Progress 02/17/02 to 11/23/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Arthropod pests, such as insects and mites, attack many agricultural commodities, ornamental plants, forests, pastures and structures on private and public lands. In the agricultural sector, these invasive pests cost the U.S. over $122 billion annually in yield loss, management expenses, repair, and environmental impact. Many arthropod pests in the United States are of foreign origin, and most were introduced accidentally with few or none of the natural enemies, such as predators, parasites and pathogens, that control them in their native range. Introducing these natural enemies to the United States is a potential solution for some pest problems. Active search and discovery of natural enemies is being conducted, and prospective introductions of new natural enemies into the U.S. are rigorously evaluated
for their potential impact on targets and as well as non-target organisms before release. This work is relevant not only to the farmer, but also to stateside ARS and university researchers, APHIS, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, state departments of agriculture, environmental groups, property owners and other clientele. The potential benefits include suppression of insect and mite pests in a safe and environmentally sound manner and conservation of nonrenewable resources while conserving biodiversity. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. 1. Conduct exploration for natural enemies of Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), mirids, Olive Fruit Fly (OFF), and Wheatstem Sawfly (WSSF). 2. Evaluate natural enemies and ALB ecology. 3. Conduct studies on nontarget impact of mirid natural enemies and on parasitoid overwintering stage, and conduct molecular studies on the detection and characterization of nymphal
and egg parasitoids and of host species. 4. Conduct studies on the biology and ecology of OFF natural enemies and on OFF genetics. 5. Conduct collaborative work on sawfly genetics, and inititate studies on suitability of Collyria sp., a candidate natural enemy against C. cinctus. 6. Evaluate fungi and nematodes of Formosan Subterranean Termites (FST) using termites kept individually and in groups, and conduct field experiments in La Reunion and southern France. 7. Develop non-invasive hive evaluation tool, conduct field experiments on the control of varroa mites, and collaborate on similar experiments in Denmark. 8. Collect and ship promising natural enemies of ALB, mirids, OFF, WSSF and FST. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Continue exploration for natural enemies of ALB in Asia, Europe and North America. This milestone was substantially met.
In early October 2004, the newly ALB-infested site at Sainte-Anne-sur-Brivet, Loire-Atlantique, France, was inspected but no parasitoid was found. During spring 2005, diapausing larvae of the gregarious egg parasitoid, Aprostocetus anoplophorae (Hym.: Eulophidae) were obtained from Citrus Longhorned Beetle (CLB) eggs collected from Prunus laurocerasus trees at Parabiago, Italy, which confirmed the regular presence and relatively high abundance of the parasitoid since its first discovery in early 2002. In CLB- infested sites of Northern Italy, 1st instar larvae of ALB and CLB in plants artificially exposed in the field were attacked by the gregarious ectoparasitoid Spathius erythrocephalus (Hym.: Braconidae), and by a new parasitoid, a still unidentified solitary chalcid. Owing to time and budget constraints, exploration trips to Asia and North America have been indefinitely postponed. Milestone Substantially Met 2. Develop mass rearing methods for promising ALB natural enemy species,
together with studies of nutritional requirements. This milestone was substantially met. Laboratory rearing techniques for the parasitoid S. erythrocephalus and A. anoplophorae are under development. Milestone Substantially Met 3. Publish data on exploration and collection of cerambycid natural enemies made in Finland (2001-2002) and Italy (2002-2004). This milestone was substantially met. Progress on the Italian work was published and publication on the work in Finland is being prepared. Milestone Substantially Met 4. Continue exploration for natural enemies of mirids in Portugal and Hungary, and collect and send egg and nymphal parasitoids to US cooperators. This milestone was fully met. Collections were made to detect the key parasitoid P. rubricollis using molecular techniques. In FY 2005, exploration for the collection and identification of natural enemies of Lygus rugulipennis, L. pratensis and Adelphocoris lineolatus have been made in the Languedoc-Roussillon and Drome
departments in France, and in Hungary and in Spain. Exploration in Portugal is planned for September. The nymphal parasitoids expected from the collections, P. digoneutis, P. stygicus, P. rubricollis from Lygus and P. conradi from Adelphocoris, will be shipped to EBCL cooperators: K. Hoelmer, USDA-ARS, Newark DE, and C. Pickett, CDFA, Sacramento CA, in 2005. Milestone Fully Met 5. Collaborate on studies comparing potential non-target impact of candidate parasitoids against mirids on native fauna in North America with those in Europe. This milestone was substantially met. Other Miridae encountered during the collections with L. rugulipennis and L. pratensis and A. lineolatus in France in May and June were reared for parasitoids such as P. stygicus and P. digoneutis. Milestone Substantially Met 6. Initiate molecular studies on mirids and their natural enemies: detection, characterization of nymphal and egg parasitoids; characterization of host species. This milestone was substantially
met. Part of the nymphal collections made in France and Hungary are preserved in alcohol. Adult parasitoids which emerge from the 2005 collections in France, Hungary and Spain are being preserved for DNA evaluation as well for future use in genetic studies to characterize immature parasitoids within their pest hosts. Milestone Substantially Met 7. Continue exploration for natural enemies of the OFF in the Mediterranean region, Canary Islands, India and Nepal. This milestone was substantially met. Large amounts of material were collected in the Canary Islands, Morocco, South Africa and Namibia. Collecting trips to China, India and Nepal are planned for FY 2006. Milestone Substantially Met 8. Initiate biology and ecology studies for candidate natural enemies, initiate genetic studies of collected OFF, and conduct field test of potential entomopathogen control agent in Greece. This milestone has been fully met. Studies of the biology and ecology of 2 braconid parasitoids of OFF were
initiated. Crossing experiments using Psyttalia concolor may reveal strain differences and in particular differences in host specificity. It has proved very difficult to rear P. lounsburyi, the most specific OFF parasitoid, in the laboratory because it would only attack OFF larvae in olive fruits, which were not available year-round. Meticulous work on rearing it on the Mediterranean fruit fly without the need for olive fruits has led to a potential breakthrough, although further work is required to show if this will lead to mass production of this important OFF parasitoid. In collaboration with M-C Bon (EBCL) and George Roderick (UC Berkeley), a comprehensive study of the genetics of OFF populations worldwide has begun. The genetic program on OFF at EBCL has been undertaken partly within the framework of the USDA-funded research program titled "Invasion biology of the olive fruit fly," led by Dr. G. Roderick, University of California at Berkeley and in collaboration with Francesco
