Progress 02/25/03 to 05/26/05
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? Horticultural crops are important components of US agriculture. According to the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service, the estimated value of small fruit crops-- blueberries, blackberries, red and black raspberries, grapes, cranberries and strawberries--was $4.5 billion in 2001. Nursery and greenhouse crops are the fastest growing segment of US agriculture. Nationally, in terms of economic output, nursery and greenhouse crops rank third among all sectors of US agriculture and among the highest in net farm income. These crops contribute significantly to the agricultural economy of the Pacific Northwest region, which is number one in the US for Christmas tree and caneberry production, number two in wine grape production, and number three in nursery crop production. Insects and other arthropod
pests cause economic damage through sales loss to these crops in a number of ways: root feeding, stem and crown boring, leaf damage and fruit damage. Many cause major economic damage to a particular grower or growing area while others impact production throughout the region. Root feeders, explicitly root weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.), symphylans (Scutigerella spp.), fungus gnats (Sciaridae) and grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) are of premier importance to the small fruit, greenhouse and nursery industries. Root and vine weevils are responsible for >85% of the insecticides applied to small fruits and > 40% of the insecticides applied to nursery crops in the Pacific Northwest. These insects cost the nursery and berry industries > $5 million/year. In Oregon and Washington the number of vineyards with grape phylloxera has gone from 8 in 1990 to >75 in 2004. There are no controls for this insect except for planting new plants on grape phylloxera resistant rootstock. However,
nearly 45,000 producing acres of grapes in the Pacific Northwest are not planted with resistant rootstock. Replanting would cost over $2 billion. In the 1920s and 1950s, garden symphylans caused over $10 million/year in damage to horticultural crops in the Pacific Northwest. Concern by both the small fruit and nursery industries has increased due to the loss of registration of most pesticides that ameliorated the problem over the past 45 years. The cryptic nature of these pests has eluded conventional methods of detection, monitoring and control. The project has four goals: 1) Develop forecasting tools for life stages of Otiorhynchus species (root feeding weevils). 2) Determine the pest status and degree of adaptation of grape phylloxera to the Pacific Northwest. 3) Determine the pest status and degree of adaptation of other pest arthropods of small fruit and nursery crops. 4) Determine the feasibility of biological (insect diseases) and cultural strategies for use in management of
root feeding weevils and grape phylloxera. The major customers of this technology will be the growers of woody ornamental plants (conifers, rhododendrons, azalea, yews, deciduous trees, etc.), greenhouse ornamentals, and small fruit crops (caneberries, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, etc.). The state of Oregon has over 2,000 wholesale and retail nursery- greenhouse operations that have more than 20,000 employees and garner nearly $1 billion in sales. The small fruit and wine grape industries of the Pacific Northwest are nearly as big. Public and private entomologists, agricultural advisors and pest managers, particularly those servicing the nursery, greenhouse, small fruit and wine grape industries in Northeastern and Northwestern US will benefit from basic knowledge of pest biology and ecology, species demographics, entomopathogen etiology and implementation of novel control strategies. Wholesale and retail customers demanding ornamental plants free of pesticide residue as well as
safe and wholesome small fruit products may also benefit. Knowledge and methods produced by this research will provide benefits to growers, retailers, scientists and the public with increased economic growth, improved plant quality and reduced use of chemical insecticides. Improved monitoring and detection methods and knowledge of these pests will allow for improved timing and targeting of control measures. Development of microbial and cultural control tactics will reduce grower reliance on chemical insecticides, lessen chemical residues and increase sustainability. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Bridging/Interim project. Project expired in May 2005. Work related to this project will continue in project 5358-22000-032-00D. Year 1 (2004) A. Have a method of mass rearing black vine weevil (BVW) in operation so that it provides at least 500 larvae per week. B. Complete experiment concerning the effects of soil type on the establishment of colonies
