Source: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
BUILDING AN AREA-WIDE IPM PERSPECTIVE FOR STALK BORERS THREATENING SUGARCANE AND RICE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0214678
Grant No.
2008-51100-04415
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2008-02913
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 15, 2008
Project End Date
Jul 14, 2011
Grant Year
2008
Program Code
[112.A]- Crops at Risk From FQPA Implementation (CAR)
Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100
Performing Department
ENTOMOLOGY
Non Technical Summary
The Mexican rice borer (MRB), Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) and the sugarcane borer (SCB), Diatraea saccharalis (F.) are serious pests of sugarcane and rice. Since MRB was introduced from Mexico in 1980, it has spread northward through the Texas Rice Belt and now threatens the Louisiana sugarcane and rice industries. MRB and SCB have become the key pest complex of Texas Gulf coast rice, with insecticide use approaching three applications, annually. Sugarcane and rice generate over $2.5 billion annually for Texas and Louisiana stakeholders, but these commodities are at risk from this new pest complex and usage restrictions, mandated by FQPA, on organophosphate (OP) insecticides. Eventual annual losses of $220 million in sugarcane and $45 million in rice due to MRB invasion would be expected based on current production practices. We propose to solve the problems of our stakeholders by developing and implementing a diversified, proactive stalk borer IPM program which will be expected to mitigate sugarcane/rice potential FQPA-related constraints and reduce stalk borer populations. Within season management progress emphasizes cultivar resistance, minimizing plant stress, and timely use of insecticides. This proposal mandates more of a landscape approach to IPM focusing on selected non-crop hosts (at least during certain times of the year), and late season cultural practices combined with a more creative use of new environmentally-friendly insecticides to reduce area-wide pest populations. The significance to bioenergy, including corn and sorghum, is also noted. An integral component of the proposal is stakeholder input and direct involvement in the performance and evaluation of the research objectives.
Animal Health Component
62%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
18%
Applied
62%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2112020113075%
2111530113025%
Knowledge Area
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
2020 - Sugar cane; 1530 - Rice;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology;
Goals / Objectives
The program goals focus on the multi-disciplinary management of stalk borers, primarily the invasive alien species Mexican rice borer (MRB), and the sugarcane borer (SCB), in sugarcane and rice. The proposal mandates more of a landscape approach to IPM, emphasizing selected non-crop hosts (at least during certain times of the year), and late season cultural practices combined with a more creative use of environmentally-friendly insecticides to reduce area-wide pest populations. Consistent with these goals, the stated objectives designed to further develop and implement an IPM program to reduce area-wide stalk borer pest populations and minimize sugarcane/rice FQPA-related constraints are: 1. To develop a landscape approach to the role of non-crop host plants impacting sugarcane and rice systems involving - a. Sentinel plant and multi-area transect studies (MRB/SCB), b. Host preference and survival with non-crop hosts, and c. Phenological surveys of crops/surveys of field margins (TX/LA). 2. To compare selected sugarcane and rice production practices as impacting potentially overwintering stalk borer populations and damage. 3. To assess novel chemistry as improved insecticidal management alternatives to FQPA-threatened insecticides, and appropriately modify needed resistance management plans. Potential management of the MRB and expected outputs of the program will come partially from the continuing development and production of resistant varieties to MRB and SCB in both sugarcane and rice. The potential for area-wide pest reduction will likely rely also on effective management of certain weed hosts to be identified in this study. It is expected that careful management of only one or two weed species, maybe for only 6 to 8 weeks in the year, could greatly reduce one of these stalk borer pests. New insecticides such as novaluron and rynaxypyr will likely play an important role in rice management of MRB and SCB. However, if the sugarcane industry can utilize rynaxypyr for wireworm control and achieve a 1.5 to 2 month residual (systemic) for SCB/MRB similar to what has been shown in rice, a very dramatic and lasting management can be foreseen (especially because of the protection of beneficial arthropods). Cultural practices to minimize sugarcane stress are already showing an important role in MRB management. The manipulation of planting date (sugarcane) and enhancing vigor in ratoon rice will also be important to reduce crop/pest synchrony. These results will be the cornerstone of a proactive, effective IPM program for stalk borers attacking sugarcane and rice in Texas and Louisiana. Because of the impact in reducing area-wide pest populations, the economic productivity of other crops (including for bioenergy) such as corn and sorghum is expected to be enhanced. As such, it is anticipated that our program could serve as a model for area-wide pest management. An integral component of the proposal is stakeholder input and direct involvement in the performance and evaluation of the research objectives.