Nardi, University of Siena, Italy. Genetic analysis has still to be confirmed, but OFF samples across much of its geographical range have been assembled by K. Hoelmer, A. Kirk, J. Kashefi, and collaborators. Most specimens are conserved in alcohol and or frozen at 24DGC until DNA extraction while others have been dried for morphological studies. This year, a Masters-equivalent student (V. Lacroix) developed a standardized and improved method for the extraction of DNA from single flies. EBCL scientists designed experiments and sampling procedures, and produced and shipped a large amount of spores of entomopathogenic fungi of Greek origin to the collaborator in Greece for a field experimentation. Milestone Fully Met 9. Continue exploration for natural enemies of WSSF in East Asia, and conduct mass collection of natural enemies for shipment to US. This milestone is being conducted in cooperation with T. Shanower (NPARL, Sidney, MT). An exploration trip is planned for FY 2005 Milestone
Substantially Met 10. Conduct collaborative work on WSSF genetics (identify closest relative to C. cinctus), and initiate studies on suitability of Collyria sp., a candidate natural enemy against C. cinctus. This milestone was not met, largely because the scientist involved in WSSF work was transferred and has not been replaced. Further genetic work is contingent on the collection and shipment of additional insects. Milestone Not Met Progress slowed by resource limitation (human,fiscal,equipment, etc. 11. Evaluate previously-collected fungi against FST using termites kept individually and in groups and publish the results; identify and initiate bioassays using nematodes; conduct field experiments in La Reunion and southern France. This milestone was substantially met. Numerous bioassays were conducted using fungi and nematodes, and results were published. A field experiment was conducted in southern France. Milestone Substantially Met 12. Ship virulent fungal isolates against FST to
cooperators in US. This milestone has been substantially met: a virulent isolate has been identified for further study in the US, but the isolate has not been shipped due to a lack of demand from cooperators in the US. Milestone Substantially Met 13. Develop non-invasive tool (outdoor balance linked to datalogger + techniques for data analysis) for evaluating varroa mite control strategies and publish a description. This milestone has been fully met Milestone Fully Met 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Asian Longhorned Beetle. Discovery of a new larval parasitoid attacking the first larval stage of the hosts ALB and CLB. Parasitoids are critical to the natural biological control of ALB, and this is a candidate natural enemy for evaluation and possible release. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. The most significant accomplishments this year are provided by target pest. Lygus and other mirids. Parasitoids of Lygus and Adephocoris
were shipped to cooperators in Delaware and California. Olive Fruit Fly. First production of P. lounsburyi, a key OFF parasitoid, using larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly. This development raises the possibility of mass rearing of the parasitoids for field release in California. This parasitoid is known to be an important natural enemy of OFF, although it has been difficult to culture because of the need of fresh olive fruits for the OFF larvae. Since rearing Mediterranean fruit fly is much easier, this will facilitate the mass production effort. Wheatstem Sawfly. No major accomplishment this year due to the transfer of an EBCL scientist. Formosan subterranean termite. A nematode isolate collected in China in 2002 by the EBCL team of Mercadier and Kirk is a new species. This new species, in the family Diplogasteridae, is being described for publication as well as being evaluated in lab bioassays. Varroa mite. An isolate of an entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, was
identified from varroa mite samples collected near Montpellier, France. This isolate, as well as isolates of other locally- collected entomopathogenic fungi, is being tested in lab bioassays for suitability as a candidate for a field test. 4d Progress report. Please see subordinate AD- 421 for CRIS 4012- 22000- 019- 01S (cacao). 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. This project has been completed and will be replaced by a new project currently under the final stages of review by the Office of Scientific Quality Review (OSQR). 1. The collection, rearing and shipment of several parasitoid natural enemies against Lygus. Impact: These natural enemies are being released and may prove potent biocontrol agents. 2. The discovery of new possible biological control agents against Asian Longhorned Borer and Citrus Longhorned Borer. Impact: this work has shown that classical biological control of ALB is a distinct
possibility. 3. The collection, identification and shipment of parasitoids against Olive Fruit Fly. Impact: this work has shown that there is still potential for biological control of OFF, particularly in southern Africa and that OFF populations can vary a great deal among locations and over time. 4. The genetic analysis of disparate Olive Fruit Fly populations around the world. Impact: this work will be helpful in identifying the true native range of the Olive Fruit Fly, and in targeting the search for natural enemies. 5. The development and publication of a spore viability model for Beaveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus. Impact: The model can be used to estimate shelf and field life of fungal spores. 6. The collection of 12 nematode isolates and over 100 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi associated with live termites. Impact: these pathogens may represent a rich source of potential biocontrol and biopesticide agents, and work has already shown that some isolates may be
more effective than commercially available ones in the US. 7. Progress on understanding the genetic structure of Wheatstem Sawfly populations in the US and in Asia. Impact: such an understanding will help target the search for natural enemies. 8. Natural enemies of Soybean Aphid have been collected in Asia and shipped to US cooperators (Soybean Aphid is an outbreak pest and foreign exploration was not included in the CRIS Project Plan for FY 2002-2004). Impact: these parasitoids are being evaluated as biocontrol agents in the US. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? See 5.1 and 5.8 above. Technology in 5.2, 5.3, 5.6, and 5.7 is likely to become available within 5 years. Constraints include host-range issues. 7. List your most important
publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Staff in this CRIS made the following presentations in FY 2005: Coutinot, D., and Hoelmer, K. 2005. Explorations in Europe and parasitoid species composition by climatic association. International Symposium Ecology and Management of Lygus Plant Bugs, Ottawa, Canada. 30 January 3 February 2005 (poster presentation). 2005. Delvare, G., Bon, M.-C., Herard, F., Cocquempot, C., Maspero, M., and Colombo, M. Description of Aprostocetus anoplophorae n. sp. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a new egg parasitoid of the invasive pest Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). Annales de la Soiete entomologie de France 40 (3-4): 227-233. 2004. Herard, F. 2005. Rectification: AL netait pas parmi les larves de capricorne recoltees dans les chenes de Ste-Anne sur Brivet. PHYTOMA - La defense des vegetaux, no. 580, March 2005,