of grape phylloxera. C. Complete experiments on the effects of host plant selection on the reproductive dynamics of the black vine weevil. D. Determine the prevalence of soil-borne entomopathogenic microorganisms and nematodes from the Pacific Northwest. E. Determine the pathogenicity of field collected entomopathogens against the black vine weevil. Year 2 (2005) A. Finalize and train nursery pest scouts on acoustic detection system for monitoring black vine weevils. B. Complete 1st phase of studies on the interaction of nursery soil mixes and the efficacy of chemical pesticides and biological 'pesticides'. C. Complete studies on the effects of regional temperatures and grape phylloxera. D. Determine the plant host range of rhizosphere competent isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae. E. Complete studies to determine the impact of individual potting media components on the persistence of M. anisopliae. F. Complete studies to determine the long-term persistence of M. anisopliae in outdoor
container-grown nursery production systems. 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 has expired. Work will continue in project 5358-22000-032- 00D. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Insect attacking fungus protects plant roots. We determined that the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, was rhizosphere competent and that roots colonized with the fungus protected the plant from root feeding by black vine weevil larvae. The black vine weevil is the most serious insect pest of nursery crops in the Pacific Northwest and has been historically difficult to manage with conventional insecticide applications. D. Bruck at the Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory was the first to demonstrate that a entomopathogenic fungus colonizing the rhizosphere could infect a root- feeding
insect. This area of research could lead to an entirely new approach in biological control in which the ecology of the biological control agent takes center stage with developing new pest management programs. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Bioassay enables rapid screening of biological (fungi) and chemical pesticides. We have developed a useful soil bioassay for determining the efficacy of biological (fungi) and chemical products against black vine weevil larvae when placed in potting mixes. Through the use of these soil bioassays we have found that certain potting mixes commonly used by the nursery industry will affect efficacy (+/-) of labeled chemicals and of biologicals. This was a combined effort of the two researchers on this project. This method will allow pre-screening of candidate biologicals and chemicals for use in managing this pest. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Over
the past 5 years, the relationship of temperature to rate of development of eggs, pupae, sexual maturity, eggs produced, adult longevity and feeding responses with the strawberry root weevil were established. The effects of constant temperature on the life cycle and survival of life stages of grape phylloxera was established. This information is being used to develop models to predict the number of generations per year for several diverse areas in western USA. Over a 5 year period and with collaboration of Richard Mankin, ARS, CMAVE, Gainesville, FL, and a CRADA with AEC (Acoustic Emissions Consultants, Fair Oaks, CA.) a portable detection system for acoustically detecting BVW in nursery containers (pots) was developed. This is a breakthrough in detecting these pests in their most destructive stage (larva). Previously, pest scouts and growers would have to destructively look through the pot's contents of soil and roots to look for presence of this pest. At best 5 to 8 pots could, with
much tedium, be sampled per hour. Acoustic detection offers the ability to sample a pot without destruction, every 3 minutes. As there is a 0 tolerance for this insect, the ability to isolate infested pots will save monetary loss from nursery shipment 'buy-backs' and reduce pesticide usage. This technology will be ready for technology transfer to the industry in 2005. An above ground bait sampling method for systematically estimating populations of garden symphylans in the field was developed. Previous sampling methods for this arthropod soil pest required a pest scout or grower to take three shovelfuls of soil and count the symphylans. Baiting allows many samples per day and sampling over time. This will help quantify results from studies on control strategies and development of economic thresholds. The bait sampling method has been used to quantify the effects of symphylans on selected crops, the assessment of certain crop rotations. The effect of temperature and photoperiod on BVW
