Source: AUBURN UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATORY IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED ORGANIC PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CRUCIFER VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN THE SOUTH
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0225672
Grant No.
2011-51300-30634
Cumulative Award Amt.
$881,829.00
Proposal No.
2011-01979
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2011
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2016
Grant Year
2011
Program Code
[113.A]- Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
Entomology
Non Technical Summary
Increasing consumer interest in organically grown vegetables has made organic vegetable production one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture. However, organic vegetable production has lagged in southern U.S. Surveys have identified pest management as a major factor limiting the growth and expansion of organic vegetable production in the southern region. Thus, increasing the acreage of organic vegetable production in the southern U.S. requires developing and implementing organically acceptable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This is an integrated project involving a multidisciplinary team of researchers, extension specialists and participating organic producers and small farmers from three states in the south (Alabama, Florida and Georgia) designed to address the major production challenge identified by local organic vegetable growers. Specifically, the project will help southern growers of organic crucifers combat their key insect and disease problems by developing and implementing effective organic IPM tactics using the three-level hierarchical approach recommended by the National Organic Program (NOP). These tactics include trap crops, attractants, and biological control (Objective 1), biopesticides (Objective 2), and induced disease resistance (Objective 3). On-farm integration of tactics and economic analyses will be conducted in Objective 4. A comprehensive outreach plan (Objective 5) will determine barriers to adoption and facilitate implementation of results by producers through training, education, and technology transfer. The ultimate goal is to increase acreage of organically grown crucifers in the region by assisting growers to develop and adopt organic IPM recommendations. This proposal addresses several of the OAREI legislative-defined goals, in particular goals #1 (facilitating development of organic agriculture production) and #6 (conducting on-farm research). It also addresses several FY 2011 priorities, including priorities #1, #2, and #5. The expected outcomes include increased adoption of NOP approved IPM tools by southern producers, enhanced production and profitability of organic vegetable farms, reduced risk from pest problems, and forging research and extension partnerships with growers.
Animal Health Component
75%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
75%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2111440113020%
2121440110010%
2161440113015%
2161440107015%
2161440116010%
6011440301010%
7111440107010%
7231440107010%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 711 - Ensure Food Products Free of Harmful Chemicals, Including Residues from Agricultural and Other Sources; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 723 - Hazards to Human Health and Safety;

Subject Of Investigation
1440 - Cole crops;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1070 - Ecology; 1160 - Pathology; 1100 - Bacteriology; 3010 - Economics;
Goals / Objectives
Adoption of organic vegetable production practices has lagged in the south compared to other regions. The key reason that has been identified by southern vegetable growers, which is also the critical need addressed by this project, is the lack of effective integrated organic pest management strategies to help growers control the variety of pests (in particular insects and diseases) that attack vegetable crops almost year-round in the region. Surveys have identified pest management as a major factor limiting the growth and expansion of organic vegetable production in the southern region. The long-term goal of this project is to expand organic crucifer vegetable production in the south by developing and demonstrating effective NOP (National Organic Program) and OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) approved IPM strategies including Levels I (e.g., induced disease resistance), II (e.g., pest monitoring, trap crops), and III (e.g., biopesticides, mass trapping with attractants) practices. This project will focus on development of organically acceptable IPM strategies for the two most devastating insect pests of organic cruciferous crops in the region, yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma and harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica, and also for black rot, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Specifically, the project will help southern growers of organic crucifers combat their key insect and disease problems by developing and implementing effective organic IPM tactics using the three-level hierarchical approach recommended by the National Organic Program (NOP). These tactics include trap crops, attractants and biocontrol (Objective 1), biopesticides (Objective 2), and induced disease resistance (Objective 3). On-farm integration of tactics and economic analyses will be conducted in Objective 4. A comprehensive outreach plan (Objective 5) will determine barriers to adoption and facilitate implementation of results by producers through training, education, and technology transfer. The project will result in increased general knowledge and adoption of organic IPM strategies for controlling pests in organic cruciferous crops. Adoption of effective NOP approved pest management strategies and tools will result in higher yields and profitability of organic vegetable farms. Increased adoption of organic vegetable production practices will result in reduced pesticide residues in vegetables, reduced potential for human health risks from pests and pesticides, and reduced environmental contamination from pesticides. By addressing key production and pest management challenges of organic vegetable production in the south, it is expected that the results of this research and extension project will improve the ability of vegetable growers in the region to develop organic system plan for certification, and thus result in an increase in the number of certified organic farms in the region.
