Progress 08/01/09 to 07/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The UF/IFAS IPM Program cooperatively designed and constructed two tractor-pulled mole cricket nematode applicators, and organized and conducted demonstrations in seven counties. It co-organized and participated in workshops: NIFA grants, NRCS-IPM, Florida Small Farms, Tamarixia rearing, insect rearing, and IOBC/ UN, FAO, IAEA-Arthropod Mass Rearing and Quality Control (Vienna, Austria). Graduate courses were taught in IPM and four IPM students graduated, one at FAMU. The program participated in the Florida State Master Gardener Conference, and helped to establish IPM Voice and plan the Seventh International IPM Symposium. At least one Extension IPM presentation was delivered each month and seven grant proposals were submitted, three funded, two pending. Citrus (Duncan)- Results of trials were reported in four seminars at southeastern universities and seven symposia at five regional and international meetings of entomology, phytopathology and ecology. Demonstrations were made of landscape fabric installed in tree rows to prevent root damage by larvae of Diaprepes abbreviates. Trunk area of trees in planting holes filled with sand were 60% larger than trees planted in native sandy loam soil. Entomopathogenic nematodes killed 86% more sentinel weevil larvae in sand. Vegetables (Stansly)- Biological control of seasonal field crop pests using predator mites was demonstrated at a field day and reported in two scientific papers. Both Amblysius swirskii and Neoseiulus californicus provided excellent control of broad mite and whiteflies on eggplant for at least eight weeks after planting and were more effective than two applications of Oberon (spiromesefin). Ornamentals IPM (Knox)- Two in-service trainings and two Extension programs for commercial and Master Gardener clientele presented results from statewide evaluations of shrub rose cultivars and rose pests. Top performing cultivars at each site included Knock Out; 'Duchesse de Brabant' showed tolerance of chilli thrips. Lack of differences in rose pest occurrence and abundance was attributed to the horticultural practice of late winter pruning which removes many shoot pests and diseases and synchronizes plant growth and pest development throughout Florida. Results will be presented in one Extension publication and are included on a pest management website. Conservation Partnerships (Newman)- Pasture Schools were conducted in seven counties with multi-county participation spanning most of Central Florida to deliver training on IPM to Certified crop advisors (CCAs) and beginning and established farmers. The schools emphasized IPM for pasture pests, including mole crickets, armyworms, grass loopers, and spittlebugs, and provided an opportunity for participants to implement some of the IPM practices and report measurable changes in behavior or attitudes in subsequent sessions. School IPM (Oi)- A Model contract and RFA process for IPM services is undergoing a second revision. CEUs on School IPM were delivered in-person to 320 PMPs over two sessions, statewide, in cooperation with FACS and the Florida Pest Management Association. PARTICIPANTS: The primary cooperators of the Florida statewide IPM project were as follows: Administrative Contact, Dr. Joan Dusky, Associate Dean for Extension and Dr. Norman Leppla, Professor and Program Director, IPM Florida. For IPM in High Value/High Input/or Intensively Managed Crops: a. Citrus, Dr. Larry Duncan, Leader, Nematology, Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC); Dr. Jim Graham, Soil and Water Science (CREC); Dr. Tim Spann, Horticulture (CREC); Dr. Arnold Schumann, Agronomy (CREC); Ekta Pathak, graduate student (CREC); Dr. Fahiem El-Borai Campos-Herrera, post-doctoral scientist (CREC); and John Strang and Drew Kelly, citrus growers; b. Vegetables, Dr. Phil Stansly, Entomology, S.W. Florida REC; c. Ornamentals, Dr. Gary Knox, Environ. Hort., N. Florida REC; Dr. Juanita Popenoe, Multi-county Cooperative Extension; Dr. Lance Osborne, Entomology, Mid-Florida REC; Dr. Russ Mizell, Entomology, N. Florida REC; Dr. Sydney Brown, Environ. Hort., Gulf Coast REC; and Dr. Sandra Wilson, Environ. Hort., Indian River REC. The project on IPM Coordination within Conservation Partnerships was led by Dr. Yoana Newman, Agronomy, and included Dr. Clyde Fraisse, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Dr. Amanda Gevens, Plant Pathology; Dr. Cheryl Mackowiak, Cooperative Extension; Mary Williams, NRCS, Florida; and Chad Ellis, NRCS, Florida. The final Area of Activity was IPM in Schools: Dr. Faith Oi, Leader, Entomology; Dr. Rebecca Baldwin, Entomology; Peggy Dessaint, Cooperative Extension; Erin Eckhardt, Cooperative Extension; Sally Scalera, Cooperative Extension; Mike Page, FDACS; Robin Eychaner, Florida Dept. Health; Ric Mathis, Florida Dept. Health, Sherry Glick, EPA; National Pest Management Association; Florida Pest Management Association; Certified Pest Control Operators; Certified Operators of SW Florida; Florida School Plant Managers Association; School Districts: Brevard, Duval, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, St. John's, and St. Lucie. Dr. Leppla continues to serve as an advisor to the Plant Medicine Program. He obtained grant support for students through the USDA, NIFA, National Needs Fellowships Program, "Graduate Training in Sustainable and Safe Crop Production." TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary clientele groups for IPM Florida are County