Project Methods
Research assessing the role of various species of weeds as alternate hosts in SCB/MRB population dynamics will involve 4-rep sentinel plant experiments, paired treatment studies among different habitats, and greenhouse oviposition studies. Transect studies will be conducted in the lower, middle, and upper regions of the Texas rice belt. Weed phenological surveys will also be conducted in the Texas rice belt, South Louisiana rice and sugarcane areas. For the sentinel plant studies, weeds will be grown for 8 weeks in a greenhouse prior to being carried and transplanted in a rice field. Destructive sampling conducted at 30 and 60 days post-transplant will assess natural borer density, speciation, and stage. For oviposition preference estimation, preference coefficients for a given host on a per tiller, per plant, or per gram of host mass will be derived using previously published equations. When combined with estimates of relative host availability, preference coefficients will be developed to obtain the relative oviposition selection for each host. In order to determine the role of planting date interacting with varietal resistance on future pest populations in sugarcane, a 5-rep two year field study will be conducted in two areas with SCB-susceptible and resistant cultivars in four planting dates. Assessment of infestation and SCB production for potential overwintering will involve periodic destructive samplings and deadheart comparisons in the Fall and Spring. For Objective 3 involving novel chemistries as interacting with cultural practices to replace FQPA-threatened insecticides, experiments will be conducted at Ganado, TX where stalk borer populations typically are high and damaging. Dermacor X-100 will be tested at different rates with a minimum of 4 treatments with 4 reps in a RCB design. When rice reaches milk/soft dough, whiteheads will be counted in the middle 4 rows of each plot. At maturity, plots will be harvested and yields recorded. None of the ratoon plots will be treated for stalk borers; but, whitehead counts and yields will be taken as in the main crop. Additional experiments will be conducted on sandy loam (high wireworm infestations) soils in heavy SCB infestation areas of sugarcane in Louisiana. These studies will assess the potential role of rynaxpyr in soil insect management, preserving beneficial arthropods (monitoring with pitfall traps), and assessing the possible residual impact if any, on stalk borers. In addition, a 5- rep small plot test will be conducted to assess stalk borer management from foliar applications. Evaluation of project success, including refereed and non-refereed publications will include responses to meeting questionnaires. Also, comparisons of % adoption of practices by producers in different counties and parishes each in Texas and Louisiana will assess adoption of cutting height recommendations, use of new insecticides, and stakeholder knowledge of weed management. Plans to work with county agents in conducting spot surveys of % whiteheads (year 1 vs. year 2) and % bored internodes will provide pest population density comparisons.

Progress 07/15/08 to 07/14/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: 13 refereed and 27 non-refereed papers including 7 pesticide assessment (Arthropod Management Tests) plus 20 commodity group annual report (technology transfer) papers were published or in press during this project. This research facilitated Section 3 labels for novaluron (Diamond) and flubendiamide (Belt), a chitin synthesis inhibitor and a diamide, respectively, for MRB and SCB management. The diamide chlorantraniliprole was also granted a label for SCB control in sugarcane (Coragen) and MRB and SCB control in rice (Dermacor X-100). Additionally, entomological research with the sugarcane varietal development team led to the release of commercial cultivars L 99-226, L 99-233, and L 01-283. During each year of this project, the results of research findings were communicated at two county agent training sessions in Louisiana and one in Texas. Also, agricultural consultant and grower interactions occurred during sugarcane field days at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station, invited presentations at the Texas A&M Univ. sugarcane annex near Weslaco, three parish sugarcane grower meetings, American Sugar Cane Society Technologists meetings, invited seminars at Clemson Univ. and Texas A&M Univ., and American Sugar Cane League research committees. Several professional presentations were given annually at Entomological Society of America national and branch meetings. Additionally, hands-on field workshops were set up in Texas to train county agents, ag consultants, and chemical industry reps from both states on stem borers. PARTICIPANTS: 1. Allan Showler- USDA ARS Research Scientist at Kika de la Garza Research Center at Weslaco, TX. Has partial sugarcane entomology responsibility and provides expertise on plant chemicals including free amino acids, sugars, and other nutritive and non-nutritive components important to stalk borers and aphid insect-plant interactions. 2. Chris Carlton- Prof. of Entomology and Systematist, LSU AgCenter. Provides assistance in classification and description of native and exotic arthropods. 3. Collins Kimbeng- Prof. of Agronomy, LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeder, sugarcane variety development program multi-discipline team. 4. David Blouin- Prof. of Experimental Statistics, LSU AgCenter. Advises on experimental designs and procedures (prior to conducting the research), model set up, and certain aspects of systems analysis. Participates on student advisory committees. 5. Eric Webster- Prof. of Agronomy and Weed Science, LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise in weed ecology and species mapping of non-crop hosts of stalk borers. Also serves on graduate advisory committee. 6. James Ottea- Prof. of Entomology and Insect Toxicologist, LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise and assistance in planning and conducting work with insecticides and resistance management studies. 7. Jeffrey Hoy- Prof. of Plant Pathology, LSU AgCenter. Major contributions on all studies involving insect transmission of plant diseases in sugarcane. 8. Kenneth Gravois- Assoc. Prof. of Agronomy and Sugarcane Extension Specialist, LSU AgCenter. Facilitates interaction with stakeholders. 9. L. Ted Wilson- J.B. Wendt Professor of Entomology and Center Director, Texas A&M University Center at Beaumont. Provides systems analysis, modeling, and quantitative sampling technical support. 10. Michael Stout- L.D. Newsom Prof. of Entomology, LSU AgCenter. Has rice IPM responsibility, helps to plan and partition research involving sugar insects whose population dynamics interfaces with rice in Louisiana. 