Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Our Alfalfa IPM research continues. We continue to work with alfalfa weevil strains in NM and document distribution, detail seasonal biology, and are working on the problem of strain hybridization. We have also begun a study of the blister beetles of New Mexico. In cotton, several projects are continuing. We are completing a third year in a series of research projects on the impact of the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus) on New Mexico cotton. One experiment is evaluating feeding injury by nymph (4th and 5th instar) and adult on individual developing squares and bolls. In another experiment, we are trying to develop an economic injury level for Lygus for New Mexico cotton. This research involves whole plant isolation of various levels (0-10 per plant) of nymph and adult lygus to determine bug levels causing economic loss. We are also working closely with the USDA Cotton Ginning Laboratory (Paul Funk) to determine the impact of thermal defoliation on late-season
insect pests causing "sticky" cotton. Our field research shows that thermal defoliation results in a significant, near-immediate termination of silverleaf whitefly populations -the worst cause of sticky cotton in the US. We are completing laboratory experiments to determine the thermal upper limits of silverleaf whitefly survival.
Impacts
Our understanding of the distribution and biology of alfalfa weevil strains in the state is a critical component in developing an integrated pest management system specific to the unique conditions of New Mexico. The impact of Lygus on cotton production in New Mexico remains poorly understood. Our research will give us a better picture of that impact as well as the proper timing and implementation of management for its control. These data will be presented to growers and consultants and an economic threshold will be released that reflects our new understanding of the impact of this pest on NM cotton. Efficient management of alfalfa and cotton pests can result in a reduction in unnecessary control costs and potentially increase crop yields. This can translate into a significant increase in productivity and profit to New Mexico's growers. Also, fewer insecticide applications can result in reduced exposure of the chemicals to the environment.
Publications
- Bealmear, S.R., C. S. Bundy, and D. VanLeeuwen. 2007. Lygus Feeding Injury to Cotton in New Mexico. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Bealmear, S., C. S. Bundy, and D. Vanleeuwen. 2007. Assessment of Lygus Feeding Damage to Bt Cotton in New Mexico. In Proceedings 55th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.
- Bundy, C.S., P.A. Funk, S. Lowry, and R.L. Steiner. 2007. Thermal Cotton Defoliation: Impact on Late-Season Whiteflies. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Alfalfa IPM research continues. Last year we showed that all three known strains of the alfalfa weevil are present in New Mexico. Our data altered the theoretical map of strain distribution in the US to fit what is now known for NM and show a shift in strain movement. We have since continued working on the problem of strain hybridization. Also, we have been conducting a research project on comparative development among strains of weevils. In cotton, several projects are continuing. We are completing the second year in a series of research projects on the impact of the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus) on New Mexico cotton. One experiment is evaluating feeding injury by nymph (4th and 5th instar) and adult on individual developing squares and bolls. In another experiment, we are trying to develop an economic injury level for Lygus for New Mexico cotton. This research involves whole plant isolation of various levels (0-10 per plant) of nymph and adult lygus to
determine bug levels causing economic loss. We are also working closely with the USDA Cotton Ginning Laboratory (Paul Funk) to determine the impact of thermal defoliation on late-season insect pests causing 'sticky' cotton. Our two years of field research show that thermal defoliation results in a significant, near-immediate termination of silverleaf whitefly populations -- the worst cause of sticky cotton in the US. We are also conductin laboratory experiments to determine the thermal upper limits of silverleaf whitefly survival.
Impacts
Our understanding of the distribution and biology of alfalfa weevil strains in the state is a critical component in developing an integrated pest management system specific to the unique conditions of New Mexico. The impact of Lygus on cotton production in New Mexico remains poorly understood. Our research will give us a better picture of that impact as well as the proper timing and implementation of management for its control. Efficient management of alfalfa and cotton pests can result in a reduction in unnecessary control costs and potentially increase crop yields. This can translate into a significant increase in productivity and profit to New Mexico's growers. Also, fewer insecticide applications can result in reduced exposure of the chemicals to the environment.
