the use of timely applications of a kaolin based clay product for control of plum curculio, spinosad for codling moth, neem for Japanese beetles and pyrethrum for apple maggots. Diseases such as sooty blotch and fly speck were reduced with sulfur sprays. Once trees reached maturity, fruit from each tree were counted and total weight determined. A 50 fruit sample from each tree was further evaluated for insect damage, presence of disease symptoms, and the presence of any horticultural defects. Yields and quality of fruit have consistently been similar in the organic and conventional treatments. The results of these studies have been reported in numerous grower meetings in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. In recent years, vegetable entomologists around the Midwest and elsewhere have notice that pyrethroid insecticides no longer provide the excellent levels of controlled previously observed with corn earworm. In addition, there have been a few reports of control failures by commercial vegetable growers. Larvae collected from Lafayette and Vincennes, IN and Collinsville, IL were used to establish laboratory colonies in 2006 and 2007. Larvae and adult males from these colonies were tested for resistance to the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin using topical and adult vial (AVT) assays, respectively. Adult males collected from pheromone traps in Lafayette, IN were tested for resistance to cypermethrin using the AVT method. Resistance ratios of 8 or higher were observed for the larval and adult bifenthrin assays in 2006 and 2007 in all colonies except for the 2007 Illinois colony. AVT assays conducted with cypermethrin showed approximately 15% survival in both 2006 and 2007 at the 5 microgram per vial dose. These results have been disseminated in Extension meetings throughout the Midwest and at scientific meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Final data on organic apple production are still being collected. Data analysis will follow. Preliminary analysis shows that it is possible to grow apples organically in Indiana, with levels of yield and quality comparable to conventional production practices. Although economical analysis has not been conducted, it is estimated that the costs of management practices in the organic plots will be somewhat higher than in the conventional plots, as expected. However, it is anticipated that the difference will be made up for by price premiums received for organic fruit. At this point, our efforts to communicate our results have at least allowed potential growers to consider planting organic apple orchards in Indiana and other Midwestern states. An Extension publication on organic apple production is in the planning stage. The results of the earworm research have resulted in some growers trying insecticides for earworm control with different modes of action than the pyrethroids. The data generated from this research was used to support a Section 18 Emergency Use Label for the insecticide rynaxapyr in Indiana in 2008, which was granted by the US EPA.
Publications
- Jacobson, A. 2008. Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Indiana and Illinois. MS Thesis, Purdue University, Department of Entomology.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Sweet corn growers throughout the Midwest depend on pyrethroid insecticides to control corn earworms, which can damage up to 100% of the ears in a field. In recent years, there has been some indication that the earworms may be developing resistance. In 2006, we established earworm colonies from insects collected from Lafayette, IN, Vincennes, IN, and Collinsville, IL and tested them with topical applications of bifentrhin to larvae and adult vial tests with cypermethrin to determine potential for resistance. In 2007, colonies were established from the same three sites as well as sites in Minnesota and Louisiana and similar studies were conducted. We also conducted a field insecticide trial with 19 treatments to test field efficacy of several pyrethroid insecticides as well as candidate alternative insecticides. A long term study involving two varieties of scab free apples was continued to assess the potential for organic apple production in the lower Midwest.
PARTICIPANTS: Ricky Foster - coPI Alana Jacobson Peter Hirst FMC Corporation DelMonte Foods General Mills William Hutchison - coPI Brian Jensen Richard Weinzierl - coPI Tom Rabaey Brian Flood
TARGET AUDIENCES: Vegetable growers Processing vegetable industry
Impacts
Laboratory tests of corn earworms from various locations showed a general trend in all locations toward development of resistance. However, the levels of resistance observed were generally moderate and varied signficantly depending on the particular pyrethroid insecticides being tested. Organic apple studies showed that organic production is feasible in the lower Midwest. Yields and quality of organically produced 'Prisine' and 'GoldRush' apples were similar to those produced conventionally.