11. Mike Salassi- Fairbanks Prof. of Agricultural Economics, LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise on sugarcane and rice economics. Provides assistance with economic analyses of pest relationships in sugarcane and rice. 12. M.O. Way- Prof. of Entomology, Texas A&M University Center at Beaumont. IPM research on Texas rice and helps facilitate sugarcane research at Texas A&M locations. 13. William White- USDA ARS Research Scientist at Sugar Cane Research Unit at Houma, LA. Entomologist with plant resistance responsibilities with the USDA cooperatively assists in planning and conducting variety research and surveys on invasive alien insect pests. 14. County extension agents, agricultural consultants and graduate students were trained on various aspects of sugarcane IPM during this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Sugarcane producers, scientists, and extension agents. Also, agricultural industry representatives and EPA staff members. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The total value of the sugarcane crop in Louisiana was $847 million in 2010, the highest among all field crops, and rice was second at $535 million. The Sugarcane borer (SCB) is the key insect pest in Louisiana sugarcane. After expanding its range through the Texas rice belt, the Mexican rice borer (MRB) was detected for the first time in Louisiana in 2008. Economic projections of annual revenue losses resulting from MRB establishment in Louisiana have the potential to approach $220 million for sugarcane and $45 million for rice. Sugarcane variety assessment has provided MRB and SCB susceptibility rankings among experimental, newly released, and commercial genotypes. Sugarcane planting date studies showed that during the fall, early Aug plantings harbored 5 to 19-fold greater SCB infestations than Sept plantings; therefore, early plantings therefore may increase SCB populations. Sentinel plant studies confirmed that a number of Gulf Coast region weedy grasses were hosts for both MRB and SCB. On-farm periodic sampling of non-crop grasses adjacent to rice fields showed that while SCB densities were relatively low, MRB densities ranged from 0.3 to 5.7 immatures/m2 throughout a 2-yr period. Annual grasses including ryegrass and brome were infested during the spring whereas the perennial johnsongrass and vaseygrass were infested throughout the year. Johnsongrass was the most prevalent host (41-78% relative abundance), but vaseygrass (13-40% relative abundance) harbored as much as 62% of the recovered MRB immatures (during the winter). Thus, vaseygrass represents a major overwintering host, and manipulation of non-crop hosts is expected to reduce MRB area populations. A greenhouse study showed that rice was more preferred for MRB oviposition than johnsongrass, vaseygrass, brome, and ryegrass. In addition, MRB larval development duration in degree-days above a threshold temperature was 1.7-fold faster on rice than on johnsongrass and vaseygrass. In rice, a lower than traditional harvest cutting height (20 vs. 40 cm) reduced MRB infestations 70-81%, whereas SCB infestations were not changed. Furthermore, it was confirmed that rice stubble under favorable conditions provides a substantial overwintering habitat. This project is the first to document that management programs must involve the interactive role of MRB non-crop hosts in addition to that of sugarcane and rice. Results from this research are currently being integrated into a simulation model that will help design optimal tactics reducing MRB populations. Experiments evaluating environmentally friendly insecticides for SCB and MRB assisted in providing alternative reduced-risk chemistry to sugarcane and rice growers. In addition, a range of 20-25 MRB moths/pheromone trap/week could be used as a threshold to initiate scouting for larval infestations, which reduces scouting time and enhances efficiency of MRB pest management in sugarcane. Efforts to assess new chemistry efficacy for wireworm management in sugarcane is still ongoing because of failures to detect effects under variable infestations.

Publications

  • Lv, J., L.T. Wilson, J.M. Beuzelin, W.H. White, T.E. Reagan, M.O. Way. 2011. Impact of Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as an augmentative biocontrol agent for the sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on rice. Biological Control 56: 159-169.
  • Beuzelin, J.M., W. Akbar, A. Meszaros, F.P.F. Reay-Jones, T.E. Reagan. 2010. Field assessment of novaluron for sugarcane borer, Diatraea sacchralis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), management in Louisiana sugarcane. Crop Protection 29: 1168-1176.
  • Beuzelin, J.M. 2011. Agroecological factors impacting stem borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) dynamics in Gulf Coast sugarcane and rice. PhD Dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Wilson, B.E. 2011. Advanced management of the Mexican rice borer (Eoreuma loftini) in sugarcane. MSc Thesis, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Akbar, W., J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan, and B. Viator. 2008. Evaluation of insect growth regulators and a pyrethroid for sugarcane borer control through aerial application, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33: F1.
  • Beuzelin J.M., A. Meszaros, W. Akbar, T.E. Reagan. 2008. Effects of insect growth regulators and pyrethroid aerial application on non-target arthropods in sugarcane borer management system, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33: F2.
  • Akbar, W., J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan, A. Showler, M.O. Way, J. Trolinger. 2009. Chemical control of the Mexican rice borer in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F70.
  • Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez, R. A. Pearson, T. E. Reagan, J. M. Beuzelin. 2009. Evaluation of selected insecticides for stalk borers, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 34. F54.
  • Akbar, W., B.E. Wilson, J. Hamm, J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan. 2010. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the sugarcane borer, 2009. Arthropod Management Tests 35: F59.
  • Beuzelin, J.M., W. Akbar, A. Meszaros, B.E. Wilson, T.E. Reagan, M.O. Way. 2010. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the Mexican rice borer, 2009. Arthropod Management Tests 35: F50.
  • Wilson, B.E., W. Akbar, J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan, A.T. Showler. 2010. Evaluation of aerial insecticidal control of the Mexican rice borer in sugarcane, 2009 Arthropod Management Tests 35: F60.
