Progress 01/04/03 to 04/11/05
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? Economic losses to pest insects in northwest potato cropping systems are due substantially to green peach aphid and wireworms (larvae of click beetles) with additional impact caused by leafhoppers, mites, Colorado potato beetle, and moth caterpillars that defoliate potato. The potato tuber moth has recently become established in Oregon and Washington and is increasing in significance. Control of insects in potato is predominately by insecticide sprays. Many of these pesticides are under increasing regulatory pressure, and are of concern in relation to pesticide residues in food and water, environmental concerns for pesticides in air and water, and worker safety. Research is needed to develop non-insecticidal means for controlling these pests and to reduce the need for pesticides in potatoes. Focus at
this laboratory has been with implementing biological control (parasites, predators, and pathogens) , incorporating highly selective chemicals into control programs that augment or enhance biological control, developing and improving pest monitoring methods, and manipulating the natural chemical environment of the pests to disrupt life history processes. The problem of economic loss due to green peach aphid may cause upward of $100 million in yield loss due to transmission of virus to potato each year. The most effective insecticides for controlling the aphid are on the priority list for review under the Food Quality Protection Act. Growers are concerned that loss of these products will lead to unacceptable levels of aphid and virus in commercial fields. Pesticide applications currently made regionally for control of aphids are credited with control of several secondary pests, such as defoliating caterpillars and Colorado potato beetle. Loss of products used against the aphid will
undermine control efforts for these secondary pests. Wireworms are of increasing concern as a pest in Pacific Northwest potato cropping systems. Also, there are regulatory concerns for pesticides used against wireworms. These pests require an aggressive research program to provide farmers with safe, effective, and economical means of control. During the past 3 years, heavy losses to potato fields in the lower Columbia River Basin have been caused by the potato tuber moth, and this is expected to increase without additional pest control measures. The research undertaken falls under National Program 304 Crop Protection and Quarantine, and contributes to National Program 305 Crop Production. The project addresses four components of the National Program Action Plan: Component II: Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (Microbes) The development of effective IPM strategies depends upon an in-depth knowledge of the biology and ecology of pests and their natural enemies. For IPM to be
successful, it is necessary to investigate the biology for each major arthropod pest and its natural enemies for each cropping system, including physiology, nutrition, mating, fecundity, life tables, and developmental processes that impact ecological interactions. Component III: Plant, Pest, and Natural Enemy Interactions and Ecology It is critical for successful use of biologically-based control, as part of IPM, to increase our knowledge of insect and mite population dynamics and ecology, as well as multi-trophic interactions among the biotic components of agricultural production systems. Research is needed to define the ecology of pest complexes and to determine the impact of pest- plant-natural enemy interactions on the effectiveness of IPM systems, and to apply this knowledge to improve estimates of economic and action thresholds. In addition, this knowledge may be used to develop plant varieties that combine pest resistance while promoting natural enemy activity. Component V:
Pest Control Technologies Successful IPM depends upon the availability of an array of component technologies that can be effectively combined to achieve environmentally- safe pest management. Research areas that will be emphasized to achieve this goal include (1) sampling, monitoring, detection, and validation of pest populations, (2) efficient production, delivery and utilization of beneficial organisms used in biological control, (3) response measures to control emerging and invasive pests, (4) development of selective chemical control strategies including those for minor crops, and (5) alternative control tactics such as resistant varieties and cultural measures, and other biologically-based strategies. Component VI: Integrated Pest Management Systems and Areawide Suppression Programs The implementation of IPM and Areawide pest management programs will provide producers with safe and economical food production systems, reduce environmental risk, conserve our natural resources,
and increase the competitiveness of producers. Emphasis will be placed on the implementation of practical integrated crop protection and production systems that are suitable for widespread use by growers on multiple scales in traditional or specialized production systems. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. This project was a two year bridging project for 5352-22000-016-00D, which was reviewed in FY05. There were no FY03 or FY04 milestones. (FY 2005) Develop methods to mark green peach aphid with antigenic proteins. Isolate wireworm gut bacteria and find plasmids. Please see the report for 5352-22000-016-00D for project milestones. 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. Years 1-2. Develop methods to mark green peach aphid with antigenic proteins. Year 1. A method was developed in the laboratory to mark aphids with
egg albumin. Milestone Substantially Met 2. Years 1-2. Evaluate effects of induced defenses on development of loopers on potato. Year 1. Compared development of 3 species of moth larvae on induced and non-induced Russet Burbank potato. Milestone Substantially Met 3. Years 1-2. Isolate wireworm gut bacteria and find plasmids. Year 1. Sixty-eight bacterial isolates have been identified using DNA sequencing. Milestone Substantially Met 4. Years 1-2. Develop assay methods for screening carbon dioxide. Milestone Fully Met 5. Years 1-3. Demonstrate role of carbon dioxide as an attractant, publish results. Year 1. Demonstrated wireworm attraction to commercial source of carbon dioxide. Milestone Substantially Met 6. Years 1-4. Describe leafhopper phenology, test leafhoppers and plants for phytoplasmas, conduct transmission studies. Milestone Substantially Met 7. Years 1-4. Identify location of mating for females. Year 1. Female baited traps were placed in fields to detect male activity.