Project Methods
This project has two major components (research and outreach) and five objectives. Objective 1 focuses on development of organically acceptable tactics for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma. In Objective 2, we will evaluate OMRI approved biopesticides as remedial tools for managing crucifer pests under integrated organic production systems. Both objectives will involve laboratory, greenhouse and field studies. Laboratory experiments (Objective 1) will involve use of cutting-edge tools chemical ecology research techniques (i.e. analytical, electrophysiological and behavioral techniques) to identify chemical attractants for M. ochroloma. Field trials will be conducted on certified organic land and research station sites to evaluate attractants, trap crops and biological control agents (Objective 1), and OMRI approved biopesticides (Objective 2) for managing M. ochroloma and other key pests. It is anticipated that Objective 1 will result in the development of an efficient attractant for M. ochroloma, which will aid in monitoring/management programs. In Objective 3, we will evaluate select mixtures of Bacillus spp. rhizobacteria for enhancing plant health and managing black rot and other diseases of crucifers. On-farm integration of effective tactics developed in the first three objectives will be evaluated in Objective 4 to develop organic IPM programs for crucifer production. On-farm trials will be conducted on certified organic vegetable farms in three southern states, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Economic analyses of the IPM programs will be conducted and results will be used to recommend cost-effective organic IPM program(s) to the farmers. In Objective 5, a multilevel extension/outreach plan has been developed to facilitate adoption of research results by southern organic vegetable growers. Outreach activities will include stakeholder education, training, and technology transfer via field demonstration, workshops and other hands-on activities. Barriers to technology adoption will be identified through various process and outcome surveys. The outreach plan also includes substantial commitment to development of eOrganic via contents and extension publications. It is expected that this project will result in increased general knowledge of organic IPM practices by vegetable growers and that organic growers and other stakeholders will acquire improved skills in NOP approved IPM tools such as pest monitoring, traps crops, attractants, application of OMRI approved biopesticides, biological control, and disease management. A 10% increase in organic production acreage and yield levels in participating states is anticipated. Indicators of success will be the various process and outcome/impact surveys conducted in Years 1 to 3 that will continuously guide the project regarding the type of target audience reached, number of contacts, attitude and behavioral changes. Overall project impact will be determine via impact evaluation surveys in Year 4.

Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Organic/transition vegetable producers; naturally grown and young vegetable producers; Low resource farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An organic IPM campaign was established statewide in Alabama in 2012. Regional Extension Agents and County Coordinators organized several extension events - short meetings, workshops, field days (24), IPM exhibitions/major farm shows (3), IPM demonstration on small farms (4), and demonstrations on research stations (3). About 304 stakeholders participated in these events. Average land holding was approximately 5.7 acres per person indicating small farms. The audience included naturally grown small family farms (37%), certified organic farms (2.7%), and transitional farms (8%). Program outputs for producers included 18 IPM newsletter issues, 10 magazine publications, 4 newspaper articles, 8 news releases, 2 Organic IPM bookmarks, 1 IPM magnet, 1 IPM window shade, IPM website & Facebook page (212 subscribers). In 2013, the result have been disseminated through several extension events included field days (4), IPM exhibits/major farm shows (4), IPM demonstration on small farms (3), IPM training videos on trap crop and insecticidal control of pests (2), IPM training modules for producers (1), Regional IPM presentations (9), Major hands-on workshops (9). There was a very high demand for organic IPM training program among new/beginning and low resource producers as they represent major portion total participants directly trained (869). Program outputs for producers included 17 IPM newsletter issues, Farm magazine and newspaper articles (7), Facebook subscribers (297), Vegetable IPM website (107 to 200 visits per day depending on season). To disseminate the results, following extension events were organized in 2014: field days (5), Regional IPM presentations (11), On-farm technology demonstrations (6), Large exhibitions (4), Handbooks/slide charts (4), Magazine publications (8), Newspaper articles (5), IPM training videos on trap crop and insecticidal control of pests (6), IPM training modules for producers (1), and major hands-on workshops (8). Program outputs for producers included 21 IPM newsletter issues, Facebook subscribers (400), Vegetable IPM website (95 visits per day), Slide share presentations (38) (60,000 total views). In 2014-2015, Regional Extension Agents and County Coordinators organized several extension events including Field days (7), Regional IPM presentations (28), On-farm technology demonstrations (3), In-service training for Extension agents (4, including one national eOrganic webinar), IPM exhibitions (5), Handbooks/slide charts (4), Magazine publications (8), Newspaper articles (5), IPM training videos on trap crop and insecticidal control of pests (6), IPM training modules for producers (1), and Major hands-on workshops (8). Program outputs for producers included 21 IPM newsletter issues, Facebook subscribers (526), Vegetable IPM website (95 visits per day), Slide share presentations (38) (60,000 total views). Summary of Extension publications: Since 2010, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) has produced 4 award winning and widely circulating producer handbooks that are used as a training manual by field agents. We have also produced 4 Extension bulletins (factsheets) that are available online and linked to the M. ochroloma webpage. The Alabama IPM Communicator newsletter has grown 13 folds since its launch in 2010 and currently has over 2,400 subscribers (70% producers). At least 9 IPM newsletter articles have been published regarding M. ochroloma and other major crucifer insect pests to alert farmers and prevent crop losses by timely intervention. We have completed several IPM videos and more videos are under production that summarizes findings from the project. We have also completed educational webinars (3), TV interviews, and social media engagements to educate small farmers growing crucifer crops for the local markets. Details of website and social media activity are listed separately. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Organic vegetable production has lagged in the southern U.S compared to other regions. This is mainly because organically acceptable methods of pest control have not been developed for many insects and diseases that attack vegetable crops in the hot and humid South. The goal of this project is to increase the production of organically grown vegetables in the South by developing and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices for organic crucifer production. Field trials in Alabama and Florida have demonstrated that turnip is an effective trap crop for management of yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma, which is the most devastating pest of organically grown crucifers in the region. An attractant lure consisting of a blend of crucifer plant volatiles has been developed for M. ochroloma to aid in the monitoring and management of the pest. The predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, has been identified as an effective natural enemy of M. ochroloma. Some strains and mixtures of root-colonizing symbiotic bacteria (PGPR) have been identified as promising biocontrol agents to reduce the incidence of diseases (black rot) and enhance the plant growth in organically grown cabbage crop. On-farm integration of the most promising tactics and economic analyses indicated that farmers that adopt IPM program developed in this project could make an average of $232 per acre more than farmers using the growers' standard practice, while reducing pesticide use by 5 folds. The reduced pesticide use will ultimately result in reduced potential for human health risks from pesticide residues in vegetables. Several extension events were conducted to share the results of this project and to train vegetable producers on how to manage pests in organic vegetable systems. Use of trap crops for M. ochroloma management is gaining popularity through Extension publications and hands-on training, resulting in growers planting various trap crops to manage pests. Impact assessments done during educational events indicate direct crop improvement gain of $383,000 per year due to IPM training. Objective 1. Develop organically acceptable tactics for managing Microtheca ochroloma. Trap cropping: Field studies were conducted over multiple cropping seasons in Alabama and Florida in 2012 and 2013 to investigate the effectiveness of turnip, Brassica rapa rapa, as a trap crop for M. ochroloma. These results suggest that planting turnip as a trap crop can effectively control pests in cruciferous crops like cabbage, that are less attractive to M. ochroloma than turnip. In attractive crops like mustard and napa cabbage, planting turnip as a trap crop would have to be used in combination with other tactics to manage M. ochroloma. Development of attractants for M. ochroloma. Using cutting-edge analytical, electrophysiological and behavioral techniques, a blend of three VOCs released by crucifer plants (two isothiocyanates and one green leaf volatile) was identified as an attractant for M. ochroloma. The optimal attractant blend was further evaluated in the field using yellow colored Dead Inn traps over multiple seasons in Alabama and Florida. A provisional patent has been filed and commercialization efforts are ongoing to make the attractant available to growers for M. ochroloma in organic and conventional crucifer production systems. Evaluation of Podiscus maculiventris as a biological control agent for M. ochroloma: Results of field experiments in Florida showed that augmentative releases of the predatory spined soldier bug, P. maculiventris can reduce the incidence of M. ochroloma larvae under low pest pressure. Objective 2: Evaluate OMRI approved insecticides for managing insect pests on crucifers. Selected OMRI-approved botanical and microbial insecticides were evaluated at the recommended field rates as stand-alone treatments and in rotation (alternation) with Entrust® against M. ochroloma. Results showed that Surround®, Grandevo® or PyGanic® in rotation with Entrust® was as effective as the Entrust® stand-alone treatment in suppressing M. ochroloma adults, larvae, and crop damage. Preventive application of Surround® delayed the beetle colonization for two weeks. The other test materials, including Molt-X®, Mycotrol® and Grandevo® as stand-alone treatments showed no efficacy against M. ochroloma, and ultimately did not suppress crop damage by the pest. Objective 3: Evaluate Bacillus spp. rhizobacteria for managing diseases in crucifers. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were evaluated against black rot (Xanthomonas campestris var. campestris) in cabbage. Certain strains and two mixtures of PGPR were identified as promising biocontrol agents for black rot in cabbage. Objective 4. On-farm integration of IPM tactics for organic crucifer production. On-farm trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of integrating effective tactics developed in the previous objectives. The IPM programs evaluated in this study included 1) Integration of trap crop and biopesticides; 2) Integration of attractant and biopesticides; 3) Grower's standard pest management practices; and 4) No pest management practice (control).The results showed that the integrated trap crop-biopesticides program (program 1) was the most effective and provided maximum protection from beetle damage with a minimum number of insecticide sprays on the main crop. The integrated attractant-biopesticides program was also promising but not as effective. Cost-benefit analysis revealed that the integrated trap crop-biopesticides program had the highest returns and lowest cost; thus a higher net benefit. On average, farmers that adopt the integrated trap crop-biopesticide program will likely make $232/acre more than those using the grower's standard practice. Objective 5: Develop a participatory model for technology transfer The project has made considerable impact in outreach and extension. Out of 456 participating growers surveyed at various meetings at the beginning of the project, only 18% of participants