  • Reagan, T.E., B.E. Wilson, A.T. Showler, J.M. Beuzelin. 2011. Aerial application of insecticides for control of the Mexican borer in sugarcane, 2010. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report. pp. 110-111.
  • Reagan, T.E., T. Hardy, M.O. Way, R.A. Pearson, B.E. Wilson, and J.M. Beuzelin. 2011. Monitoring Mexican rice borer movement: range expansion into Louisiana. 2010. LSU AgCenter Research Annual Progress Report. pp. 112-114.
  • Reay-Jones, F.P.F., L.T. Wilson, T.E. Reagan, B.L. Legendre, M.O. Way. 2008. Predicting economic losses from the continued spread of the Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 101: 237-250.
  • Beuzelin, J.M., T.E. Reagan, M.O. Way, A. Meszaros, W. Akbar, L.T. Wilson. 2010. Potential impact of Mexican rice borer non-crop hosts on sugarcane IPM. Proceedings XXVII International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 2010. pp 806-814 (paper # BE10).
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, A.T. Showler. 2010. A nutritional perspective of sugarcane resistance to stalk borers and sap feeders. Proceedings XXVII International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 2010. pp 792-798 (paper # BE12).
  • Beuzelin, J.M., T.E. Reagan, W. Akbar, J.H. Cormier, J.W. Flanagan, D.C. Blouin. 2009. Impact of Hurricane Rita storm surge on sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) management in Louisiana. Journal of Economic Entomology 102: 1054-1061.
  • Hummel, N.A., T. Hardy, T.E. Reagan, D.K. Pollet, C.E. Carlton, M.J. Stout, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, W.H. White. 2010. Monitoring and first discovery of the Mexican rice borer Eoreuma loftini (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Louisiana. Florida Entomologist 93: 123-124.
  • Lv, J., L.T. Wilson, J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan. 2010. Rice tillering and yield as affected by artificial and sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) culm injury. Environmental Entomology 39: 528-534.
  • Beuzelin, J.M., A. Meszaros, M.O. Way, T.E. Reagan. 2012. Rice harvest cutting height and ratoon crop effects on late season and overwintering stem borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infestations. Crop Protection (CROPRO-D-11-00513, accepted).
  • Beuzelin, J.M., A. Meszaros, T.E. Reagan, L.T. Wilson, M.O. Way, D.C. Blouin, A.T. Showler. 2011. Seasonal infestations of two stem borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in non-crop grasses of Gulf Coast rice agroecosystems. Environmental Entomology (in press).
  • Beuzelin, J.M., T.E. Reagan, M.O. Way, A. Meszaros, W. Akbar, L.T. Wilson. 2011. Potential impact of Mexican rice borer non-crop hosts on sugarcane IPM. International Sugar Journal (in press). Originally published in 2010 as Paper BE10, pp. 806-814. In Proceedings, XXVII Congress of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, March 7-11,Veracruz, Mexico.
  • Beuzelin, J.M., A. Meszaros, W. Akbar, T.E. Reagan. 2011. Sugarcane planting date impact on fall and spring sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infestations. Florida Entomologist 94: 242-252.
  • Showler, A.T., J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan. 2011. Alternate crop and weed host plant oviposition preferences by the Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Crop Protection 30: 895-901.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, B.L. Legendre. 2008. Ganado site visit: Mexican rice borer and sugarcane borer sugarcane and rice research. LSU AgCenter Publication (cooperative with Texas A&M University AGRILife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont). 38 pp.
  • Hummel, N., G. Reagan, D. Pollet, W. Akbar, J. Beuzelin, C. Carlton, J. Saichuk, T. Hardy, M. Way. 2008. Mexican Rice Borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar). LSU AgCenter Pub. 3098 12/08, Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, J.M. Beuzelin. 2008. Identifying sugarcane varieties resistant to borers, aphids. Louisiana Agriculture 51(2): 18-19.
  • Reagan, T.E., J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, M.O. Way, L.T. Wilson. 2009. Seasonal role of non-crop grasses in stem borer population dynamics. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 116-117.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, J.M. Beuzelin. 2009. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the Mexican rice borer. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 118-119.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar. 2009. Assessment of varietal resistance to the sugarcane borer and Mexican rice borer. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 120-122.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, R. Pearson, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, L.T. Wilson. 2009. Monitoring Mexican rice borer movement. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 123-125.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, B.E. Wilson. 2009. Ganado Site Visit: Mexican Rice Borer and Sugarcane Borer Sugarcane and Rice Research. LSU AgCenter Publication (cooperative with Texas A&M Beaumont Research Center). 46 pp.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, B.E. Wilson, J. Hamm, J.M. Beuzelin. 2010. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the sugarcane borer, 2009. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2009. p. 102.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, J.M. Beuzelin, B.E. Wilson. 2010. Small plot assessment of wireworm control in sugarcane, 2009. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2009. p. 103.
  • Reagan, T.E., B.E. Wilson, W. Akbar, J.M. Beuzelin, A.T. Showler. 2010. Evaluation of aerial insecticidal control of the Mexican rice borer in sugarcane, 2009. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2009. pp. 104-106.
  • Reagan, T.E., J.M. Beuzelin, L.T. Wilson, A.T. Showler, A. Meszaros, B.E. Wilson. 2010. Oviposition preference and immature development of the Mexican rice borer on major non-crop hosts. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2009. pp. 107-109.
