Progress 09/30/07 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, crop consultants, and various stakeholder groups who are interested in controlling fire ants. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Alabama Cooperative Extension System agents were trained on how to sample for forage insects in June 2013. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Fact sheet and timely information sheets were prepared. Information was placed on Alabama Cooperative Extension System Website. Webinar were conducted on bermudagrass stem maggot and shipping hay outside the quarantine zone. Research information that resulted from this project was disseminated in at least 35 workshops, field days, county meetings, and multicounty meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1. Field work on this project has been completed. Manuscript is in preparation. 2. Project completed in 2012. Objective 3. Wheat varieties were evaluated for resistance to Hessian fly, reported at http://www.aces.edu/agriculture/insectsdiseases- weeds-pests/HessianFly/ . A preliminary study on spatial distribution of sap beetles in field corn was completed. Outreach materials were created that summarized results of previous Bt field corn tests. Outreach materials were created in response to the occurrence of a new forage pest, the bermudagrass stem maggot. Annual survey of availability of fire ant control products in retail stores was conducted. Trapping showed that brown marmorated stinkbug has now been found in six counties in Alabama. A multi-state outreach publication on Hessian fly management was prepared.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, crop consultants, and various stakeholder groups who are interested in controlling fire ants. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Alabama Cooperative Extension System agents were trained on how to sample for forage insects in June 2013. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Fact sheet and timely information sheets were prepared. Information was placed on Alabama Cooperative Extension System Website. Webinar were conducted on bermudagrass stem maggot and shipping hay outside the quarantine zone. Research information that resulted from this project was disseminated in at least 35 workshops, field days, county meetings, and multi-county meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? I plan to continue Objective 3, Evaluate new strategies for controlling wheat and forage pests in Alabama.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1. Field work on this project has been completed. Manuscript is in preparation. 2. Project completed in 2012. Objective 3. Wheat varieties were evaluated for resistance to Hessian fly, reported at http://www.aces.edu/agriculture/insects-diseases-weeds-pests/HessianFly/. A preliminary study on spatial distribution of sap beetles in field cornwas completed. Outreach materials were created that summarized results of previous Bt field corn tests. Outreach materials were created in response to the occurrence of a new forage pest, the bermudagrass stem maggot. Annual survey of availability offire ant control products in retail storeswas conducted. Trapping showed that brown marmorated stinkbug has now been found in six counties in Alabama.A multi-state outreach publication on Hessian fly management was prepared.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Woli, P., B. V. Ortiz, K. Flanders, A. Hagan, B. Kemerait, and D. Wright. 2013. Adapting wheat production to climate in the Southeast. Southeast Climate Consortium Extension Fact Sheet.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Hudson, W. G., D. Hancock, K. Flanders, and H. Dorough. 2013. Biology and management of bermudagrass stem maggot. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-1462.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Flanders, K. L., D. D. Reisig, G. D. Buntin, M. Winslow, D. A. Herbert, Jr., and D. W. Johnson. 2013. Biology and management of Hessian fly in the Southeast. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-1069.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Flanders, K. L. 2013. Fire ant control products for Alabama homeowners. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-0175-A.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Meagher, R. L., R. N. Nagoshi, J. S. Armstrong, J. Niogret, N. D. Epsky, and K. L. Flanders. 2013. Capture and host strains of fall armyworm males in traps baited with different commercial pheromone blends. Fla. Entomol. 729-740.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Flanders, K. L. 2013. Changes in the "it" active ingredient in homeowner fire ant control products, 2005-present. Proceedings Annual Imported Fire Ant and Invasive Ant Conference, April 2013, Virginia Beach, VA, pp. 50-52
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Flanders, K., M. Lawrence, and B. M. Drees. 2013. Going where the people are: a case study of where people look for fire ant information. Proceedings Annual Imported Fire Ant and Invasive Ant Conference, April 2013, Virginia Beach, VA. p. 53.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Flanders, K., A. Hagan, K. Bowen, and B. Ortiz. 2013. Performance of B.t. field corn in Alabama in 2012. Cooperative Extension System Entomology Series Timely Information Sheet.