had any IPM training before the organic IPM campaign began. About 87% of producers surveyed during the project were strongly satisfied with IPM training in multiple formats. Extension surveys in Alabama in 2014 indicated that average increase in IPM knowledge of vegetable growers after the outreach and extension training activities was about 42% (n = 131). Overall adoption rate of IPM practices by farmers was about 90%, and 39% of growers surveyed were confident about their knowledge of IPM and its application. After the trainings, 47% of surveyed audiences indicated willingness to become certified organic or naturally grown producers. Increased adoption of sustainable pest management tactics such as trap cropping (17%), botanical insecticides (21%), insect nets/barrier use (6%), and insecticide rotation (15%) was recorded in 2014, compared with the previous years. After four years of intensive IPM programing statewide, use of trap crops for M. ochroloma management is gaining popularity through Extension publications, educational videos and hands-on training resulting in growers planting various trap crops to manage pests. With the availability of educational resources on the Alabama Vegetable IPM website, YouTube, and social media channels, we have dramatically reduced barriers such as the lack of reliable information and access to IPM information among specialty crop producers in Alabama. Impact assessments conducted during educational events indicate direct crop improvement gain of $383,000 per year in Alabama due to IPM training. Based on the size of the industry with 350-400 acres of crucifer crops in Alabama, we extrapolate the broad economic impact of this OREI project to be $1.5 to 2 million in four years in Alabama only (economic impact was not estimated for Florida).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Other Year Published: 2017 Citation: Balusu, R.R, M. R. Elena, A. Majumdar, R. D. Cave, E. L. Oscar, and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2016. Biology, ecology, and management of Yellowmargined leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in organic crucifer production. Journal of Integrated Pest Management.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Montemayor, C. O., P. B. Avery, and R. D. Cave. 2016. Infection and mortality of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) by Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) under laboratory conditions. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 26: 605-616
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Balusu, R.R, M. R. Elena, E. L. Oscar, and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2015. Management of Yellowmargined leaf beetle Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using turnip as trap crop. J. Econ. Entomol. 108: 26912701
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ni�o, A. A., and R. D. Cave. 2015. Suitability of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the development of the predator Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Environmental Entomology 44: 1220-1229.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Majumdar, A. 2014, 2015. Insect Management. In Master Gardener Handbook (K. Smith, Editor). ANR-0522. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. Circulation: 1,500.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Majumdar, A. 2011, 2013, 2015. Home Garden Vegetables: Insect Control. ANR-1305. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. Circulation: 1,500. [On-line] http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/I/IPM-1305/IPM-1305.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Majumdar, A., A. Chambliss, H. Fadamiro, R. Balusu, and A. Randle. 2014. Alternative Vegetable IPM Recommendation Slide Chart. ANR-2190. Designed and published by Datalizer Inc., Addison, IL. Information Copyright by ACES. Circulation: 4,000 copies. [Online] https://store.aces.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=18412. Awarded the 2015 Blue Ribbon Extension Communications Award by the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. Other states requesting publication: FL, TN, AR, MO, NY, GA, KY, SC, and MS.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Majumdar, A., Reeves, M., and A. Chambliss. 2014. High Tunnel Crop Production: Training Module for New Farmers. ANR-2157. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. Circulation: 1,800 copies. [Online] https://store.aces.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=18531 Awarded the National Finalist in Bound Book Category by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. Other states requesting publication: FL, TN, AR, MO, NY, GA, MS.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Majumdar, A. 2014. Proper Use of Approved Insecticides in Organic Farming Systems. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. ANR-2085. [Online] http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-2085/ANR-2085.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Majumdar, A. 2014. Understanding the USDA NOP Standards for Pest Management in Specialty Crops. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. ANR-2084. [Online] http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-2084/ANR-2084.pdf
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Balusu, R., and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2013. Susceptibility of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to botanical and microbial insecticide formulations. Florida Entomologist 96: 914-921
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Manrique, V., R. Diaz, C. Montemayor, D. Serrano, and R. D. Cave. 2012. Temperature-dependent development and cold tolerance of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest of cruciferous crops in the southeastern United States. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 105: 859-864.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Montemayor, C. M., and R. D. Cave. 2012. Evaluation of the predation capacity of Podisus maculiventris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in field cages. Journal of Economic Entomology 105: 1719-1725.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Balusu, R., and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2011. Evaluation of organically acceptable insecticides as stand-alone treatments and in rotation for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochloroma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in organic crucifer production. Pest Management Science 68: 573-579.


Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Organic/transition vegetable producers; naturally grown and young vegetable producers; Limited resource farmers. Changes/Problems:A no-cost extension was requested and approved by NIFA to allow additional time to complete project objectives. The new end date for the project is August 31, 2016. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In 2014-2015, Regional Extension Agents and County Coordinators organized several extension events including Field days (7), Regional IPM presentations (28), On-farm technology demonstrations (3), In-service training for Extension agents (4, including one national eOrganic webinar), IPM exhibitions (5), Handbooks/slide charts (4), Magazine publications (8), Newspaper articles (5), IPM training videos on trap crop and insecticidal control of pests (6), IPM training modules for producers (1), and Major hands-on workshops (8). Program outputs for producers included 21 IPM newsletter issues, Facebook subscribers (526), Vegetable IPM website (95 visits per day), Slide share presentations (38) (60,000 total views). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? On-farm integration of effective tactics to develop organic IPM program for crucifer production. Outreach and extension activities to transfer technology to organic vegetable growers.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Outputs: During this reporting period, we focused mainly on objective 4: On-farm integration of effective tactics developed in Objectives 1-3 to develop organic IPM program for crucifer production. On-farm trials were conducted at multiple locations in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida during spring 2015 to determine the efficacy and cost-efficiency of integrating some effective tactics developed in the previous objectives. The results showed that an IPM program integrating trap crop, attractant lure, biological control and targeted application of Entrust twice per season performed nearly as well as the grower's standard control method of weekly application of Entrust to control yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma. This study will be repeated in fall 2015 and spring 2016. Objective 5: Identify barriers to technology adoption and develop a participatory implementation plan of research results for organic vegetable growers by using a multi-level outreach plan. Outcomes/Impacts: Surveys in Alabama in 2014-2015 indicated that average increase in IPM knowledge of vegetable growers after outreach and extension training activities was about 42% (n = 131). Growers also indicated they would lose 50% or more of their crop yield if they did not use IPM practices. Overall adoption rate of IPM practices by farmers was about 90%, and 39% of growers surveyed were confident in IPM knowledge and application. After the trainings, 47% of surveyed participants indicated willingness to become certified organic or naturally grown producers. Pest scouting for leafy greens is practiced by 78% of respondents with increased adoption of sustainable pest management tactics such as trap cropping (17%), botanical insecticides (35%), insect nets/barrier use (26%), and insecticide rotation (15%). The Alabama IPM Communicator newsletter reached about 46% of the audience surveyed and has a great impact on IPM adoption/behavior change within the season. A separate survey on IPM newsletter impact in 2014 showed that 43% of respondents changed IPM practices after reading it in the newsletter. Of this, 19% used trap crops, 10% used physical exclusion methods, 8% used alternative insecticides, and 6% used improved scouting practices. Number of subscribers to the IPM Facebook page, which is widely popular among the producers, has increased from 266 to 526 by the end of 2014. Major barriers to IPM adoption include lack of awareness (new producers), high cost of insecticides or poor availability of alternative products.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Balusu, R.R, M. R. Elena, E. L. Oscar, and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2015. Management of yellowmargined leaf beetle Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) using turnip as trap crop. J. Econ. Entomol. DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov234
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Majumdar, A., G. Gray, R. Balusu, and H. Fadamiro. 2015. Insect pest scouting for crucifer crops. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. ANR-2241. [Online] http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-2241/ANR-2241.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Majumdar, A., A. Chambliss, H. Fadamiro, R. Balusu, and A. Randle. 2014. Alternative Vegetable IPM Recommendation Slide Chart. ANR-2190. Designed and published by Datalizer Inc., Addison, IL. Information Copyright by ACES. Circulation: 4,000 copies. [Online] https://store.aces.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=18412


Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Organic/transition vegetable producers; naturally grown and young vegetable producers; Low resource farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? In 2014, Regional Extension Agents and County Coordinators organized several extension events included field days (5), Regional IPM presentations (11), On-farm technology demonstrations (6), Large exhibitions (4), Handbooks/slide charts (4), Magazine publications (8), Newspaper articles (5), IPM training videos on trap crop and insecticidal control of pests (6), IPM training modules for producers (1), and major hands-on workshops (8). Program outputs for producers included 21 IPM newsletter issues, Facebook subscribers (400), Vegetable IPM website (95 visits per day), Slide share presentations (38) (60,000 total views). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? On-farm integration of effective tactics to develop organic IPM program for crucifer production.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Outputs: Since the last reporting period, the project has made considerable progress in research, outreach and extension activities. Objective 1: Develop organically acceptable tactics for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle (Microtheca ochroloma) on organic crucifers including attractants, trap crops, and biological control. The synthetic blend of attractants that was shown to be attractive to adult M. ochroloma in 2013 has been further evaluated in commercial organic vegetable farms in Alabama and Florida during spring 2014. The results showed that optimal trap deployment (placement) and density significantly improved insect trap catch. Additional field trials in multiple organic farms in Florida during spring 2014 confirmed that augmentative releases of predator spined soldier bugs, Podisus marginiventris at the rate of six insects per plant can significantly lower the incidence of M. ochroloma larvae and cause less crop damage compared to no release in mustard and turnip plots. However, predator release alone was less effective under high pest pressure. Objective 2: Evaluate OMRI approved remedial tools for managing insect pests that occur on crucifers during the season under integrated organic production systems. Feld trials were conducted during spring 2014 in commercial organic vegetable farms in Alabama and Florida to identify promising OMRI approved insecticides either as stand-alone or in rotation with Entrust®. The results showed that rotation of PyGanic® or Grandevo® with Entrust® was as effective as stand-alone application of Entrust® against M. ochroloma. Objective 3: Evaluate select mixtures of Bacillus spp. rhizobacteria for enhancing plant health and managing diseases in organic crucifer production systems. The promising stains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that were found to reduce incidence of black rot in our 2013 greenhouse tests were further evaluated in an organic vegetable farm in Alabama during fall 2014. Due to no incidence of black rot disease, the results were inconclusive. Crop yields in PGPR-treated cabbage plots were not significantly different from yields in untreated control plots. Objective 4: On-farm integration of effective tactics developed in Objectives 1-3 to develop organic IPM program for crucifer production. On-farm trials were conducted in multiple sites in Alabama and Georgia during fall 2014 to determine the efficacy and cost-efficiency of integration of some effective tactics developed in the previous objectives. The results were inconclusive due to exceptionally low pest pressure in fall 2014 at all locations. Tests are on-going to repeat this study in spring 2015. Objective 5: Identify barriers to technology adoption and develop a participatory implementation plan of research results for organic vegetable growers by using a multi-level outreach plan. Outcomes/Impacts: Surveys in Alabama in 2014 indicated that average increase in IPM knowledge of vegetable growers after outreach and extension training activities was about 42%. Growers also indicated they would lose 50% or more of their crop yield if they did not use IPM practices. Overall adoption rate of IPM practices by farmers was about 90%, and 39% of growers surveyed were confident in IPM knowledge and application. After the trainings, 47% of surveyed audiences indicated willingness to become certified organic or naturally grown producers. Increased adoption of sustainable pest management tactics such as trap cropping (17%), botanical insecticides (21%), insect nets/barrier use (6%), and insecticide rotation (15%) was recorded in 2014 compared to the previous year. The Alabama IPM Communicator newsletter reached to about 46% of the audience surveyed and has a great impact on IPM adoption/behavior change within the season. A separate survey on IPM newsletter impact in 2014 showed that 43% respondents changed IPM practices after reading it in the newsletter. Of this, 19% respondents used trap crops, 10% used physical exclusion methods, 8% used alternative insecticides, and 6% used improved scouting practices. Number of subscribers to the IPM Facebook page, which is widely popular among the producers, has increased from 266 to 400 (>50%) in 2014. Producers strongly support continuation of IPM Facebook page (55%).

