Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results and benefits of insectigation trials (application of insecticides via a drip or trickle irrigation system)were reported at four grower meetings (two in New Jersey and two in Pennsylvania and one professional meeting. Meetings included research personnel, agricultural agents, pest management specialists and growers: Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America, Waikoloa, HI (March 29, 2011) Western Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Seminar, Butler, PA (November 15, 2011) Salem County Pesticide Safety Meeting, Woodstown, NJ (February 25, 2011) Annual Processing Tomato Meeting and Technical Program, Bridgeton, NJ (February 17, 2011) Central Jersey Vegetable Meeting, Monmouth, NJ (February 4, 2011) PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators include: Dr. Dan Ward, RAREC, Bridgeton, NJ Dr. Thomas Kuhar, Eastern Shore Experiment Station, Virginia Tech, Painter, VA. Mr. Gregory Hannig, E.I.DuPont deNemours & Co., Inc. Wilmington, DE TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include agricultural research entomologists, IPM specialists, extension specialists (agricultural), agricultural county agents, vegetable growers throughout vegetable growing regions of New Jersey and the United States. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Results from field trials with bell peppers demonstrated that 1-2 applications of labeled insecticides applied through a drip irrigation system in bell peppers were as effective, or more effective, than multiple foliar sprays of insecticides for control of European corn borer in bell peppers. Cost savings to growers (application costs, pesticide costs) could be 50% or greater, and the environmental benefits would be highly significant (protection of benefical insects, reduction of pesticide inputs and reduction of risk of environmental contamination). Results of field trials with eggplant showed that a single application of an insectiicde, applied through a trickle/drip irrigation system, was as effective, or more effective, than multiple foliar spray applications or an at-plant in-furrow application of a soil systemic insecticide for control of Colorado potato beetle, flea beetle and leaf miners in eggplant. Cost savings to growers would be similar to those listed above in bell peppers.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2011. Drip Delivers Control. American Vegetable Grower, April 2010, 2pg.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2011. Colorado Potato Beetle Management in Potatoes, Eggplant and Tomatoes. Pennsylvania Vegetable Grower News, 34(6): 20-21.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2011. Reduction of Pesticide Inputs for Control of European Corn Borer in Bell Pepper Using Coragen via Drip Irrigation. Proc. Pacific Branch Entomol. Soc. Amer. 2011: 37-38.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2011. Spotlight on Chemigation. Crop Protection Handbook. In Press.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field trials were conducted to determine effectiveness of pest management materials for Colorado potato beetle and lepidopteran pests in potatoes, sweet corn and tomatoes. Results were present to growers, ag professionals, IPM specialists and faculty at Vegetable Growers Conventions in both Atlantic City, NJ and Hershey, PA. A video was made of two presentations, and posted at a Rutgers Vegetable website. Results and discussions of pest control were present at several County agricultural meetings during the year. A video was completed with American Vegetable Grower and made available on-line for insect management using chemigation in peppers. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations and collaborators include DuPont deNemours Company, which supplied equipment, in-kind support and materials. Also, Nichino America, Inc. also supplied in-kind funding and materials for the field trials. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include vegetable growers, agricultural industry representatives, agricultural specialists and faculty, and agricultural pest management specialists and students. Efforts included the dissemination and delivery of science-based knowledge to the target audiences at county agricultural meetings, professional entomology-based meetings, and regional vegetable grower conferences and meetings. Efforts were designed to increase the knowledge base of chemigation for insect pest control and management in row crops, including tomatoes and peppers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Growers throughout the east coast have utilized their drip irrigation systems for application of specific insecticides for the control of lepidopteran insect pests in tomatoes and peppers. Application costs have decreased and total insecticide inputs have decreased as a result of chemigation applications, and effectivess has increased, resulting in significant economic savings to growers.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M. and D.L. Ward. 2010. Control of European corn borer in bell peppers with chlorantraniliprole applied through a drip irrigation system. Proc. IX European Congress of Entomology, Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 22-27.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2010. Drip delivers control. American Vegetable Grower, http://growingproduce.com/gptv/cid
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field trials were conducted over the past 3 years to determine effectiveness of drip chemigation of insecticides (insectigation) for control of Colorado potato beetles and other insect pests of Solanaceous plants (eggplant, pepper, tomato). One field day was held to show growers injection equipment and on-site results. Data was presented at three growers meetings and two regional meetings (NJ Vegetable Growers, Mid-Atlantic Extension Workers Conference, and Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Growers meeting). Data was also presented and discussed at the NJ Tomato Advisory Meeting. Trials were included in the "2009 Vegetable Entomology Research Results publication and e-mailed to cooperators, agents and interested growers. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators included representatives of Mobay Agriculture and E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company. Research cooperators also included eggplant producers (S. Graiff Farm, Inc.) and horticultural Specialists (Dr. D. Ward, Rutgers Univ). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience included growers, University Specialists and agricultural industry cooperators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Growers became aware of the potential benefits of drip chemigation of insecticides. Most growers already have and use drip irrigation systems, and this information increased their knowledge of pest control via this method. Growers agreed that this information will reduce their pesticide inputs, thus resulting in considerable economic savings as well as less pesticide inputs introduced into the environment. Final outcome is higher marketable yields.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities - two field demonstration trials were established in 2008, a bell pepper, white potato and a cabbage trial, using new state-of-the-art insecticides and application methods for crop protection. Events - results of these trials were released to the public at conferences in Atlantic City and Bridgeton (NJ), Newark (DE) and Hershey (PA). Also, both field trials were used for on-site demonstration (ag professionals, agribusiness associates, other faculty, IPM, and EPA). Products - the method of application of pesticides was unique (seed treatments, in-furrow and chemigation applications), and the pepper trial has led directly to a federal registration (EPA label) for drip irrigation application. Dissemination - results were demonstrated to NJ, DE, PA and MD agricultural agents and specialists at the mid-Atlantic Vegetable Workers meeting in Newark, DE, to advance the knowledge of using chemigation for control of European corn borer in bell peppers. PARTICIPANTS: Participants working on the project include: Dr. Gerald M. Ghidiu, researcher Dr. Daniel L. Ward, researcher Dr. Paula C. Marcon, E.I. DuPont Inc. Mr. Gregory S. Rogers, E.I. DuPont Inc. Mr. William Brooks, grower Dr. Wesley Kline, Agricultural Agent TARGET AUDIENCES: New Jersey and other state vegetable growers County Agricultural Agents Applied agricultural researchers (vegetable specialties) PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
With bell peppers, the results of these trials has led to growers and scientists alike gaining knolwedge of using the drip irrigation system for insecticide applications. Instructions for such application (chemigation) were included in a special section on the 2008 federal label (registration) for growers of bell peppers and other fruiting vegetables (approved by EPA and released summer 2008). With the white potato field demonstration plots, the grower understands the advantages of the seed-piece application and will use such technology for the growing season in 2009. This is a change in condition of his usual application methods (foliar sprays and in-furrow sprays of insecticide).
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M., D. L. Ward and G.S. Rogers. 2008. Control of European corn borer in bell peppers with rynaxypyr applied through a drip irrigation system. International J. Veg. Sci. (submitted).
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2008. New Insecticide Labels and Label Changes for 2008. In: Pennsylvania Vegetable and Small Fruit Gazette, November 2008. http://horticulture.psu.edu/cms/vegcrops/node/113
- Ghidiu, G.M. and W. Kline. 2008. Spider Mites - Little But Mighty. Amer. Veg. Grower, Aug. 2008, p. 16.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field trial results showed that rainfall significantly affected efficacy of soil-applied neonicotinoids. Information and research data were presented to potato growers at the NJ State Potato Association meeting, Bridgeton, NJ on 14 November 2007 (30-min presentation, to extension agents at the Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Workers Extension Conference< Newark, DE on 6 November (20 min presentation) and to Pennsylvania potato growers on 30 January 2008 at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA (30-minute presentation).
TARGET AUDIENCES: - University extension specialists and county agricultural agents. - Crop consultants - Vegetable growers
Impacts
Our findings demonstrated to growers that the effectiveness of neonicotinoid insecticides for leafhopper and Colorado potato beetle control are partly dependant on solubility of the product. In both laboratory and field trials, efficacy of 3 neonicotinoid insecticides for control of both Colorado potato beetles and potato leafhoppers on white potato consistently declined as both solubility and rainfall increased. Growers with fields that have a wet history, or growers that can expect excessive moisture after planting, can opt to either use an at-plant insecticide with a lower solubility, or to forego an at-plant application and incorporate foliar sprays into their potato pest management program. Depending on weather, growers can realize $30-50 savings per acre.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2008. What's new in insect control in potatoes. Proceedings of the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. 2 pp.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Our research demonstrated that European corn borer prefers to attack pepper fruit larger than 2" in diameter. This information is of significant benefit to pepper growers in establishment of the initial timing of a pesticide spray program. If corn borers are active (based on black light traps, pheromone traps, etc), and pepper plants have fruit greater than 2" in diameter, a protective spray program should be initiated. This management tactic will allow growers to more precisely begin spray applications, and could result in preventing 1-2 unnecessary sprays because sprays were previously based solely on borer activity. Trials in tomatoes demonstrated that goldfleck damage to green and red tomatoes is definitely caused, at least in part, by feeding damage of western flower thrips. These pests feed on the tomato skin, causing gold speckles or rings of gold speckles, to appear on both green and red tomato fruit. Previously thought to be environmental damage, or problems
associated with pesticide phytotoxicity, our greenhouse research assays showed that flower thrips have the ability to cause this damage. Field research in carrots demonstrated that two drop nozzles, one on each side of the carrot row, are significantly more effective than a single banded application over the center of the row for control of carrot weevils, based on percentage carrot damage and total marketable yields.