Milestone Substantially Met 8. Years 1-2. Complete spring baiting study for wireworms. Milestone Fully Met 9. Years 1-4. Survey naturally occurring pests on transgenic and unmodified potatoes in field assays. Milestone Substantially Met 10. Years 1-5. Isolate fungi from wireworms, formulate and test baits. Establish flea beetle colonies and develop bioassays. Milestone Substantially Met 11. Years 1-4. Evaluate predator attractants and habitat modification. Milestone Substantially Met 12. Years 1-4. Conduct trials on the use of mineral oils and Kaolin. Milestone Substantially Met 13. Years 1-2. Assess susceptibility of potatoes to BLTVA phytoplasma in the lab and greenhouse. Year 1. Assays are underway to expose potato to BLTVA infected leafhoppers. Milestone Substantially Met 14. Years 1-2. Refine bioassay methods to survey GPA clones for insecticide resistance and test 75 clones from throughout Washington. Year 1. Most of 60 clones maintained in the laboratory have been assayed for
resistance. Milestone Substantially Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? This project was replaced by project 5352-22000-016-00D following OSQR review. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? This project is being terminated and replaced by 5352-22000-016-00D. Please see the report for 5352-22000-016-00D for the FY05 accomplishments. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. This project is being terminated and replaced by 5352-22000-016-00D. Please see the report for 5352-22000-016-00D for the FY05 accomplishments. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Lure and kill stations for Loopers. Caterpillars of several noctuid moths, including the alfalfa looper, defoliate potato, reducing yield and requiring pesticide
applications for control. Field experiments were conducted to test the feasibility of a lure and kill device for adult looper months. The device includes a chemical feeding attractant, a flower mimicking target and a pesticide coating. Up to 80% of moths in field plots were killed within several days when the when the stations were deployed at 50 per acre. This technology provides the means of controlling pest moth populations with greatly reduced pesticide use. 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? Details of ongoing research on wireworm baiting and life cycle, beet leafhopper vectoring of purple top disease, and biology of potato tuber moth were presented to growers at a series of field days sponsored by Washington State University
and at a seminar held at the laboratory. A trap with USDA patented lures for vegetable pests (armyworms, loopers, cutworms) is produced by Sterling International Inc. and is for the first time available throughout the western U.S. through several major retailers.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Landolt, P.J., Zack, R.S. 2003. Watch your loopers. Potato Progress. III(10):1-2.
- Landolt, P.J., Smithhisler, C.L., Adams, T., Zack, R.S. 2003. An improved multi-component sex attractant for trapping male western yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera praefica (Grote) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 5:333-330.
- Horton, D.R. 2004. Biology of Pacific coast and sugarbeet wireworm in the Columbia Basin. Potato Progress. IV(10):1-4.
- Munyaneza, J.E. 2004. Leafhopper transmitted diseases: emerging threat to Pacific Northwest potatoes. Idaho Winter Commodity School Proceedings. 36:141-150.
- Munyaneza, J.E. 2003. Leafhopper identification and biology. Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Proceedings. pp 89-91
- Thomas, P.E., Crosslin, J., Pike, K.S., Schrieber, A., Jensen, A., Munyaneza, J.E., Hamm, P.B., Nielsen, M., Upton, J.E. 2003. Sources and dissemination of BLTVA in potatoes. Potato Progress. June III(7):3-4.
- COLLINS, H.P., PIERCE, F., BOYDSTON, R.A., GRUNWALD, N.J., MUNYANEZA, J.E. ADOPTING CONSERVATION TILLAGE IN IRRIGATED CROPPING SYSTEMS. 42ND ANNUAL WASHINGTON STATE POTATO CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, FEB. 2-6,2003, MOSES LAKE, WA, WASHINGTON STATE POTATO COMMISSION, P. 81-92. 2003.