Publications
- Bundy, C.S., P.A.. Funk, and R.L.Steiner. 2006. Impact of Thermal Defolation on Late-Season Insect Populations. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Greene, J.K., C.S. Bundy, P.M. Roberts, and B.R. Leonard. 2006. Identification and Management of Common Boll-Feeding Bugs in Cotton. Cotton Incorporated. Pub. EB 158.
- Bealmear, S.R., C.S. Bundy, and D. VanLeeuwen. 2006. Lygus Feeding Damage to Cotton in New Mexico. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Bealmear, S., C. S. Bundy, and D. Vanleeuwen. 2006. Assessment of Lygus feeding damage to bt cotton in New Mexico. In Proceedings 54th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.
- D.B. Richman, J. Drake, T. Carrillo, S. Liesner, C.S. Bundy, and J.J. Ellington. 2006. A color key to the common spiders found in alfalfa and cotton in New Mexico. New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service. Circular 609.
- O'Donnell, S. M., C. S. Bundy, R. Byford, M. Lee, and P. Smith. 2006. Arthropod succession on pig carrion on southern New Mexico. In Proceedings 54th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Alfalfa weevil strain distribution was evaluated for New Mexico. Weevil populations were examined from five locations within the state in 2003 and 2004, representing the major alfalfa growing regions. Mitochondrial DNA from the weevils was extracted and sequenced to determine the strain. Our results show that all three known strains of this insect are present in New Mexico the state. We have altered the theoretical map of strain distribution in the US to fit what is now known for NM and show a shift in strain movement. We are now working on the problem of hybridization among strains. Research on effects of Lorsban, used for pink bollworm control, on non-target cotton arthropods indicate that repeated applications of this insecticide have very little impact on non-target pests and beneficials in southern New Mexico. This impact is particularly interesting for beneficial arthropods -the majority appeared unaffected. This is likely due to the numerous alfalfa fields in
and around Mesilla valley. Alfalfa harbors many of these beneficials, and the close proximity of many of these fields to cotton seems to allow for quick repopulation. Two beneficial arthropod species were significantly reduced with repeated insecticide application, and populations of these insects should be closely monitored. This research has been submitted to an appropriate entomological journal to disseminate the results to a wide audience. Two field seasons were completed examining the efficacy of cotton lines that express host-plant resistance to insects. Large field plots of a cotton line exhibiting the okra-leaf trait were compared to conventional cotton and evaluated to determine impact on pest and beneficial arthropod populations. Certain key pests have been shown to have reduced populations in fields of okra-leaf cotton. Our research examines okra-leaf in New Mexico, particular attention was given to potential differences in plant microclimate to determine what specifically
may affect pest and beneficial arthropod abundance.
Impacts
Our understanding of the distribution of alfalfa weevil strains in the state is a critical component in developing an integrated pest management system specific to the unique conditions of New Mexico. Efficient management of cotton pests and utilization of beneficial arthropods can result in a reduction in unnecessary control costs and potentially increase crop yields. This can translate into a significant increase in productivity and profit to New Mexico's growers. Also, fewer insecticide applications can result in reduced exposure of the chemicals to the environment.