was established. Time and coldtemperature storage limits on eggs, larvae and adults of BVW were established. A mass rearing system was developed for BVW. These accomplishments have made the supply of large quantities of all life stages of this one generation per year insect available for experimentation year round. We can now artificially infest plants in the laboratory or field, conduct attractant and pheromone studies, conduct bioassays for chemical and biological control agents, host plant studies, and behavioral studies. A crude system for infesting eggs of BVW and strawberry root weevil in the field was devised. The eggs were suspended in agar and introduced to the root zone of field planted strawberries. The ability to infest plants with a known quantity of eggs will help develop threshold numbers for economic damage and thus, give quantitative evaluation of chemical, biological, cultural and physical control strategies. Work has been ongoing towards the development of a
biologically-based pest management program for the BVW. The program is focused on using entomopathogenic microorganisms and nematodes. In order to quantify the prevalence of soil- borne entomopathogens (fungi, nematodes and bacteria), we conducted a soil survey of nursery production areas in OR, WA and ID. The isolates of fungi, nematodes and bacteria collected were assayed against BVW and particularly virulent isolates were evaluated for their biocontrol potential. We demonstrated that persistence of M. anisopliae is not significantly different between peat and bark-based potting media, nor did the incorporation of crab meal significantly affect fungal persistence. Metarhizium anisopliae is able to persist in both potting media types at relatively high levels (106 cfu/g media) for up to 11 months. Metarhizium anisopliae incorporated when plants are potted has also been shown to be extremely effective at controlling black vine weevil. In addition, we demonstrated that M. anisopliae
colonized the rhizosphere of Picea abies and the fungal population in the rhizosphere was 10 times greater than the fungal population in the bulk soil. The demonstration of rhizosphere competence shifts the focus onto fungal ecology when identifying and developing entomopathogenic fungi. Traditional management relies on the use of adult sprays in an attempt to prevent weevils from laying their eggs. However, nurseries continually have problems timing spray applications in relation to weevil emergence. Larval control was previously achieved by the use of banned compounds such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, cyclodiene and carbamate chemicals. Currently, if the adult program fails, there are few effective, economical control alternatives for growers. These studies demonstrate that the use of M. anisopliae as a soil incorporation and potentially as a rhizosphere colonizer may provide effective larval control. 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? D. Bruck was invited to present seminars to nursery and greenhouse growers (100-150 attendees) by Marion Ag Service, Inc. and Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center. Discussed with growers which entomopathogens were currently available and how to use them effectively. A portable acoustical detection device is commercially available for use in BVW detection and for other hidden pests. The uses of this device for research and for the worldwide industry was presented to international entomological researchers at the International Congress of Entomology in August, 2004 and to growers in Western Australian in late August 2004. Adoption of this device is slow due to costs (>$3000) and the ability to use technology. 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). Bruck, D. J. 2004. Ecology of Metarhizium anisopliae in soilless potting media and the rhizosphere: Implications for pest management. Presented at: National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Kepler, R. M. and D. J. Bruck. 2004. Behavioral response of the Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) larvae to Metarhizium anisopliae and Talstar in soil. Presented at: National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Bruck, D. J. 2004. Vine weevil management: Unraveling the mystery. Invited presentation: by Marion Ag Service, Inc., Nursery & Greenhouse Grower Meeting. Bruck, D. J. 2004. Vine weevil management: Unraveling the mystery. Invited presentation: by Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Nursery & Greenhouse Grower Workshop. Fisher, J.R., Chitkowski, R. 2004. The interactions of
irrigation, fertilization and soil on the expression of symptoms and damage in winegrape infested with grape phylloxera [Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch)]. Presented at: Northwest Center for Small Fruits Annual Conference. Fisher, J.R. 2004. Continuous mass rearing of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. Presented at: National Meeting of Entomological Society Of America.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bruck, D.J. 2004. Natural occurrences of entomopathogens in pacific northwest nursery soils and their virulence to the black vine weevil otiorhynchus sulcatus f. (coleoptera: curculionidae). Environmental Entomology. 33(5) p. 1335-1343.
- Fisher, J.R., Bruck, D.J. 2004. A technique for continuous mass rearing of black vine weevil, otiorhynchus sulcatus f. (coleoptera: curculionidae). Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 11(1)p.71-75.