- Lacey, L.A., Riga, E., Snyder, W. 2004. The potential for using insect specific pathogens for control of insect pests of potato. Potato Progress. IV(1):1-3.
|
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? Economic losses to pest insects in northwest potato cropping systems are due substantially to green peach aphid and wireworms (larvae of click beetles) with additional impact caused more irregularly by secondary pests, such as leafhoppers, mites, Colorado potato beetle, and caterpillars that defoliate potato. Control of insects in potato is predominately by insecticide sprays. Many of these pesticides are under increasing regulatory pressure, and are of concern in relation to pesticide residues in food and water, environmental concerns for pesticides in air and water, and worker safety. Research is needed to develop non-insecticidal means for controlling these pests and to reduce the need for pesticides in potatoes. Focus at this laboratory has been with implementing biological control (parasites,
predators, and pathogens) , incorporating highly selective chemicals into control programs that augment biological control, (e.g. insect growth regulators), and with manipulating the natural chemical environment of the pests to disrupt life history processes. The problem of economic loss due to green peach aphid may cause upward of $100 million in yield loss due to transmission of virus to potato each year. All of the most effective insecticides for controlling the aphid are on the priority list for review under the Food Quality Protection Act. Growers are concerned that loss of these products will lead to unacceptable levels of aphid and virus in commercial fields. Pesticide applications currently made regionally for control of aphids are credited with control of several secondary pests, such as defoliating caterpillars and Colorado potato beetle. Loss of products used against the aphid will undermine control efforts for these secondary pests. Wireworms are of increasing concern
as a pest in Pacific Northwest potato cropping systems. Also, there are regulatory concerns for pesticides used against wireworms. These pests require an aggressive research program to provide farmers with safe, effective, and economical means of control. The research undertaken falls under National Program 304 Crop Protection and Quarantine (100%), and relates to National Program 305 Crop Production. The project addresses four components of the National Program Action Plan: Component II: Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (Microbes) The development of effective IPM strategies depends upon an in-depth knowledge of the biology and ecology of pests and their natural enemies. For IPM to be successful, it is necessary to investigate the biology for each major arthropod pest and its natural enemies for each cropping system, including physiology, nutrition, mating, fecundity, life tables, and developmental processes that impact ecological interactions. Component III: Plant, Pest, and
Natural Enemy Interactions and Ecology It is critical for successful use of biologically-based control, as part of IPM, to increase our knowledge of insect and mite population dynamics and ecology, as well as multi-trophic interactions among the biotic components of agricultural production systems. Research is needed to define the ecology of pest complexes and to determine the impact of pest- plant-natural enemy interactions on the effectiveness of IPM systems, and to apply this knowledge to improve estimates of economic and action thresholds. In addition, this knowledge may be used to develop plant varieties that combine pest resistance while promoting natural enemy activity. Component V: Pest Control Technologies Successful IPM depends upon the availability of an array of component technologies that can be effectively combined to achieve environmentally- safe pest management. Research areas that will be emphasized to achieve this goal include (1) sampling, monitoring, detection,
and validation of pest populations, (2) efficient production, delivery and utilization of beneficial organisms used in biological control, (3) response measures to control emerging and invasive pests, (4) development of selective chemical control strategies including those for minor crops, and (5) alternative control tactics such as resistant varieties and cultural measures, and other biologically-based strategies. Component VI: Integrated Pest Management Systems and Areawide Suppression Programs The implementation of IPM and Areawide pest management programs will provide producers with safe and economical food production systems, reduce environmental risk, conserve our natural resources, and increase the competitiveness of producers. Emphasis will be placed on the implementation of practical integrated crop protection and production systems that are suitable for widespread use by growers on multiple scales in traditional or specialized production systems. 2. List the milestones
(indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2005) Develop methods to mark green peach aphid with antigenic proteins. Isolate wireworm gut bacteria and find plasmids. Year 2 (FY 2006) Document effects of induced plant defense on development and survival of potato insect pests. Contrast spring versus fall baiting times for wireworms. Determine leafhopper attractiveness to selected colors of sticky traps. Develop microbial applications for flea beetles. Survey aphid clones for insecticide resistance throughout Washington. Screen currently available potato varieties for insect resistance. Year 3 (FY 2007) Use antigenic markers to estimate average local movement distance of aphids. Demonstrate attractiveness of carbon dioxide sources to wireworm larvae. Determine leafhopper species vectoring the potato purple top disease using transmission studies. Determine diel periodicity of male wireworm activity. Identify location of mating for female wireworms. Refine molecular
markers of aphid resistance to pesticides and validate results. Test the effectiveness of Aphoil and Kaolin in reducing virus spread by aphids. Year 4 (FY 2008) Use antigenic markers to differentiate local movement from long distance movement by green peach aphid. Genetically alter wireworm midgut flora. Determine optimum release rate of CO2 in lab assays to attract wireworm larvae. Determine the population dynamics of leafhoppers in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon. Identify the potato purple top disease causal agent(s) by testing leafhoppers and host plants for phytoplasma. Determine if spring or fall baiting of wireworms provides more accurate predictor of tuber damage. Determine the effectiveness of developed predator attractants for aphid biocontrol. Characterize the effectiveness of habitat modification for biocontrol of aphids. Year 5 (FY 2009) Determine association between local aphid movement patterns and virus infections in potato fields. Compare optimum CO2 to
natural materials for attracting wireworm larvae. Characterize effects of induced defenses of potato on host finding and host selection behavior of insects. Test hypothesis of female sex attractant pheromone for wireworms. Determine effects of vine kill on phenology of wireworm damage to tubers. Characterize effectiveness of BT potato for defense against potato insect pests. Determine resistance of traditionally bred potato varieties to wireworms. Develop fungal baits for wireworms. Develop a potato purple top disease index. Use molecular markers to survey aphid populations. Evaluate any new modes of action of resistance patterns observed. Screen newly developed potato varieties for resistance to insects, and compare to most resistant varieties. NOTE: This section may be amended following the review and acceptance of the 5 year Project Plan. 3. Milestones: A. List the Milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many Milestones were met or substantially met and
indicates which ones were not fully or substantially met, briefly explain why not and your plans to do so. There were no Milestones scheduled. In the 2003 Annual Report, we indicated that: 1. We expected to demonstrate reductions in field populations of looper moths on potato with bait stations. 2. We expected to obtain additional information on the behavior and life history information of potato insect pests. 3. We expected to determine the identity and seasonal phenology of a complex of leafhoppers that may vector mycoplasmas. Objectives 1 and 2 were accomplished in the past year. Objective 3 was largely accomplished; the beet leafhopper was found to consistently harbor the phytoplasma implicated in the purple top disease of potato, while other leafhoppers did not. Experiments are planned to test the hypothesis that beet leafhopper can vector the phytoplasma between potato plants. B. List the Milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years. What do you expect to
accomplish year by year, over the next 3 years under each Milestone. Year 1 (FY 2005) Milestone: Develop methods to mark green peach aphid with antigenic proteins. Test retention of candidate proteins to aphids in lab. Optimize ELISA for detection of marks and test optimized ELISA, marks under field conditions. Milestone: Document effects of induced plant defense on development and survival of potato insect pests. Conduct assays of insect development on induced potato. Milestone: Isolate wireworm gut bacteria and find plasmids. Isolate bacteria from two wireworm populations; identify bacteria using molecular techniques; identify species with plasmids; publish results. Milestone: Demonstrate attractiveness of carbon dioxide sources to wireworm larvae. Develop assay protocol. Milestone: Determine the population dynamics of leafhoppers in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon. Monitor and sample leafhoppers. Milestone: Identify the potato purple top disease causal agent(s)
by testing leafhoppers and host plants for phytoplasmas. Test selected leafhopper species for phytoplasmas. Milestone: Determine leafhopper species vectoring the potato purple top disease using transmission studies. Conduct disease transmission studies. Milestone: Determine diel periodicity of male wireworm activity. Conduct field observations and trapping of wireworm beetles. Milestone: Determine if spring or fall baiting of wireworms provides more accurate predictor of tuber damage. Sample wireworm larvae with baits in spring and fall, and measure tuber damage at harvest. Milestone: Determine leafhopper attractiveness to selected colors of sticky traps. Conduct field and lab color attractiveness studies for leafhoppers. Milestone: Characterize effectiveness of BT potato for defense against potato insect pests. Develop assays and field protocols. Survey pests on transgenic potato plants. Milestone: Determine resistance of traditionally bred potato varieties to wireworms.