2pp. Herard, F., Bon, M.-C., Lopez, J., Cocquempot, C., and Maspero, M. Survey and Evaluation of potential natural enemies of Anoplophora glabripennis and chinensis. Proceedings of the United States Department of Agriculture Interagency research Forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species, Annapolis, MD, USA, January, 2005. 2005. Herard, F., Jollivet, C., and Reynaud, P. Gestion des foyers de capricornes asiatiques: En France, Autriche, Allemagne et Italie, l'eradication est lancee. PHYTOMA - La defense des vegetaux, no. 583, June, 2005, 22-26. 2005. Hoelmer, K., and Kirk, A.A. New opportunities for biological control of olive fruit fly. XXII International congress of Entomology, 15-21 August, 2004, Brisbane, Australia (oral presentation). 2005. Hoelmer, K., and Kirk, A.A. Selecting arthropod biological control agents against arthropod pests: how can the science be improved to decrease the risk of releasing ineffective agents? XXII International congress of Entomology, 15-21
August, 2004, Brisbane, Australia (oral presentation). 2005. Pickett, C.H., Coutinot, D., Kuhlmann, U., Hoelmer, K.A., Bolda, M., Colfer, R., Goodel, P., and Swezey, S. Importation of Parasitoids for the Biological Control of Lygus. California. Pacific Branch ESA meeting, February 27 - March 2, 2005, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA (poster presentation). 2005. Pickett C. H., Rodriguez, R., Brown, J., Coutinot, D., Hoelmer, K.A., Ertle, L. Importation and establishment of Lygus parasitoids in California. International Symposium Ecology and Management of Lygus Plant Bugs, Ottawa, Canada. 30 January-3 February, 2005 (poster presentation). 2005.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Meikle, W.G., Mercadier, G., Rosengaus, R.B., Kirk, A., Derouane, F., Quimby, P.C. 2005. Evaluation of an entomopathogenic fungus, paecilomyces fumosoroseus (wize) brown and smith (deuteromycota: hyphomycetes) obtained from formosan subterranean termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae). Journal of Applied Entomology.
- Vowotar, K.A., Meikle, W.G., Ayertey, J.N., Markham, R. 2005. Distribution of and association between the larger grain borer prostephanus truncatus (horn) (coleoptera: bostrichidae) and the maize weevil sitophilus zeamais motschulsky (coleoptera: curculionidae) in maize stores. Journal of Stored Products Research.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Arthropod pests, such as insects and mites, attack many agricultural commodities, ornamental plants, forests, pastures and structures on private and public lands. In the agricultural sector, these invasive pests cost the U.S. over $122 billion annually in yield loss, management expenses, repair, and environmental impact. Many arthropod pests in the United States are of foreign origin, and most were introduced accidentally with few or no natural enemies, such as predators, parasites or pathogens, that control them in their native range. The introduction of the natural enemies of these pests to the United States is a potential solution. Active search and discovery of natural enemies is being conducted. Prospective introductions of new natural enemies into the U. S. must be rigorously evaluated for
their potential impact on targets and on non-targets. This work is relevant not only to the farmer, but also to stateside ARS and university researchers, APHIS, Forest Service, National Park Service, state departments of agriculture, environmental groups, property owners and other clientele. The potential benefits include suppression of insect and mite pests in a safe and environmentally sound manner and conservation of nonrenewable resources. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. 1. Begin new exploration for new projects on Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) , Brown Citrus Aphid, Olive Fruit Fly (OFF), and Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST). 2. Continue explorations for leafrollers and codling moth, mirids, and Wheatstem Sawfly (WSS). 3. Continue characterizations of Diamondback Moth and Pink Hibiscus Mealybug. 4. Discovery of new natural enemies (parasitoids, predators and pathogens) of the target insects. 5. Mass-collections of natural enemies of
Lygus and Adelphocoris for cooperators in the U.S. 6. Continue study of biology, behavior, ecology, host-plant interactions, natural enemy interactions, and environmental factors influencing natural enemy activity. 7. Continue characterization / ID studies for pests and natural enemies. 8. Shipments of new fruit fly parasitoids to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and Hawaii cooperators. 9. Shipments of virulent pathogens of termites to New Orleans and Stoneville cooperators. 10. Shipments of Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) natural enemies to Newark quarantine. 3. Milestones: This was the final year of the last CRIS and work on several pests in that CRIS, Diamondback Moth, Citrus Brown Aphid, Pink Hibiscus Mealybug and Codling Moth, had been discontinued for at least a year.The milestones from the Project plan for FY 2004 are: 1. Continue foreign exploration and discovery of new natural enemies of the target insects. Foreign exploration was conducted for natural
enemies of ALB, WSSF, OFF, and Soybean Aphid (an outbreak pest not included in the original Project Plan). Foreign exploration was conducted for natural enemies of all these pests. This milestone was fully met. 2. Mass-collections of natural enemies of Lygus and Adelphocoris for cooperators in the U.S. A total of 6 shipments of parasitoids, including Peristenus spp. and Anaphes pectoralis, were made to US cooperators. This milestone was fully met. 3. Shipments of new fruit fly parasitoids to CDFA and Hawaii cooperators. A total of 2 shipments of parasitoids, including Psyttalia spp., Utetes africanus, and Bracon sp., were sent to cooperators in the US. This milestone was fully met. 4. Shipments of virulent pathogens of termites to New Orleans and Stoneville cooperators. This milestone has not been met. While virulent pathogens have been collected and isolated, as yet none have been shipped to the US. Part of the reason is that studies to evaluate the pathogens with respect to
commercially-available isolates are still being conducted. An agreement currently is being developed with a new cooperator in the Stoneville facility for further evaluation of exotic termite pathogens. 5. Shipments of ALB natural enemies to Newark quarantine. This milestone has not been met. Shipments of natural enemies depends on the collection and identification of new natural enemies, which is impossible to predict. However, recent advances (see below) suggest that shipments will start within one to two years. 6. Continue study of biology, behavior, ecology, host-plant interactions, natural enemy interactions, and environmental factors influencing natural enemy activity. This activity has been substantially met. Studies have been conducted on the biology and ecology of ALB natural enemies and on the interaction between termite behavior and pathogen virulence. The results of both these sets of studies will be published in peer reviewed publications. 7. Continue characterization /