- Bruck, D.J. 2004. Ecology of metarhizium anisopliae in soilless potting media and the rhizosphere: implications for pest management. Biological Control. v32: 155 - 163.
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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? Horticultural crops are important components of US agriculture. According to the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service, the estimated value of small fruit crops-- blueberries, blackberries, red and black raspberries, grapes, cranberries and strawberries--was $4.5 billion in 2001. Nursery and greenhouse crops are the fastest growing segment of US agriculture. Nationally, in terms of economic output, nursery and greenhouse crops rank third among all sectors of US agriculture and among the highest in net farm income. These crops contribute significantly to the agricultural economy of the Pacific Northwest region, which is number one in the US for Christmas tree and caneberry production, number two in wine grape production, and number three in nursery crop production. Insects and other arthropod
pests cause economic damage through sales loss to these crops in a number of ways: root feeding, stem and crown boring, leaf damage and fruit damage. Many cause major economic damage to a particular grower or growing area while others impact production throughout the region. Root feeders, explicitly root weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.), symphylans (Scutigerella spp.), fungus gnats (Sciaridae) and grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) are of premier importance to the small fruit, greenhouse and nursery industries. Root and vine weevils are responsible for >85% of the insecticides applied to small fruits and > 40% of the insecticides applied to nursery crops in the Pacific Northwest. These insects cost the nursery and berry industries > $5 million/year. In Oregon and Washington the number of vineyards with grape phylloxera has gone from 8 in 1990 to >75 in 2004. There are no controls for this insect except for planting new plants on grape phylloxera resistant rootstock. However,
nearly 45,000 producing acres of grapes in the Pacific Northwest are not planted with resistant rootstock. Replanting would cost over $2 billion. In the 1920s and 1950s, garden symphylans caused over $10 million/year in damage to horticultural crops in the Pacific Northwest. Concern by both the small fruit and nursery industries has increased due to the loss of registration of most pesticides that ameliorated the problem over the past 45 years. The cryptic nature of these pests has eluded conventional methods of detection, monitoring and control. The project has four goals: 1) Develop forecasting tools for life stages of Otiorhynchus species (root feeding weevils). 2) Determine the pest status and degree of adaptation of grape phylloxera to the Pacific Northwest. 3) Determine the pest status and degree of adaptation of other pest arthropods of small fruit and nursery crops. 4) Determine the feasibility of biological (insect diseases) and cultural strategies for use in
management of root feeding weevils and grape phylloxera. The major customers of this technology will be the growers of woody ornamental plants (conifers, rhododendrons, azalea, yews, deciduous trees, etc.), greenhouse ornamentals, and small fruit crops (caneberries, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, etc.). The state of Oregon has over 2, 000 wholesale and retail nursery-greenhouse operations that have more than 20,000 employees and garner nearly $1 billion in sales. The small fruit and wine grape industries of the Pacific Northwest are nearly as big. Public and private entomologists, agricultural advisors and pest managers, particularly those servicing the nursery, greenhouse, small fruit and wine grape industries in Northeastern and Northwestern US will benefit from basic knowledge of pest biology and ecology, species demographics, entomopathogen etiology and implementation of novel control strategies. Wholesale and retail customers demanding ornamental plants free of pesticide
residue as well as safe and wholesome small fruit products may also benefit. Knowledge and methods produced by this research will provide benefits to growers, retailers, scientists and the public with increased economic growth, improved plant quality and reduced use of chemical insecticides. Improved monitoring and detection methods and knowledge of these pests will allow for improved timing and targeting of control measures. Development of microbial and cultural control tactics will reduce grower reliance on chemical insecticides, lessen chemical residues and increase sustainability. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Bridging/Interim project, no Project Plan in place. Project expires in August 2005. After August 2005, work related to this project will continue (project number(s) to be determined). Year 1 (2004). A. Have a method of mass rearing black vine weevil (BVW) in operation so that it provides at least 500 larvae per week. B. Complete
experiment concerning the effects of soil type on the establishment of colonies of grape phylloxera. C. Complete experiments on the effects of host plant selection on the reproductive dynamics of the black vine weevil. D. Determine the prevalence of soil-borne entomopathogenic microorganisms and nematodes from the Pacific Northwest. E. Determine the pathogenicity of field collected entomopathogens against the black vine weevil. Year 2 (2005). A. Finalize and train nursery pest scouts on acoustic detection system for monitoring black vine weevils. B. Complete 1st phase of studies on the interaction of nursery soil mixes and the efficacy of chemical pesticides and biological 'pesticides'. C. Complete studies on the effects of regional temperatures and grape phylloxera. D. Determine the plant host range of rhizosphere competent isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae. E. Complete studies to determine the impact of individual potting media components on the persistence of M.