Publications
- Hutchison, W. D., Burkness, E. C., Jensen, B., Leonard, B. R., Temple, J., Cook, D. R., Weinzierl, R. A., Foster, R. E., Rabaey, T. L., and Flood, B. R. 2007. Evidence for decreasing Helicoverpa zea susceptibility to pyrethroid insecticides in the Midwestern United States. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0719-02-RV.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
In recent years, vegetable entomologists around the Midwest and elsewhere have noticed that pyrethroid insecticides no longer provide the excellent levels of controlled previously observed with corn earworm/tomato fruitworm, Helicoverpa zea. In addition, there have been a few reports of control failures by commercial vegetable growers. In response to these concerns, a regional project involving researchers in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana was established to determine if corn earworms either overwintering in the southern portions of the Midwest or migrating in from Louisiana and Texas were resistant to pyrethroid insecticides. In the fall of 2005, field corn earworm larvae were collected to establish a laboratory colony to use to investigate possible resistance and potential mechanisms of resistance. Initial studies involving topical application of the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthin showed that levels of mortality could be increased with pre-treatment
of larvae with the synergist piperonyl butoxide, indicating possible metabolic resistance. In 2006, moths captured in pheromone traps were subjected to adult vial tests in which individual moths were placed inside a vial that had been treated with a known quantity of another pyrethroid, cypermethrin. Moths captured at Lafayette, IN and Vincennes, IN survived the discriminating dosage of 5 micrograms per vial at a rate of 15 and 12%, respectively. This level of survival suggests that resistance may be present in levels that could be of concern to growers, but is not present throughout the entire population. An insecticide screening trial conducted in 2006 showed high levels of corn earworm damage and infestation in sweet corn ears even after treatment with high rates of several pyrethroid insecticides. Laboratory colonies were established in 2006 from corn earworm larvae collected from Lafayette and Vincennes, IN and Collinsville, IL. Topical LD50 studies will be conducted on these
insects with bifenthrin and compared with results from a susceptible colony, both with and without piperonyl butoxide.
Impacts
Sweet corn and tomatoes are important vegetable crops grown in Indiana. Indiana is the second leading producer of processing tomatoes. One insect, known as the corn earworm in sweet corn and the tomato fruitworm in tomatoes, is one of the primary pest problems facing growers of these crops. For a number of years, growers have relied on one or more pyrethroid insecticides for control of this pest. In recent years, there have been a number of reports of control failures, suggesting that resistance may be involved. Studies conducted in 2004 and especially in 2005 provided evidence that pyrethroid resistance may be indeed be present. Studies conducted in 2005 and 2006 provided evidence that corn earworms may indeed by developing resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. Several additional studies are currently underway that should confirm the presence or absence of resistance. The results of these studies may provide information that will allow for development of management
strategies that can overcome the problem of resistance and allow growers to successfully grow sweet corn and tomatoes with minimal insect damage.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
All studies were conducted at the Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center near Lafayette, Indiana. A sweet corn insecticide trial was conducted that included several pyrethroid insecticides because of reports in 2003 and 2004 of failure of pyrethroids to provide acceptable levels of control of corn earworm in several areas of the Midwest. Pyrethroids in the study included lambda cyhalothrin (Warrior), bifenthrin (Capture), zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Max), esfenvalerate (Asana), and cyfluthrin (Baythroid). Lowest labeled rates of each product was used to assess the possibility of resistance developing. Populations of corn earworms were extremely high, with 98% of the ears in the untreated plots infested with an average of 1.4 corn earworm larvae per ear. Percent control when compared to the untreated plots ranged from 5.7% for cyfluthrin to 26.2% for bifenthrin. The lowest labeled rate of spinosad (SpinTor), a non pyrethroid, provided somewhat better control at 37.6%.
Larvae were collected from these plots and laboratory colonies established for LD50 testing. An insecticide trial to compare various insecticides for control of tomato fruitworm on tomatoes had low infestations of fruitworms and provided little useful data. Two studies were conducted to test insecticides that could serve as alternatives to the organophospate insecticides on apples for control of codling moth and oriental fruit moth. Insect populations were too low to provide meaningful data. Based on the results of a two year study of the invasive behavior of plum curculio into apple orchards which showed that invasion may be occurring earlier than previously thought, a study was initiated to determine if earlier applications of phosmet (Imidan) at pink could provide improved control. All possible combinations of applications at pink, petal fall, and first cover were investigated. Evaluations conducted in late May showed no significant differences because damage levels were too low.
