Progress 10/01/06 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Objective 1) to develop treatments to eliminate Japanese beetle (JB) and imported fire ant (IFA) infestations in balled and burlapped (B&B) plants: A) a larval Japanese beetle summer pre-harvest band test was conducted annually from 2007 to 2009 during May, June, July, and August using clothianidin (Arena) and chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) and during July using imidacloprid + bifenthrin (Allectus) and imidacloprid + cyfluthrin (Discus) treatments, B) herbicide and irrigation effects on efficacy of Discus were evaluated in 2007 and 2008, C) imported fire ant band tests using broadcast baits (Award, Advion, Extinguish Plus) followed by pyrethroid bands (bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin) were performed annually from 2006 to 2009 with bifenthrin individual mound drench treatments added in 2009, and D) multiple insecticides and biopesticides were evaluated as B&B drenches, dips, and Tree Ring chemigation treatments annually from 2006 to 2009 in both fall and spring. Objective 2) to identify adult JB repellents, was performed during 2007, the only year with sufficient adult populations for testing. Objective 3) to establish new species of phorid-decapitating flies in TN involved releasing Pseudacteon tricuspis in Davidson Co. (2006), Pseudacteon curvatus Formosan biotype in Williamson Co. (2007) and Rutherford Co. (2008), and Pseudacteon obtusus in Moore Co. (2009). Events: Multiple presentations and extension literature on proper management, project results, and new control techniques for IFA and JB were given to an estimated 1,366 nursery growers, landscapers, extension agents and the general public. Between 2006 to 2009, presentations were given at the Tennessee State University (TSU) Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management Extension Workshops (n = 3), Tennessee Dept. Agric. Nursery Grower Stakeholder Meetings (n = 2), TSU Nursery Advisory Board (n = 3), special meeting to extension and ag-stakeholders representing IR-4 Project (n=1), BWI and Syngenta Crop Protection Grower Meeting (n=1), Middle Tenn. Nursery Assoc. Grower Meeting (n=2), Tenn. Nursery & Landscape Assoc. Educational Workshop (n=2), Tenn. Assoc. of Agric. Agents and Specialists Meeting (n=1), Southern Nursery Assoc. Research Conf. (n=2), Tenn. Green Industry Field Day (TGIF) (n=3), International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS) (n=1), Univ. Kentucky Nursery Grower Educational Workshop (n=1), and the Tenn. General Assembly House Agriculture Committee at the Tennessee State Capitol Building (n=1). Field training demonstrations were given on IFA treatments at the IPPS and TGIF meetings with the TGIF training being mandatory for growers to receive Dept. Agric. IFA certification. Products: Data generated from research has been shared with TDA and USDA-APHIS collaborators to promote the development of new quarantine treatments for JB and IFA. Data has also been disseminated to insecticide manufacturing companies for potential modifications of insecticide labels. The project has fostered a collaborative network between the TSU, TDA, Univ. Tenn., USDA-APHIS Soil Inhabiting Pests Section, and the USDA-ARS Horticultural Insects Research Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Tennessee State University: Dr. Jason Oliver (PI/PD): Project leader and supervisor for Research Associate and Laboratory Assistants and project oversight. Nadeer Youssef (Research Associate): Provided technical support for the project and additional supervision of Laboratory Assistants. Joshua Basham, Joshua Medley, Heath Overby, and Samuel Patton (Laboratory Assistants): Provided support labor for research projects under the supervision of Oliver and Youssef. Dr. Samuel Ochieng: Provided assistance with plot establishment, treatment, and evaluation of the imported fire ant (IFA) band test and with the phorid fly releases in Davidson, Moore, Rutherford, Williamson counties, TN. Dr. Ochieng also provided IFA species identifications for all IFA research using GC cuticular hydrocarbon / venom alkaloid analysis. Collaborators: USDA-ARS Horticultural Insects Research Laboratory (Dr. Chris Ranger, Dr. Michael Reding, and Jim Moyseenko): Assisted with Japanese beetle dip and drench treatments and field evaluations, as well as in performing preliminary laboratory bioassays of new insecticide products before they were evaluated in actual field trials. USDA-APHIS Soil Inhabiting Pests Section [SIPS] (Anne-Marie Callcott, Xikui Wei, Lee McAnally, and Debbie Roberts): Assisted with IFA insecticide tests, including bioassays with IFA female alates on soil collected from dip and drench tests. Pseudacteon curvatus Formosan biotype, Pseudacteon tricuspis, and Pseudacteon obtusus flies released in this project were also provided by the SIPS rearing facility. University of Tennessee (Mark Halcomb and Dr. Karen Vail): Provided assistance with locating nursery field sites for the IFA band tests, set-up of experimental plots, application of treatments, and test evaluations. Opportunities for Training: Field demonstrations and presentations were given to 100's of nursery growers and extension personnel during this project (for list, see outputs section). In addition, a high school agriculture student was trained in our program during a summer internship program in 2009. The PI and technical support on this project had many planning interactions with USDA-APHIS and USDA-ARS personnel that contributed to quality outputs from the research project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audiences were the regulatory agencies and committees governing the U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJHP) and the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine (FIFAQ). The primary beneficiaries of the project were nursery growers impacted by imported fire ant quarantines (all southern U.S.) and Japanese beetle quarantines (all eastern U.S.), which profited from new enhancements to DJHP and FIFAQ regulations. The Regulatory Treatment Review Committee of the DJHP received data during this project, which was used to make the following modifications to the DJHP: a) new thiamethoxam pre-harvest band treatment, b) new bifenthrin root ball dip for Japanese beetle, and c) an 8 times reduction in chlorpyrifos dip rate for Japanese beetle. Data from this project were also shared with agrochemical companies. Two new insecticide label changes occurred during the project, including a new bifenthrin dip label for Onyx Pro, which allows dipping for Japanese beetle larvae and fire ants, and a new emergency 24C label for fipronil to control fire ants in field-grown nurseries. Nursery growers benefiting from outcomes of this project have been informed of new changes through online documents like the DJHP and FIFAQ, as well as by extension personnel and by state department of agriculture compliance agreements. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is another target audience of the project, and the TDA Plant Certification Administrator (Walker Haun) and the TDA State Entomologist (Steve Powell) have been provided with information updates throughout the project. Phorid flies released against imported fire ants during this study have the potential to benefit all citizens in Tennessee and adjacent states by providing region-wide, sustainable, and no-cost reductions of fire ant populations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The major issue during the project was low Japanese beetle populations, which made it difficult to obtain sufficient infestations for evaluating summer Japanese beetle band tests or to study plant oils for Japanese beetle repellence in trapping bioassays. As a result, some test years yielded no usable data for these studies. To enhance Japanese beetle infestations in band tests, we modified field experiments by using artificial lures to bait more egg-laying adults into the site location. We also used infestation canisters adjacent to experimental trees to increase egg-laying activity, and we irrigated plots to make the sites more favorable for egg-laying during dry years. There were no modifications that could be made to adult repellent studies, so no data was collected during years when beetle numbers were too low to perform trapping bioassays. Other modifications to the project included no monitoring for phorid fly establishment at sites distant from the initial release site. The reason for not monitoring at distant sites following the Pseudacteon tricuspis release was the absence of successful establishment at the initial release site. The reason for not monitoring for Pseudacteon curvatus Formosan biotype establishment is these flies cannot be distinguished from the already established Pseudacteon curvatus Los Flores biotype. Pseudacteon obtusus was just released in fall 2009, so it is too early to determine whether the species is established and spreading.
Impacts
Change in Knowledge: 1) Augmenting Japanese beetle (JB) populations to enhance treatment comparisons in pre-harvest tests was generally effective by combining irrigation, baits, or beetle oviposition cages; 2) Arena provided effective pre-harvest larval JB control in May, June, or July (sometimes August) in multiple years and Allectus and Discus were effective in July tests, but Acelepryn was inconsistent; 3) in a herbicide / irrigation / insecticide test, treatments receiving herbicide + Discus had 100% JB grub control (irrigated or not), but Discus without herbicide was less effective when non-irrigated - further research is needed on these interactions; 4) carbaryl and trichlorfon effectively controlled JB when two consecutive chemigations were applied by Tree Rings, but not one chemigation (i.e., greater volume); 5) bait and pyrethroid insecticide band treatment for imported fire ant (IFA) tests indicated: a) rainfall or irrigation is necessary for banded pyrethroid consistency, b) one application of bifenthrin is insufficient to achieve quarantine level IFA control, c) baits are needed to achieve consistent IFA control using pyrethroid band treatments, d) spray volumes (20 to 45 GPA) did not impact IFA control, e) permethrin was not an effective pre-harvest pyrethroid, f) floodjets were as effective as standard flatfan nozzles, and g) individual mound bifenthrin drenches, performed first in 2009 with broadcast bait and pyrethroid bands, provided the first consistent pre-harvest IFA control in field-grown nurseries, but testing continues; 6) multiple insecticides were effective JB and IFA dips or drenches; label and regulation changes are under evaluation by USDA and chemical companies for some products and changes will be needed before grower use; 7) root ball rotation during drenching greatly improves JB and IFA treatment efficacy; 8) wintergreen and peppermint oils had adult JB repellent activity in field studies; 9) 4 new insecticide uses were supported: a) new Onyx Pro plant dip label for JB and IFA, added to Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJHP) in 2009, b) new thiamethoxam pre-harvest JB treatment in DJHP, c) new 24C emergency use IFA label for fipronil use in field-grown nurseries, and d) 8 times reduction in chlorpyrifos rate in DJHP dip protocol for JB. Change in Conditions: Presentations to extension, nursery, landscape, general public, and legislators, provided the latest techniques and information for effective JB and IFA management. Safety issues for handling agrochemicals, as well as costs, were provided to stakeholders to enhance safety and quality of life. Chlorpyrifos rate reductions, new insecticide regulations, and modified labels provided new options, as well as lower costs, reduced worker hazard, or less environmental pollution. Improvements in JB and IFA control lessen potential for inadvertent transport to new areas, preventing further economic harm. Three phorid species were released in TN to provide IFA biological control. If phorids establish and spread, they may benefit all citizens in IFA areas by reducing IFA populations and associated health hazards from IFA.