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Majumdar. A., A. Chambliss, R.R. Balusu, H.Y. Fadamiro, and A. Randle. 2014. Alternative Vegetable IPM Recommendation Slide Chart. ACES Circular ANR-2190 https://store.aces.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=18412
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: High tunnel crop production handbook-training module for new & beginning farmers. ACES Circular ANR-2157
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Majumdar. A., G. Gray, R.R. Balusu, and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2014. Insect pest scouting sheet for crucifer crops. https://sites.aces.edu/group/commhort/vegetable/Documents/Crucifer%20insect%20pest%20scouting%20sheet%20-%20draft1.pdf


Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Organic/transition vegetable producers; Naturally grown and young vegetable producers; Low resource farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? In 2013, Regional Extension Agents and County Coordinators organized several extension events included field days (4), IPM exhibits/major farm shows (4), IPM demonstration on small farms (3), IPM training videos on trap crop and insecticidal control of pests (2), IPM training modules for producers (1), Regional IPM presentations (9), Major hands-on workshops (9). There was a very high demand for organic IPM training program among new/beginning and low resource producers as they represent major portion total participants directly trained (869). Program outputs for producers included 17 IPM newsletter issues, Farm magazine and newspaper articles (7), Facebook subscribers (297), Vegetable IPM website (107 to 200 visits per day depending on season). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue with the plan of work.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Outputs: Since the last reporting period, the project has made considerable progress in research, outreach and extension activities. Objective 1: Develop organically acceptable tactics for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle (M. ochroloma) on organic crucifers including attractants, trap crops, and biological control. The synthetic blend of attractants that was identified in 2012 has been evaluated in the field during spring and fall 2013. The blend was shown to be highly attractive to adult M. ochroloma. Tests are ongoing to optimize this attractant blend for monitoring the pest in organic crucifer fields. Additional field trials in fall 2012 to test the effectiveness of turnip as trap crop confirmed that perimeter trap cropping with turnip attracted adult beetles away from the cabbage cash crop and resulted in significantly lower feeding damage on cash crop. Studies in commercial organic vegetable farms in Florida showed that augmentative releases of the predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris can lower the incidence of M. ochroloma under low pest pressure. However, predator alone was less effective under high pest pressure. Objective 2: Evaluate OMRI approved remedial tools for managing insect pests that occur on crucifers during the season under integrated organic production systems. Due to exceptionally low pest populations, the results of the 2013 trials were deemed inconclusive. Tests are ongoing to repeat this study in spring 2014. Objective 3: Evaluate select mixtures of Bacillus spp. rhizobacteria for enhancing plant health and managing diseases in organic crucifer production systems. The promising stains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that were identified in laboratory and greenhouse studies in 2012 were further evaluated in field trials at research stations in Alabama and Florida. The results showed that certain PGPR strains can significantly reduce incidence of black rot in cabbage fields. Objective 4: On-farm integration of effective tactics developed in Objectives 1-3 to develop organic IPM program for crucifer production. This study is proposed for years 3 and 4 (2014 and 2015). Objective 5: Identify barriers to technology adoption and develop a participatory implementation plan of research results for organic vegetable growers by using a multi-level outreach plan. Outcomes/Impacts: The outcomes of research activities included filing of a provisional patent for M. ochroloma attractant blend. The average change in IPM knowledge of growers after outreach and extension training activities is about 50%. IPM newsletter reached to about 47% of surveyed audience which is ~25 more than previous year. Farmers using Extension IPM recommendations save about 40 to 50% of their crop. The adoption of IPM recommendations such as scouting and alternative insecticide methods were about 35 to 40% (low due to focus on new producers). The usage of and IPM website was and 30% respectively. IPM Facebook page is widely popular through producers with average of 302 weekly views and 3% virality (as of Feb 8, 2014).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Balusu, R., and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2013. Susceptibility of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to botanical and microbial insecticide formulations. Florida Entomologist 96: 914-921


Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Develop organically acceptable tactics for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle (Microtheca ochroloma) on organic crucifers including attractants, trap crops, and biological control. We have identified a blend of three compounds (2 isothiocyanates and 1 green leaf volatile) from the headspace of crucifer plants, which attract M. ochroloma to crucifers. The blend was shown to be highly attractive to adult M. ochloroma in olfactometer bioassays and also in field tests. Field trials in Alabama and Florida in spring 2012 demonstrated turnip as an effective perimeter trap crop for managing M. ochroloma in organic crucifer production. Perimeter trap cropping with turnip resulted in significantly lower feeding damage by M. ochroloma on the cabbage main crop compared to the plots without trap cropping (control). Two experiments to evaluate augmentative releases of the predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris, were performed during late 2011 and repeated during early 2012 on two organic farms in Florida. Results show that