Several pyrethroid insecticides are now labeled for use on apples. Growers are interested in their use because of the efficacy against some of the major pests but are concerned because of potential effects on predatory mites that help to control European red mites. A single application of phosmet, lambda cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, esfenvalerate, and fenpropathrin (Danitol) was made with phosmet applied as needed for all additional applications. European red mite and predator mite populations were monitored weekly using a mite brushing machine. Predator mite populations were too low to measure the impact on them, but the effect of the insecticides on European red mites was apparent. Trees treated with Danitol had significantly fewer European red mites than the untreated trees or trees treated with other insecticides. None of the insecticides resulted in mite outbreaks that were significantly higher than the untreated or phosmet controls. Studies of options for managing the multicolored
Asian lady beetle as a pest of wine grapes showed that applications of imidacloprid (Provado) applied just prior to grape harvest will remove most of the beetles from the grape clusters.
Impacts
Sweet corn and tomatoes are important vegetable crops grown in Indiana. Indiana is the second leading producer of processing tomatoes. One insect, known as the corn earworm in sweet corn and the tomato fruitworm in tomatoes, is one of the primary pest problems facing growers of these crops. For a number of years, growers have relied on one or more pyrethroid insecticides for control of this pest. In recent years, there have been a number of reports of control failures, suggesting that resistance may be involved. Studies conducted in 2004 and especially in 2005 provided evidence that pyrethroid resistance may be indeed be present. The studies initiated in 2005 may help to identify the cause of the control failure, provide methods to rapidly detect the presence of resistance, and provide growers with alternative control options.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/29/04
Outputs
Studies were conducted at two locations to test insecticides that could serve as alternatives to the organophospate insecticides on apples for control of codling moth and oriental fruit moth. Insect populations at one location were too low to provide meaningful data. Studies at the Purdue Horticultural Farm in 2004 showed that several combinations of alternative insecticides provided control of codling moths that was statistically similar to that provided by a standard organophosphate insecticide, phosmet. Combinations that included fenpropathrin (Danitol), acetamiprid (Assail), thiacloprid (Calypso), and methoxyfenozide (Intrepid) all provided excellent levels of control. Both acetamiprid and thiacloprid also provided good to excellent control of spotted tentiform leafminers. During the emergence of Brood X of the periodical cicada, fenpropathrin was found to provide excellent protection. A two year study of the invasive behavior of plum curculio into apple orchards
was completed. One of the objectives of the study was to determine the relative number of curculio that walk and fly into the orchard. In 2003, clear windowpane traps coated with Tanglefoot were used to intercept flying curculio. Pyramid traps were used to capture crawling individuals. Very few plum curculio were captured in the windowpane traps. In 2004, Pherocon AM traps were used as a replacement for the windowpane traps, and even fewer curculio were captured. Relatively large numbers of curculio were captured in the pyramid traps. In addition, the movement of curculio throughout the orchard was monitored during the early portion of the season. These data are still being analyzed. A multi-year study of the effects of different plastic mulches and insecticide combinations for reducing damage from striped cucumber beetles and bacterial wilt on melons was completed. Mulch treatments had little effect on either populations of cucumber beetles or the incidence of wilt. Among the
chemical treatments, carbofuran reduced the numbers of beetles and the incidence of wilt to the lowest levels. Actigard showed promise as a management tool for bacterial wilt. A manuscript describing these studies has been prepared and will soon be submitted for publication. A sweet corn insecticide trial was conducted that included several pyrethroid insecticides because of reports in 2003 of failure of pyrethroids to provide acceptable levels of control of corn earworm in several areas of the Midwest. Pyrethroids in the study included lambda cyhalothrin (Warrior), bifenthrin (Capture), zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Max), esfenvalerate (Asana), and cyfluthrin (Baythroid). Because the timing of the applications directed at corn earworm were not optimal due to rainfall, the damage level was higher than expected for all treatments. However, among the pyrethroids only esfenvalerate, which is generally not considered to be a good earworm insecticide, failed to provide control better than the
untreated check.