Publications
- Youssef, N.N., Oliver, J.B., Reding, M.E., Ranger, C.M., Moyseenko, J.J. and Klein, M.G. 2009. Field evaluation of plant-derived essential oils as potential repellents of adult Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 102(4): 1551-1558.
- Oliver, J.B., Vander Meer, R.K., Ochieng, S.A., Youssef, N.N., Pantaleoni, E, Mrema, F.A., Vail, K.M., Parkman, P.J., Valles, S.M., Haun, W.G. and Powell, S. 2009. Survey of imported fire ant populations in Tennessee. J. Entomol. Science. 44(2): 1-9.
- Oliver, J.B., Reding, M.E., Youssef, N.N., Klein, M.G., Bishop, B. and Lewis, P. 2009. Surface-applied insecticide treatments for elimination of larval Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from field-grown nursery plants. Pest Management Science. 65(4): 381-390.
- Ranger, C.M., Reding, M.E., Oliver, J.B., Moyseenko, J.J. and Youssef, N.N. 2009. Toxicity of botanical formulations to nursery-infesting white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 102: 304-308.
- Oliver, J.B., Reding, M.E., Moyseenko, J.J., Klein, M.G., Mannion, C.M., Bishop, B. 2006. Survival of adult Tiphia vernalis (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae) after insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide exposure in laboratory bioassays. J. Econ Entomol. 99 (2): 288-294.
- Vogt, J.T. and Oliver, J.B.. 2006. Distribution and size of imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) mounds in recently invaded ball-and-burlap nurseries in Tennessee. J. Entomol. Sci. 41: 385-393.
- Oliver, J.B., Ochieng, S.A., Halcomb, M. and Youssef, N.N. 2009. Imported fire ant control in production nurseries using baits. Tennessee State University. School of Agriculture and Consumer Science. Extension Publication. (Awaiting University Number). In Press.
- Oliver, J.B., Ochieng, S.A. and Haun, W.G. 2009. Update on new and anticipated nursery treatments for Japanese beetle and imported fire ants. Tennessee Green Times. 10 (1): 16-17.
- Xikui, W., Callcott, A., McAnally, L., Hinton, C., Oliver, J.B., Youssef, N.N., Reding, M. and Moyseenko, J.J. 2008. Alternative immersion treatments for balled-and-burlapped nursery stock for use in the IFA Quarantine, Tennessee, Fall 2007, pp. 11-14. In A. Callcott [ed.], 2008 Accomplishment Report Imported Fire Ant Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 2009. Gulfport, MS. (Report) URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/gulfp ort.shtml
- Xikui, W., Callcott, A., McAnally, L., Hinton, C., Oliver, J.B., Youssef, N.N., Reding, M. and Moyseenko, J.J. 2008. Alternative immersion treatments for balled-and-burlapped nursery stock for use in the IFA Quarantine, Tennessee, Fall 2008, pp. 15-22. In A. Callcott [ed.], 2008 Accomplishment Report Imported Fire Ant Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 2009. Gulfport, MS. (Report) URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/gulfp ort.shtml
- Xikui, W., Callcott, A., Hinton, C., McAnally, L., Oliver, J.B., Youssef, N.N., Reding, M. and Moyseenko, J.J. 2008. Alternative drench treatments for balled-and-burlapped nursery stock use in the IFA Quarantine, Tennessee, Fall 2007, pp. 23-29. In A. Callcott [ed.], 2008 Accomplishment Report Imported Fire Ant Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 2009. Gulfport, MS. (Report) URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/gulfp ort.shtml
- Xikui, W., Callcott, A., Hinton, C., McAnally, L., Oliver, J.B., Youssef, N.N., Reding, M. and Moyseenko, J.J. 2008. Alternative drench treatments for balled-and-burlapped nursery stock use in the IFA Quarantine, Tennessee, Spring and Fall 2008, pp. 34-40. In A. Callcott [ed.], 2008 Accomplishment Report Imported Fire Ant Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 2009. Gulfport, MS. (Report) URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/gulfp ort.shtml
- Callcott, A. (Jason Oliver listed as primary project leader in the body of the report). 2007. Summary of numerous dip/immersion trials for balled-and-burlapped nursery stock 2002 - 2007, pp. 5-9. In A. Callcott [ed.], 2007 Accomplishment Report Imported Fire Ant Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture. May 2008. Gulfport, MS. Jason Oliver listed as primary project leader in the body of the report. (Report) URL: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/fireants/gulfp ort.shtml
- Oliver, J.B., Ochieng, s., Gawel, N., Youssef, N.N, Mrema, F., Vail, K., Halcomb, M., Callcott, A., Wei, X., McAnally, L., Haun, W.G. and Powell, S. 2009. Development of imported fire ant quarantine treatments for field-grown nursery stock. USDA-ARS Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative Meeting. 14-17 October 2009. Cleveland, OH. (Poster Presentation, Proceeding Summary, and Concept Paper).