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two Hessian fly variety tests were evaluated to determine which commercial wheat varieties have the best resistance to Hessian fly. Four replicated corn tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness and value of the various Bt corn products. Spatial distribution of soil insects was investigated in a long-term study in Winfield, AL. I created a web page was developed to provide supporting information for a multi-state fact sheet on Hessian fly (www.aces.edu/Hessianfly.php). Data and images from researchers from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and ALabama are highlighted on this site. The fact sheet itself was published in January 2013. YouTube videos on stored grain IPM were posted at http://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PL7KYGcKptHx-Ze_rlw8ffaXrDH88lLW tL. These videos, some of which are narrated by Alabama farmers, were created using funds from from the Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Check-off Funds. 15 window-shade exhibits on fire ant management were created and used by home horticulture trainers to promote fire ant management programs. A fall armyworm scouting program was continued in 2012, in partnership with the Alabama Cattleman's Association. Results of the above activities were disseminated at the Mid-South Association of Wheat Scientists, the Annual Imported Fire Ant Conference, the annual meeting of the Southeastern Branch Entomological Society of America, the Georgia Small Grains Team summer meeting, three trade magazine articles, as well as 26 in-state and two out-of-state workshops, stakeholder meetings, or field days. PARTICIPANTS: Kathy Flanders is the principle investigator of the project. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a collaborating organization which has provided IT support and funding for Extension publications. Regional Extension Agents help disseminate results generated in this project. Collaborating USDA labs are the USDA ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology lab in Gainesville, Florida and the USDA ARS Crop Production and Pest Control Research Unit in West Lafayette, IN. Extension and outreach activities trained Extension agents, farmers, crop consultants, and homeowners. The Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Committee provides funding for corn, wheat, and stored grain IPM programs. The Alabama Cattlemen's Association collaborated on the fall armyworm scouting program. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, crop consultants, and various stakeholder groups who are interested in controlling fire ants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Hessian fly populations were higher in 2012 than in the previous year. Variety tests showed just a few varieties were truly resistant to our current biotypes of Hessian fly. Alternative management practices are recommended for those farmers who cannot obtain these varieties. The fall armyworm scouting program saved Alabama hay producers approximately 3.3 million in 2012. The money was saved by finding fall armyworms with sweepnets before they had caused damage to forage crops. The Bt corn tests showed little advantage to using Bt corn products in 2012, except where southwestern corn borer populations are high. This was in contrast to the previous two years of research, which showed an overall benefit of using hybrids containing a Bt corn trait for above-ground pests. Publications, web sites, you tube videos, and outreach events increased the level of knowledge of Alabama farmers who produce small grains, corn, and forages. Fire ant educational materials increase the level of knowledge of homeowners as well as agricultural producers.
Publications
- Buyung A.R. Hadi, Kathy Flanders, Kira Bowen, John Murphy and Ann R. Blount. "Survey of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus and Cereal Yellow Dwarf Virus on Three Perennial Pasture Grasses in Florida. (Impact factor 0.319)." Journal of Entomological Science 47, no. 1 (2012): 35-43.
- Kathy Flanders. 2012. Update on the Fall Armyworm Sweep Net Program. Alabama Cattleman Magazine. 54(7): 60-61.
- Kathy Flanders. 2012. 2012 Fire Ant Control Materials for Alabama Homeowners, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-175A. (2012). http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0175-A/ANR-0175-A.pdf
- Kathy Flanders, Austin Hagan, Kira Bowen and Brenda Ortiz. 2012. Performance of Bt Corn in Alabama in 2011, Entomology Timely Information Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://sites.aces.edu/group/timelyinfo/Documents/2011_%20Bt_Corn_tim ely.pdf
- Kathy Flanders. 2012. Insect Management. In B.V. Ortiz, ed. 2012-2013 Alabama Winter Wheat Production Guide. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-0992.
