Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Extensive work on the invasion biology, biological control and pesticide control of avocado pests was completed over this time interval. Genetics work on the invasive avocado lace bug revealed that the invading population of this pest originated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in Las Vivosas. It was likely introduced into San Diego County in southern California on infested plants moved illegally across the border. Laboratory experiments indicated that commercially-available biological control agents, in particular lacewing larvae, may be useful in controlling this pest under limited circumstances. Interestingly, since this work was complete, the avocado lace bug has not developed into a major avocado pest. The reasons for this are unknown. It is a very severe pest in Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. Major research efforts were completed in cooperation with SENASA in Peru on the avocado seed moth, Stenoma catenifer. This pest has high invasion into California because of increasing fresh fruit exports from countries where this pest is native (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, and Peru) into California. Work in Peru clearly demonstrated that they commercially-available sex pheromone for this pest worked and attracted male moths. Detailed studies were completed on the natural enemy fauna attacking this pest, especially parasitic wasps and flies attacking the larvae. These data will be very valuable should a biological control program targetting this pest be required in the future. Finally, foreign exploration efforts for natural enemies of the persea mite, a foliar pest of avocados, was completed in 2012 in Mexico. Predators, in particular predatory mites, were of primary interest during these collection efforts. This material is being identified using molecular and morphological techniques. If promising new natural enemy species are discovered, and these are not present in California, they will be considered for future importation and establishment in California for the classical biological control of persea mite. Several talks were given on these invasive pest issues: Hoddle, M.S. Invasive arthropod threats to California and the role of classical biological control for remediation. Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens. Hoddle, M.S. "What's in your Garden: Protecting California from Invasive Species." UC Riverside Palm Desert Science and Society Major Issues of the 21st Century Lecture Series. January 11 2012. Hoddle, M.S. Center for Invasive Species Research: An Overview. Presentation to the UC ANR Program Council. Large Seminar Room, College Building North, UC Riverside. January 10 2012.Lara, J. and M.S. Hoddle. Monitoring and controlling persea mite on avocado. Annual UCR-CAPCA Ventura Entomology Meeting, Santa Paula Community Center, Santa Paula CA. November 9 2011. Hoddle, M.S. Biology, ecology, and biocontrol of persea mite. June 20 2012 (am), UC Hansen Trust, Santa Paula, Ventura County. Lara, J. R. and M.S. Hoddle. Identification and sampling plans for persea mites in California avocado orchards. June 20 2012 (am), UC Hansen Trust, Santa Paula, Ventura County. 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
This is very difficult to estimate at this stage. Major efforts have been put into giving talks at professional and grower meetings on invasive species in general and threats to California avocado production in particular. Raising awareness about this problems and educating the public about invasive species, the problems they cause, and routes of introduction may help alleviate this problem in a modest way.
Publications
- Gilligan, T.M., J.W. Brown, and M.S.Hoddle. 2011. A new avocado pest in Central America (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with a key to Lepidoptera larvae threatening avocados in California. Zootaxa 3137: 31-45.
- Rugman-Jones, P.F., M.S. Hoddle, P.A. Phillips, G. Jeong, and R. Stouthamer. 2012. Strong genetic structure among populations of the invasive avocado pest Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) reveals the source of introduced populations. Biological Invasions 14: 1079-1100.
- Hoddle, M.S. and C.D Hoddle. 2012. Surveys for Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) and associated parasitoids infesting avocados in Peru. Journal of Economic Entomology 105: 402-409.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs from work completed on this project over this reporting period include: 7 grower or professional talks on avocado pest management, monitoring strategies, and invasion threats. Webpages on Stenoma catenifer, Cryptaspasma sp., Trizoa spp., and Asphondylia websteri were updated or generated and published on www.biocontrol.ucr.edu. A proactive monitoring program for a potentially serious invasive pest, Stenoma catenifer was set up and run in California. Moths caught in pheromone traps were used to set up an identification collection that the California avocado industry could use to separate incidental captures from the target pest, S. catenifer. Surveys for avocado fruit feeding moths were completed in Peru and written up for publication. PARTICIPANTS: Cooperating avocado growers in California and Peru. Government officials in Peru who assisted with survey work for avocado fruit pests. Three Ph.D. students were involved with some aspects of this project over the reporting report; J. Li and E. DePalma both Ph.D. students the Department of Statistics at UC Riverside (both have graduated). Jesus Lara, Ph.D. student in Entomology at UC Riverside. Several Pest Control Advisors helped Mr. Lara locate study sites for his research on persea mite, a foliar pest of avocados. Several summer students helped with aspects of field and lab work and data entry for the persea mite project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The major target audience for this work is California avocado grower. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The major outcomes from this project for this reporting period were the field optimization of the Stenoma catenifer sex pheromone for use as a proactive monitoring tool in California and for use in countries where this pest is native and export large quantities of avocados overseas. Results of survey work for moths associated with avocado fruit in Peru were analyzed and written up for publication. Significant progress was made on the development of sampling plans to monitor for persea mite, a foliar pest of avocados. These sampling plans will provide a greater level of accuracy for growers when deciding whether or not to treat orchards with pesticides for control of this pest.