ID studies for pests and natural enemies. Genetic analyses were used to help determine the taxonomic status of a new parasitoid attacking Anaplophora chinensis in Europe. Studies are being conducted to identify WSSF populations collected in Asia to the species level. A technique is being developed which uses a genetic probe to determine the specific parasitism rate of wild populations of Lygus. A new Project Plan is being written for this project. The following are milestones and anticipated accomplishments for the new Project Plan. Asian Longhorned Borer: 1. Collect and identify natural enemies against ALB. 2005. Collect and identify natural enemies and diseases of cerambycid species in Asia, Europe and North America. Publish data on exploration and collection made in Finland (2001-2002). Result: possible collection of biological control agents. 2006. Continue exploration and collection, and identification of natural enemies. Publish data on evaluation of natural enemies. Result:
possible new biological control agents. 2007. Continue exploration and collection, and identification of natural enemies. Publish data on evaluation of natural enemies. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2. Conduct basic biological, behavioral, genetic and ecological studies. 2005. Develop mass-rearing methods for at least two promising ALB natural enemy species, together with studies of nutritional requirements. Publish data on exploration and field experiments made in Italy (2002-2004). Result: improvement of mass-rearing of biological control agents. 2006. Conduct studies on natural enemy host range and potential impact, and on cerambycid ecology and semiochemicals. Result: improved targeting of biological control and other intervention strategies. 2007. Conduct studies on natural enemy host range and potential impact, and on cerambycid ecology and semiochemicals. Publish results. Result: improved impact assessment of biocontrol agents, and a better understanding of
target pest behavior and ecology. Lygus and other mirids 1. Collect and identify natural enemies against Lygus and other mirids. 2005. Initiate collection and identification of natural enemies in Hungary and Portugal. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2006. Initiate collection and identification of natural enemies in North Africa and Turkey. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2007. Initiate collection and identification of natural enemies in Bulgaria. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2. Conduct basic biological, behavioral, genetic and ecological studies. 2005. Conduct ecological studies comparing potential non-target impacts of candidate parasitoids on native fauna in North America with those in Europe. Initiate molecular studies: detection and characterization of nymphal and egg parasitoids and characterization of host species, including mirid pests of cacao in Africa. Result: completion of impact assessment, clearing the way for possible
release of new organisms, and the development of a technique to measure parasitization rates in field populations of Lygus. 2006. Conduct studies on biology, ecology and nontarget impact. Initiate studies on overwintering stage and continue molecular studies: detection and characterization. Result: completion of impact assessment and the development of a technique to measure parasitization rates in field populations of Lygus. 2007. Conduct studies on biology, ecology and nontarget impact, on overwintering stage, and on molecular studies. Result: completion of impact assessment, development of a technique to measure parasitization rates in field populations of Lygus. 3. Rearing of Lygus natural enemies and supply to US cooperators. 2005. Collect and send at least 3 shipments of egg and nymphal parasitoids to US cooperators. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2006. Collect and send at least 3 shipments of egg and nymphal parasitoids to US cooperators. Result: possible new
biological control agents. 2007. Collect and send at least 3 shipments of egg and nymphal parasitoids to US cooperators. Result: possible new biological control agents. Olive Fruit Fly: 1. Collect and identify natural enemies against OFF. 2005. Collect and identify natural enemies in the Mediterranean region, Canary Islands, and India and Nepal. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2006. Collect and identify natural enemies in the southern hemisphere (Namibia, La Reunion, South Africa). Result: possible new biological control agents. 2007. Collect and identify natural enemies. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2. Conduct basic biological, behavioral, genetic and ecological studies. 2005. Initiate biology and ecology studies for candidate natural enemies. Initiate genetic studies of collected flies. Conduct field test of potential entomopathogen control agent. Result: Better understanding of the genetics of invasive fruit fly populations, and the possible
development of a biopesticide against OFF. 2006. Conduct studies on natural enemies and on fruit fly genetics. Conduct another field test of entomopathogen in Greece. Result: Better understanding of the genetics of invasive fruit fly populations, and the possible development of a biopesticide against OFF. 2007. Conduct studies on parasitoids and pathogens, and on OFF genetics. Result: Better understanding of the genetics of invasive fruit fly populations, and the possible development of a biopesticide against OFF. Wheatstem Sawfly 1. Collect and identify natural enemies against WSSF. 2005. Collect and identify natural enemies in East Asia. Make at least one collecting trip to East Asia, or have at least 1 shipment of natural enemies from Asia. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2006. Collect and identify natural enemies in East Asia. Make at least one collecting trip to East Asia, or have at least 1 shipment of natural enemies from Asia. Result: possible new biological
control agents. 2007. Collect and identify natural enemies in East Asia. Make at least one collecting trip to East Asia, or have at least 1 shipment of natural enemies from Asia. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2. Conduct basic biological, behavioral, genetic and ecological studies. 2005. Conduct studies on sawfly genetics (identify closest relative to C. cinctus); Inititate studies on suitability of Collyria sp., a candidate natural enemy against C. cinctus. Result: better understanding of the distribution of C. cinctus in Asia, and the impact assessment of Collyria sp. in the US. 2006. Conduct studies on suitability of Collyria sp. Initiate field experiments to understand and model the ecology and dynamics of Collyria and braconid parasitoids in natural WSSF populations in Europe. Result: better understanding of the distribution of C. cinctus in Asia, and the impact assessment of Collyria sp. in the US. 2007. Conduct studies on suitability of Collyria sp. Conduct
field experiments to understand and model the ecology and dynamics of Collyria and braconid parasitoids in natural WSSF populations in Europe. Result: better understanding of the distribution of C. cinctus in Asia, and the impact assessment of Collyria sp. in the US. Formosan Subterranean Termite 1. Collect and identify termite pathogens. 2005 Collect termites in France (locally) and receive shipments from China. Make at least 2 collections in France and receive 2 shipments from China. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2006 Collect termites in France (locally) and receive shipments from China. Make at least 2 collections in France and receive 2 shipments from China. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2007 Collect termites in France (locally) and receive shipments from China. Make at least 2 collections in France and receive 2 shipments from China. Result: possible new biological control agents. 2. Conduct basic biological, behavioral, genetic and ecological