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2011, two variety tests were evaluated for severity of Hessian fly infestation. Results were disseminated via e-mail to Extension agents and key stakeholders as well as entomologists and plant breeders from four states in the Southeast. Information was also presented to 150 wheat producers in Alabama, and to the Small Grain Committee in Griffin, GA. Results of replicated tests at 7-8 locations in 2010 and 2011 were used to determine the value of newer Bt corn technology for Alabama farmers. Results of the studies were disseminated at professional meetings and grower meetings in spring and fall of 2011. Results were also disseminated in two timely information sheets, linked on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System website. PARTICIPANTS: Kathy Flanders is the principle investigator of the project. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a collaborating organization which has provided IT support and funding for Extension publications. Regional Extension Agents help disseminate results generated in this project. Collaborating USDA labs are the USDA ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology lab in Gainesville, Florida and the USDA ARS Crop Production and Pest Control Research Unit in West Lafayette, IN. Extension and outreach activities trained Extension agents, farmers, and crop consultants. The Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Committee provides funding for corn, wheat, and stored grain IPM programs. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, and crop consultants PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Hessian fly infestations were very low in the 2010/2011 wheat crop. Wheat varieties with H13 resistance had fewer Hessian flies than varieties with older Hessian fly resistance genes or no resistance genes. H13 resistant varieties yielded well in the trials. There is some evidence that farmers were preferentially planting H13 resistant varieties if they could find them. Cooperative work in past years has shown that there are populations of Hessian fly in Alabama that can overcome H13 resistance, but this is still the best host plant resistance option Alabama farmers have to manage Hessian flies. Farmers are confused about the varous types of Bt corn. In 2011, at least 14 different Bt corn traits were marketed in ALabama. Research results have helped farmers make more informed decisions as to what kind of Bt corn technology is right for their farm.
Publications
- Hadi, B.A.R., K. L. Flanders, K. L. Bowen, J. F. Murphy, and S. E. Halbert. 2011. Species composition of the Aphid Vectors of Barley yellow dwarf virus and Cereal yellow dwarf virus in Alabama and Western Florida. J. Econ. Entomol. 104(4): 1167-1173.
- Flanders, K. L. 2011. 2011 Fire Ant Control Materials for Alabama Homeowners. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-175 A. http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0175-A.pdf.
- Flanders, K. L., and B. M. Drees. 2011. Update on Fire Ant eXtension. Proceedings of the 2011 red imported fire ant conference. http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/2011_fa_conf_proceedings _sep21.pdf
- Flanders, K. L. 2011. eXtension Imported Fire Ants Update Fall 2011. Community of Practice Profile, http://create.extension.org/node/87445
- Flanders K. L. , A. Hagan, and B. V. Ortiz. 2011. Performance of B.t. corn in Central and South Alabama in 2010. Revised. Entomology Series Timely Information Sheet. http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/entomology/2011/January/corrected2.pdf
- Flanders K. L. , B. V. Ortiz, and A. Hagan. 2011. Performance of B.t. corn in North Alabama in 2010. Revised. Entomology Series Timely Information Sheet. http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/entomology/2011/January/corrected.pdf
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2010, two variety tests were evaluated for severity of Hessian fly infestation. Results were disseminated via e-mail to Extension agents and key stakeholders as well as entomologists and plant breeders from four states in the Southeast. A presentation was made at the Mid-South Association of Wheat Scientists meeting in August, which disseminated this information to 30 researchers, extension specialists, industry personnel, and crop consultants from 7 states. Information was also presented to 40 wheat producers in north Alabama, and to the Small Grain Committee in Griffin, GA. Replicated tests at 7 locations were used to determine the value of newer Bt corn technology for Alabama farmers. Results of the studies were disseminated at professional meetings and grower meetings in fall of 2010. Results were also disseminated in two timely information sheets, linked on the alabamacrops.com website. PARTICIPANTS: Kathy Flanders is the principle investigator of the project. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a collaborating organization which has provided IT support and funding for Extension publications. Regional Extension Agents help disseminate results generated in this project. Collaborating USDA labs are the USDA ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology lab in Gainesville, Florida and the USDA ARS Crop Production and Pest Control Research Unit in West Lafayette, IN. Extension and outreach activities trained Extension agents, farmers, and crop consultants. The Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Committee provides funding for corn, wheat, and stored grain IPM programs. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, and crop consultants PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Hessian fly infestations were very low in the 2009/2010 wheat crop. Wheat varieties with H13 resistance had fewer Hessian flies than varieties with older Hessian fly resistance genes or no resistance genes. H13 resistant varieties yielded well in the trials. Wheat seed was in short supply in fall 2010 but there is some evidence that farmers were preferentially planting H13 resistant varieties if they could find them. Cooperative work in past years has shown that there are populations of Hessian fly in Alabama that can overcome H13 resistance, but this is still the best host plant resistance option Alabama farmers have to manage Hessian flies. In five of seven tests in central and south Alabama Genuity VT Triple PRO B.t. corn hybrids consistently yielded more than their non-B.t. counterparts. These differences were not always statistically significant. In four of seven test locations, Herculex I hybrids consistently yielded more than their non-B.t. counterparts, although again, these differences were not always statistically significant. Corn containing the YieldGard Corn Borer or YieldGard VT Triple traits did not consistently yield more than their non-B.t. counterparts. Results from the 2010 yield trials in north Alabama showed that Genuity VT Triple PRO and Herculex I would have paid off in north Alabama, where there was considerable southwestern corn borer pressure in addition to caterpillar damage in the ears. In north Alabma, yields from Belle Mina and Winfield were higher for hybrids that contained a B.t. corn trait than for the same hybrid without B.t. However, this response was not always statistically significant. In the late planting in Crossville, yields were very low due to extreme drought stress. At this location, two of the three B.t. hybrids out-yielded their non-B.t. isolines. Corn planted six weeks after the standard planting date had lower yields, particularly in the non-irrigated locations. In central and south Alabama, benefit of various Bt corn technologies were less consistent. In these areas, there was no corn borer pressure. Highest economic return resulted from using the Genuity VT Triple PRO, followed by the Herculex I technology.
Publications
- Flanders, K. L. 2010. eXtension Imported Fire Ants Update December 2010. Community of Practice Profile, http://create.extension.org/node/3005
- Cambron, S. E.; G. D. Buntin, R. Weisz, J. D. Holland, K. L. Flanders, B. J. Schemerhorn, and R. H. Shukle. 2010. Virulence in Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Field Collections From the Southeastern United States to 21 Resistance Genes in Wheat . J. Econ. Entomol. 103: 2229-2235.
- Flanders, K. L. 2010. 2010 Fire Ant Control Materials for Alabama Homeowners. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-175 A. http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0175-A.pdf.
- Flanders, K. L., B. M. Drees, P. R. Nester, and M. E. Keck. 2010. Update on Fire Ant eXtension. Proceedings of the 2009 red imported fire ant conference, http://www.extension.org/mediawiki/files/c/c4/2010_Annual_IFA_Confere nce.pdf
- Flanders K. L. , A. Hagan, and B. V. Ortiz. 2010. Performance of B.t. corn in Central and South Alabama in 2010. Entomology Series Timely Information Sheet (revised in Jan 2011) http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/#Entomology
- Flanders K. L. , B. V. Ortiz, and A. Hagan. 2010. Performance of B.t. corn in North Alabama in 2010. Entomology Series Timely Information Sheet (revised in Jan 2011) http://www.aces.edu/timelyinfo/#Entomology
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2009, a survey to determine factors contributing to damaging Hessian fly populations in winter wheat was conducted in Alabama. Variety tests at four locations were evaluated for severity of Hessian fly infestation. Results were disseminated via e-mail to Extension agents and key stakeholders as well as entomologists and plant breeders from four states in the Southeast. A presentation was made at the Mid-South Association of Wheat Scientists meeting in August, which disseminated this information to 35 researchers, extension specialists, industry personnel, and crop consultants from 7 states. Information was also presented to 20 wheat producers in central Alabama. Studies on the epidemiology of barley yellow dwarf virus were continued in 2008. Winged aphids were sampled in 2008/2009 from wheat fields at northern part of Alabama and the panhandle Florida to see if they were carrying the barley yellow dwarf or cereal yellow dwarf virus. Results of the studies were disseminated at professional meetings and grower meetings in 2009. Tall fescue paddocks in Winfield Alabama were sampled for the presence of soil insects in October 2009. This is part of a long-term study to see if we can predict where soil insect pests are likely to occur. Results from this study have been presented to extension agents and forage producers. Spatial analysis of the data is on-going. PARTICIPANTS: Kathy Flanders is the principle investigator of the project and conducted the soil insect investigations and made field collections of Hessian flies. Buyung Ratna-Hadi wqs a graduate student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University and he conducted the barley yellow dwarf investigations. Zandra DeLamar, Auburn University Temporary Employment Services, prepared the maps of Hessian fly resistance gene effectiveness. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a collaborating organization which has provided IT support and funding for Extension publications. Regional Extension Agents help disseminate results generated in this project. Collaborating USDA labs are the USDA ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology lab in Gainesville, Florida and the USDA ARS Crop Production and Pest Control Research Unit in West Lafayette, IN. Parts of the barley yellow dwarf studies are being conducted at the University of Florida/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida. This project provided training for Mr. Ratna-Hadi, a Ph.D. candiate in the department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Extension and outreach activities trained Extension agents, farmers, and crop consultants. The Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Committee provides funding for corn, wheat, and stored grain IPM programs. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, and crop consultants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Hessian fly infestations were more severe in the 2008-2009 wheat crop than in the previous 15 years. 41% of the 70 fields surveyed had economically damaging populations of Hessian fly. In 18% of fields, 45% of more of the stems were infested with Hessian fly. These heavily infested fields showed severe stand loss and plant stunting, leading to serious yield loss. Non-rotated fields, in which wheat was planted for at least two years, had 60% more Hessian fly infested stems than fields that were rotated. In the field, a Hessian fly "resistant" variety had 40% fewer infested stems than susceptible wheat varieties. This was unexpected, since laboratory testing had shown that Hessian flies in Alabama can overcome H7H8 resistance throughout the state, and H13 resistance in half the state. Apparently the field resistance is more durable than the laboratory tests would indicate. Very early planting dates led to higher Hessian fly infestations. Wheat fields that were more than 1/4 mile from a source of oversummering Hessian flies had half the infestation of fields that were closer to an oversummering source. Over the years of the tall fescue study, green June beetle grubs have consistently been associated with the use of broiler litter as an organic fertilizer. These results provide convincing evidence for forage producers that they need to scout their grass forages in the fall for presence of green June beetle grubs. Each year, reports of forages damaged by green June beetle grubs occur, so outreach efforts must be continued in order to reduce the economic impact of this pest. As fertilizer prices have skyrocketed the past few years broiler litter has also been applied to field crops in Alabama in place of conventional fertilizer. Heavy infestations of green June beetle can result in severe stand losses of fall planted grains and spring planted corn. Japanese beetle grubs are steadily increasing in abundance in the fescue paddocks, as the introduced pest invades the study area.
Publications
- Shields, E. J., A. Testa, G. Neuman, K. L. Flanders, and P. C. Schroeder. 2009. Biological Control of Alfalfa Snout Beetle with a multi-species application of locally adapted persistent nematodes: The first success. Amer. Entomol. 55 (4): 250-257.
- Hadi, B. A., K. Flanders, J. Murphy, and K. Bowen. 2009. Survey of barley yellow dwarf vectors in alabama and the panhandle of Florida. Phytopathology 99:S49 (abstract)
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. 2009 Fire Ant Control Materials for Alabama Homeowners. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-175 A. http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0175-A.pdf.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect pest management, pp. 1-14 in Pastures and Forage Crops insect, and weed control recommendations for 2009. 2009 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume I, ANR-500A, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect pest management, pp. 1-15 in Small grains insect, disease, and weed control recommendations, for 2009. 2009 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume I, ANR-500A, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect pest management, pp. 1-10 in Stored grains insect control recommendations, for 2009. 2009 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume I, ANR-500A, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. eXtension Imported Fire Ants Update June 2009. Community of Practice Profile, http://about.extension.org/wiki/Imported_Fire_Ants_Update_June_2009.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. eXtension Imported Fire Ants Update December 2009. Community of Practice Profile, http://about.extension.org/wiki/Imported_Fire_Ants_Update_December_20 09.