Publications
- Hoddle, M.S. and Hoddle, C.D. 2012. Surveys for Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) and associated parasitoids infesting avocados in Peru. Journal of Economic Entomology (in press).
- DePalma, E. D.R. Jeske, J.R. Lara, and M.S. Hoddle 2012. Sequential hypothesis testing with spatially correlated presence-absence data. Journal of Economic Entomology (in press)
- Li, J.X. D.R. Jeske, J.R. Lara, and M. Hoddle. (2012) Sequential hypothesis testing with spatially correlated count data. IMTA 2: (in press)
- Hoddle, M., Millar, J.G., Hoddle, C.D., Zou, Y., McElfresh, J.S., Lesch, S. 2011. Field optimization of the sex pheromone of Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae): evaluation of lure types, trap height, male flight distances, and number of traps needed per avocado orchard for detection. Bulletin of Entomological Research. Vol. 101: p.145-152.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Several large experiments and field surveys were completed and data analyzed in this reporting period: (1) evaluation of the Stenoma catenifer sex pheromone as a monitoring tool for his pest in Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico. (2) Evaluation of pesticides for the control of the invasive avocado lace bug. (3) Significant progress has been made on the development of simple presence/absence sampling plan for the persea mite, Oligonychus perseae, California's most serious invasive avocado leaf feeding pest. This work eliminates the need to count mites, and the ratio of clean to infested leaves is used to make spray decisions for controlling this pest. (5) Detailed surveys for potentially invasive pests associated with fresh avocado exports from Peru were conducted over a three month period (May - July 2010) in cooperation with SENASA. Products: http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/AvocadoThrips.html http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/PerseaMite.html http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/RBW.html http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/Stenoma/Stenoma.html http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/Cryptaspasma/Cryptaspasma.html http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/Trioza/Trioza.html http://www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/Asphondylia/Asphondylia.html Dissemination: Hoddle, M.S. May 5 2010. El Barrenador del Fruto del Palto - Stenoma catenifer. SENASA, Sede Central: Av. La Molina N 1915 - Lima 12 - La Molina, Lima-Peru. Hoddle, M.S. May 20 2010. Barrenador del Fruto del Palto - Stenoma catenifer. SENASA, Yura Zamacola-Cerra Colorado Arequipa, Arequipa Peru. Hoddle, M.S. June 22 2010. Barrenador del Fruto del Palto - Stenoma catenifer. SENASA, Carlos Valderrama Nro.309 Urb. Las Quintanas, Trujillo, La Libertad Peru. Hoddle, M.S. July 26 2010. Control Biologico: Stenoma catenifer en Peru y otros proyectos en California. Sede Central: Av. La Molina N 1915 - Lima 12 - La Molina, Lima-Peru. Hoddle, M.S. September 2, 2010. Classical biological control of invasive pests. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Hoddle, M.S. October 12 2010. Surveys for potentially invasive Lepidoptera associated with avocado fruit. Potential Invasive Species Workshop, Mayfair Hotel, Coconut Grove Miami, Florida (October 10 -14 2010). Hoddle, M.S. Nov. 5 2010. Proactive studies on potential invaders: preemptive strikes against avocado pests in Guatemala and Peru. Department of Entomology, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742. Hoddle, M.S. Nov. 10 2010. The Long View from Peru: What's eating avocados in South America UCR-CAPCA Annual Fall Meeting, Santa Paula Community Center, Santa Paula. Lara, J. and Hoddle,M.S. Nov. 10 2010. "Progress on a simple "no counting needed" monitoring strategy for persea mite." UCR-CAPCA Annual Fall Meeting, Santa Paula Community Center, Santa Paula. Meetings Organized to Extend Information on Invasive Pests Affecting California Crops: Bethke, J. and Hoddle, M.S. (Meeting Organizers) UCCE-San Diego CAPCA-UCR, Entomology Seminar. September 14, 2010, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, Temecula, 112 attendees. Hoddle, M.S. (Meeting Organizer) UCR-CAPCA Ventura Fall Entomology Meeting, November 10, 2010, Santa Paula Community Center, Santa Paula. 87 attendees. PARTICIPANTS: Major cooperators on work in this reporting period were officials with SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria) in Peru who helped with studies on avocado fruit feeding moths that could pose an invasion threat to the USA. TARGET AUDIENCES: The usual target audiences for my research were met and included Pest Control Advisors, Growers, Farm Advisors, and researchers with responsibilities for and interest in invasive pests associated with avocados. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Several major outcomes were accomplished in this period that resulted in publications. The most notable of these were: (1) Documentation of the moth fauna in Guatemala associated with avocado fruit. This included the discovery of 4 new moth species, and the first host plant associations for an additional moth species that were names, but their food plants were not previously known until this work was conducted. (2) Data lists of avocado moth pests and associated natural enemies in Peru, this is the first comprehensive list generated for Peru. During the three month period in Peru surveillance specialists with SENASA were trained in the biology, monitoring, and identification of the avocado seed moth, Stenoma catenifer, a potential invasion threat to the USA because of imports of fresh fruit from countries where this pest is native. (3) Important evaluations were completed on the efficacy of different pesticides to kill the invasive avocado thrips and avocado lace bug, two leaf feeding pests of avocados in California. One of these, avocado thrips, can cause significant scarring when it feeds on the skin of immature fruit. (4) Molecular work on a native and very common pest thrips, the Western flower thrips, revealed that this is a cryptic species complex in its native California composed to two different but morphologically inseparable species. Both of these California species have become global invasive species affecting outdoor and indoor agriculture and floriculture. This finding has major implications for the development of management programs, and it has thrown doubt over the usefulness of previous research as it is unknown which "species" of Western flower thrips was being studied. This fact may account for inconsistent and conflicting research findings.
Publications
- 1) Byrne, F.J., E.C. Humeres, A.A. Urena, M.S.Hoddle, and J.G. Morse. 2010. Field evaluation of systemic imidacloprid for the management of avocado thrips and avocado lace bug in California avocado groves. Pesticide Management Science 66: 1129-1136.
- 2) Hoddle, M.S. and J.G. Brown. 2010. Lepidoptera associated with avocado fruit in Guatemala. Florida Entomologist 93: 649-650.
- 3) Rugman-Jones, P.F., M.S. Hoddle, and R. Stouthamer. 2010. Nuclear-mitochondrial bar coding exposes the global pest western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as two sympatric cryptic species in its native California. Journal of Economic Entomology 102: 877-886.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Work has been completed on the development of monitoring tools (i.e., sex pheromones) for invasive species that have the potential to reach California in fresh imported avocado fruit. New pest species associated with avocado production in exporting countries have been identified, and when necessary these species have been described and named. Control strategies for a new invasive pest, the avocado lace bug have been determined for California avocado growers. Outputs have been shared with professional colleagues at professional meetings, peer-reviewed scientific publications, trade magazine articles, websites, and talks and posters presented at grower and professional meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: The major target audiences of work completed in this period are those associated with avocado production in California, Mexico, Central and South America. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The development of sex pheromones, in particular the sex pheromone for the avocado seed moth has elucidated, field tested, and optimal heights for deploying traps along with pheromone dispenser type have been determined experimentally. The optimal number of pheromone traps to be deployed in exporting avocado orchards with natural populations of avocado seed moth have been determined and recommendations to exporting nations for use have been made. Together these two outcomes above have allowed the development of montoring programs for avocado seed moth in exporting nations in Mexico and Central America, AND permitted proactive surveillance in California for incursion of avocado seed moth. Proactive monitoring in California will allow rapid detection of avocado seed moth which could permit eradication of incipient pest populations while still highly localized. Comprehensive inventories of pest moths, thrips, and flies attacking avocados in Central America (the native range of this fruit) have been developed.
Publications
- Adamski, D. and M.S. Hoddle. 2009. A new Holcocera Clemens from Guatemala and redescription of H. iceryaeella (Riley) from the United States (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae: Blastobasinae: Holcocerini): two congeners with incidental preference for avocado. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 111: 254-262.
- Humeres, E.C., J.G. Morse, W. Roltsch, and M.S.Hoddle. 2009. Detection surveys and population monitoring for Pseudacysta perseae on avocados in southern California. Florida Entomologist 92: 382-385.