studies. 2005 Evaluate previously-collected fungi using termites kept individually and in groups; identify and initiate bioassays using nematodes. Conduct field experiments in La Reunion and southern France. Result: better understanding of the role of pathogens in termite ecology, and of the virulence of exotic pathogens compared to commercial preparations. 2006 Evaluate previously-collected fungi and nematodes using termites kept individually and in groups. Conduct field experiments in La Reunion and southern France. Result: better understanding of the role of pathogens in termite ecology, and of the virulence of exotic pathogens compared to commercial preparations. 2007 Evaluate previously-collected fungi and nematodes using termites kept individually and in groups. Conduct field experiments in La Reunion and southern France. Result: better understanding of the role of pathogens in termite ecology, and of the virulence of exotic pathogens compared to commercial preparations. Varroa
Mite of Honeybees 1. Collect and identify mite pathogens. 2005 No collections planned. 2006 Mite pathogens will be collected in France (locally). Result: possible new biological control agents. 2007 Mite pathogens will be collected in France (locally). Result: possible new biological control agents. 2. Conduct biological, behavioral and ecological studies. 2005 Develop non-invasive tool (outdoor balance linked to datalogger + techniques for data analysis) for evaluating varroa control strategies. Publish a paper describing the tool. Result: a way of evaluating the effectiveness and impact of different varroa control strategies, including the use of biopesticides. 2006 Refine the development of the non-invasive beehive evaluation tool; conduct field experiments on varroa control; collaborate with a Danish lab on evaluating the tool in two sites. Result: improved application of biopesticides to beehives for varroa control. 2007 Refine the development of the non-invasive beehive
evaluation tool; conduct field experiments on varroa control and publish results of field experiments; collaborate with a Danish lab on evaluating the tool in two sites. Result: improved application of biopesticides to beehives for varroa control. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? Experiments were completed comparing, in terms of survivorship of treated termites, an isolate of an entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, collected from FST in China with a commercial isolate of another pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. The results showed that while the M. anisopliae isolate, which is registered for use against termites in the US, proved more virulent than the Chinese isolate among termites that were treated and then kept individually, the Chinese isolate was significantly more virulent than the commercial isolate among termites that were treated and then kept as a group (keeping them as a group was intended to approximate the contact
and grooming they would experience in a colony). This accomplishment is important because a) very little work has been done on pathogens isolated directly from termites, b) this demonstrates that pathogens collected from target pests themselves in their area of origin may have special characteristics, and c) because the experimental protocol (individual and grouped) and analysis suggests an effective way to compare pathogen virulence among social insects. The anticipated outcomes are the shipment of virulent pathogen isolates collected from the target insects themselves for testing in quarantine in the US, and the use of similar experimental protocol to compare different pathogen isolates and formulations, in terms of their effects on termite survivorship. B. Other significant accomplishments. The most significant accomplishments this year are provided by the target pest, Asian Longhorned Borer. Observations on the phenology of the egg parasitoid Aprostocetus anoplophorae (Hym.:
Eulophidae) in the Anoplophora chinensis (CLB)-infested site in Italy were completed. This accomplishment is an important step in understanding natural biological control processes in these cerambycids. Field experiments were conducted in Italy to observe the A. anoplophorae populations. The possible result is a new understanding of cerambycid ecology, and refined experimental protocols for future work on impact assessment of biocontrol agents. An ovo-larval braconid emerged for the first time from A. chinensis newly- hatched larvae on plants which had been preliminarily infested in the laboratory with CLB eggs, then exposed in the CLB-infested site in Italy. In quarantine, tests of parasitization using these adult braconid specimens are currently being conducted in order to start rearing a colony of it in CLB eggs, and to test it on the distinct host A. glabripennis. This accomplishment is important because such braconids may be potent biological control agents against invasive
cerambycids. The outcome could be a biological control agent ready for shipping to U.S. cooperators. Lygus and other mirids. Several shipments of two species of parasitoids collected in Europe were sent to US cooperators. The accomplishment represents the next step in releasing these parasitoids against Lygus in the US. One parasitoid was mass-collected in France and Spain, while the other was reared at EBCL and then shipped to the US. While the situation is still being monitored, one likely outcome is increased biological control, lower Lygus densities and less pesticide use. Olive Fruit Fly. Exploration for natural enemies revealed that both olive fly populations and the relative abundance of their natural enemies fluctuated a great deal between Eastern and Western Cape provinces, and that the natural enemy fauna in Namibia was diverse. The accomplishment provides encouraging evidence that good biocontrol agents may be found among southern African parasitoids. Infested olives
were collected at many localities in South Africa and Namibia were reared out and all emerging parasitoids collected and identified. The outcome is a better understanding of parasitoid diversity with respect to OFF, and possible candidate natural enemies for introduction. Wheatstem Sawfly. The phylogeographic pattern of the Wheatstem Sawfly across the northern Great Plains of North America were investigated based on 57 populations in collaboration with Tom Shanower (ARS-Sidney Montana) and Pr W. Morrill from Montana State University. While the sample sizes were small, and therefore the results not definitive, the WSSF species in the US might be different than that in China, providing insight into the origin of WSSF. The accomplishment shows progress in understanding the genetic relationships of the main sawfly species and where effective natural enemies might be found. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. This
project is in the third year of a 3-year project (initiated 2/02). The major accomplishments over the life of the project have been 1. The collection, rearing and shipment of several parasitoid natural enemies against Lygus. Impact: These natural enemies are being released and may prove potent biocontrol agents. 2. The discovery of new possible biological control agents against Asian Longhorned Borer and Citrus Longhorned Borer. Impact: this work has shown that classical biological control of ALB is a distinct possibility. 3. The collection, identification and shipment of parasitoids against Olive Fruit Fly. Impact: this work has shown that there is still potential for biological control of OFF, particularly in southern Africa and that OFF populations can vary a great deal among locations and over time. 4. The genetic analysis of disparate Olive Fruit Fly populations around the world. Impact: this work will be helpful in identifying the true native range of the Olive Fruit Fly, and