- Flanders, K. L. and David Buntin. 2009. Scouting for Hessian Fly in Wheat in Alabama and Georgia. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Pest Management Series Timely Information Sheet.
- Lawrence, M. and K. Flanders. Grain Bin Fumigation Necessary but Risky. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Newsline Blog. August 3, 2009.
- Lawrence, M. and K. Flanders. Clean Grain Bins Critical to Successful Storage. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Newsline Blog. June 11, 2009.
- Flanders, K. 2009. How much can you expect from your insecticide seed treatment in Corn Barn, Alabama Corn Production Extension Newsletter, March 15, 2009.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect Pest Management. pp. 17-24 in Ortiz, B., ed. 2009 Alabama Winter Wheat Production Guide, http://www.aces.edu/anr/crops/documents/AL_2009Wheatprod.guide.pdf.
- Flanders, K., Z. DeLamar, C. Burmester, K. Glass, B. Ortiz, D. Moore and C. Norris Appendix A: Hessian Fly Variety Trials in Alabama 2009m in van Santen, E. ed., Performance of Small Grain Varieties for Grain in Alabama, 2008-09, Agronomy and Soils Departmental Series No. 302, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect pest management, pp. 1-13 In Alfalfa insect and weed control recommendations for 2009, 2009 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume I, ANR-500A, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect pest management, pp. 1-4 in Noncropland Insect and Weed Control Recommendations for 2009. 2009 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume I, ANR-500A, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2009. Insect pest management, pp. 1-34 in Corn insect, disease, nematode, and weed control recommendations for 2009. 2009 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume I, ANR-500A, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2008, a survey to characterize Hessian fly biotypes in Alabama was conducted. A web conference in July disseminated the results of the survey to county extension agents in Alabama, as well as entomologists and plant breeders from four states in the Southeast. A presentation was made at the Mid-South Association of Wheat Scientists meeting in August, which disseminated this information to 30 researchers, extension specialists, industry personnel, and crop consultants from 7 states. Information was also presented to 80 wheat producers in north Alabama at a wheat production meeting, as well as to 40 certified crop advisers. We geocoded the information from the survey in Alabama and four other Southeastern states and made maps of the percent effectiveness of 11 Hessian fly resistance genes. This information has been shared with plant breeders throughout the Southeast, to help them choose germplasm for their breeding programs. Studies on the epidemiology of barley yellow dwarf virus were continued in 2008. Winged aphids were sampled in 2007/2008 from wheat fields at northern part of Alabama and panhandle Florida to see if they were carrying the barley yellow dwarf or cereal yellow dwarf virus. Studies are underway to find consistent summer hosts that harbor the virus between cereal growing seasons. Results of the studies are being analyzed and will be disseminated at professional meetings and grower meetings in 2009. Tall fescue paddocks in Winfield Alabama were sampled for the presence of soil insects in October 2008. This is part of a long-term study to see if we can predict where soil insect pests are likely to occur. Results from this study have been presented to extension agents and forage producers. Spatial analysis of the data is on-going. PARTICIPANTS: Kathy Flanders is the principle investigator of the project and conducted the soil insect investigations and made field collections of Hessian flies. Buyung Ratna-Hadi is a graduate student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University and he is conducting the barley yellow dwarf investigations. Zandra DeLamar, Auburn University Temporary Emplyment Services, prepared the maps of Hessian fly resistance gene effectiveness. Sue Cambron, Crop Production and Pest Control Research Unit of the USDA Agricultural Research Service on the Purdue University Campus, Department of Entomology, West Lafayette, Indiana, conducted the tests to determine effectiveness of Hessian fly resistance genes. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a collaborating organization which has provided IT support and funding for Extension publications. Regional Extension Agents help disseminate results generated in this project. Collaborating USDA labs are the USDA ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology lab in Gainesville, Florida and the USDA ARS Crop Production and Pest Control Research Unit in West Lafayette, IN. Parts of the barley yellow dwarf studies are being conducted at the University of Florida/IFAS North FLorida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida. This project provides training for Mr. Ratna-Hadi, a Ph.D. candiate in the depratment o Entomology and Plant Pathology. Extension and outreach activities trained Extension agents, farmers, and crop consultants. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include extension agents, grain farmers, cattle ranchers, and crop consultants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Hessian fly infestations were more severe in the 2007-2008 wheat crop than in the previous 14 years. There were numerous reports of wheat fields that had little or no yield due to this pest. Even more troubling was the fact that crop consultants reported that volunteer wheat in September and October was heavily infested with first generation Hessian fly. The Hessian fly survey showed that almost all Hessian flies in Alabama can overcome the old style Hessian fly resistance found in most wheat varieties (results are still pending for fly collections made in southeast Alabama). In the rest of the state, we confirmed that there are only 4-5 varieties that will be effective against Hessian fly. Results from this survey were used at planting time in fall 2008 to encourage farmers to plant the resistant varieties, to apply insecticide seed treatments, and/or to avoid planting wheat following wheat. We hope that these efforts will prevent a widespread epidemic of Hessian fly in the 2008-2009 crop, despite the widespread presence of Hessian fly in volunteer wheat. Wheat breeders have found the maps of Hessian fly resistance gene effectiveness to be very valuable. What was once thought to be "Biotype L" Hessian fly has turned out to be a mixture of populations. Only two of the newer Hessian fly genes incorporated in current plant breeding programs look like they will be effective throughout the entire Southeast. Varieties released with other genes may be obsolete in parts of the Southeast even before they are commercially released. Over the years of the tall fescue study, green June beetle grubs have consistently been associated with the use of broiler litter as an organic fertilizer. These results provide convincing evidence for forage producers that they need to scout their grass forages in the fall for presence of green June beetle grubs. Each year, reports of forages damaged by green June beetle grubs occur, so outreach efforts must be continued in order to reduce the economic impact of this pest. As fertilizer prices have skyrocketed the past few years broiler litter has also been applied to field crops in Alabama in place of conventional fertilizer. Heavy infestations of green June beetle can result in severe stand losses of fall planted grains and spring planted corn. In 2008, heavy green June beetle infestations were reported in a corn-soybean rotation in Talladega County. This shows that outreach efforts need to be extended to row crop producers to make them aware of the risk of green June beetle infestation in crops. Fall armyworms were collected in previous years for cytochrome oxidase I haplotype analysis. This analysis identified two distince populations of the corn strain of fall armyworm, one from Texas and another from Florida. Collections from Alabama, contributed as part of a multi-state collaborative project with USDA-ARS, helped to confirm that these populations can be predictably tracked each year as they migrate, and that it may be possible to predict the severity of infestations in cotton each year based on infestations found earlier in the season on corn.
Publications
- Nagoshi, R. N., R. L. Meagher, K. L. Flanders, J. Gore, R. Jackson, J. Lopez, J. S. Armstrong, G. D. Buntin, C. Sansone, and B. R. Leonard. 2008. Using haplotypes to monitor the migration of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) corn-strain populations from Texas to Florida. J. Econ. Entomol. 101(3): 742-749.
- Flanders, K. L., G. D. Buntin and P. L. Mask. 2008. Biology and Management of Hessian Fly in Wheat. Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-1069.
- Flanders, K. L., and R. H. Smith. 2008. Identifying caterpillars in field, forage and horticultural crops, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Circular ANR-1121.
- Flanders, K. L., Insect pest management, in 2008 Forage Crops insect, disease, and weed control recommendations, ANR-500A, 2008 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume 1, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2008. Insect control, in 2008 Corn insect, disease, nematode, and weed control recommendations, ANR-500A, 2008 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume 1, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
- Flanders, K. L. 2008. Insect pest management, in 2008 Small Grains Insect, disease, and weed control recommendations, ANR-500A, 2008 Alabama Pest Management Handbook Volume 1, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
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