augmentative releases of the predator can lower the incidence of M. ochroloma compared in mustard and turnips. Objective 2: Evaluate OMRI approved remedial tools for managing insect pests that occur on crucifers during the season under integrated organic production systems. This study is proposed for 2013. Objective 3: Evaluate select mixtures of Bacillus spp. rhizobacteria for enhancing plant health and managing diseases in organic crucifer production systems. Select strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were evaluated in the greenhouse for their ability to enhance disease (e.g. black rot) resistance and promote growth in cabbage in spring 2012. The promising strains are currently being evaluated in field trials at E.V. Smith Research station in Alabama. Objective 4: On-farm integration of effective tactics developed in Objectives 1-3 to develop organic IPM program for crucifer production. This study is proposed for years 3 and 4 (2014 and 2015). Objective 5: Identify barriers to technology adoption and develop a participatory implementation plan of research results for organic vegetable growers by using a multi-level outreach plan. An organic IPM campaign was established statewide in Alabama in 2012. Regional Extension Agents and County Coordinators organized several extension events - short meetings, workshops, field days (24), IPM exhibitions/major farm shows (3), IPM demonstration on small farms (4), and demonstrations on research stations (3). About 304 stakeholders participated in these events. Average land holding was approximately 5.7 acres per person indicating small farms. The audience included naturally grown small family farms (37%), certified organic farms (2.7%), and transitional farms (8%). Program outputs for producers included 18 IPM newsletter issues, 10 magazine publications, 4 newspaper articles, 8 news releases, 2 Organic IPM bookmarks, 1 IPM magnet, 1 IPM windowshade, IPM website & Facebook page (212 subscribers). With rising project awareness, there are more inquiries from producers regarding organic certification requirements. PARTICIPANTS: Henry Fadamiro, Professor of Entomology, Dept. of Entomology & Plant Pathology, AU, Auburn, AL. Joseph Kloepper, Professor of Plant Pathology, Dept. of Entomology & Plant Pathology, AU, Auburn, AL. Oscar Liburd, Associate Professor and Fruit and Vegetable Specialist, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Ronald Cave, Associate Professor, University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, Ft. Pierce, FL. Carol Garrett, Research Fellow and Coordinator of Organic Vegetable Production Program, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, AU, Auburn, AL. Ayanava Majumdar, Extension Entomologist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn, AL. Rammohan Balusu, Research Fellow, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, AU, Auburn, AL. Elena Rhodes, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Ke Liu, Graduate student, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, AU, Auburn, AL. Jane Farr, Director, Plant Growth Research Center, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, AU, Auburn, AL. Pasco Avery, Sr. Biological Scientist, University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, Ft. Pierce, FL. Angie, MSc graduate student, University of Florida, Indian River Research & Education Center, Ft. Pierce, FL. Gary Weil, Organic vegetable grower, Red Root Farm, Banks, AL. David Snow, Organic vegetable grower, Snow's Bend Farm, Coker, AL. Valerie Quant, Organic vegetable grower, White Rabbit Farm, Vero Beach, FL. Diane Cordeau, Organic vegetable grower, Kai Kai Farm, Indiantown, FL. TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic/transition vegetable producers; Naturally grown and young vegetable producers; Low resource farmers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The research component of the project is in its early phase. Research outcomes included identification of attractants and an effective predator for M. ochloroma. Several publications have already resulted from this project. The project has also made considerable impact in outreach and extension. Only 18% of participating growers had any IPM training before the organic IPM campaign began. The confidence level of audience in using IPM was very low (11%). About 87% of producers were strongly satisfied with IPM training in multiple formats. Nearly 100% producers indicated continued IPM training. Extension surveys in Alabama indicated that producers would lose 48-50% of their vegetable crop yield if they did not use recommended IPM practices. This indicates that the organic IPM campaign, with its broad appeal, is already making a strong statewide impact in Alabama. More new and low resource producers are attending the vegetable IPM meetings. Urban farms and community gardens are also demanding new training programs. Baseline surveys showed that only 27% producers use Extension IPM publications, 17% use the IPM websites, 13% use IPM newsletter, and 28% use county Extension resource. 28% of producers exchanged information with their peers during events. Producers strongly support continuation of IPM Facebook page (53%). Average change in IPM knowledge (pre/post-tests) after training is 25.3%. Newsletter reached to about 25% surveyed audience and has a great impact on IPM adoption/behavior change within season. We are striving to remove barriers to IPM adoption in the next phase of the project.

Publications

  • Balusu, R., and H.Y. Fadamiro. 2011. Evaluation of organically acceptable insecticides as stand-alone treatments and in rotation for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochloroma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in organic crucifer production. Pest Management Science 68: 573-579.
  • Montemayor, C. M., and R. D. Cave. 2012. Evaluation of the predation capacity of Podisus maculiventris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in field cages. Journal of Economic Entomology 105: 1719-1725.
  • Manrique, V., R. Diaz, C. Montemayor, D. Serrano, and R. D. Cave. 2012. Temperature-dependent development and cold tolerance of Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest of cruciferous crops in the southeastern United States. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 105: 859-864.