Impacts
Apple growers will be able to choose from several viable alternatives to the organophosphate insecticides to control codling moth and oriental fruit moth on apples. In addition, several of the alternative insecticides provided control of pests not controlled by organophosphates, which may mean that growers can reduce the overall number of insecticide applications. The use of these less toxic alternatives will increase safety for applicators and farm workers and reduce negative environmental impacts. Melon growers may have the choice of an alternative product, Actigard, for managing bacterial wilt of cucurbits.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
A five state study, including Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, and Kentucky, was initiated to investigate the effectiveness of reduced-risk, alternative insecticides for control of codling moth in apples. Each state conducted the experiment in two locations, a university farm and in a grower orchard. The grower orchards were located at sites in which problems had been reported in controlling codling moths with organophosphate insecticides. At the Indiana grower site, the percentage of damaged fruit from first generation codling moth were Assail (2.0 a), Avaunt (7.3 c), Calypso (2.5 a), Danitol (3.7 ab), Esteem (5.9 bc), Guthion 1.3 a), Intrepid (5.6 bc), Spintor (3.1 ab), and the untreated control (8.3 c). At harvest at the Purdue University Horticultural Farm, the results were Assail (4.8 abc), Avaunt (12.0 cde), Calypso (3.2 ab), Danitol (2.0 a), Esteem (17.4 e), Guthion (2.0 a), Intrepid (7.6 abcd), Spintor (13.2 de), and the untreated control (46.8 f). Several
of the alternative insecticides appear to show promise for replacing or reducing the use of the organophosphate insecticides. The same group of five scientists also investigated two additional alternative methods of controlling codling moths. The attract and kill product, Last Call-CM, which uses pheromones mixed with a toxicant, was used in each state and, although the results varied, provided reasonably good control of codling moths. The sprayable pheromone formulation, CheckMate-CM, was used in a block of apples at a grower orchard, with commercially acceptable levels of control. Studies were conducted to compare various insecticides for control of insect pests of cabbage and sweet corn and control of European red mites on apples. An organically approved formulation of spinosad was included in the cabbage and sweet corn trials and provided excellent control of caterpillars on both crops
Impacts
Apple growers will be able to select alternative strategies for control of codling moths. The result will be reduced use of organophosphate insecticides and, in some cases, improved control of codling moths. Organic vegetable growers will be able to control caterpillars on many of their crops using the organically approved formulation of spinosad.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Studies were continued to evaluate alternatives to the organophosphate insecticides that constitute the primary insect controls in apples. Several insect growth regulators and a fermentation product showed considerable promise for control of codling moth. A kaolin clay material (Surround) shows promise for control of plum curculio, but is not effective against codling moth. A pesticide use survey is currently being conducted to determine the extent to which Indiana apple growers have switched to these alternative pesticides. A new acaricide, bifenzate (Acramite) was evaluated in commercial orchards and found to provide control of European red mite that is comparable to that achieved with the standard rescue acaricide(Pyramite) with less harmful effects on predator mites (Amblyseius fallacis). A study to determine an economic threshold for striped cucumber beetles on pickling cucumbers was continued. Results to data indicate that the threshold for picking cucumbers may
be several times higher than the 1 beetle per plant threshold used for muskmelons. A study to determine the proper timing of insecticide applications for control of European corn borer on peppers was continued. These data are still undergoing analysis. Pesticide efficacy trials were conducted to evaluate new products for insect control on cabbage, tomato, pumpkin, sweet corn, and muskmelons.
Impacts
Results of studies on alternatives to organophosphate insecticides on apples will allow apple growers to choose to use less toxic pesticides. Development of economic threshold for striped cucumber beetles on cucumbers and improved timing of sprays to control European corn borers on peppers will reduce the number of pesticide applications farmers must make.