  • Reagan, T.E., J.M. Beuzelin ,W. Akbar, B.E. Wilson. 2010. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the Mexican rice borer. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2009. p. 110.
  • Way, M.O., T.E. Reagan, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, X.G. Zhou. 2009. Ganado site visit: Stalk borer management in sugarcane and rice. Texas Rice 9(7): 3-6.
  • Reagan, T.E., J.M. Beuzelin, B.E. Wilson, A.T. Showler, M.O. Way. 2010. Advanced management research and the Mexican rice borer. Louisiana Agriculture 53(4): 40-41.
  • Reagan, T.E., B.E. Wilson, J.M. Beuzelin, K.A. Gravois, D.K. Pollet, B.L. Legendre. 2010. Developing best management practices for the Mexican rice borer. Sugar Bulletin 88(9): 29-31.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J.M. Beuzelin, B.E. Wilson. 2010. Beaumont Site Visit: Mexican Rice Borer and Sugarcane Borer Sugarcane and Rice Research. LSU AgCenter Publication (cooperative with Texas A&M Beaumont Research Center). 44 pp.
  • Way, M.O., T.E. Reagan, M.S. Nunez, R.A. Pearson, J.M. Beuzelin, B.E. Wilson. 2011. Small plot assessment of insecticidal control of sugarcane stalk borers, 2010. LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report. p. 109.


Progress 07/15/09 to 07/14/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Five refereed and seven non-refereed papers including five pesticide assessments (Arthropod Management Tests) plus two commodity group annual report (technology transfer) papers were published with two other refereed papers in press during this reporting period. Replicated on-farm field experiments conducted in Louisiana and Texas involved full season evaluation of environmentally friendly experimental and labeled insecticides (studies with the Mexican rice borer (MRB) in Texas, the sugarcane borer (SCB) and wireworms in Louisiana), in addition to a second year pheromone trap MRB infestation monitoring aerial application study in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Research facilitated the new Section 3 label of novaluron (Diamond), a chitin synthesis inhibitor (second year of use), for MRB and SCB control, and also a new SCB label for rynaxypyr (Coragen) in 2010. In addition, entomological research contributed to the development of new sugarcane commercial cultivars L 99-233 and L 99-226. Other host plant resistance research involved nutritional and differential plant chemistry studies on pest aphids and stalk borers in the field, laboratory and greenhouse. The results of research findings were communicated at two county agent training sessions in Louisiana and one in Texas. Also, agricultural consultant and farmer interactions occurred during sugarcane field days at the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Station and other invited presentations at the Texas A&M sugarcane annex near Weslaco, at three parish sugarcane grower meetings, at American Sugar Cane Technologists meetings in Baton Rouge and Gulfport (MS), invited seminars at Clemson University and Texas A&M University, the American Sugar Cane League research committee, and with several presentations at professional Entomological Society of America national and branch meetings. Additionally, a hands-on field workshop was set up in Texas to train county extension agents, ag consultants and chemical industry representatives from both states on invasive alien species. PARTICIPANTS: 1. Allan T. Showler- USDA (ARS) scientist at Kika de le Garza Research Center at Weslaco (TX). Has partial sugarcane entomology responsibility and provides expertise on primary and secondary plant chemicals including free amino acids, sugars, and other nutritive and non-nutritive plant chemicals important to stalk borers and aphid insect-plant interactions. 2. Chris Carlton- Prof. of Entomology and Systematist- LSU AgCenter- provides assistance in classification and description of native and exotic arthropods. 3. Collins A. Kimbeng - Prof. of Agronomy, LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeder, sugarcane variety development program multi-discipline team. 4. David C. Blouin- Prof. of Experimental Statistics - LSU AgCenter- advises on sophisticated experimental designs and procedures (prior to conducting the research), model set up and certain aspects of systems analysis, participates on student advisory committees. 5. Eric Webster- Professor of Agronomy and Weed Science - LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise in weed ecology and species mapping of non-crop hosts of sugarcane stalk borers. Also serves on graduate advisory committee. 6. James Ottea- Prof. of Entomology and LSU AgCenter insect toxicologist. Provides expertise and assistance in planning and conducting work with insecticides and resistance management studies. 7. Jeffery W. Hoy- Prof. of Plant Pathology on sugarcane- LSU AgCenter- major contributions on all studies involving insect transmission of plant diseases in sugarcane. 8. Kenneth Gravois-Assoc. Prof. of Agronomy and sugarcane extension specialist-facilitate interaction with stakeholders. 9. L.T. Wilson- J.B. Wendt Professor of Entomology and Center Director at Texas A&M University Rice Center. Provides systems analysis, modeling, and quantitative sampling technical support. 10. Michael Stout- L.D. Newsom Professor of Entomology at LSU AgCenter- Rice IPM responsibility helps to plan and partition research involving sugar insects whose population dynamics interfaces with rice in Louisiana. 