Impacts
In pepper, growers can expect to apply 1-2 fewer sprays when using a corn borer management program based on crop phenology and borer activity. In tomato, growers can use 'goldflecking' to determine thrips infestation and damage to fruit. An appropriate thrips pest management program can thus be initiated. In carrots, growers using two drop nozzles instead of a single banded spray nozzle for carrot weevil control (with other appropriate management tactics) can expect improved control and reduction of weevil damage, resulting in increased harvestable yields.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M., E.M. Hitchner and J.E. Funderburk. 2006. Goldfleck damage to tomato fruit caused by feeding of Frankiniella occidentalis. Florida Entomologist 89: 279-281.
- Ghidiu, G.M., E.M. Hitchner, M. Zimmerman and E. Rossell. 2006. Effect of two different nozzle arrangements on control of carrot weevil in processing carrots. Journal of Plant Health Progress, http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PHP-2006-0403-01-RS.
- Hitchner, E.M. and G.M. Ghidiu. 2006. Fruit size and infestation by European corn borer in bell pepper. J. Vegetable Science. 12: 101-107.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2006. The battle of the bug: insecticide resistance and the Colorado potato beetle. American Vegetable Grower 54(4): 12-14.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2005. Dealing with diamondback moth larvae. American Vegetable Grower 53(4): 26-27.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Two years of research has demonstrated that seed treatments of fipronil are significantly more effective in controlling carrot weevil on carrots than other labeled insecticides. Growers using foliar sprays of labeled insecticides will obtain significanly greater control of carrot weevils in carrots, and subsequently significantly higher marketable yields, using 2 drop nozzles on their sprayer as compared with using a single over-the-row nozzle, as is currently used by most carrot growers.
Impacts
Carrot growers can increase the marketable yields of carrots by 20-30% by using a sprayer with 2 drop nozzles per row instead of the current standard of a single nozzle over-the-row sprayer. Grower's management of the carrot weevil would improve, reducing the carrot weevil population for the next season.
Publications
- E.M. Hitchner and G.M. Ghidiu. 2006. Fruit size and infestation by European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner, in bell pepper. J. Vegetable Science. (in press, vol. 12)
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Our research demonstrated the effectiveness of a seed treatment for carrot weevil control in processing carrots. With a single seed treatment of fipronil, weevil damage to carrots was reduced from 70% to >10% (5 convential insecticide sprays reduced damage by 50%). Also, if foliar sprays are used in carrots, significantly less damage caused by carrot weevil occurs in carrots sprayed using 2 drop nozzles per row instead of one broadcast nozzle over the row or no sprays at all. Most carrot growers currently use a boom sprayer broadcasting insecticides over the plant, and can use this information to construct a drop-nozzle boom to increase effectiveness of the carrot weevil insecticides applied to their carrots.
Impacts
When carrot seed treatments are labeled (currently an IR-4 project, expected label date of 2005-2006), growers will realize a 20-30% increase in marketable carrot yields compared with current carrot weevil pest management insecticide applications using a one-time only seed treatment application. If carrot weevil populations persist for the entire season, a drop nozzle sprayer with 2 nozzles/row will further protect the carrots significantly greater than a single nozzle sprayer using the same pesticides.
Publications
- Kuhar, T., J. Speese, J. Whalen, J. Alvarez, G. Ghidiu and M. Spellman. 2004. Current status of insecticidal control of wireworms. Pesticide Outlook 14(6):265-268.
- Maletta, M., K. Holstrom, W. Tietjen, W. Cowgill and G. Ghidiu. 2004. Evaluation of controls for flea beetle on eggplant in an organic production system. Acta Horticulturae. July 2004: 1253.