- Humeres, E.C., J.G. Morse, R. Stouthamer, W. Roltsch, and M.S. Hoddle. 2009. Evaluation of natural enemies and insecticides for control of Pseudacysta persea (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on avocados in Southern California. Florida Entomologist 92: 35-42.
- Hoddle, M.S., J.L. Mottern, and C.D. Hoddle. 2009. Observations on Asphondylia websteri (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) infesting Hass avocados in Guatemala. Florida Entomologist 92: 673-674.
- Hoddle, M.S., J.G. Millar, C. D. Hoddle, Y. Zou, and S. McElfresh. 2009. Synthesis and field evaluation of the sex pheromone of Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 102: 1460-1467.
- Brown, J.W. and M.S. Hoddle. 2010. A new species of Histura Razowski (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Polyorthini) from Guatemala attacking avocados (Persea americana) (Lauraceae).Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 112:
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Significant results have been achieved in on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, work on a new avocado pest that invaded California in late 2004, the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae has resulted in the completion of natural enemy surveys, pesticide evaluations, phenology, developmental biology studies, and foreign exploration in Mexico for avocado lace bug natural enemies. The DNA of collected lace bugs has been analyzed to determine the area of origin in Mexico from where the Californian population is derived. Work has been completed in Guatemala on potential new pests that attack avocado fruit and threaten California avocado production. This work has identified seven pest moth species, two are new to science. Completed surveys have documented the natural enemy fauna associated with these pests. The sex pheromone for one of these moth pests, Stenoma catenifer, the avocado seed moth, has been isolated, synthesized, and field tested in Guatemala for efficacy. PARTICIPANTS: The research completed during this reporting period and reported upon here was assisted by Dr. Jocelyn Millar (University of California Riverside, Professor in Entomology), Dr. Joseph Morse (University of California Riverside, Professor in Entomology), and Dr. Richard Stouthamer (University of California Riverside, Professor in Entomology). Funding for this work came in part from the California Avocado Commission, The University of California Exotic Pests and Diseases Research Program, and the University of California Hansen Trust. TARGET AUDIENCES: Avocado growers in California, State and Federal legislators, and the General Public. Information has been generated on invasive pests that attack avocados in California and these details have been made accessible through extension outreach efforts via talks, meetings, the web (www.biocontrol.ucr.edu and www.cisr.ucr.edu), and peer reviewed publications. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Completed work has provided invaluable information on invasion pathways of avocado pests into California. It has provided growers and home owners with reduced risk control options for control of new avocado pests, and research has provided answers to critical questions posed by California avocado growers on the biology, ecology and sustainable management of avocado lace bug. Completed work in Guatemala on pest moths attacking avocados is proactive and forward-leaning and is the first time potentially invasive pests have been studied ahead of time in their country of origin. Use of the sex pheromone for Stenoma catenifer in countries exporting fresh avocados to the USA that have endemic populations of this pest should reduce the invasion risk posed by this moth. Deployment of the pheromone in areas likely to be invaded in the USA will greatly aid identification of incipient populations, which could make eradication feasible.
Publications
- Hoddle, M. S. and C. D. Hoddle. 2008. Bioecology of Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) and associated larval parasitoids reared from Hass avocados in Guatemala. Journal of Economic Entomology 101: 692-698.
- Millar, J. G., M. S. Hoddle. J. S. McElfresh, Y. Zou, and C. Hoddle. 2008. (9Z)-9,13-Tetradecadien-11-ynal,the sex pheromone of the avocado seed moth, Stenoma catenifer. Tetrahedron Letters 49: 4820-4823.
- Hoddle, M.S. and C. D. Hoddle. 2008. Lepidoptera and associated parasitoids attacking Hass and non-Hass avocados in Guatemala. Journal of Economic Entomology 101: 1310-1316.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2008. First record of Asphondylia websteri (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) infesting Hass avocados. Florida Entomologist 91: 501-503.