in targeting the search for natural enemies. 5. The development and publication of a spore viability model for Beaveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus. Impact: The model can be used to estimate shelf and field life of fungal spores. 6. The collection of 12 nematode isolates and over 100 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi associated with live termites. Impact: these pathogens may represent a rich source of potential biocontrol and biopesticide agents, and work has already shown that some isolates may be more effective than commercially available ones in the US. 7. Progress on understanding the genetic structure of Wheatstem Sawfly populations in the US and in Asia. Impact: such an understanding will help target the search for natural enemies. 8. Natural enemies of Soybean Aphid have been collected in Asia and shipped to US cooperators (Soybean Aphid is an outbreak pest and foreign exploration was not included in the CRIS Project Plan for FY 2002-2004). Impact: these parasitoids
are being evaluated as biocontrol agents in the US. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? See 5.1 and 5.8 above. Technology in 5.2, 5.3, 5.6, and 5.7 is likely to become available within 5 years. Constraints include host-range issues. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Coutinot, D., G. Theissen, G., M. Jeay and P.C. Quimby. Importation, circulation et detention d'organismes vivants en France (UE) a des fins scientifiques. Legislation et reglementation . 1eres Journees de formation INRA "Organismes de quarantaine", Paris, France, 8-9 March 2004 (poster). Coutinot, D., G. Theissen, G., M. Jeay and P.C. Quimby. Importation of living material
into France (EU) for scientific purposes - Legislation & regulations. The 51st Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Cincinnati, OH, USA, 26-30 October 2003 (poster). Hurard, C., M.-C. Bon, M. Ducamp, T. Widmer, P. Petithuguenin, and P.C. Quimby. Biological control of Phytophthora pod rots of cacao: strong fungicidal activity shown by a Myrothecium verrucaria strain against several pathogenic Phytophthora species. XIV International cocoa research conference, Accra, Ghana, 13-18 October 2003 (oral presentation). Meikle, W.G., D.K. Weaver, C. Nansen, J.B. Runyon, G.E. Peck and W.L. Morrill. Relative capture of male and female adult wheat stem sawflies by pheromone and host plant attractant lures in field traps. The Pacific Branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Bozeman, MT, USA, 21-24 June, 2004 (oral presentation). Meikle, W.G., A.A. Kirk and K. Hoelmer. Foreign exploration for biological control agents: Current issues and problems. The 15th International
Plant Protection Congress, Beijing, China, 11-16 May, 2004 (oral presentation). Pickett, C. H., R. Rodrigues, D. Coutinot, L. Ertle, K. Hoelmer and K. Casanave. Importation and establishment of Lygus parasitoids in California. The Pacific Branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Bozeman, MT, USA, 21-24 June, 2004 (oral presentation).
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Nansen, C., Meikle, W.G., Tigar, B., Harding, S., Tchabi, A. 2004. Non- agricultural hosts of prostephanus truncatus (horn) (coleoptera: bostrichidae) in west african forests.. Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
- Cherry, A., Mercadier, G., Meikle, W.G., Castelo-Branco, M., Schroer, S. 2002. The role of entomopathogens in dbm biological control. Biocontrol Symposium Proceedings.
- MEIKLE, W.G., REES, D., MARKHAM, R. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE LARGER GRAIN BORER, PROSTEPHANUS TRUNCATUS (HORN) (COLEOPTERA: BOSTRICHIDAE). INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT REVIEWS. 2002.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Insect pests attack many crops, ornamental plants, forests, pastures and plants on private and public lands. Many of the insect pests in the United States are of foreign origin, and most were introduced accidentally without any of the natural enemies that control them in their native range. These invasive insects cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year in yield loss, management expenses, and environmental impacts. The introduction of their natural enemies is a potential solution. Active search and discovery of natural enemies is being conducted. Prospective introductions of new natural enemies into the U. S. must be and are rigorously evaluated for their potential impact on targets and on non-targets. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Insect and other arthropod pests are major agricultural, environmental, and nuisance problems. Losses in agriculture due to
arthropod pests and weeds have been estimated at over $122 billion annually due to production losses and costs of control efforts. This work is relevant not only to the farmer, but also to stateside ARS and university researchers, APHIS, Forest Service, National Park Service, state departments of agriculture, environmental groups, and other clientele. The potential benefits include suppression of insect and mite pests in a safe and environmentally sound manner and conservation of nonrenewable resources. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? The agency is emphasizing biologically based integrated pest management systems of native and invasive arthropod pests. Biological control constitutes a major component of these systems, particularly under National Program 304 (Plant Protection and Quarantine. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? . The research was done to discover new
pathogens and arthropod parasitoids and predators for the control of the target arthropod pests. Foreign exploration was conducted by EBCL staff to search for new natural enemies of these pests, with the help of foreign research stations and cooperators, in 12 countries (France, Italy, Greece, Spain, China, Kenya, Korea, La Reunion, Pakistan, Romania, South Africa, Turkey) resulting in the discovery of numerous arthropod natural enemies and pathogens of the target pests. Some of these were shipped to cooperators in the U.S. for further testing and eventual field release (see part D.) and others were evaluated at EBCL: for example, 5 isolates of Beauveria and Metarhizium fungal entomopathogens isolated from soil in olive orchards were evaluated in bioassays against olive fruit fly and proved to be highly pathogenic to fly larvae. The discovery of effective new biologically based control measures will have a positive impact on the management of the respective target pests. B.
Molecular markers have proven to be very useful in evaluating relationships between the target pest and its biological control agents, such as in studies of their population structure and phylogeny, by detection of cryptic species or biotypes using molecular markers, by providing genetic fingerprints for identification, and by developing diagnostic tools for detection of parasitoids within hosts. Accomplishments during 2003 included the genetic demarcation of distinct wheat stem sawfly populations in the U.S. using a mitochondrial marker; molecular analysis of an unidentified parasitoid of Asian longhorned beetle in Italy identified it as a likely new species in the genus Aprostocetus. In a genetic comparison of relatedness, nine virulent Metarhizium isolates from Australia, China, Hong Kong, La Reunion and Guadeloupe were found to belong to M. anisopliae var. anisopliae. These studies and others will increase the likelihood of locating effective biocontrol agents of these pests. C.