- Oliver, J.B., Ranger, C., Reding, M.E., Moyseenko, J.J. and Youssef, N.N. 2009. Treating field-grown nursery stock for Japanese beetle quarantine certification using conventional and biorational insecticides applied by a grower irrigation technique, pp. 189-190. In 1890 Research: Sustainable Solutions for the 21st Century. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 28 March - 1 April 2009. Atlanta, GA. (Poster Presentation and Abstract)
- Oliver, J.B., Ranger, C., Reding, M.E., Moyseenko, J.J. and Youssef, N.N. 2009. Pre-harvest irrigation: opportunity to apply biorational and conventional insecticides against Japanese beetle larvae in nurseries. Tennessee State University 31st Annual University-Wide Research Symposium. 30-31 March 2009. Nashville, TN. (Poster Presentation and Abstract)
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: The Japanese beetle band treatment objective performed during the 2007 reporting period was repeated using DPX-E2Y45, clothianidin (Arena 50WDG), bifenthrin + cyfluthrin (Allectus), and imidacloprid + cyfluthrin (Discus). Herbicide and irrigation effects were again evaluated for impact on Japanese beetle larval control with Discus. No essential oil compounds were tested for adult Japanese beetle repellence due to low beetle populations. The imported fire ant band treatment objective was initiated at a commercial nursery to evaluate fire ant baits (Award and Advion) and pyrethroids (Onyx Pro, Scimitar CS, Perm-Up Pro) combinations and timings. Multiple insecticides and biopesticides were tested as balled-and-burlapped (B&B) root ball dips, B&B drenches, and with pre- and post-harvest chemigation using Tree Rings. Pseudacteon curvatus Formosan biotype was released at a commercial business site in Rutherford Co., TN. Events: Project results and new control techniques have been disseminated to nursery grower, landscaper, and general public communities of interest through educational presentations. These included the Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program Sponsored Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management Workshop (16 Sept. 2008 - ~100 attendees), the Tennessee General Assembly House Agriculture Committee at the Tennessee State Capitol Building regarding imported fire ant impacts to the state's nursery industry (29 Jan. 2008), and to the Tennessee State University Nursery Advisory Stakeholder Group (20 Oct. 2008). Results have also been generated through one-on-one interactions with growers, as well as through local nursery extension personnel. Products: Data generated from research has been shared with Tennessee Department of Agriculture and USDA-APHIS collaborators to promote the development of new quarantine treatments for Japanese beetle and fire ants. Data has also been disseminated to insecticide manufacturing companies for potential modifications of insecticide labels. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Tennessee State University: Dr. Jason Oliver (PI/PD): Project leader and supervisor for Research Associate and Laboratory Assistants and project oversight. Nadeer Youssef (Research Associate): Provided technical support for the project and additional supervision of Laboratory Assistants. Joshua Basham, Joshua Medley, and Samuel Patton (Laboratory Assistants): Provided support labor for research projects under the supervision of Oliver and Youssef. Dr. Samuel Ochieng: Provided assistance with plot establishment, treatment, and evaluation of the imported fire ant band test and with the phorid fly releases in Rutherford County, TN. Dr. Ochieng also provided fire ant species identifications for all fire ant research using GC cuticular hydrocarbon analysis. Collaborators: USDA-ARS Horticultural Insects Research Laboratory (Dr. Chris Ranger, Dr. Michael Reding, and Jim Moyseenko: Assisted with Japanese beetle dip and drench treatments and field evaluations, as well as in performing preliminary laboratory bioassays of new insecticide products before they were evaluated in actual field trials. USDA-APHIS Soil Inhabiting Pests Section [SIPS] (Anne-Marie Callcott, Xikui Wei, and Debbie Roberts): Assisted with imported fire ant insecticide tests, including bioassays with imported fire ant female alates on soil collected from dip and drench tests. The Pseudacteon curvatus Formosan biotype flies were also provided by the SIPS rearing facility for the Rutherford County release. University of Tennessee (Mark Halcomb and Dr. Karen Vail): Provided assistance with locating nursery field sites for the fire ant band tests, set-up of experimental plots, application of treatments, and test evaluations. Opportunities for Training: A presentation pertaining to the research project was given to the Tennessee State University Nursery Advisory Group (NAG) on 20 October 2008. The NAG also received a written project summary and was given the opportunity to provide stakeholder input to the PI. An educational presentation on general management of imported fire ants in turfgrass and landscapes was given to about 100 participants as part of the Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management Workshop on 16 September 2008. The PI and