Publications
- Hill, T. A. and R. E. Foster. 2003. Influence of selected insecticides on the population dynamics of diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and its parasitoid, Diadegma insulare (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in head cabbage. J. Entomol. Science 38: . AES No. 16152.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Studies were conducted to investigate alternatives to using organophosphate insecticides on apples. Some of the treatments that showed promise included spinosad, indoxacarb, pyriproxifen, methoxyfenozide, and kaolin, as well as several cultural techniques. Orchards were established in Lafayette and Vincennes to study the feasibility of growing apples organically in Indiana. These studies will be long term studies (10 years) that will use the best organic methods available for producing apples and assess their effectiveness and the economic viability of the enterprise. Studies were continued to develop economic injury levels for striped cucumber beetles on pickling cucumbers. Experiments were conducted at Vincennes and Lafayette with varying densities of feral striped cucumber beetles placed under row covers that contained rows of cucumber seedlings. The beetles were allowed to feed for three weeks, the row covers were removed, and all the plants in the plot proteced
weekly from cucumber beetle feeding with insecticides. Preliminary data indicate that beetle densities of 3 beetles per plant did not cause yield loss, but that densities of 5 beetles per plant caused significant yield loss. Another study investigated the relationship between egg hatch date, insecticide application date, and the percentage of pepper fruit that were infested with European corn borers. Pepper plants were artificially infested with corn borer egg masses at a rate of two per plant. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with three infestation dates plus a control, three spray dates plus a treatment spray on all three dates and an untreated control. Data are still being analyzed.
Impacts
As the EPA continues to limit the ability of apple growers to control pests with organophosphate insecticides, alternatives must be made available. The alternatives generally will have several characteristics; they will be less toxic, more specific, safer for the environment, and more expensive. Growers will need higher levels of knowledge of the capabilities of the alternatives to use them effectively. The data generated from these studies will provide that information. The development of an EIL for striped cucumber beetles will allow pickling cucumber growers to target sprays more effectively. A better understanding of the dynamics of infestation and spray dates on peppers will allow growers to make better management decisions.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Studies were conducted at the Throckmorton Purdue Ag Center and Southwest Purdue Ag Center to develop IPM systems for use on fruits and vegetables. Studies were conducted to investigate alternatives to the organophosphate insecticides currently used on apples that may not survive FQPA. Use of insect growth regulators timed according to codling moth developmental models in conjunction with other "safer" insecticides showed promise for control of apple pests. Organic methods such as combinations of neem and a Bacillus thuringiensis based insecticide were not effective in controlling pests. The use of kaolin provided reasonable control of plum curculio, but was not effective for codling moth. Cultural methods, such as sticky bands on the trunks and removing apples that drop in June, provided promising results in initial studies for control of plum curculio. Neither method provided acceptable control alone, but both could contribute to an system that reduces reliance on
organophosphate insecticides. A long term study was initiated to investigate the feasibility of producing apples organically in two Indiana sites. Two varieties of apples will be grown at each site. The two treatments will be organic, which will follow organic standards of production beginning at planting, and conventional, which will be grown according to grower standards. All aspects of production will be compared, including insect, disease, and weed control, and the economics of each enterprise. Studies designed to develop an economic threshold for striped cucumber beetles on pickling cucumbers was conducted at two locations. Known number of field collected striped cucumber beetles were placed under row covers under which a known number of cucumber plants were being grown. Beetles were allowed to feed until the initiation of flowering. The first years data indicate that the threshold may be somewhat lower than the threshold currently in use. A beginning study to investigate proper
timing of pesticide applications for controlling European corn borers on bell peppers showed that timing must be based on insect activity and crop phenology. A study was initiated to investigate the relative susceptibility of various cucurbit crops and varieties to bacterial wilt, as vectored by the striped cucumber beetle. Data analysis are ongoing.
Impacts
Indiana apple growers currently are dependent on broad spectrum organophosphate insecticides for control of insect pests. The future of these pesticides is in jeopardy because of FQPA. This research has shown that there are alternatives available that will allow them to continue to produce apples with commercially acceptable levels of insect damage, even without organophosphate insecticides. No growers have yet adopted the use of these tactics yet because the organophosphate insecticides are still available and provide equal or superior control at lower cost. However, these results reassure apple growers that alternative control methods are available, even though they are likely more expensive.