None. Significant progress has been made with respect to several of the target pests in this project. These natural enemies are being identified, evaluated for their impact on the respective target and potential non- targets, and / or have been shipped to U.S. cooperators for field release and prospective establishment. For example, during FY 2003, collections of olive fruit fly in Africa have resulted in large collections of fruit fly parasitoids for evaluation by EBCL and shipments to collaborating scientists in the U.S. Thirty-five of 80 isolates of entomopathogenic fungi obtained from termites collected in the field belonging to the genera Beauveria, Metarhizium and Paecilomyces have shown high virulence in lab bioassays; and nine nematode isolates have been obtained from termites that cause mortality. Preliminary genetic studies of sawflies gave evidence of geographical patterns in the genetic variation of North American populations that may yield insights into the history
of Cephus introduction into North America. Three European sites recently infested with Asian longhorned beetles were explored for the presence of natural enemies and several species of parasitoids were found attacking the target or closely related beetles. All of these newly-found natural enemies are being identified and evaluated against the target pests. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. his project is in its second year (initiated 2/02, refer to question no. 4). The major accomplishments over the life of the project will be the discovery of new and more effective biologically-based control agents in foreign countries of various arthropod pests that have established in the United States, including tarnished plant bugs (Lygus species), olive fruit flies, Formosan termites, Asian longhorned beetles, wheat stem sawflies, soybean aphids, and other new target pests. For example, field establishment of the
lygus bug parasitoid Peristenus stygicus resulting from EBCL foreign exploration in Spain and France was recently demonstrated in California by CDFA cooperators. The real and potential impacts of such establishments include the suppression of insect pests in a safe and environmentally-sound manner, the reduction of management expenses due to establishment of a self-perpetuating control measure, and increases in the scientific understanding of pest-natural enemy systems. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? Over the next 3 years, ongoing foreign exploration will continue to discover new geographic populations and new species of natural enemies of the target pests. In the second and third years following their discovery, evaluation of safety and potential impact will be followed by shipment to U.S. cooperators for eventual release in the U.S. if safety and efficacy are determined to be positive. During 2004, we anticipate shipping natural enemies
of olive fruit fly, lygus bugs, soybean aphid, pigeonpea pod borer, and wheat stem sawfly to cooperators in the U.S. During 2005 and 2006, newly identified new natural enemies of Asian longhorned beetle and subterranean termite will be evaluated. During 2005 and 2006, we expect to send these new agents to researchers in the U. S. 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? : During FY 2003, shipments of lygus bug and european alfalfa bug natural enemies collected in France and Spain were shipped to cooperators in the U.S. for mass-rearing, field release and establishment. Shipments of natural enemies of olive fly collected in Kenya and South Africa were sent to cooperators in California, Hawaii and Italy for further evaluation against fruit
flies. A collection and shipment of soybean aphid natural enemies from Korea is expected to be sent to ARS cooperators in Newark, DE, in September. Diamondback moth natural enemies collected in Europe were sent to collaborators in Taiwan. Collaboration between EBCL and the French Ministry of Agriculture in the development of molecular diagnostics at EBCL resulted in the identification of suspected Asian longhorned beetle samples and allowed French plant protection authorities to officially announce the presence of the pest in France. Knowledge and skills have been transferred by training student interns and pest management professionals working in the area of biological control. EBCL staff participated in the June 2003 Midwest Institute for Biological Control Short Course, co-sponsored by USDA-ARS and USDA-CSREES, on "Risk Analysis of Biological Control". This year the course was held at EBCL and was attended by graduate students, university professors, and other pest
management professionals. 8. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: This does not replace your peer-reviewed publications listed below). EBCL co-organized the International Organization of Biological Control Symposium on " the Role of Genetics and Evolution in Biological Control " held in Montpellier, France, in October, 2002 and staff members contributed a number of invited papers and posters. A book based on the symposium is in preparation. A colloquium on European Union and French regulations pertaining to confinement, introduction, and circulation of harmful organisms, plants, plant products and other objects, including genetically modified organisms was presented at Agropolis International, Montpellier, France, and placed on the internet (Coutinot, D., available from February - April, 2003 from: http://www.agropolis. fr/actualiteevenements/ ). An international symposium on
'Improving Biocontrol of Plutella xylostella', co-organized with CIRAD, was held in Montpellier, France, in October 2002, and a book of contributed chapters is in preparation.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BON, M., HURARD, C., QUIMBY JR, P.C., FARGUES, J., MEIKLE, W.G., MERCADIER, G., VAUGHAN, L. DEVELOPMENT OF POTENTIAL METARHIZIUM BIOCONTROL AGENTS: INSIGHTS FROM MOLECULAR DATA. SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY ANNUAL MEETING. 2003.
- BON, M.C., HURARD, C., HOELMER, K.A., SHANOWER, T.G., MORRILL, W. GENETIC DEMARCATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WHEAT STEM SAWFLY POPULATIONS CEPHUS CINCTUS NORTON, (HYMENOPTERA: CEPHIDAE)N REVEALED BY MOLECULAR MARKERS. Molecular Ecology Notes. 2002. v. 5. p. 397-409.
- BON, M., RAMUALDE, N., HOELMER, K.A., COUTINOT, D. SPECIES-SPECIFICITY AND SENSITIVITY OF A PCR-BASED ASSAY FOR PERISTENUS STYGICUS LOAN (BRACONIDAE), A PARASITOID OF LYGUS SPP. (MIRIDAE). PROCEEDINGS OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ARTHROPODS. 2003.
- HOELMER, K.A., GOOLSBY, J.G. INNOVATIVE METHODS FOR THE RELEASE, ESTABLISHMENT AND MONITORING OF BEMISIA PARASITOIDS AND PREDATORS. PROCEEDINGS OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ARTHROPODS. 2003.
- HOLST, N., MEIKLE, W.G. TERETRIUS NIGRESCENS AGAINST LARGER GRAIN BORER PROSTEPHANUS TRUNCATUS IN AFRICAN MAIZE STORES: BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AT WORK? . JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY. 2003.