anisopliae. F. Complete studies to determine the long-term persistence of M. anisopliae in outdoor container-grown nursery production systems. 3. Milestones: A. The milestones listed below were scheduled to be completed this year (Year 1). All milestones were completed. 1. Have a mass rearing system that delivers over 500 larvae per week, each week of the year. 2. Determine the effects of soil type on grape phylloxera establishment. 3. Determine the effects of host plants on the reproductive dynamics of black vine weevil. 4. Determine the prevalence of soil-borne entomopathogenic microorganisms and nematodes from the Pacific Northwest. 5. Determine the pathogenicity of field collected entomopathogens against the black vine weevil. 6. Determine the effectiveness of a commercially available isolate of M. anisopliae for black vine weevil control in container grown ornamentals. B. The milestones below will complete the present project. A new project is scheduled to be reviewed in 2005
under the OSQR review. Year 2 (2005) 1. Improve acoustic detection system for black vine weevil larvae and train nursery pest scouts in its usage. 2. Determine the effects of nursery soil mixes on the efficacy of labeled chemical pesticides and biological pesticides on black vine weevil larvae. 3. Determine the effect of regional temperature on grape phylloxera life stage dynamics. 4. Perform studies to develop a protocol for the use of entomopathogenic fungi for the protection of existing or eradication of nursery stock infested with black vine weevil. 5. Determine the long-term persistence of M. anisopliae in outdoor container-grown nursery production systems. 6. Determine the impact of individual soilless potting media components on the persistence of M. anisopliae. 7. Determine the ability of rhizosphere competent entomopathogenic fungi to colonize elongating plant roots. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. The black vine weevil is a world-wide
pest of nursery, small fruits and garden crops but, despite its economic importance to agriculture, scientific research on this insect has been hampered by the difficulty of rearing the insect in a laboratory setting and the consequent lack of individual weevils available for experimentation. The Horticultural Crops Research Unit in Corvallis, Oregon developed a new method to rear the weevils based upon a chemically defined artificial diet. The resulting method, which is the first continuous mass rearing system for black vine weevil, produces over 10,000 eggs, 1,500 larvae and >500 adults/week. Researchers now have access to thousands of insects representing all life stages throughout the year, a breakthrough that will accelerate research on the biology and control of this economically- important insect pest. B. Grape phylloxera is an important soil-borne pest of wine grapes but it is not found in all grape-growing regions, and its distribution was thought to result, in part, from
differences in soil type. The Horticultural Crops Research Unit in Corvallis, Oregon in collaboration Rebecca Chitkowski, a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University, conducted a greenhouse study evaluating the effect of soil type on establishment of grape phylloxera. Grape phylloxera established colonies in soils collected from vineyards in the Pacific Northwest, artificial soils, and sandy soils, which were previously thought to be inhibitory to the pest. The study indicates that many soils are conducive to the establishment of grape phylloxera, emphasizing the importance of phylloxera-resistant rootstocks in managing this important pest. The black vine weevil is a world-wide pest of nursery, small fruits and garden crops, and information on the biology of the insect is needed to devise innovative new strategies for management of this important pest. Scientists at the Horticultural Crops Research Unit in Corvallis, Oregon conducted a study evaluating the longevity and reproduction
of black vine weevil on different plants; adult weevils were fed leaves of a single plant species for 300 days, or leaves of one plant species for either 30, 45 or 60 days and a second plant species for the remainder of 300 days. All parameters that were measured, including egg production, egg hatch, and adult survival, were greater in treatments with certain synergetic plant combinations as compared to treatments with a single plant host. These results suggest that nursery growers may be able to reduce damage from black vine weevils by placing synergistic host plants at a distance from one another in the nursery setting. Alternative approaches are needed for management of the black vine weevil on nursery crops, as a supplement or alternative to preventative chemical sprays that are currently used to control the pest in commercial nurseries. The Horticultural Crops Research Unit in Corvallis, Oregon evaluated a fungus called Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control agent