Extension Agents, Master Gardeners, schools, Extension specialists (Florida, Southern Region, U.S.), Agricultural producers (farmers, associations, international), IFAS (administration, Units, Pesticide Information Office, Plant Medicine Program, Southern Plant Diagnostic Network, students, etc.), governmental institutions (USDA, ARS, APHIS, and NRCS; FDACS, EPA, water conservation districts, etc.), and professional societies (ESA, FES, IOBC, APS, ANBP, IBMA, etc.). Directly assisted are producers of ornamental plants, sod, vegetables, citrus, grapes and cattle; managers of schools and municipalities; and stewards of natural areas to adopt biologically based IPM practices. Collaboration to provide training in the use of IPM is with the IPM Institute of North America, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Landscape Management Association and the Florida Nurserymen, Grower's, and Landscape Association, landscape maintenance personnel, woody ornamental plant producers, school and municipal pest managers, homeowners, and others. The pest control industry and those who are licensed to apply pesticides continue to be target audiences for the School IPM Program. Target audiences also include FDACS inspectors who regulate the pest control industry. Additional audiences include the FAMU Center for Biological Control, pesticide manufacturers and dealers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International IPM Symposium network, Florida commodity associations, 67 county Extension offices, and more than 300 members of our email network. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There were no major modifications to the project, except that the Orange County school district requested assistance after 22 school kitchens were shut down by the Dept. of Health because of cockroaches and rodents. Orange County is the 10th largest school district in the nation with over 176,000 students, almost 22,000 staff, and more than 180 schools with 10 more schools scheduled to open in 2012.
Impacts
The mole cricket nematode application equipment and demonstrations greatly increased the use of biological control by ranchers. To the nematode product was added a commercial plant that attracts mole cricket wasps. The workshops initiated a process of increasing IPM practices in NRCS conservation programs, particularly the EQIP program. Large-scale production of Tamarixia for Asian psyllid management is being developed. Arthropod mass rearing and quality control now involves collaboration among the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers and international scientists, several from the UN, FAO, IAEA. Interest in IPM has increased. Citrus (Duncan)- Manuscripts are in preparation describing the results of both the soil texture and the landscape fabric (IMC) studies. Recommendations based on this research will justify the use of landscape fabric by citrus growers to reduce the number of D. abbreviatus root weevils and associated root damage. The planting techniques will facilitate the use of entomopathogenic nematodes to manage D. abbreviatus root weevils, thus increasing their effectiveness. These methods could increase citrus production, reduce pest management costs and thereby help citrus growers in Florida and worldwide. Vegetables (Stansly)- In an IPM system, biological control of mites and whiteflies in open-field horticulture using phytoseid predators was demonstrated to be a sustainable and effective alternative to insecticidal control. These results should encourage researchers to continue the evaluation of these and other predators, and should stimulate Extension agents and crop advisors to recommend biological control as a viable option for management of these pests in eggplant, pepper and cucurbit crops. Techniques for rearing and releasing phytoseid predators are also available and the clientele could be trained to produce their own beneficial organisms. Ornamentals IPM (Knox)- Florida landscapers and home gardeners can use calendar knowledge of rose pest presence to improve pest management via the IPM scouting tool. Pests identified by this research as minor can be ignored by landscapers and home gardeners, reducing labor and pesticide applications. Nursery growers, landscapers and home gardeners can improve plant appearance and customer satisfaction by producing and using shrub rose cultivars identified as having superior performance in northern, central or southern Florida. Conservation Partnerships (Newman)- As a consequence of the pasture schools, CCAs, cattlemen, and new small farmers now are trained and committed to using IPM practices instead of relying only on pesticides. By using IPM, there has been a significant reduction in use of chemical insecticides for controlling pasture insect pests. The participating CCAs will continue to recommend IPM practices over traditional methods of controlling pests. School IPM (Oi)- Schools can reduce pesticide use by 50% by not spraying during the winter months. Awareness increased of School IPM practices and the need for a Florida School IPM law. An industry task force was developed in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Publications
- Campos-Herrera, R., F. K. El-Borai, R. J. Stuart, J. H. Graham, and L. W. Duncan. 2011. Entomopathogenic nematodes, phoretic Paenibacillus spp, and the use of real time quantitative PCR to explore soil food webs in Florida citrus groves. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 106: (In press; doi:10.1016/j.jip.2011.06.005).