Publications
- Brust, G.E. and R.E. Foster. 1999. New economic threshold for striped cucumber beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae in cantaloupe in the Midwest. J. Econ. Entomol. 92: 936-940.
- Yatsukh, K. I., N. I. Svereda, R. Edwards, and R. Foster. 1999. Resistance of potato varieties to late blight. Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences, Scientific - Technical Bulletin, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Biology, Issue 1(1), 22-27.
- Hill, T. A. and R. E. Foster. 2000. Effect of insecticides on diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and its parasitoid, Diadegma insulare (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93: 763-768.
- Noussourrou, M., R. Foster, and J. Caldwell. 2000. Inventaire des ennemis naturels et test de non-choix alimentaire du Nisotra uniformis (Jac) et du Nisotra dilecta (Dal) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) ravageurs d'Hibiscus sabdariffa (L.) au Mali. Etudes et Recherches Saheliennes.
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
A study to evaluate the potential for replacing the system that apple growers use to manage mites and summer fungal diseases was continued. Results indicated that the use of oils and ziram provided control of mites and summer diseases equivalent to that provided by chemical acaricides and captan. There was some indication that at times russeting may be more of a problem with the use of oils. The use of soybean oil for control of mites was evaluated. Results were inconclusive because of low mite densities. A number of compounds and combinations of compounds were evaluated as potential replacements for the OP insecticides. Several, including spinosad, showed considerable promise. Studies to determine optimal timing for insecticides to control European corn borers on peppers were conducted by artificially infesting plots with egg masses. A single application of insecticide gave control equivalent to that provided by three applications.
Impacts
Studies showed that growers can use summer oils for mite control rather than chemical acaricides without sacrificing mite or summer disease control. This provides growers with another alternative for mite management. Adopting this strategy will reduce grower costs, the overall amount of chemical pesticides being used, and the likelihood of mites developing resistance to chemical acaricides.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
Research continued investigating the importance of parasitic wasps in the management of diamondback moth larvae feeding on cabbage. It was found that use of selective insecticides, such as spinosad, could provide excellent control of pest insects while preserving natural enemies. As a result of the activity of the natural enemies, fewer total insecticide applications were required when compared with an effective insecticide that also killed the parasites. Additional investigations continue into the management of insect pests of melons, sweet corn, peppers, and apples. Studies were continued that investigated the impact of chemical thinners on predator mites in apples. After two years, no negative impacts on predator mites have been detected.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Hill, T.A. 1998. Influence of integrated control practices on the population dynamics of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L), and its ichneumonid parasitoid, Diadegma insulare on cabbage. Ph.D. Dissertation, 156 pp.
- Stanyard, M.J., R.E. Foster, and T.J. Gibb. 1998. Population dynamics of Amblyseius fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and European red mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) in apple trees treated with selected acaricides. J. Econ. Entomol. 91: 217-225.
- Hill, T.A. and R.E. Foster. 1998. Influence of selective insecticides on population dynamics of European red mite (Acari: Tetranychidae), apple rust mite (Acari: Eriophyidae), and their predator, Amblyseius fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in apple. J. Econ. Entomol. 91: 191-199.
- Brust, G.E., R.E. Foster, and W. Buhler. 1998. Effect of rye incorporation, planting date, and soil temperature on damage to muskmelon transplants by seedcorn maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). Environ. Entomol. 26: 1323-1326.
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Progress 10/01/96 to 09/30/97
Outputs
Studies to develop management strategies for seedcorn maggots on cantaloupes have shown that soil temperature is the key factor in determining the extent of injury. These results show cantaloupe growers that early planting when soils are cool put their seedlings at risk for seedcorn maggot damage. A study to investigate rye cover crops and rotation as pest management tools in a potato/soybean/corn rotation showed that rye has a suppressive effect on weeds and reduces the damage from Colorado potato beetle. Rye had no negative effects on potato or soybean yield, but corn yields were reduced. Studies were initiated to optimize the timing of insecticide applications for control of European corn borers on peppers and sweet corn. A study conducted to evaluate the impact of various cabbage insecticides on natural enemies showed that a new insecticide, spinosad, effectively controls pests without harming important natural enemies. The combination of chemical and biological
control may allow growers to reduce the number of insecticide applications needed to produce a marketable crop. Studies were initiated to determine the effect of chemicals applied to thin apples on the natural enemies of European red mites. The studies will be continued in 1998.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Foster, R. E. and G. E. Brust. 1997. New approaches to cucumber beetle and bacterial wilt management in cucurbits in the midwestern United States. Recent Res. Devel. in Entomol. 1: 59 - 71.