technical support on this project had many planning interactions with USDA-APHIS and USDA-ARS personnel that helped to produce quality outputs to the research project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience for the changes in knowledge / action in this project were the regulatory agencies and committees governing the U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJHP) and the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine (FIFAQ). The Regulatory Treatment Review Committee of the DJHP received data from this project, which was used to modify the DJHP to allow a new bifenthrin dip treatment for Japanese beetle, as well as to lower the current Japanese beetle chlorpyrifos dip treatment rate by 8 times. Soil samples collected from nursery plant treatments in this project were processed by the USDA-APHIS-PPQ Soil Inhabiting Pest Section, Gulfport, MS to generate imported fire ant data supporting new FIFAQ treatments. Data regarding bifenthrin efficacy for Japanese beetle and imported fire ant control were also shared with FMC Corporation, who used the data to support a label amendment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As a result, bifenthrin (Onyx Pro) now has an expanded label permitting dip immersion of balled and burlapped and containerized nursery for control of Japanese beetle grubs and imported fire ants. The eventual target audience of these changes will be the U.S nursery growers, who will now be able to treat containerized and balled and burlapped nursery stock for Japanese beetle and imported fire ant with the new treatments. The target audiences affected by imported fire ant quarantines include nursery growers in all of the southern United States, and those affected by Japanese beetle regulations include nursery growers in the majority of states east of the Mississippi River. These nursery growers will be informed of the new changes through online documents like the DJHP and FIFAQ, as well as by extension personnel and by state department of agriculture compliance agreements. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is another target audience of this project, and the TDA Plant Certification Administrator (Walker Haun) and the TDA State Entomologist (Steve Powell) have been provided with information updates throughout the project. The TDA Plant Certification Administrator is currently the President of the National Plant Board (NPB), as well as State Representative to the DJHP Regulatory Treatment Review Committee, member of the NPB USDA-APHIS-PPQ Compliance Agreement Committee, and member of the NPB Resolutions/Policy Standing Committee. Therefore, the TDA Plant Certification Administrator's involvement as a target audience ensures additional regulatory officials in other state Department's of Agriculture will also receive project results, allowing project outcomes to rapidly reach nursery stakeholders in other states. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Unexpected Outcomes: Adult Japanese beetle populations were low during the summer of 2008, due to an on-going drought in the Tennessee nursery-growing region. As a result, the adult Japanese beetle trap repellent objective was not completed in summer 2008 due to insufficient trap collections of adult beetles. It may not be possible to perform the adult trap repellent objective until sufficient adult beetle populations return to the region. With the exception of the adult trap repellent objective, the goals for all other objectives in the project were met during 2008. The dry conditions during 2007 had resulted in insufficient grub infestations to evaluate the Japanese beetle band treatment objective. However, during the summer of 2008, a combination of irrigation around field-grown nursery trees, attachment of Japanese beetle lures to the base of each experimental tree, and the installation of adult beetle oviposition cages at the base of experimental trees, resulted in sufficient grub densities at the test site to complete the Japanese beetle band treatment objective. It is likely irrigation around test trees improved adult oviposition conditions and enhanced survival of early instar grubs. Likewise, Japanese beetle lures and oviposition cages likely concentrated a sufficient number of beetles at the test site to produce suitable grub populations for insecticide evaluation. For the fire ant band treatment objective, the efficacy of bifenthrin and lambda-cyhalothrin treatments was greatly improved in 2008 by beginning the test in November rather than September. The later start month for the fire ant band test allowed treatments to receive adequate winter rains, which apparently improved the post-treatment fire ant control. Fire ant population monitoring for the establishment of phorid-decapitating flies objective was not performed in 2008 because Pseudacteon tricuspis has not been recovered at the release site following releases. The current phorid-decapitating fly objective only specifies fire ant population monitoring once flies are established. The fly release portion of the phorid-decapitating fly objective has been completed, but flies have not been successfully established at the release site.