- HURLBERT, S.H., MEIKLE, W.G. PSEUDOREPLICATION, FUNGI, AND LOCUSTS. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. 2003.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Insect pests attack many crops, ornamental plants, forests, pastures, and plants on private and public lands. Many of the insect pests in the United States are of foreign origin, and most were introduced accidentally without any of the natural enemies that control them in their native range. These invasive insects cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year in yield loss, management expenses, and environmental impacts. The introduction of their natural enemies is a potential solution. Accordingly, work conducted under this project seeks to discover, identify, and develop natural enemies of U.S. insect pests. Prospective introductions of new natural enemies into the U.S. must be rigorously evaluated for potential impact on target pests and on non- targets. Such assessments are also an objective of this project. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Insect and other
arthropod pests are major agricultural, environmental, and nuisance problems. Losses in agriculture due to arthropod pests and weeds have been estimated at over $122 billion annually due to production losses and costs of control efforts. This work is relevant not only to the farmer, but also to stateside ARS and university researchers, APHIS, Forest Service, National Park Service, state departments of agriculture, environmental groups, and other clientele. The potential benefits include suppression of insect and mite pests in a safe and environmentally sound manner and conservation of nonrenewable resources 3. How does it relate to the national Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? This project is part of National Program 304, Crop Protection and Quarantine (100%). Under this National Program, the agency is emphasizing biologically-based integrated pest management systems of native and invasive arthropod pests. Biological control constitutes
a major component of these systems. Work conducted under this project is vital to the discovery and development of biological control candidates. A variety of extramural agreements are utilized to enhance foreign exploration capabilities. Stateside recipients of candidate organisms include both ARS and non-ARS collaborators. 4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? A. Research to develop biological candidates for use against insect pests invasive in the U.S. was conducted at the European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL), Montpellier, France. Foreign exploration to search for new natural enemies with the help of foreign research stations and cooperators in 17 countries (Austria, Denmark, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Tunisia, Kenya, La Reunion, South Africa, Turkey) resulted in the discovery of dozen or more arthropod natural enemies and several pathogens of the target pests. Specimens of these were
shipped to cooperators in the U.S. for further testing and eventual field release. Others were evaluated at EBCL. Over 80 fungal pathogens isolated from termites were evaluated in bioassays against Formosan termite. Ten were found to be highly virulent on termites. Overall, several biological control candidates were identified and developed, providing potential technology for pest control strategies. B. Molecular markers have proven to be very useful in evaluating the relationships between the target pest and its biological control agents. The joint ARS-CSIRO molecular biology laboratory located at EBCL supports various projects by studying population structure and phylogeny, detecting cryptic species or biotypes using molecular markers, providing genetic characterizations for identification, and developing diagnostic tools for detection of parasitoids. Accomplishments during 2002 include the application of a modified AFLP method to analyze genetic variability and successfully
distinguish between populations of olive fruit fly, and genetic demarcation of wheat stem sawfly populations in the U.S. using a mitochondrial marker. Collections of olive fruit fly in Africa resulted in the identification of at least 6 species of fruit fly parasitoids to be evaluated for eventual introduction to the U.S. These studies and collections will increase the likelihood of locating effective biocontrol agents of these pests. C. None. 5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact? This is a new project, initiated 2/02 (refer to question no. 4). The major accomplishments over the life of the project will be the discovery of new and more effective biologically-based control agents in foreign countries of various arthropod pests that have established in the United States, including tarnished plant bugs (Lygus species), olive fruit flies, Formosan termites, Asian longhorned beetles and wheat stem sawflies.
Their real and potential impacts include the suppression of insect pests in a safe and environmentally-sound manner, the reduction of management expenses due to establishment of a self-perpetuating control measure, and increases in the scientific understanding of pest-natural enemy systems. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? Over the next 3 years, ongoing foreign exploration will continue to discover new geographic populations and new species of natural enemies of the target pests. In the second and third years following their discovery, evaluation of their potential impact will result in a determination of effectiveness, followed by shipment to U.S. cooperators for eventual release in the U.S. if safety and efficacy is determined. During 2003, we anticipate shipping natural enemies of olive fruit fly, lygus bugs, and wheat stem sawfly to cooperators in the U.S. During 2003 and 2004, newly identified new natural enemies of Asian longhorned
beetle and subterranean termite will be evaluated. During 2005, we expect to send these new agents to researchers in the U.S. 7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology? During FY 2002, eight different collections of lygus and alfalfa plant bug natural enemies were shipped to ARS and California Department of Food & Agriculture cooperators for mass-rearing, field release and establishment. There are continued indications of field establishment of the lygus bug parasitoid Peristenus stygicus in California resulting from EBCL foreign exploration and shipments. A shipment of braconid parasitoids of olive fly from Kenya was sent to a cooperator in Hawaii for further evaluation against fruit flies. Knowledge and skills have also been transferred by training student interns and pest management
professionals working in the area of biological control. 8. List your most important publications and presentations, and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your review publications which are listed below) EBCL (assisted by the U.S. Embassy and the Institut National de la Rechereche Agronomique) organized the "Symposium on Grape Vine Disease Problems", held in Montpellier in March, 2002, to discuss French and U.S. research and regulatory experience and to facilitate combined French-U.S. research exchanges and programs. An article on Pierce's disease and a French grapevine disease, golden scorch, was published in a French vine trade journal (Sforza, R. Flavescence et maladie de Pierce : l'espoir. 2002. Reussir Vigne. v. 76. p. 26-27).
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bon, M.C., Ramualde, N., Hoelmer K . and Coutinot D. 2002 COI sequence for Peristenus stygicus. Available from : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/entrez/query/AF414390
- Brown, J.K., Kirk, A.A., Lacey, L.A.. Variation in the Bemisia tabaci species complex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and its natural enemies leading to successful biological control of the B biotype. Proceedings of the European Whitefly Symposium. 2001. p. 63.
- Kirk, A.A., Lacey, L.A., Goolsby, J. A. Classical biological control of Bemisia and successful integration of management strategies in the United States. Harris, K.F, Smith, O.P, Duffus, J.E., editors. Academic Press, New York, N.Y. Virus-Insect-Plant Interactions. 2001. p. 309-329.
- Nansen, C., Meikle, W.G. , Korie, S. Spatial analysis of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) flight activity near maize stores and in different forest types in southern Benin, West Africa. 2002. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. v. 95(1). p. 66-74.
- Nansen, C., Korie, S., Meikle, W. G., Holst, N. Sensitivity of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) flight activity to environmental variables in Benin, West Africa. 2001. Environmental Entomology. v. 30(6). p. 1135-1143
- Powell, J., Wang, C., Kirk, A. A. Foreign exploration for biological control of the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera; Rhinotermiotidae). Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposiuim on Coptotermes formosanus. 2001. p. 21
- Quimby, P.C., King, L.R., Grey, W.E. Biological control as a means of enhancing the sustainability of crop / land management systems. Stamatiadis, S., Doran, J., editors. Soil Science as an Indicator of Sustainable Management. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment. 2002. v 88 (2). p.`147-152.
- Wajnberg, E., Scott, J. K., Quimby, P. C., editors. Evaluating Indirect Ecological Effects of Biological Control. CABI Publishing, Oxon, U.K. 2001. 261 pp.
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