11. Mike Salassi- Fairbanks Professor of Agricultural Economics- LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise on sugarcane and rice economics. Provides assistance with economic analyses of pest relationships in sugarcane and rice. 12. M.O. Way- Professor of Entomology, Texas A&M University- Beaumont Center. IPM research on Texas rice and helps facilitate sugarcane research at Texas A&M locations. 13. William H. White- USDA (ARS) scientist at Sugar Research Laboratory at Houma (LA). Entomologist with plant resistance responsibilities with the USDA Lab. Cooperatively assists in planning and conducting variety research and surveys on invasive alien insect pests. 14. County extension agents, agricultural consultants and graduate students were trained on various aspects of sugarcane IPM during this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Results are communicated at county agent training sessions, the sugarcane field days at the St. Gabriel Sugarcane Research Station, at parish sugarcane grower meetings, at the American and International Association of Sugarcane Technologists meetings, and at the professional Entomological Society of America national and branch meetings, annually. Additionally, invited seminar presentations of program research included the departments of entomology at several states, at several foreign universities and other international professional meetings. All insect management practices used in Louisiana sugarcane and some in rice have been developed by this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Economically sugarcane is the most valuable field crop commodity in LA, accounting for $753m in 2009, with an overall impact from the currently increasing world sugar price approaching $3b to the economy of the state of LA. Losses are forecasted in the absence of management to exceed 35% from the Mexican rice borer (MRB). Without cultural practices to preserve beneficial arthropods and resistant varieties, sugarcane borer (SCB) losses could cost $27,000 annually. MRB losses are projected at as much as $220m annually. Genetic diversity with sugarcane varieties collected from various parts of the world showed substantial resistance in a 5 rep field screening at Beaumont where 100 MRB moths/wk were caught in pheromone traps in periods of 2010. Cultivars evaluated were: Ho 06-537, Ho 06-563, Ho 06-9610, Ho 07-604, Ho 07-612, Ho 07-613, Ho 07-617, HoCP 85-845 (res std), HoCP 96-540 (susc std), HoCP 00-950, HoCP 04-838, HoCP 05-902, HoCP 05-961, L 01-299, L 03-371, L 07-57, L 07-68, and US 93-15, US 01-40, US 08-9001, US 08-9003 as well as South African Natal (N-17, N-21, N-24, N-27) lines with resistance to Eldana sp., a plant stressed stem borer with behavior similar to that of the MRB. After season long natural stem borer infestations, stalk samples were collected for borer injury (% bored internodes) and differences were detected (F=3.56, P<0.001). Data was analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. Injury ranged from 1.0% bored (N-21 and HoCP 85-845) to 20.4% (Ho 06-563). Of the commercial varieties, HoCP 85-845 and L 01-299 were the most resistant, while L 03-371 and HoCP 96-540 were the most susceptible. Ho 06-563 and HoCP 05-902 were the most susceptible of all cultivars tested with 20.4 and 14.5% bored, respectively. Two of the South African cultivars (N-27 and N-17) showed intermediate resistance while N-21 and N-24 were among the most resistant (equal to HoCP 85-845). Adult emergence data followed the same trend ranging from < 0.01-0.38 holes/stalk, but differences were not detected (F=1.57, P=0.065). Landscape studies showed that average densities of the MRB in TX were 0.3-5.7/m2 throughout the year. Ryegrass, brome and canarygrass were infested in spring, whereas the perennial johnsongrass and vaseygrass were infested year long. Johnsongrass was the most prevalent host (41-78% relative abundance), but vaseygrass (13-40%) held up to 70% of winter infestations. These studies and greenhouse oviposition studies 2009-10 show noncrop hosts play a role in MRB overwintering and spring build-up. Vaseygrass represents a major overwintering host. Manipulation of noncrop hosts is expected to reduce MRB area populations. Continuing research involves simulations of different landscape weed management strategies (mowing, insecticide applications, and other cultural practices). Weekly pheromone trap collections of the MRB to directed timing of chemical control in five fields ranging in size from 14 to 35 ha. Aerial insecticide treatments of labeled rates of Baythroid (beta-cyfluthrin) and Diamond (novaluron) were made on Aug. 21, 2009 when infestations averaged 14%. Data shows substantial control - 6.8% bored (Diamond) vs 20.4% untreated.

Publications

  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, and B.E. Wilson. 2009. Ganado Site Visit: Mexican Rice Borer and Sugarcane Borer Sugarcane and Rice Research. LSU AgCenter Publication (cooperative with Texas A&M Beaumont Research Center). 46 pp.
  • Akbar, W., B. E. Wilson, J. Hamm, J. M. Beuzelin, T. E. Reagan. 2010. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the sugarcane borer, 2009 Arthropod Management Tests 2010, Vol. 35. F59
  • Akbar, W., J. M. Beuzelin, T. E. Reagan, Allan T. Showler, M. O. Way, Jim Trolinger. 2009. Chemical control of the Mexican rice borer in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009, Vol. 34. F70
  • Beuzelin, J. M., W. Akbar, A. Meszaros, B. E. Wilson, T. E. Reagan, M. O. Way. 2010. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the Mexican rice borer, 2009. Arthropod Management Tests 2010, Vol. 35. F50
  • Reagan, T. E., W. Akbar, J. M. Beuzelin, and B. E. Wilson. 2009. Small plot assessment of wireworm control in sugarcane, 2009. Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Reports 2009.
  • Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez, R. A. Pearson, T. E. Reagan, and J. M. Beuzelin Sugarcane: 2009. Evaluation of selected insecticides for stalk borers, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009, Vol. 34. F54
  • Wilson, B.E., W. Akbar, J. M. Beuzelin, T. E. Reagan, A. T. Showler. 2010. Evaluation of aerial insecticidal control of the Mexican rice borer in sugarcane, 2009 Arthropod Management Tests 2010, Vol. 35. F60
  • Lv, J., L.T. Wilson, J.M. Beuzelin, and T.E. Reagan. 2010. Rice tillering and yield as affected by artificial and sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) culm injury. Environ. Entomol. 39: 528-534.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, and A.T. Showler. 2010. A nutritional perspective of sugarcane resistance to stalk borers and sap feeders. Proceedings (refereed) of the XXVII ISSCT Congress, Veracruz, Mexico. V. 27 pp 792-798 (paper # BE12).
  • Beuzelin, J. M., T.E. Reagan, W. Akbar, J.H. Cormier, J.W. Flanagan, and D.C. Blouin. 2009. Impact of Hurricane Rita storm surge on sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) management in Louisiana. J. Econ. Entomol. 102:1054-1061
  • Beuzelin, J.M., T.E. Reagan, M.O. Way, A. Mezzaros, W. Akbar, and L.T. Wilson 2010. Potential impact of Mexican rice borer non-crop hosts on sugarcane IPM. Proceedings (refereed) of the XXVII International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Congress, Veracruz, Mexico. V. 27 pp 806-814 (paper # BE10).
  • Hummel, N.A., T. Hardy, T.E. Reagan, D.K. Pollet, C.E. Carlton, M.J. Stout, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, and W.H. White. 2010. Monitoring and first discovery of the Mexican rice borer Eoreuma loftini (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Louisiana. Florida Entomologist 93: 123-124.


Progress 07/15/08 to 07/14/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this reporting period, replicated field experiments involved year-round collection every 6-8 weeks of extensive data utilizing multiple transects in non-crop habitat survey locations in the upper (N 30.059, W 94.279), middle (N 29.855, W 94.544), and lower (N 29.027, W 96.439) Texas rice production area. Sentinel plant studies involved six species of grass (both annual and perennial) including the rice cultivar Cocodrie with four replications comparing natural infestations of the sugarcane borer and Mexican rice borer. Ongoing greenhouse studies include oviposition preference assessment on non-crop grass hosts. Environmentally friendly insecticide studies were conducted at one location in Louisiana and two locations in Texas, in addition to a pheromone trap-assisted aerial application study in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (TX). Results were communicated at two county agent, consultant, and industry training sessions in Louisiana and Texas (at field site), also at the St. Gabriel Research Station multi-parish field day, and at an international entomology workshop in Tucuman (Argentina). Peer-reviewed articles, non-refereed stakeholder publications, and a field scout identification card were developed for target audience communication. PARTICIPANTS: 1.David C. Blouin- Professor of Experimental Statistics - LSU AgCenter- advises on sophisticated experimental designs and procedures (prior to conducting the research), model set up and certain aspects of systems analysis. 2.Chris Carlton- Professor of Entomology and Systematist- LSU AgCenter- provides assistance in classification and description of native and exotic arthropods. 3.Kenneth Gravois- Professor of Agronomy, LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeder and leader of sugarcane variety development program multi-discipline team. 4.Jeffery W. Hoy- Professor of Plant Pathology on sugarcane- LSU AgCenter- major contributions on all studies involving insect transmission of plant diseases in sugarcane. 5.Ben Legendre- Professor of Agronomy and Sugarcane Extension Specialist. Functions as extension liaison with county agents and some industry leaders in Louisiana and Texas 6.James Ottea- Professor of Entomology and LSU AgCenter insect toxicologist. Provides expertise and assistance in planning and conducting work with insecticides and resistance management studies. 7.Dale K. Pollet- Professor of Entomology and Sugarcane Extension Specialist- LSU AgCenter. Provides extension support with clientele interactions and regulatory agencies. 8.Mike Salassi- Fairbanks Professor of Agricultural Economics- LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise on sugarcane and rice economics. Provides assistance with economic analyses of pest relationships in sugarcane and rice. 9.Allan T. Showler- USDA (ARS) scientist at Kika de le Garza Research Center at Weslaco (TX). Has partial sugarcane entomology responsibility and provides expertise on primary and secondary plant chemicals including free amino acids, sugars, and other nutritive and non-nutritive plant chemicals important to stalk borers and aphid insect-plant interactions. 10.Michael Stout- L.D. Newsom Professor of Entomology at LSU AgCenter- Rice IPM responsibility helps to plan and partition research involving sugar insects whose population dynamics interfaces with rice in Louisiana. 11.M.O. Way- Professor of Entomology, Texas A&M University- Beaumont Center. IPM research on Texas rice and helps facilitate sugarcane research at Texas A&M locations. 12.Eric Webster- Professor of Agronomy and Weed Science - LSU AgCenter. Provides expertise in weed ecology and species mapping of non-crop hosts of sugarcane stalk borers. Also serves on graduate advisory committee. 13.William H. White- USDA (ARS) scientist at Sugar Research Laboratory at Houma (LA). Entomologist with plant resistance responsibilities with the USDA Lab. Cooperatively assists in planning and conducting variety research and surveys on invasive alien insect pests. 14.L.T. Wilson- J.B. Wendt Professor of Entomology and Center Director at Texas A&M University Rice Center. Provides systems analysis, modeling, and quantitative sampling technical support. 