Impacts
Change in Knowledge: Efforts to augment Japanese beetle larval populations in the Japanese beetle band treatment objective using irrigation, attractant baits, and adult beetle oviposition cages were successful in achieving adequate larval populations to assess chemical treatments. It was determined that clothianidin provided very effective grub control with a May, June, or July application. DPX-E2Y45 also provided effective grub control during July. A herbicide / irrigation test using the insecticide Discus was also performed targeting early instar Japanese beetle. Treatments that received herbicide and Discus provided 100% grub control, whether irrigated or not. However, Discus applied without herbicide performed better when irrigated (100% control) than not irrigated (84.2% control). The study suggests possible herbicide/irrigation interactions when using systemic neonicotinoid insecticides like Discus. Tests performed to meet the Tree Ring chemigation objective indicated two drenches of the same pre-harvest nursery tree with Tree Rings provided better Japanese beetle grub control than a single Tree Ring drench, even when rates were adjusted so the same total active ingredient was applied regardless of drench number. Tree Ring studies performed during 2008 indicated a greater drench volume provided greater grub control. Changes in Action: Results from post-harvest balled and burlapped (B&B) nursery stock dip studies resulted in a new bifenthrin immersion treatment insecticide label for controlling Japanese beetle larvae and imported fire ants. The new bifenthrin label has led to approval of regulation changes in the U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJHP), which will be available sometime during early spring 2009. Regulation changes in the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine are being pursued for the bifenthrin immersion treatment. An 8 times reduction in the chlorpyrifos immersion rate for B&B was also approved for the DJHP as a result of tests performed in this project. The lower chlorpyrifos immersion rate will reduce grower costs and lessen environmental contamination from the dip treatment. Change in Conditions: Presentations given to nursery, landscape, and general public stakeholders, as well as Tennessee State Legislators, provided the latest information about fire issues and management techniques, allowing stakeholders and Legislators to make informed decisions about fire ant control. Reductions in chlorpyrifos immersion rates for Japanese beetle nursery stock treatments will reduce the hazard for nursery workers and the environment. In addition, data supporting the efficacy of Japanese beetle and fire ant treatments has improved quarantine treatments for these pests and lessened the likelihood of these invasive species being shipped into new areas of the United States, where they could cause more economic harm to other public interests.
Publications
- Oliver, J.B., Reding, M.E., Dennis, S.O., Moyseenko, J.J., Youssef, N.N., Klein, M.G., Callcott, A.A., James, S.S., McAnally, L.R., and Bishop, B.L. 2008. Drench treatments for management of larval Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in field-grown balled and burlapped nursery plants. J. Econ. Entomol. 101 (4): 1158-1166.
- Oliver, J.B., Vander Meer, R.K., Ochieng, S.A., Youssef, N.N., Pantaleoni, E., Hosack, M.Y., Mrema, F.A., Vail, K.M., Parkman, J., Valles, S.M., Haun, W.G., and Powell, S. 2008. Survey of imported fire ant populations in Tennessee and implications for biological control. 30th Annual University-Wide Research Sympos. Tennessee State University. 31 March - 3 April 2008. Nashville, TN. (Abstract).
- Youssef, N.N., Oliver, J.B., Reding, M., Ranger, C. and Moyseenko, J. 2008. Plant repellency of essential oils to Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman). 30th Annual University-Wide Research Sympos. Tennessee State University. 31 March - 3 April 2008. Nashville, TN. (Abstract).
- Oliver, J.B., Vander Meer, R.K., Ochieng, S.A., Youssef, N.N., Pantaleoni, E., Hosack, M.Y., Mrema, F.A. Vail, K.M. Parkman, J., Valles, H.M., Haun, W.G. and Powell, S. 2008. Statewide survey of imported fire ant species in Tennessee. Proc. Imported Fire Ant and Invasive Ant Conf. 24-26 March 2008. Charleston, SC. (Abstract).