- Stanyard, M. J., R. E. Foster, and T. J. Gibb. 1997. Effects of orchard ground cover and mite management options on the population dynamics of the European red mite and Amblyseius fallacis (Garman) in apple. J. Econ. Entomol. 90: 595-603.
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
Studies were continued to validate the recently established economic threshold of 1 striped cucumber beetle per plant on cantaloupes. Results have consistently shown that using the threshold can significantly reduce the number of pesticide applications required with no loss of yield or quality. Studies to develop management strategies for seedcorn maggots on cantaloupes have shown that soil temperature is the key factor in determining the extent of injury. The presence of decaying organic matter had no apparent effect. A study to investigate rye cover crops and rotation as pest management tools in a potato/soybean/corn rotation were continued. Preliminary results show that rye will have some suppressive effect on weeds and reduce the damage from Colorado potato beetle. Rye had no negative effects on potato or soybean yield, but corn yields were reduced. Studies were intiated to optimize the timing of insecticide applications for control of European corn borers on
peppers and sweet corn. A study was initiated to validate the model used to predict the level of Stewart#s bacterial wilt, vectored by corn flea beetles, in three areas of Indiana. The results of the first year indicate that the model was very effective.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/94 to 09/30/95
Outputs
Studies were continued to establish an economic injury level for striped cucumber beetles on cantaloupes by placing known numbers of feral beetles on cantaloupes protected by row covers. Initial results indicated that 5 beetles per plant may be acceptable, although the amount of bacterial wilt experienced varied depending on the portion of the state from which the beetles were collected. Studies to develop management strategies for seedcorn maggots on cantaloupes have shown that planting date and soil temperature are the key factors in the extent of injury. A study to investigate rye cover crops and rotation as pest management tools in a potato/soybean/corn rotation were initiated. Preliminary results indicate that the rye cover crops may reduce insect injury to potato. Studies conducted in apple orchards showed that applications of superior oil sprays controlled European red mites without harming predatory mites. The use of the insecticide permethrin before or at
petal fall killed virtually all predatory mites and resulted in severe outbreaks of European red mites. Early season use of dimethoate, endosulfan, and clofentezine had no adverse effects on predatory mites.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.
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Progress 10/01/93 to 09/30/94
Outputs
Objective 1. Develop improved management systems for insect pests affecting cantaloupes and watermelons. Studies on striped cucumber beetles have shown that scouting fields will enable growers to reduce insecticide use on cantaloupes from 10 sprays to 2 or 3 per year. Additional studies had shown that the economic threshold for striped cucumber beetles on cantaloupes should be between 1 and 5 beetles per plant, 10 to 100 times higher than most current recommendations. Studies have shown that delaying planting by as little as 1 week can greatly reduce damage to cantaloupes from seedcorn maggots. Objective 2. Determine the potential for managing insect, weed, and disease pests of corn, soybeans, and potatoes with cultural methods. Plots with rye cover crops have been planted for use in 1995. Objective 3. Determine the potential for managing caterpillar pests on crucifers using non-chemical methods. Studies evaluating the use of overhead irrigation to manage diamondback
moths on cabbage have shown as much as 85% reduction in insect numbers with overhead irrigation. Objective 4. Improve management of European red mites on apples through conservation of natural enemies. The first year of studies have shown that application of Superior oil early in the season had no detrimental effects on predatory mites. However, use of pyrethroid insecticides before bloom resulted in high levels of mortality of predators and severe outbreaks of European red mites.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period.