Screen currently available varieties. Milestone: Develop baits for use in a bait-and-kill program for wireworm larvae. Isolate candidate fungi from Washington and Oregon wireworm populations; formulate fungi on baits; conduct assays. Milestone: Microbial control of flea beetle. Colonize flea beetles; begin biology studies supportive of microbial studies; develop assay protocols. Milestone: Determine the effectiveness of developed aphid predator attractants. Test effectiveness of aphid predator attractants. Milestone: Characterize the effectiveness of aphid habitat modification. Test effectiveness of habitat modification for biocontrol of aphids. Milestone: Survey aphid clones for insecticide resistance throughout Washington. Develop bioassay system, generate response lines for aphid colonies, choose discriminating doses to use in survey. Milestone: Test the effectiveness of Aphoil and Kaolin in reducing virus spread. Conducts trials on Aphoil and Kaolin effectiveness in
reducing virus spread by aphids. Year 2 (FY 2006) Milestone: Use antigenic markers to estimate average local movement distance of aphids. Test antigenic marking of aphids and recapture using experimental potato plots. Milestone: Document effects of induced plant defense on development and survival of potato insect pests. Finish laboratory assays of insect development on induced potato. Milestone: Genetically alter wireworm gut bacteria. Genetically modify plasmids; determine stability of inserted genes; develop assay methods to determine effect of genetically modified gut flora. Milestone: Demonstrate attractiveness of carbon dioxide sources to wireworm larvae. Conduct laboratory assays of wireworm response to carbon-dioxide releasing materials. Milestone: Determine the population dynamics of leafhoppers in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon. Monitor and sample leafhoppers. Write manuscript. Milestone: Identify the potato purple top disease causal agent(s) by testing
leafhoppers and host plants for phytoplasmas. Test selected leafhoppers species for phytoplasmas. Milestone: Determine leafhopper species vectoring the potato purple top disease using transmission studies. Conduct transmission studies of leafhopper vectoring of purple top disease. Milestone: Determine diel periodicity of male activity. Conduct field observations and trapping of wireworm beetles. Milestone: Identify location of mating for females. Field observations of mating wireworm beetles. Milestone: Determine if spring or fall baiting provides more accurate predictor of tuber damage. Repeat wireworm sampling and damage measurements. Milestone: Determine leafhopper attractiveness to selected colors of sticky traps. Conduct field and lab color attractiveness studies with leafhoppers. Milestone: Characterize effectiveness of BT potato for defense against potato insect pests. Survey pests on transgenic plants. Assay foliage. Milestone: Determine resistance of traditionally
bred potato varieties to wireworms. Screen currently available varieties for resistance. Milestone: Develop baits for use in a bait-and-kill program for wireworm larvae. Conduct field trials of formulated baits. Milestone: Microbial control of flea beetle. Continue bioassays; begin field evaluations of microbial formulations. Milestone: Determine the effectiveness of developed aphid predator attractants. Test effectiveness of predator attractants for aphid biocontrol. Milestone: Characterize the effectiveness of aphid habitat modification. Test effectiveness of habitat modification. Milestone: Survey aphid clones for insecticide resistance throughout Washington. Conduct survey of resistance in 93 colonies, using 5 pesticides. Milestone: Refine molecular markers of resistance and validate with assay results. Acquire antibodies for amplified esterase, test ELISA methods to estimate phenotype. Acquire PCR primers and test SSCP methods for genotyping resistance types. Milestone:
Test the effectiveness of Aphoil and Kaolin in reducing virus spread. Conducts trials on Aphoil and Kaolin effectiveness in reducing virus spread. Year 3 (FY 2007) Milestone: Use antigenic markers to differentiate local movement from local distance movement by green peach aphid. Test movement of aphids by mark/recapture in grid of experimental plots. Milestone: Use antigenic markers to differentiate local movement from long distance movement by green peach aphid. Spray nightshade and volunteer potato harboring aphids with antigenic markers, recapture aphids in cultivated potato to map movement. Milestone: Characterize effects of induced defenses of potato on host finding and host selection behavior of insects. Design behavioral assays for aphid alighting and arrest. Conduct flight tunnel studies of moth responses to induced potato. Milestone: Genetically alter wireworm gut bacteria. Continue genetic modifications of plasmids and determine effect of genetically modified gut flora
on wireworms. Milestone: Determine optimum release rate in lab assays to attract larvae. Conduct laboratory assays of for wireworm response to controlled release of carbon dioxide, using cylinder gas. Milestone: Identify the potato purple top disease causal agent(s) by testing leafhoppers and host plants for phytoplasmas. Test selected plants for phytoplasmas. Milestone: Determine leafhopper species vectoring the potato purple top disease using transmission studies. Conduct leafhopper transmission of purple top disease studies. Write manuscript. Milestone: Determine diel periodicity of male activity. Finish field observations and trapping of wireworm beetles. Milestone: Identify location of mating for females. Field observations of mating beetles. Milestone: Determine timing of wireworm damage to potatoes in field trials. Conduct sampling of tubers before and at harvest to determine wireworm damage. Milestone: Characterize effectiveness of BT potato for defense against potato
insect pests. Assay potato foliage for food for insects. Milestone: Determine resistance of traditionally bred potato varieties to wireworms. Screen currently available potato varieties for insect resistance. Milestone: Develop baits for use in a bait-and-kill program for wireworm larvae. Repeat field trials of baits to confirm first year's work; publish results. Milestone: Microbial control of flea beetle. Continue field evaluations of microbial formulations against flea beetle. Milestone: Determine the effectiveness of developed predator attractants. Test effectiveness of predator attractants. Milestone: Characterize the effectiveness of aphid habitat modification. Test effectiveness of habitat modification for aphid biocontrol. Milestone: Develop a potato purple top index. Collect information on leafhopper abundance, infectivity, and potato yield loss. Milestone: Refine molecular markers of resistance and validate with assay results. Run PCRs and SSCP on 93 aphid clones for