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: The following experiments were conducted: A summer larval Japanese beetle field trial was performed with an experimental insecticide (DPX-E2Y45), clothianidin (Arena 50WDG), bifenthrin + cyfluthrin (Allectus), and imidacloprid + cyfluthrin (Discus). Herbicide and irrigation effects were evaluated for impact on Japanese beetle larval control with Discus. Seven essential oil compounds were tested for repellence to adult Japanese beetle. An imported fire ant band test was initiated at two commercial nurseries comparing various timings (Sept. only, Sept. / Oct., or Sept. / Dec.), application methods (flatfan or floodjet), application volumes (20 or 45 gal / acre), and combinations of fire ant bait (Award) with bifenthrin (Onyx or Up-Star SC) or lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar). Multiple insecticides were tested as balled-and-burlapped root ball dips and drenches for control of larval Japanese beetle and imported fire ant. A field site was pre-infested with Japanese
beetle for a spring TreeRing chemigation grub trial. A new imported fire ant biological control agent (Pseudacteon curvatus Formosan biotype) was released in Williamson Co., TN. Events: Multiple presentations on the management of imported fire ants and new control techniques were given to nursery grower, landscapers, and the general public. These included the Tennessee Department of Agriculture sponsored Nursery Grower Stakeholder Meeting (12 April 2007 - 100+ attendees), BWI and Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. sponsored Nursery Grower Workshop (12 Feb. 2007 - 15+ attendees), and the Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Program Sponsored Ornamental and Turfgrass Workshop (16 Jan. 2007 - 50+ attendees). A field day presentation was given to nursery growers and landscapers providing latest information on fire ant control (21 Aug. 2007 - 75+ attendees). A presentation of research updates and a field demonstration of methods for applying Japanese beetle and imported fire
quarantine treatments was given to 50+ scientists, extension professionals, and agricultural stakeholders representing The IR-4 Project for minor use crops (17 Oct. 2007). A field demonstration was given to 100+ ornamental growers with the International Plant Propagators Society on latest methods and application equipment technology for Japanese beetle and imported fire ant control (30 Oct. 2007). Products: This project has fostered a collaborative network between the Tennessee State University entomology program, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), the University of Tennessee, the USDA-APHIS Soil Inhabiting Pests Section, and the USDA-ARS Horticultural Insects Research Laboratory. Data generated from conducting experiments has been shared with TDA and USDA collaborators to facilitate development of improved quarantine treatments for Japanese beetle and fire ants.
PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Dr. Jason Oliver (PI/PD): Served as project leader and supervisor for Research Associate and Laboratory Assistants during all aspects of the project. Nadeer Youssef (Research Associate): Provided technical support for the project and additional supervision of Laboratory Assistants. Joshua Basham, Heath Overby, Jason Basham, Joshua Medley, and Samuel Patton (Laboratory Assistants): Provided labor to assist with the completion of research projects under the supervision of Oliver and Youssef at different periods during the project. Dr. Samuel Ochieng (Co-PI) and laboratory support personnel: Provided assistance with plot establishment, treatment, and evaluation of the imported fire ant field trial and with the release of phorid flies at the Davidson and Williamson County sites. Dr. Ochieng also provided cuticular hydrocarbon analysis services for the identification of imported fire ant species during the phorid fly releases and fire ant field trials.
Collaborators: Dr. Michael Reding, Dr. Chris Ranger, and Jim Moyseenko (USDA-ARS, Horticultural Insects Research Laboratory): Provided assistance with treatment and evaluation of Japanese beetle field trials and dip / drench tests. Anne-Marie Callcott, Lee McAnally, Xikui Wei, and Debbie Roberts (USDA-APHIS, Soil Inhabiting Pests Section [SIPS]): Provided assistance with application of imported fire ant field trials. SIPS collaborators performed bioassays with imported fire ant female alates on soil collected from dip and drench tests. The SIPS rearing facility also supplied phorid-decapitating flies released during this study. Mark Halcomb (University of Tennessee Extension): Provided assistance with locating nursery field sites for the fire ant field trial and with the application and evaluation of treatments. Dr. Karen Vail (University of Tennessee): Provided consultation on quarantine treatments tested for fire ant control.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: Research projects provided data to improve fire ant and Japanese beetle quarantine treatments. Some research data has been shared with quarantine-treatment-decision-makers at the USDA-APHIS Soil Inhabiting Pests Section and with the National Plant Board Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Regulatory Treatment Review Committee. Data has also been shared with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Plant Certification Administrator (Gray Haun) and the State Entomologist (Steve Powell). The data generated will potentially benefit southern field-grown nurseries impacted by imported fire ant quarantines and all field-grown nurseries east of the Mississippi River impacted by Japanese beetle quarantines. The Tennessee nursery industry was served by providing support needed to approve a section 24C fipronil label for fire ant quarantine usage. Presentations given to Tennessee nursery growers, landscapers, and general public provided information on fire
ant management and treatment costs. Phorid flies released against imported fire ants have the potential to benefit all residents in the state of Tennessee and adjacent states.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Unexpected Outcomes: The summer of 2007 was a serious drought year for the state of Tennessee. The dry conditions impacted the Japanese beetle field trial, resulting in almost no grub infestation at the test site. If these conditions occur again during the summer of 2008, it may be difficult to generate research results from this portion of the project. Dry conditions also affected the ability to perform fire ant mound counts at the phorid release site. The dry conditions apparently reduced the efficacy of bifenthrin and bait treatments applied at fire ant field trials. However, the reduction in fire ant treatment efficacy from drought conditions was considered beneficial information for improving our understanding of how to effectively manage fire ants with nursery quarantine treatments.