15. County extension agents, agricultural consultants and current graduate students were trained on various aspects of sugarcane IPM during this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Sugarcane growers and ag consultants in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana and Texas. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Economically, sugarcane in Louisiana accounted for $601.7 million in 2008, the highest among all crop enterprises, and rice was second at $551 million. In December (2008), the invasion of the Mexican rice borer (MRB) was discovered in two pheromone traps near Vinton, a few kilometers from the western Louisiana state line, in accordance with previously modeled forecasts. Annual yield losses of $220 million (sugarcane) and $45 million (rice) are forecast when the regions of both industries become fully infested. Our research indicates that mitigating management involving irrigation in sugarcane can reduce MRB losses up to 29%, use of environmentally friendly insecticides (i.e. tebufenozide, novaluron) can reduce losses up to 53%, and resistant cultivars comparable to or better than HoCP 85-845 can reduce losses by 24%. The multi-year quarantine on MRB movement through the transport of sugarcane into Louisiana is projected to save between $1.1 and $3.2 billion (depending on management) during the time for complete invasion of both industries. Early in April when the prevalent grasses near Texas rice fields were perennial johnsongrass and vasseygrass, as well as the annuals canary grass, ryegrass and brome, vasseygrass harbored 60% of the stem borers, but johnsongrass hay bored none. However, by late May with both perennials prevalent, infestations were equal (45% 47%), respectively. Not until the late boot stage in June did rice harbor stem borers appear. This study shows that non-crop habitats have the potential to exert a critical role in overwintering MRB pest population dynamics leading into the spring. In heavily infested studies (75% MRB/ 25% sugarcane borer), a 0.05 mg ai rynaxypyr seed treatment in rice and flubendiamide in sugarcane provided good control. Results have shown that the optimum rate of rynaxypyr as a seed treatment for stem borer control is 0.05 mg ai/ha. Based on these and other studies, rynaxypyr received a section 18 temporary label for Texas rice growers in 2009.

Publications

  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J.M. Beuzelin, and W. Akbar. 2009. Assessment of varietal resistance to the sugarcane borer and Mexican rice borer. Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 120-122.
  • Beuzelin J.M., A. Meszaros, W. Akbar, T.E. Reagan. 2008. Effects of insect growth regulators and pyrethroid aerial application on non-target arthropods in sugarcane borer management system, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33: F2.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, B.L. Legendre. 2008. Ganado site visit: Mexican rice borer and sugarcane borer sugarcane and rice research. LSU AgCenter Publication (cooperative with Texas A&M University AGRILife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont). 38 pp.
  • Reay-Jones, F.P.F., L.T. Wilson, T.E. Reagan, B.L. Legendre, and M.O. Way. 2008. Predicting economic losses from the continued spread of the Mexican rice borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 101: 237-250.
  • Hummel, N., G. Reagan, D. Pollet, W. Akbar, J. Beuzelin, C. Carlton, J. Saichuk, T. Hardy, and M. Way. 2008. Mexican Rice Borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar). LSU AgCenter Pub. 3098 12/08.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, and J.M. Beuzelin. 2008. Entomology input to the LSU variety development program: identifying sugarcane borer/Mexican rice borer and aphid resistant varieties. Louisiana Agriculture. 51(2):18-19.
  • Akbar, W., J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan, A. Showler, M.O. Way, J. Trolinger. 2009. Chemical Control of the Mexican rice borer in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F70.
  • Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez, R. A. Pearson, T. E. Reagan and J. M. Beuzelin. 2009. Evaluation of selected insecticides for stalk borers, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 34. F54.
  • Akbar, W., J.M. Beuzelin, T.E. Reagan, and B. Viator. 2008. Evaluation of insect growth regulators and a pyrethroid for sugarcane borer control through aerial application, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33: F1.
  • Beuzelin, J.M., T.E. Reagan, M.O. Way, A. Meszaros, W. Akbar, and L.T. Wilson. 2010. Potential impact of Mexican rice borer non-crop hosts on sugarcane IPM. Proceedings XXVII International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 2010 (2009-234-3724).
  • Reagan, T.E., J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, M.O. Way, and L.T. Wilson. 2009. Seasonal role of non-crop grasses in stem borer population dynamics. Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 116-117.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, and J.M. Beuzelin. 2009. Small plot assessment of insecticides against the Mexican rice borer. Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 118-119.
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, and B.E. Wilson. 2009. Ganado site visit: Mexican rice borer and sugarcane borer sugarcane and rice research. LSU AgCenter Publication (cooperative with Texas A&M University AGRILife Research and Extension Center at Beaumont). 46 pp.
  • Reagan, T.E., W. Akbar, and A.T. Showler. 2010. A nutritional perspective of sugarcane resistance to stalk borers and sap feeders. Proceedings XXVII International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 2010 (2009-234-3751).
  • Reagan, T.E., M.O. Way, R. Pearson, J.M. Beuzelin, W. Akbar, and L.T. Wilson. 2009. Monitoring Mexican rice borer movement. Sugarcane Research Annual Progress Report 2008. pp 123-125.