against the black vine weevil. Application of Metarhizium anisopliae spores to the surface of pots killed larvae of the black vine weevil, and mortality was accelerated when infested plants were maintained at temperatures at or above 22DGC. These results indicate that the biological control agent Metarhizium anisopliae has promise for management of black vine weevil on nursery plants. C. None 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Over the past 5 years, the relationship of temperature to rate of development of eggs, pupae, sexual maturity, eggs produced, adult longevity and feeding responses with the strawberry root weevil were established. The effects of constant temperature on the life cycle and survival of life stages of grape phylloxera was established. This information is being used to develop models to predict the number of generations per year for several diverse areas in western USA. Over a 5 year
period and with collaboration of Richard Mankin, ARS, CMAVE, Gainesville, FL, and a CRADA with AEC (Acoustic Emissions Consultants, Fair Oaks, CA.) a portable detection system for acoustically detecting BVW in nursery containers (pots) was developed. This is a breakthrough in detecting these pests in their most destructive stage (larva). Previously, pest scouts and growers would have to destructively look through the pot's contents of soil and roots to look for presence of this pest. At best 5 to 8 pots could, with much tedium, be sampled per hour. Acoustic detection offers the ability to sample a pot without destruction, every 3 minutes. As there is a 0 tolerance for this insect, the ability to isolate infested pots will save monetary loss from nursery shipment 'buy-backs' and reduce pesticide usage. This technology will be ready for technology transfer to the industry in 2005. An above ground bait sampling method for systematically estimating populations of garden symphylans
in the field was developed. Previous sampling methods for this arthropod soil pest required a pest scout or grower to take three shovelfuls of soil and count the symphylans. Baiting allows many samples per day and sampling over time. This will help quantify results from studies on control strategies and development of economic thresholds. The bait sampling method has been used to quantify the effects of symphylans on selected crops, the assessment of certain crop rotations. The effect of temperature and photoperiod on BVW was established. Time and cold-temperature storage limits on eggs, larvae and adults of BVW were established. A mass rearing system was developed for BVW. These accomplishments have made the supply of large quantities of all life stages of this one generation per year insect available for experimentation year round. We can now artificially infest plants in the laboratory or field, conduct attractant and pheromone studies, conduct bioassays for chemical and
biological control agents, host plant studies, and behavioral studies. A crude system for infesting eggs of BVW and strawberry root weevil in the field was devised. The eggs were suspended in agar and introduced to the root zone of field planted strawberries. The ability to infest plants with a known quantity of eggs will help develop threshold numbers for economic damage and thus, give quantitative evaluation of chemical, biological, cultural and physical control strategies. Work has been ongoing towards the development of a biologically-based pest management program for the BVW. The program is focused on using entomopathogenic microorganisms and nematodes. In order to quantify the prevalence of soil-borne entomopathogens (fungi, nematodes and bacteria), we conducted a soil survey of nursery production areas in OR, WA and ID. The isolates of fungi, nematodes and bacteria collected were assayed against BVW and particularly virulent isolates were evaluated for their biocontrol