- Campos-Herrera, R., E. Johnson, F. K. El-Borai, R. J. Stuart, J. H. Graham, and L. W. Duncan. 2011. Long-term stability of entomopathogenic nematode spatial patterns measured by sentinel insects and real-time PCR assays. Annals of Applied Biology 158: 55-68.
- Frank, J. H. and N. C. Leppla. 2011. Mole Cricket Biological Control for Florida Sod Growers Florida Sod Growers Newsletter. (www.floridasodgrowers.com)
- Funderburk, J. E., S. R. Reitz, S. M. Olson, P. A. Stansly, H. A. Smith, E. J. McAvoy, O. Demirozer, C. A. Snodgrass, M. Paret, and N. C. Leppla. 2011. Managing thrips and tospoviruses in tomato. UF/IFAS EDIS.
- Newman, Y. C. 2011. Scout for Caterpillars. Agronomy Notes Newsletter. 35:8. (http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/agnotes/2011/)
- Paraiso, O., M. T. K. Kairo, S. Bloem, S. D. Hight, M. Owens, N. C. Leppla, J. P. Cuda, M. T. Olexa. 2010. How effective are Risk Communication Activities during the Permitting-Importation Process of Arthropod Biological Control Agents in the U.S. Biocontrol. (submitted).
- Juneau, K. J., N. C. Leppla and A. W. Walker. 2011. Advancement of Integrated Pest Management in University Housing. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. (accepted)
- Suarthana, E., A. Shen, P. K. Henneberger, K. Kreiss, N. C. Leppla, D. Bueller, E. L. Petsonk. 2011. Post-hire asthma among insect rearing workers. Journal of Environmental Medicine. (accepted)
- Stansly, P. A., and J. Castillo. 2009. Control of broad mite Polyphagotarsomeus latus and the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in open field pepper and eggplant with predaceous mites, pp. 145-152. In C. Castane and D. Perdikis (eds.), Proceedings of the working group, Integrated Control in Protected Crops, Mediterranean climate: IOBC WPRS Bulletin 49.
- Stansly, P. A. and J. A. Castillo. 2009. Control of broad mites, spider mites, and whiteflies using predaceous mites in open-field pepper and eggplant. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 122: 2009.
- Vega, R. A., F. M. Fishel and N. C. Leppla. 2010. Herbicide Study Guide. PowerPoint Compendium describing the properties of over 70 chemical herbicides used to control weeds in Florida. UF/IFAS.
- Newman, Y. C. 2011. Forages of Florida website (http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/ ForagesofFlorida/index.php ).
- Oi, F. M. 2011. eXtension action plans (http://www.extension.org/pages/21004/school-integrated-pest-manageme nt:-publications-and-fact-sheets).