- Ghidiu, G. M. 2004. Insect pest management in asparagus. Proceedings of the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference. 144(2):29-31.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Current research on-farm and at growers' farms show that Colorado potato beetle has developed resistance to imidacloprid (Admire 2F). Data indicates that resistance is moderate to strong, and total resistance will likely occur in the near future. Genetically-altered potatoes (potatoes with the Bt-gene) planted at RAREC were undamaged by potato beetles for the entire season under heavy population pressure, and several lines of these potatoes showed no damage by either Colorao potato beetles or by potato leafhoppers for the entire season. In tomato, a potential new economic pest has been reported in New Jersey, the brown marmolated stink bug, Halyomorpa halys. This is a serious pest in Asian countries, and was recently imported to PA and NJ. Tests will be continued to determine its damage potential to tomato fruit.
Impacts
Growers must rotate class of insecticides annually to prevent rapid resistance to the neonicotinoid insecticides. Growers will likely avoid use of imidacloprid, but they must also wisely use other insecticides in that class (thiamethoxam, or Platinum, and acetamiprid, or Assail). Although these other insecticides are still effective, it is most probable that potato beetles will show strong resistance to these materials if overused. Rotation of class of insecticide is extremely important for continued effective Colorado potato beetle management.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2003. Strategies for dealing with high insect pressure in sweet corn. Proceedings of the NYS Vegetable Conference. 112-113.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2003. New options for insect control in tomatoes. Proceedings of the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. Vol. 1: 48-49.
- Kuhar, T., J. Speese, J. Whalon, J. Alvarez, and G. Ghidiu. 2003. Curent status of control of wireworms in potatoes. J. Pesticide Outlook. In Press.
- Ghidiu, G.M. and J. Mahar. 2003. Cabbage insect pest management. Proceedings of the 33rd Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Workers Conference. 33: 98-100.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Field research trials demonstrated that potato seed pieces can be treated with Gaucho(imidacloprid)ST dust 2-3 weeks before planting with no significant loss of potato beetle control of potato beetle. These results are important to growers who treat potato seed but are not able to plant and must let treated seed remain in storage until conditions are suitable for planting. Field and laboratory trials showed that all labeled insecticides for carrot weevil control in carrots are effective, and that there were no significant differences among treatments for weevil control. Data suggests that severe yield losses (up to 90%) in carrots due to carrot weevils in 2001 were likely not a result of loss of efficacy of weevil insecticides, but due to either weather factors and or application methods/techniques.
Impacts
Growers are able to improve their time management within their integrated pest management program for early season pest control (potato beetles, aphids, leafhopper, flea beetles) with the ability to treat potato seed pieces for up to 3 weeks before planting. This will reduce the amount of pesticide used as well as reduce additional trips through the field (foliar spray equipment) after emergence. In carrot fields, growers will need to closely examine their equipment for maximum application efficiency (placement and coverage), as well as improve their spray application timing to obtain more effective weevil control.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2003. New options for insect control in tomatoes. Proc. 2003 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. 2:48-49.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2003. Strategies for dealing with high insect pressure in sweet corn. Proc. 2003 New York State Vegetable Conference, Liverpool, NY. 112-113.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2002. Control of carrot weevils in processing carrots. In: Vegetable Entomology Results 2002. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 104K, pg. 3-4.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
On tomatoes, 'goldflecking' damage has been positively identified as feeding damage caused by western flower thrips. 'Goldflecking' was previously considered to be environmental or possibly pesticide phytotoxicity. Laboratory tests confirmed this type of damage is caused by western flower thrips, although other species of thrips may also cause similar damage. In potato field trials, the most effective European corn borer management program is one based on either the black light trap catches or on a corn borer degree-day model (base 50). Field trials in both New Jersey and Delaware showed that both of these monitoring methods, when used with a standard pest management program, resulted in significantly less corn borer stem damage as compared with an untreated or with a program based on a combination of black light trap catches and degree-day accumulations.
Impacts
Growers have a choice of effective methods of timing spray applications for management of European corn borer. It is estimated that growers will be able to reduce their corn borer spray program by at least one application. More importantly, the timing of the spray applications will be more precise, resulting in improved management practices for corn borer control in white potatoes. On tomatoes, growers can identify thrips 'goldfleck' damage to fruit and use effective management tactics to reduce of prevent additional damage. Although damage is only cosmetic, 'goldflecking' on fruit reduces quality of both fresh and processing tomatoes. Research with thrips will continue to determine which species of thrips causes this damage and to determine thresholds for thrips management.
Publications
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2001. Problem insects in tomatoes. Proceedings of the 2002 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. 110-111.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2001. Insect management strategies in peppers. Proceedings of the 2002 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. 22-23.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2001. Preplant considerations for management of Colorado potato beetle and potato leafhoppers. Proceedings of the New Jersey Annual Vegetable Convention. 80-81.
- Ghidiu, G.M. 2001. Vegetable entomology research results. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 104J. 19 pp.
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