- Hoddle, M. S. and C. D. Hoddle. 2008. Aspects of the field ecology of Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) infesting Hass avocados in Guatemala. Florida Entomologist 91: 693-694.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Significant results have been achieved in on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, work on a new avocado pest that invaded California in late 2004, the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae has resulted in the completion of natural enemy surveys, pesticide evaluations, phenology, developmental biology studies, and foreign exploration in Mexico for avocado lace bug natural enemies. The DNA of collected lace bugs have been analyzed to determine the area of origin in Mexico from where the Californian population is derived. Work has been completed in Guatemala on potential new pests that attack avocado fruit and threaten California avocado production. This work has identified seven pest moth species, two are new to science. Completed surveys have documented the natural enemy fauna associated with these pests.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Avocado growers in California, State and Federal legislators, General Public. Information has been generated on invasive pests that attack avocados in California and these details have been made accessible through extension outreach efforts via talks, meetings, the web, and peer reviewed publications.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using the results of this and completed previous research for managing avocado pests with reduced insecticide usage. Reduced pesticide applications will slow resistance development by OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE and SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE which is a major threat to industry sustainability and profitability. The identification of donor regions for invasive avocado pests and potential conduits for entry into California has heightened awareness of biosecurity issues pertaining to mitigation of unwanted pest entry. Completed work has provided invaluable information on invasion pathways of avocado pests into California. It has provided growers and home owners with reduced risk control options for control of a serious new avocado pest, and research has provided answers to critical questions posed by California avocado growers on the biology, ecology and sustainable management of avocado lace bug. Completed work in Guatemala on
pest moths attacking avocados is proactive and forward-leaning and is the first time potentially invasive pests have been studied ahead of time in their country of origin.
Publications
- Hoddle, M.S. and Hoddle, C.D. 2008. Bioecology of STENOMA CATENIFER Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) and associated larval parasitoids reared from Hass avocados in Guatemala. Journal of Economic Entomology (in press).
- Hoddle, M.S. and Hoddle, C.D. 2008. Lepidoptera and associated parasitoids attacking Hass and non-Hass avocados in Guatemala. Journal of Economic Entomology (in press).
- Hoddle, M.S. and Hoddle, C.D. 2008. Aspects of the field ecology of STENOMA CATENIFER (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) infesting Hass avocados in Guatemala. Florida Entomologist (submitted)
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the final year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, the overwintering ecology of OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE has entered the sixth year of fieldwork. Outbreaks of this pest are related to leaf retention rates by avocado trees in spring when new flush growth begins and leaves from the previous year defoliate. Understanding the outbreak ecology of this pest will greatly aid management strategies. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, has been subjected genetic studies to determine its area of origin in Mexico. The results of genetic analyses are highly conclusive and the source region for this thrips pest was identified. A molecular key for identifying pest Scirtothrips was developed. Work has started on a new avocado pest that invaded California in late 2004, the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae. Natural enemy surveys, pesticide evaluations, phenology, developmental biology studies, and foreign
exploration are underway for avocado lace bug.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using the results of this and completed previous research for managing avocado pests with reduced insecticide usage. Reduced pesticide applications will slow resistance development by OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE and SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE which is a major threat to industry sustainability and profitability. The identification of donor regions for invasive avocado pests and potential conduits for entry into California has heightened awareness of biosecurity issues pertaining to mitigation of unwanted pest entry.
Publications
- Hoddle, M.S. 2006. Phenology, life tables, and reproductive biology of Tetraleurodes perseae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on California Avocados. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 99: 553-559.
- Rugman-Jones, P.F., Hoddle, M.S., and Stouthamer, R. 2006. Population genetics of Scirtothrips perseae: tracing the origin of a recently introduced exotic pest of Californian avocado orchards, using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (in press).
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the eighth year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, the overwintering ecology of OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE has entered the fifth year of fieldwork. Outbreaks of this pest are related to leaf retention rates by avocado trees in spring when new flush growth begins and leaves from the previous year defoliate. Understanding the outbreak ecology of this pest will greatly aid management strategies. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, has been subjected genetic studies to determine its area of origin in Mexico. The results of genetic analyses are highly conclusive and the source region for this thrips pest was identified. A molecular key for identifying pest Scirtothrips was developed. Work has started on a new avocado pest that invaded California in late 2004, the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae. Natural enemy surveys, evaluations, phenology, and foreign exploration are underway for avocado lace
bug.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using the results of this and completed previous research for managing avocado pests with reduced insecticide usage. Reduced pesticide applications will slow resistance development by OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE and SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE which is a major threat to industry sustainability. The identification of donor regions for invasive avocado pests and potential conduits for entry into California has heightened awareness of biosecurity issues pertaining to mitigation of unwanted pest entry.
Publications
- Rugman-Jones, P.F., Weeks, A.R., Hoddle, M.S., and Stouthamer, R. 2005. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the avocado thrips Scirtothrips perseae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Molecular Ecology Notes 5: 644-646.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2005. Phenology of Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and associated natural enemies in southern California avocado orchards. California Avocado Society Yearbook 2002-2003 86: 127-145.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2006. Invasions of leaf feeding arthropods: why are so many new pests attacking California-grown avocados? California Avocado Society Yearbook 2004-2005 87: 65-81.