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Progress 10/01/92 to 09/30/93
Outputs
Studies were conducted to establish an economic injury level for striped cucumber beetles on cantaloupes by placing known numbers of feral beetles on cantaloupes protected by row covers. Initial indications are that the EIL may be about 5 beetles per plant. Additional studies showed that the number of insecticide applications for striped cucumber beetle control on cantaloupes could be reduced by as much as 80% with scouting and using a very conservative economic threshold of 0.5 beetles per plant. Overhead sprinkler irrigation run for 30 to 120 minutes each evening reduced populations of diamondback moth larvae on cabbage by as much as 85%. Several candidate crucifers were identified as potential trap crops or nurse crops for managing diamondback moth populations in cabbage, including canola. Plots were established to investigate the potential for improving mite management in apples through manipulation of ground cover. Small but non-significant reductions in mite
numbers were noticed when grass was allowed to grow under the trees. Highly refined oils provided mite control comparable to conventional miticides under severe mite pressure. Studies showed that populations of pest mites increased 5X when insecticides were applied that killed predaceous mites.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period.
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Progress 10/01/91 to 09/30/92
Outputs
Small plot studies showed that cantaloupe is susceptible to bacterial wilt of cucurbits, which is vectored by cucumber beetles, at all stages of crop growth. However, beetle populations usually have distinct peaks, indicating the possibility of scouting to determine the necessity for insecticide treatment, rather than the scheduled treatments most growers now use. Studies confirmed that straw mulch could reduce damage to potatoes by Colorado potato beetles. Overhead sprinkler irrigation ran for 30 to 120 minutes each evening greatly reduced populations of diamondback moth larvae on cabbage. Several candidate crucifers were identified as potential trap crops or nurse crops for managing diamondback moth populations in cabbage. The most interesting candidate was canola, which is an increasingly important crop in Indiana. Plots were established to investigate the potential for improving mite management in apples through manipulation of ground cover. The first year's data
show little or no effect of ground cover on predaceous or pest mites. Highly refined oils and potassium salts of fatty acids were shown to effectively control pest mites in apples with one and two applications, respectively, during a year with relatively low mite populations.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.
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Progress 10/01/90 to 09/30/91
Outputs
Replicated experiments conducted in commercial watermelon fields confirmed results found in previous small plot studies. Watermelons treated with a planting time application of granular carbofuran had significantly higher early yields, although total yield was not affected. Early yield is important because early melons usually command a much higher price. Studies on crucifers continued to show that new formulations of biological insecticides provide commercially acceptable levels of control of lepidopterous pests. Preliminary studies indicate that as many as 80% of diamond back moth larvae are parasitized by hymenoptera when pesticides have not been used. Studies have been initiated to investigate cultural practices such as trap cropping, fertility management, and irrigation to supplement the biological control of diamond back moths. Studies in potatoes showed that Colorado potato beetles are becoming increasingly resistant to available insecticides. Studies continue
to investigate the feasibility of using biological insecticides for reducing Colorado potato beetle populations. A study has been initiated to determine at what growth stage of sweet corn are the eggs of European corn borers laid that will result in damage to the ear.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- FOSTER, R. E. and T. J. GIBB. 1991. Problems in Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) management in Indiana. Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci. 100:29-37.
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Progress 10/01/89 to 09/30/90
Outputs
Experiments were conducted to evaluate strategies for using chemical and biological control methods for Colorado potato beetles on potatoes. Data indicated that with proper scouting and judicious use of biocontrol agents, insecticide use could be significantly reduced. A monitoring program showed that Colorado potato beetles in some areas of Indiana have developed high levels of resistance to many insecticides. Studies showed that the impact of cucumber beetle feeding on watermelon yields was minimal, indicating that growers could significantly reduce the amount of insecticides used on that crop. Studies showed that the tomato fruitworm is only a very minor pest of processing tomatoes and should not require frequent insecticide applications. Information from cabbage trials showed that new biological insecticides provide levels of control of caterpillars comparable to most chemical insecticides except for pyrethroids, which provided the highest levels of control.
Sweet corn trials showed that biological insecticides do not provide levels of control of European corn borer that are acceptable for commercial sweet corn production.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.
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