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Progress 08/01/09 to 07/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Coordination (Leppla)- Trained four graduate students to perform Extension activities, co-chaired Extension Goal 1, Focus Area 4, prepared an annual report for SERA IEG-003 (SR IPM Coordinators), guided preparation of a plant pathogen identification CD and Herbicide Study Guide primarily for the Plant Medicine Program, and planned a NRCS/IPM workshop. Additional activities: Florida Small Farms and Allied Industries Conference booth, Spring Pasture Forum, citrus arthropod pests Lucid key development, IPM Toolbox upgrade, Certified Crop Consultants workshop, and statewide Master Gardener's Conference. Mole cricket field days were cooperatively planned and conducted in six counties. Citrus (Duncan)- The native entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema diaprepesi was more abundant in plots of conventional citriculture (CC: microjet irrigation/dry fertilizer) compared to intensively managed citriculture (IMC: drip irrigation/fertigation). Survival of S. riobrave in the soil was greater in CC than in IMC, whereas the cultural method did not affect survival of Heterorhabditis indica. Nematophagous fungi were more abundant in IMC compared to CC plots. Vegetables (Stansly)- Control of whitefly, broad mites and spidermites on eggplant and pepper was evaluated. A mix of A. swirskii and N. californicus was applied. Pest pressure was low, so predator mites were later found only on eggplant. A. swirskii was then applied alone on pepper and N. californicus alone on eggplant, each with and without supplementary cattail pollen. Spidermite populations were twice as large on initially untreated eggplant compared to eggplant receiving N. californicus. The mite mixture was compared to an acaraside/insecticide (spiromesifen = Oberon) on eggplant and zucchini squash. All treatments reduced spidermite populations on eggplant, and whitefly and spidermite populations on squash. Ornamentals (Knox)- Major rose pests and diseases were monitored in shrub rose plots, and banker plants and biological control agents were tested on container-grown Knock Out and Julia Child rose plants. More pests and fewer biological controls were found in the overhead irrigation plots than with micro-irrigation. Conservation (Newman)- Two comprehensive forage production workshops, high quality training materials, a survey of producer needs, and five calendars of forage production (one per region: North, North East, Central, and South Florida dairies) portraying pasture pests and management were delivered, and information for managing Florida pastures posted on the Forages of Florida webpage. Specific information on pests has been added to the Extension Digital Information System (EDIS). School IPM (Oi)- A model SIPM contract was implemented in two school districts. The pest control industry in Florida began learning about school IPM by means of a train the trainer session through Pest Management University. A curriculum for implementers was developed. Other CEU offerings included the two training sessions held in association with our statewide meeting and the Florida School Plant Managers Association, including one on the model contract. PARTICIPANTS: Larry W. Duncan, UF/IFAS Citrus REC, Nematology Gary W. Knox, UF/IFAS North Florida REC, Environmental Horticulture Philip A. Stansly, UF/IFAS Southwest Florida REC, Entomology Yoana C. Newman, UF/IFAS Gainesville, Agronomy Faith M. Oi, UF/IFAS Gainesville, Entomology Partner organizations include conventional and organic agriculture producers, managers and workers, food processors, food distributors and retailers, importers and exporters, consumers, 4-H members, Extension and other faculty, small farmers, cooperators in government institutions, tribal organizations, members of commodity associations, allied industry representatives, and others. Training opportunities (see Outcomes) TARGET AUDIENCES: Business and industry audiences include large and small farms and ranches, horticultural production and maintenance operations, other agricultural enterprises (greenhouses, poultry houses, etc.), pest management organizations, and allied industries (wholesalers and retailers of agricultural products, etc.). Government institutions, especially regulatory agencies and those responsible for environmental quality are primary audiences. School administrators also are served. Florida residents benefit, including both adults and school age youth. UF\IFAS faculty, staff and students also are major clientele groups. Primary areas of stakeholder activity include the following: Specialty crops (vegetables and fruit, etc.), citrus, pasture and forage, ornamentals and turf, school IPM, natural areas, waterways and wetlands, cattle and horses, and small farms. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None at this time.