- Rugman-Jones, P.F., Hoddle, M.S., Mound, L.A. and Stouthamer, R. 2006. A molecular identification key for the pest species of Scirtothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Journal of Economic Entomology (in press).
- Rugman-Jones, P.F., Hoddle, M.S., and Stouthamer, R. 2006. Population genetics of Scirtothrips perseae: tracing the origin of a recently introduced exotic pest of Californian avocado orchards, using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers. Molecular Ecology (in press).
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the seventh year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, the overwintering ecology of OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE has entered the fourth year of fieldwork. Outbreaks of this pest are related to leaf retention rates by avocado trees in spring when new flush growth begins and leaves from the previous year defoliate. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California, has been subjected to augmentative releases of a mass-reared predatory thrips, FRANKLINOTHRIPS ORZIABENSIS and commercially available green lacewings, CHRYSOPERLA CARNEA. The searching behavior and prey preferences of green lacewing larvae have been studied, and the attack rates of the three larval instars towards SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE larvae have been quantified. Work investigating the suppressive activity of composted organic mulches under avocados for control of pupating SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE is
ongoing in the field and laboratory. An economic analysis determining the impact of SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE on California avocado production was completed. Work has started on a new avocado pest that invaded California in late 2004, the avocado lacebug, Pseudacysta perseae.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using the results of this research for managing pests with reduced insecticide reliance. Mulching of avocado orchards has been adopted by several prominent growers and this is creating much interest amongst the grower community. The ineffectiveness of green lacewings for thrips control in avocado orchards, while controversial, will save growers money and preserve the reputation of biological control.
Publications
- Hoddle, M.S., Oevering, P. Phillips, P.A., and Faber B.A. 2004. Evaluation of augmentative releases of Franklinothrips orizabensis for control of Scirtothrips perseae in California avocado orchards. Biological Control 30: 456-465
- Hoddle, M.S. and Robinson, L. 2004. Evaluation of factors influencing augmentative releases of Chrysoperla carnea for control of Scirtothrips perseae in California avocado orchards. Biological Control 31: 268-275.
- Hoddle, M.S., and Robinson, L. 2003. Biological control of avocado thrips revisiting the efficacy of green lacewing releases. California Avocado Research Symposium, University of California, Riverside, October 30, 2003 pp. 43-54.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2004. Soil manipulations: the use of composted organic yardwaste for the biological control of thrips pests. In: Proceedings of the 4th California Conference on Biological Control, University of California, Berkeley, July 13-15, 2004; Ed. M.S. Hoddle; pp. 17-22.
- Jetter, K.M., and Hoddle, M.S.. 2004. Dynamic benefits of invasive pest control in California avocado production. California Avocado Research Symposium, University of California, Riverside, October 30, 2004 pp. 56-64.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the sixth year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, the overwintering ecology of OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE has entered the third year of fieldwork. Outbreaks of this pest are related to leaf retention rates by avocado trees in spring when new flush growth begins and leaves from the previous year defoliate. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California, has been subjected to augmentative releases of a mass-reared predatory thrips, FRANKLINOTHRIPS ORZIABENSIS. The searching behavior of this predator has been studied, and its attack rates quantified. California insectaries have commercialized this predator using the results of our research findings. Work investigating the suppressive activity of composted organic mulches under avocados for control of pupating SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE is ongoing in the field and laboratory. An economic analysis determining
the impact of exotic pests on California avocado production was completed.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using Franklinothrips orizabensis and composted organic mulch in California for control of Scirtothrips perseae. Mass rearing of Franklinothrips orizabensis, the key natural enemy of avocado thrips in California, has been undertaken by two commercial insectaries using the results of our research.
Publications
- Hoddle, M. S., K. M. Jetter, and J. G. Morse. 2003. The Economic Impact of Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on California Avocado Production. Crop Protection 22: 485-493.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2003. Predation Behaviors of Franklinothrips orizabensis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) Towards Scirtothrips perseae and Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Biological Control 27: 323-328.