4 modes of action of resistance. Associate with bioassay results. Milestone: Use markers to survey aphid populations. Collect aphids from field and test for amplified esterase and RDL. Milestone: Test the effectiveness of Aphoil and Kaolin in reducing virus spread. Conducts trials on Aphoil and Kaolin effectiveness in reducing virus spread. NOTE: This section will be amended following the review and acceptance of the 5 year Project Plan. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2004 year. Potato growers in the Pacific Northwest have recently suffered losses from a disease called potato purple top. The disease agent and any vectors that transmit the disease need to be identified so that techniques can be developed to control the disease on potato. Research conducted at the Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit, Wapato, WA in collaboration with research at the Vegetable and Forage Crops Production Research
Unit, Prosser, WA, led to the demonstration of the consistent presence of a phytoplasma that is probably the purple top disease agent, in beet leafhoppers and not in other leafhopper species in potato fields. This finding should assist efforts to develop methods to prevent the spread of the disease. B. Other Significant Accomplishments Methods are needed to control wireworms in potato and reduce losses to potato tubers from these insects. Research conducted at the Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit, Wapato, WA led to the discovery that late season desiccants applied to potato fields to kill potato fields prior to harvest prompted wireworms to move to and attack potato tubers. This information may lead to a strategy for when to bait wireworms in potato fields. Such a technique would provide control of wireworms with reduced pesticide use. C. Significant activities that support special target populations. None D. Progress Report opportunity to submit additional programmatic information
to your Area Office and NPS. N/A 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Researchers at the Fruit and Vegetable Insect Research Unit have demonstrated effectiveness of several insect growth regulators against green peach aphid, wireworms, and Colorado potato beetle, and pathogens against wireworms, green peach aphid, and Colorado potato beetle. These results provide farmers with additional integrated pest management (IPM) tools that are safer to people and the environment, particularly in place of Food Quality Protection Act-listed pesticides that are restricted. Several advances have been made in attractants and baits for potato insect pests, including an attractant bait for wireworm larvae, a stronger sex pheromone lure for the western yellowstriped armyworm, and feeding attractants for alfalfa looper and cabbage looper pests of potato. These findings provide improved means of monitoring potato insect pests and
possibilities for development of baits to control potato insects in place of insecticide application to the crop. The deployment of a lure and kill system at 50 station per acre resulted in a 75% knockdown of looper moths, providing a new possibility for pest management options. It was found that induced defensive chemistry of potato increases potato attractiveness to Colorado potato beetle, but increases mortality of cabbage looper larvae feeding on potato. Cabbage looper moths can learn the odor of potato following contact with the plant, enhancing orientation to and oviposition on the potato plant. This new information suggests additional research avenues in the future to develop non- pesticidal control techniques, such as improved plant resistance. The seasonal phenology of beet leafhopper was determined for the Columbia Basin of Washington, and a phytoplasma implicated in the potato yellows disease was found to occur in beet leafhopper. Identification of the pathogen and the
vector of this disease is important to the effort to develop management strategies. 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? Details of ongoing research results were presented to potato growers at the annual research review of the Washington State Potato Commission, as well as at the Washington State Potato Conference, Idaho Potato Conference, and at two Washington State University sponsored potato field days. Information on wireworm and leafhopper pests, and insect diseases was presented to growers also through the grower newsletter Potato Progress. A set of chemical attractants patented by USDA along with a novel trap design and developed under a CRADA with Sterling International Inc., of Spokane, WA were test-marketed this Spring in
California. This trap is for use against cutworms, armyworms, and looper pests of vegetable and flower gardens. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Presentations: Horton, D. R. 2004. Biology of Pacific Coast and sugarbeet wireworm in the Columbia Basin. Potato Progress 4: (10) 1-4. Horton, D. R. Biology of Pacific Coast and sugarbeet wireworms in the Columbia Basin. Presentation at the 43rd Annual Washington State Potato Conference and Trade Show, Moses Lake, February 2004. Jensen, A., P. Hamm, P. Thomas, J. Crosslin, J. Munyaneza, A. Schreiber, and K. Pike. 2004. Purple top, BLTVA, and leafhoppers: An update. Potato Progress. 4: (3) 1-3. Lacey, L. A., E. Riga, and W. Snyder. 2004. The potential for using insect specific pathogens for control of insect pests of potato in North America. Potato Progress, pp. 1-3. Munyaneza, J. E. 2003. Leafhopper identification and biology. 17th
Annual Convention of the Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Proceedings, pp. 89-91. Munyaneza, J. E. Leafhopper transmitted diseases: emerging threats to Pacific Northwest potatoes. Presentation at University of Idaho Potato Conference, January 2004. Munyaneza, J. E. 2004. Leafhopper transmitted diseases: emerging threat to Pacific Northwest potatoes. Proc. Univ. Idaho Winter Commodities Schools 2004, Pocatello, Idaho, 36: 141-150. Munyaneza, J. E. Leafhopper population dynamics in the south Columbia Basin. Presentation at the Washington State Potato Conference and Trade Show, Moses Lake, WA., February 2004. Press articles: April 25, 2003 issue of the Capital Press (p. 26). 'Carrot seed fits small-farm scenario'. May 2003 issue of Spudman Magazine (Vol. 41, No. 5, pp. 18-19). 'Potato yellow: Columbia Basin researchers track the aster leafhopper'. May 15, 2003 issue of 'The Voices of the Valley' (p. 2) (distributed by Yakima Herald-Republic Newspaper). 'Leafhopper is likely
culprit for potato problems'. January 31, 2004 issue of the Basin Business Journal (pp. B12- 13). 'Tracking an emerging threat to potato production'. May 2004 issue of Potato Country Magazine (Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 6-8). 'Breaking through leafhoppers'.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Landolt, P.J., Zack, R.S. 2003. Watch your loopers. Potato Progress. III(10):1-2.