Impacts
Coordination (Leppla)- The Plant Medicine graduate students now are capable of presenting IPM information at workshops and conferences, preparing factsheets and guides, providing consultation to clientele, and identifying the major pests and diseases of Florida crops. The NRCS/IPM workshop will enable farmers and ranchers to participate in NRCS conservation programs that involve IPM practices, e.g., EQIP. Delivering IPM information at a variety of meetings has increased the participant's knowledge and has caused some of them to seek more hands-on training. A Living Extension IPM Field Laboratory is being developed to deliver this training. New Extension resources were placed on the IPM Florida website and are helping agents to incorporate IPM into their programming. Mole cricket nematode application equipment and associated training is now available for clientele throughout Florida. Sources of both a nematode product and plants that attract and support a mole cricket wasp have been established to encourage augmentation biological control. Citrus (Duncan)- Results of the trials will be used to evaluate the effect of optional cultural practices on the natural control of Diaprepes root weevils in citrus. A future article will describe 1) the responses of weevils, insect-killing nematodes and natural enemies of nematodes to various cultural practices available to citrus growers and 2) how this knowledge can be used to better achieve biological control of weevil pests. An article was published in citrus industry magazine to familiarize citrus growers with the concept of soil food webs and the importance of food web interactions in developing programs to manage Diaprepes Root Weevil using biological control. Some of the cultural practices were presented in two seminars. Vegetables (Stansly)- Trials were demonstrated to growers and other interested clientele during two field days. Following one, a grower expressed interest in evaluating the use of Carpoglyphus lactis for release on crop plants to maintain predaceous mites. Therefore, we initiated a colony of C. lactis in 2011. Ornamentals (Knox)- Results of the rose trials will be analyzed and presented at a 2011 in-service training for county faculty. A curriculum is being developed to teach county agents, growers and other stakeholders practical applications of biocontrol and host plant resistance of shrub roses. Conservation (Newman)- The two forage production workshops, training materials, and calendars increased anticipation of seasonal pests. School IPM (Oi)- Duval and Pasco school districts reported that they used our model contract during the last RFP process. We have reports from bidders that our model contract or components of it have been used by several other school districts since it is accessible at our website. Language for the administrative code went into the workshop phase last year. However, a bill signed by the governor last year reorganized the Florida Department of Health, suspending rule making until the reorganization is completed. We continued to deliver CEUs which are reported to be having impacts.
Publications
- Hinkle, N. and F. M.Oi. 2011. Ectoparasites, Part One: Fleas (Hinkle) and Lice (Oi, with special reference to head lice). In Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, 10th Ed. (In Press)
- Juneau, K.J., J. L. Gillett-Kaufman, N. C. Leppla, K. W. Martin and A. W. Walker. 2010. Integrated Pest management Policy and Treatment Options for University Housing. UF/IFAS Extension Guide (http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/community/structural/campus IPM.shtml).
- Leppla, N. C., J. H. Frank, E. W. Jennings, C. R. Bateman and A. Clarke. 2010. A 30-Year Effort to Deploy the Mole Cricket Nematode and Wasp. Proceedings Spring Pasture Forum. UF/IFAS.
- Leppla, N. C., J. H. Frank and J. A. Graesch. 2010. How to Use Nematac S against Pest Mole Crickets in Pastures. UF/IFAS, EDIS IPM-147 (IN853).
- Leppla, N. C., J. H. Frank and J. A. Graesch. 2010. How to Use Nematac S against Pest Mole Crickets on Home Lawns. UF/IFAS, EDIS IPM-144 (IN674).
- Leppla, N. C. and K. L. Johnson, II. 2010. Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in Florida and Other States. UF/IFAS, EDIS IPM-146 (IN849).
- Newman, Y.C. and M. Mossler. 2010. Watch out for Fall Caterpillars in Pastures. Agronomy Notes. 34:9 page 6. http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/files/2010/09/September-2010-Agronomy-No tes.pdf
- Newman, Y.C. and J. H.Frank. 2010. What Bahiagrass Mole Cricket Damage to Look for in the Fall. Agronomy Notes. 34:9 page 7. http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/files/2010/09/September-2010-Agronomy-No tes.pdf
- Popenoe, J. and L. S. Osborne. 2010. Rose nursery banker plants. Florida State Hort. Soc. (In press).
- Stansly, P. A., and J. A. Castillo. 2010. Control of broadmites, spidermites, and whiteflies using predaceous mites in open-field pepper and eggplant. Florida. State Hort. Soc. 122:253-257.
- Vega, R. A., F. M. Fishel and N. C. Leppla. 2010. Herbicide Study Guide. PowerPoint Compendium describing the properties of over 70 chemical herbicides used to control weeds in Florida. UF/IFAS.
- Duncan, L.W., M. Dewdney and J.H. Graham. 2010. Remember Diaprepes Its Still a Problem. Citrus Industry Magazine 91(7):10-14.
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