- Hoddle, M. S. 2003. The Effect of Prey Species and Environmental Complexity on the Functional Response of Franklinothrips orizabensis: a Test of the Fractal Foraging Model. Ecological Entomology 28: 309-318.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the fifth year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, the overwintering ecology of OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE has being investigated. Outbreaks of this pest are related to leaf retention rates by avocado trees in spring when new flush growth begins and leaves from the previous year defoliate. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California, has been subjected to augmentative releases of a mass-reared predatory thrips, FRANKLINOTHRIPS ORZIABENSIS. The searching behavior of this predator has been studied, and its attack rates quantified. California insectaries have commercialized this predator using the results of our research findings. We are currently developing an automated sorter to count and categorize predator thrips pupae thereby reducing labor costs associated with sorting. Work investigating the suppressive activity of composted organic mulches
under avocados for control of pupating SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE is ongoing.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using Franklinothrips orizabensis and composted organic mulch in California for control of Scirtothrips perseae. Mass rearing of Franklinothrips orizabensis, the key natural enemy of avocado thrips in California, has been undertaken by two commercial insectaries using the results of our research.
Publications
- Takano-Lee, M., and Hoddle, M.S. 2002. Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae) population responses to cultural control attempts in an avocado orchard. Florida Entomologist 85: 216-226.
- Hoddle, M.S., Morse, J.G., Phillips, P.A., Faber, B.A. and Jetter, K.M. 2002. Avocado thrips: a new challenge for growers. California Agriculture 56: 103-107.
- Hoddle, M.S., Nakahara, S., and Phillips, P.A. 2002. Foreign exploration for Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and associated natural enemies on avocado (Persea americana Miller). Biological Control 24: 251-265.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2002. Developmental and reproductive biology of Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae): a new avocado pest in California. Bulletin of Entomological Research 92: 279-285.
- Hoddle, M.S. 2002. Oviposition preferences of Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in southern California avocado orchards. Pan Pacific Entomologist 78: 177-183.
- Takano-Lee, M. and Hoddle, M.S. 2002. Predatory behaviors of Neoseiulus californicus and Galendromus helveolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) attacking Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Experimental and Applied Acarology 26: 13-26.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the fourth year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, the overwintering ecology of OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE has been determined. Outbreaks of this pest are related to leaf retention rates by avocado trees in spring when new flush growth begins and leaves from the previous year defoliate. Second we have developed an mechanical dispenser for applying predatory mites (NEOSEIULUS CALIFORNICUS) to avocado trees. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California, has been subjected to augmentative releases of a mass-reared predatory thrips, FRANKLINOTHRIPS ORZIABENSIS. The searching behavior of this predator has been studied, and its attack rates quantified. California insectaries have commercialized this predator using the results of our research findings. We are currently developing an automated sorter to count and categorize predator thrips pupae thereby
reducing labor costs associated with sorting. Work investigating the suppressive activity of composted organic mulches under avocados for control of pupating SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE is ongoing.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using N. californicus and our recommended release rates and frequencies for biological control of persea mite in California. Mass rearing of Franklinothrips orizabensis, the key natural enemy of avocado thrips in California, has been undertaken by two commercial insectaries using the results of our research.
Publications
- Hoddle, M.S., Oishi, K. and Morgan, D. 2001. Pupation biology of Franklinothrips orizabensis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) and harvesting and shipping of this predator. Florida Entomologist 84: 272-281.
- Hoddle, M.S., Jones, J., Oishi, K., Morgan, D., and Robinson, L. 2001. Evaluation of diets for the development and reproduction of Franklinothrips orizabensis (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research 91: 273-280.
- Hoddle, M.S., Robinson, L. and Morgan, D. 2001. Attraction of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae and Aeolothripidae) to colored sticky cards in a California avocado orchard. Crop Protection.
- Takano-Lee, M. and Hoddle, M.S. 2001. Biological control of Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on avocado: IV. Evaluating the efficacy of a modified mistblower to mechanically dispense Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). International Journal of Acarology 27: 157-169.
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Progress 01/02/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the third year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, release rates and timings of NEOSEIULUS CALIFORNICUS for controlling the pest mite OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE were determined. Work with N. californicus has shown that releasing 2000 predators (either once or as two releases of 1000 predators per avocado tree) is just as effective as applying insecticides for controlling persea mite. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California has been found on avocados in Mexico and Guatemala, but not in Costa Rica. The developmental and reproductive biology of avocado thrips has been studied. Natural enemy surveys for this pest have been completed in Latin America and two species of predatory thrips may be potential control agents for this pest. One of these predators, FRANKLINOTHRIPS ORIZABENSIS, is currently in culture and its biology, behavior, and dietary
needs have been studied. California insectaries are attempting to commercialize this predator based on our research findings. The phenology of avocado thrips and its indigenous natural enemies and the relationship between temperature and population dynamics has been studied in California.