- Landolt, P.J., Smithhisler, C.L., Adams, T., Zack, R.S. 2003. An improved multi-component sex attractant for trapping male western yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera praefica (Grote) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 5:333-330.
- Horton, D.R. 2004. Biology of Pacific coast and sugarbeet wireworm in the Columbia Basin. Potato Progress. IV(10):1-4.
- Munyaneza, J.E. 2004. Leafhopper transmitted diseases: emerging threat to Pacific Northwest potatoes. Idaho Winter Commodity School Proceedings. 36:141-150.
- Munyaneza, J.E. 2003. Leafhopper identification and biology. Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Proceedings. pp 89-91
- Thomas, P.E., Crosslin, J., Pike, K.S., Schrieber, A., Jensen, A., Munyaneza, J.E., Hamm, P.B., Nielsen, M., Upton, J.E. 2003. Sources and dissemination of BLTVA in potatoes. Potato Progress. June III(7):3-4.
- COLLINS, H.P., PIERCE, F., BOYDSTON, R.A., GRUNWALD, N.J., MUNYANEZA, J.E. ADOPTING CONSERVATION TILLAGE IN IRRIGATED CROPPING SYSTEMS. 42ND ANNUAL WASHINGTON STATE POTATO CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, FEB. 2-6,2003, MOSES LAKE, WA, WASHINGTON STATE POTATO COMMISSION, P. 81-92. 2003.
- Lacey, L.A., Riga, E., Snyder, W. 2004. The potential for using insect specific pathogens for control of insect pests of potato. Potato Progress. IV(1):1-3.
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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? The problem is economic losses to pest insects in northwest potato cropping systems due substantially to green peach aphid and wireworms (larvae of click beetles) with additional impact caused more irregularly by secondary pests, such as leafhoppers, mites, Colorado potato beetle, and caterpillars that defoliate potatoes. Research is needed to develop non-insecticidal means for controlling these pests and to reduce the need for pesticides in potatoes. Focus at this laboratory has been with implementing biological control (parasites, predators, and pathogens), incorporating highly selective chemicals into control programs (e.g., insect growth regulators), and with manipulating the chemical environment of the pests to disrupt life history processes. Other studies develop efficient monitoring methods for pests and natural enemies and determine the role of alternative host plants in pest and
predator life histories. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The problem of economic loss due to green peach aphid may cause upward of $100 million in yield loss due to transmission of virus to potato. All of the most effective insecticides for controlling the aphid are on the priority list for review under the Food Quality Protection Act. Growers are concerned that loss of these products will lead to unacceptable levels of aphid and virus in commercial fields. Pesticide applications currently made regionally for control of aphids are credited with control of several secondary pests, such as defoliating caterpillars and Colorado potato beetle. Loss of products used against the aphid will hinder control efforts for these secondary pests. Wireworms are of increasing concern as a pest in Pacific Northwest potato cropping systems. Also, there are regulatory concerns for pesticides used against them. These pests require an aggressive research program to provide
farmers with safe, effective, and economical means of control. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? The research relates to National Program #304 Crop and Commodity Pest Biology, Control and Quarantine (100%). It also relates to National Program #305 Integrated Crop Production and Protection Systems. Research will lead to alternative methods for controlling green peach aphid, wireworms and secondary insect pests in potato. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? Wireworms are soil-dwelling pests of potato that have become highly damaging in Northwest potato fields over the last decade due to a shortage of effective control products. The single most significant accomplishment during FY03 was discovery of a fungal pathogen of Limonius wireworms found in larvae collected in the field. Laboratory assays and observations indicate good potential for this pathogen as a means of infecting
and killing wireworms in potato fields. Possible strategies include luring wireworms to baits that include doses of the pathogen to spread infection among wireworms in the field. Alfalfa loopers, cabbage loopers, cutworms, and armyworms damage potato foliage, reducing yields and requiring applications of pesticides. A novel combination of chemicals identified from flower odors that is highly attractive to both sexes of alfalfa looper moths was used in pesticide-treated bait stations to lure and kill female moths before they lay eggs. In five-acre plots with 50 bait stations per acre, the number of moths was reduced by 75%. This discovery provides a way to bait these moths in order to reduce reproduction and prevent damage to potato and other crops with minimal pesticide use. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Researchers at the Yakima Agriculture Research Laboratory have demonstrated effectiveness of