Impacts
Change in Knowledge: Results from sampling the fire ant band test established at two commercial nurseries in middle Tennessee have led to the following conclusions, which will be used to direct research and quarantine development for field-grown nurseries: 1) rainfall or irrigation is necessary for surface applied pyrethroids to function effectively, 2) a single application of bifenthrin will not be sufficient to achieve quarantine level control of imported fire ants, 3) a fire ant bait improves the control of bifenthrin and lambda-cyhalothrin band treatments, 4) the spray volume (20 or 45 gallons per acre) did not affect fire ant control, and 5) floodjet application of treatments was as effective as standard flatfan treatments. These results will be used by USDA-APHIS to determine if additional field experiments are required or if results will allow the inclusion of a new surface applied bifenthrin treatment in the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine. The floodjet
treatment will allow growers to rapidly treat both sides of a field nursery row with one tractor pass, which will offer significant labor cost-savings. Results from evaluating essential oil compounds as adult Japanese beetle repellents indicate a new potential repellent oil. This oil will be re-evaluated during summer 2008 and combined with other oils demonstrating repellence in an effort to develop an adult Japanese beetle repellent. An insecticide for quarantine management of imported fire ants received a section 24C emergency use label for Tennessee field-nursery growers as a result of information collected and a support letter from this program. The newly-approved fipronil label will allow USDA-APHIS to provide the first practical and cost effective quarantine method for treating large numbers of field-grown nursery plants. Change in actions: It is anticipated field-grown nurseries will rapidly adopt new fire ant band technologies that have been identified and described under
"change in knowledge" once approved by the USDA-APHIS for inclusion in the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine. These new technologies offer substantial cost savings over currently available treatment methodologies. Change in Conditions: Multiple fire ant presentations were given to various nursery, landscape, and general public stakeholders. These presentations provided the latest techniques for managing imported fire ants. The relative costs for different treatment techniques were compared, to allow stakeholders to make informed decisions that will improve productivity of their agricultural businesses. Safety issues for handling agrochemicals were also addressed to enhance the safety and quality of life for agricultural workers. Phorid flies released in the state of Tennessee may impact fire ant populations at some point, which will benefit all members of the general public through reduced encounters with a medically important insect, reduction in pesticide use, and increased
property value and recreational opportunities.
Publications
- Oliver, J.B., Reding, M.E., Klein, M.G., Youssef, N.N., Mannion, C.M., Bishop, B., James, S.S., and Callcott, A. 2007. Chlorpyrifos immersion to eliminate third instars of Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in balled and burlapped trees and subsequent treatment effects on red maple. J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 307-314.
- Mmbaga, M.T., and Oliver, J.B.. 2007. Effect of biopesticides on foliar diseases and Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) in roses (Rosa spp.), oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) and crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. 33: 210-219.
- Valles, S.M., Strong, C.A., Oi, D.H., Porter, S.D., Pereira, R.M., Vander Meer, R.K., Hashimoto, Y., Hooper-Bui, L.M., Sanchez-Arroyo, H., Davis, T., Karpakakunjaram, V., Vail, K.M., Graham, L.C., Briano, J.A., Calcaterra, L.A., Gilbert, L.E., Ward, R., Ward, K., Oliver, J.B., Taniguchi, G., and Thompson, D.C. 2007. Phenology, distribution, and host specificity of Solenopsis invicta virus. J. Invert. Path. 96: 18-27.
- Oliver, J.B., James, S., Ochieng, S., Youssef, N., Vail, K., Halcomb, M., Rashid, T., Parkman, J., Haun, W., and Callcott, A. 2007. Evaluation of USDA Insecticide band treatment protocols for quarantine control of imported fire ant in Tennessee. Abstract for 29th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium. Tennessee State University, 27-29 March 2007, Nashville, TN.
- Dennis, S.O., and Oliver, J. 2007. Persistence of an insecticide used in dip treatment of Japanese beetle grubs and imported fire ants in nursery soils. Abstract for 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Agronomy Southern Branch. 4-6 February 2007. Mobile, AL.
- James, S., McAnally, L., Callcott, A., Lamont, J., Oliver, J., Dennis, S., and Youssef, N. 2007. Alternative drench treatments for balled-and-burlapped nursery stock use in the IFA Quarantine, Spring 2005, pp. 19-25. In A. Callcott [ed.], 2006 Accomplishment Report Soil Inhabiting Pests Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture. February 2007. Gulfport, MS.
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