Publications
- Bundy, C. S., Paul Smith, and D. B. Richman. 2005. Survey and seasonal evaluation of the spiders of cotton in New Mexico. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Booze, T. and C. S. Bundy. 2005. The impact of okra-leaf cotton on beneficial arthropod populations. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- J. M. Richardson, L. B. Braxton, J. W. Pellow, P. C. Ellsworth, and C. S. Bundy. 2005. Field efficacy of widestrike insect protection against pink bollworm. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Research on effects of Lorsban, used for pink bollworm control, on non-target cotton arthropods indicate that repeated applications of this insecticide have very little impact on non-target pests and beneficials in southern New Mexico. This impact is particularly interesting for beneficial arthropods -the majority appeared unaffected. This is likely due to the numerous alfalfa fields in and around Mesilla valley. Alfalfa harbors many of these beneficials, and the close proximity of many of these fields to cotton seems to allow for quick repopulation. Two beneficial arthropod species were significantly reduced with repeated insecticide application, and populations of these insects should be closely monitored. This research has been submitted to an appropriate entomological journal to disseminate the results to a wide audience. Two field seasons were completed examining the efficacy of cotton lines that express host-plant resistance to insects. Large field plots of a
cotton line exhibiting the okra-leaf trait were compared to conventional cotton and evaluated to determine impact on pest and beneficial arthropod populations. Certain key pests have been shown to have reduced populations in fields of okra-leaf cotton. Our research examines okra-leaf in New Mexico, particular attention was given to potential differences in plant microclimate to determine what specifically may affect pest and beneficial arthropod abundance.
Impacts
Efficient management of cotton pests and utilization of beneficial arthropods can result in a reduction in unnecessary control costs and potentially increase crop yields. This can translate into a significant increase in productivity and profit to New Mexico's growers. Also, fewer insecticide applications can result in reduced exposure of the chemicals to the environment.
Publications
- Bundy, C. Scott, Paul Smith, and David Richman. 2004. A Survey of the Spiders of Cotton in New Mexico. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
- Booze, T., and Scott Bundy. 2004. Effects of Okra-leaf Cotton on Beneficial Arthropod Populations in New Mexico. In Proceedings 52nd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. Davis, Tamara and C. Scott Bundy. 2004. Effects of Okra-leaf Cotton on Beneficial Arthropod Populations in New Mexico. In Proceedings Beltwide Cotton Conferences. National Cotton Council, Memphis, TN.
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Research on effects of Lorsban, used for pink bollworm control, on non-target cotton arthropods indicate that repeated applications of this insecticide have very little impact on non-target pests and beneficials in southern New Mexico. This impact is particularly interesting for beneficial arthropods -the majority appeared unaffected. This is likely due to the numerous alfalfa fields in and around Mesilla valley. Alfalfa harbors many of these beneficials, and the close proximity of many of these fields to cotton seems to allow for quick repopulation. Two beneficial arthropod species were significantly reduced with repeated insecticide application, and populations of these insects should be closely monitored. This research has been submitted to an appropriate entomological journal to disseminate the results to a wide audience. One field season was completed examining the efficacy of cotton lines that express host-plant resistance to insects. Large field plots of
conventional, transgenic Bt, and okra-leaf cotton varieties were evaluated to determine their impact on pest and beneficial arthropod populations, particular attention was given to potential differences in plant microclimate to determine if that affects arthropod abundance.
Impacts
Efficient management of cotton pests and utilization of beneficial arthropods can result in a reduction in unnecessary control costs and potentially increase crop yields. This can translate into a significant increase in productivity and profit to New Mexico's growers. Also, fewer insecticide applications can result in reduced exposure of the chemicals to the environment.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
I have just completed the second year of a study examining the effects of an insecticide used for pink bollworm control on non-target cotton arthropods. The results indicate that repeated applications of this insecticide have very little impact on non-target pests and beneficials in southern New Mexico. This impact is particularly interesting for the beneficial arthropods. Several were evaluated, and the majority of their populations appeared unaffected. This is likely due to the numerous alfalfa fields in and around Mesilla valley. Alfalfa harbors many of these beneficials, and the close proximity of many of these fields to cotton seems to allow for quick repopulation. A couple of beneficial arthropod species were significantly reduced with repeated insecticide application, and populations of these insects should be closely monitored.
Impacts
Efficient management of cotton pests can potentially translate to a reduction in unnecessary control costs and increased crop yields.
Publications
- Bundy, C. S. and B. Lewis. 2002. Preliminary Examination of the Effects of Lorsban applications for Pink Bollworm Control on Beneficials and Secondary Pest Populations. In Proceedings 2002 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, National Cotton Council, Memphis TN.
|
|