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using N. californicus and our recommended release rates and frequencies for biological control of persea mite in California. Mass rearing of Franklinothrips orizabensis, the key natural enemy of avocado thrips in California, has been undertaken by two commercial insectaries using the results of our research.
Publications
- Hoddle, M.S., Robinson, L., & Virzi, J. 1999. Developmental and reproductive biology of a predatory FRANKLINOTHRIPS n. sp. (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae). Biological Control 18, 27-38.
- Hoddle, M.S., Robinson, L., & Virzi, J. 2000. Biological control of Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on avocado: III. Evaluating the efficacy of varying release rates and release frequency of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). International Journal of Acarology 26, 203-214.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the second year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California. First, NEOSEIULUS CALIFORNICUS and GALENDROMUS HELVEOLUS are the most effective phytoseiid predators tested from 6 commercially available for controlling the pest mite OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE. These two predators were more effective than pesticide applications for mite control. Work with N. californicus has shown that releasing 2000 predators per avocado tree is just as effective as applying insecticides for controlling persea mite. Mechanisms underlying susceptibility of different avocado cultivars to persea mite have been determined and an automated image analysis system has been developed to measure persea mite feeding damage on leaves. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California has been found on avocados in Mexico and Guatemala. The developmental and reproductive biology of avocado thrips has
now been studied. Natural enemy surveys for this pest have been completed in Latin America and two species of predatory thrips may be potential control agents for this pest. One of these predators, FRANKLINOTHRIPS N. SP., is currently in culture and its biology, behavior, and dietary needs have been studied. The phenology of avocado thrips and its indigenous natural enemies and the relationship between temperature and population dynamics has been studied in California
Impacts
Growers, grower cooperatives, and insectary managers are using N. californicus and our recommended release rate for biological control of persea mite in California. Host plant resistance mechanisms are being selected for in plant breeding studies. Image analysis of persea mite feeding damage to leaves has enabled development of treatment thresholds based on % leaf area damaged.
Publications
- Kerguelen, V., and Hoddle, M.S. 1999. Measuring mite feeding damage on avocado leaves with automated image analysis software. Florida Entomologist 82: 119-122.
- Hoddle, M.S., Aponte, O., Kerguelen, V. & Heraty, J. 1999. Biological control of Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranycchidae) on avocado: I. Evaluating release timings, recovery and efficacy of six commercially available phytoseiids. International Journal of Acarology 25: 211-219
- Kerguelen, V. & Hoddle, M.S. 1999. Biological control of Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on avocado: II. Evaluating the efficacy of Galendromus helveolus and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). International Journal of Acarology 25: 221-229.
- Hoddle, M.S., Robinson, L., & Virzi, J. 1999. Developmental and reproductive biology of a predatory Franklinothrips n. sp. (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae). Biological Control (in press).
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/01/98
Outputs
Significant results have been achieved in the first year of work on the biological control avocado pests in California and this work has been submitted for publication. First, NEOSEIULUS CALIFORNICUS and GALENDROMUS HELVEOLUS are the most effective phytoseiid predators tested from 6 commercially available for controlling the pest mite OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE. These two predators were more effective than pesticide applications for mite control. Mechanisms underlying susceptibility of different avocado cultivars to persea mite have been determined. The pest thrips SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE, a species new to science at time of discovery in California has been found on avocados in Mexico and Guatemala. The developmental and reproductive biology of avocado thrips has now been studied. Natural enemy surveys for this pest have been completed in Latin America and two species of predatory thrips may be potential control agents for this pest. One of these predators, FRANKLINOTHRIPS
ORIZABENSIS, is currently in culture and its biology and behavior is being studied. The phenology of avocado thrips and its indigenous natural enemies and the relationship between temperature and population dynamics is being studied in California at present.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HODDLE, M.S. and MORSE, J.G. (1998) Avocado thrips: a serious new pest of avocados in California. California Avocado Society Yearbook
- HODDLE, M.S. and MORSE, J.G. (1998) Avocado thrips update. Citrograph
- KERGUELEN, V., and HODDLE, M.S. (in press) Measuring mite feeding damage on avocado leaves with automated image analysis software. Florida Entomologist. (Due in March 1999).
- KERGUELEN, V., and HODDLE, M.S. (submitted) Comparison of the susceptibility of several cultivars of avocado, to OLIGONYCHUS PERSEAE (Acari: Tetranychidae). Scientia Horticulturae.
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