several insect growth regulators against green peach aphid, wireworms, and Colorado potato beetle, and pathogens against wireworms and Colorado potato beetle. Two pathogens, Bt and Bb, were found to provide enhanced control of the green peach aphid. These results may provide farmers additional integrated pest management (IPM) tools that are safer to people and the environment, particularly in place of Food Quality Protection Act-listed chemicals that are restricted. Several advances have been made in chemical attractants for potato insect pests, including a feeding attractant for wireworm larvae, a stronger sex pheromone lure for the western yellow striped armyworm, and feeding attractants for alfalfa looper and cabbage looper. These findings provide improved means of monitoring potato insect pests and possibilities for development of baits to control potato insects in place of insecticide applications to the crop. It was found that induced defensive chemistry of potato increases
potato attractiveness to Colorado potato beetle but increases mortality of cabbage loopers feeding on potato. Cabbage looper moths can learn the odor of potato following contact with the plant, enhancing their orientation to, and oviposition on, potato plants. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? Year 1. We expect to demonstrate reductions in field populations of looper moths on potato with bait stations. Additional information will be obtained on the behavior and life history of potato insect pests. Identity and seasonal phenology of a complex of leafhoppers that may vector mycoplasmas will be determined. Year 2. We expect to develop a lure for larval wireworms for the purpose of detecting their presence more easily in potato fields. Improvements will be made in formulations for applying pathogens to crops. Year 3. The statistical relationship between wireworm damage to potato and numbers in baits will be determined. We expect to identify a
sex attractant for adult wireworm beetles. 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? Details of ongoing research were presented to potato growers at the annual research review of the Washington State Potato Commission. Results of research and general information on wireworms and caterpillar pests of potato were provided to growers at extension workshops, at the Annual Potato Conference and Trade Show, at the Northwest Vegetable Growers Convention, the Columbia Basin Crop Consultant Association meetings, and at two Washington State University-sponsored potato field days. Information on defoliating caterpillars of potato and leafhopper pests of potato was presented to growers through the grower newsletter, Potato Progress. 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). Collins, H., F. Pierce, R. Boydston, N. Greenwald, J. Munyaneza. Adopting conservation tillage in irrigated cropping systems. Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Washington State Potato Conference. 2003. v. 42. p. 81-92. Horton, D.R., P.J. Landolt. Advances in monitoring wireworms in potatoes. Columbia Basin Potato Workshop. 2002. Pasco and Moses Lake, WA. Horton, D.R. Wireworms in potatoes. Twenty-nineth Annual Hermiston Farm Fair. 2002. Hermiston, Or. Horton, D.R. Wireworms in the Pacific Northwest. Annual Meeting of the Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association. 2002. Pasco, WA. Lacey, Lawrence. Potential of Biological Control for Flea Beetle. Aug. 21, 2003. 2003 Western Washington Potato Field Day. WA State Univ./Skagit County Cooperative Extension, Mt. Vernon, WA. Landolt, P.J., R.S. Zack. Watch
your loopers. Potato Progress. 2003. v.3. n.10. p.1-2. Landolt, Peter. The search for worm pests of potato. June 27, 2003. Washington State University Potato Field Day. Othello, WA. Landolt, Peter. Chemical attractants for adults and larvae of Limonius wireworms. Feb. 13, 2003. Washington State Potato Commission Final Research Review. Pullman, WA. Thomas, P., J. Crosslin, K. Pike, A. Schreiber, A. Jensen, J. Munyaneza, P., P. Hamm, M. Nielsen, J. Upton. Sources and dissemination of the BLTVA in potatoes. Potato Progress. 2003. v.3. n.7. p.3-4.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Lacey, L.A. Microbial control of the Colorado potato beetle in irrigated desert: combination and alternations of Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana. 36th Annual Meeting, Society for Invertebrate Pathology. 2003. Abstract. p. 59.
- Landolt, P. J., Smithhisler, C. Characterization of the floral odor of Oregon grape: possible feeding attractants for moths. Winter 2003. Northwest Science. v.77. n.1. p.81-86.
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