potential. We demonstrated that persistence of M. anisopliae is not significantly different between peat and bark-based potting media, nor did the incorporation of crab meal significantly affect fungal persistence. Metarhizium anisopliae is able to persist in both potting media types at relatively high levels (106 cfu/g media) for up to 11 months. Metarhizium anisopliae incorporated when plants are potted has also been shown to be extremely effective at controlling black vine weevil. In addition, we demonstrated that M. anisopliae colonized the rhizosphere of Picea abies and the fungal population in the rhizosphere was 10X greater than the fungal population in the bulk soil. The demonstration of rhizosphere competence shifts the focus onto fungal ecology when identifying and developing entomopathogenic fungi. Traditional management relies on the use of adult sprays in an attempt to prevent weevils from laying their eggs. However, nurseries continually have problems timing spray
applications in relation to weevil emergence. Larval control was previously achieved by the use of banned compounds such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, cyclodiene and carbamate chemicals. Currently, if the adult program fails, there are few effective, economical control alternatives for growers. These studies demonstrate that the use of M. anisopliae as a soil incorporation and potentially as a rhizosphere colonizer may provide effective larval control. 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? A portable acoustical detection device is commercially available for use in BVW detection and for other hidden pests. Instructional classes in its use are scheduled for September 2004 near Salem Oregon at 2 commercial wholesale nurseries. The uses of
this device for research and for the worldwide industry will be presented to international entomological researchers at the International Congress of Entomology in August, 2004. We have had visits from one European researcher and from another USDA laboratory as to adaptation for other root feeding weevils. A laboratory in Ireland and another in Nova Scotia, working from phone inquiries and the accepted manuscript, are trying to duplicate the method for rearing BVW in their laboratories. Methods for bait trapping symphylans are being promoted by the blueberry extension specialist in Oregon for assessment of this pest in blueberry fields. This method has also been presented at numerous meetings of organic growers in Oregon, Washington and California over the past year. D. Bruck was invited to present seminars to nursery and greenhouse growers (75-100 attendees) by Marion Ag Service, Inc. and the Sunset Chapter of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. Discussed with growers which
entomopathogens were currently available and how to use them effectively. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Fisher, J. R., M. A. Albrecht, and R. Chitkowski. 2003. Life Tables of grape phylloxera: Effects of variable temperature regimes on a population from Washington, Oregon and California. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Fisher, J.R. and R. Chitkowski. 2003. The interactions of irrigation, fertilization and soil on the expression of symptoms and damage in winegrape infested with grape phylloxera. Presented at Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research, Annual Meeting. Fisher, J. R. 2004. Use of acoustics in detection and studying activity of larvae of a nursery soil pest, Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Invited presentation: symposia at the XXII International Congress of Entomology, Brisbane, AU. Fisher, J.R., P.D.
VanBuskirk, and R.J. Hilton. 2003. Insect and Mite Pests of Winegrapes in Oregon. In E. Hellman, ed., Oregon Viticulture, Oregon State University Press. Elstein, D. 2004. High-Tech Device Detects Weevils in Nursery Crops. Agricultural Research. April, 2004. Bruck, D.J. 2003. Persistence and population dynamics of Metarhizium anisopliae in peat and bark based potting media. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Bruck, D.J. 2003. Development of a Biologically Based Management Program for Black Vine Weevil. Invited presentation: by Marion Ag Service, Inc., Nursery & Greenhouse Grower Meeting. Bruck, D.J. 2003. Development of a Biologically Based Management Program for Black Vine Weevil. Invited presentation: Oregon Association of Nurseryman, Sunset Chapter. Bruck, D.J. 2004. Black vine weevil control in field and container- grown nursery stock. Presented at: Pacific Northwest Insect Management Conference. Bruck, D.J. 2003. Stopping Weevil
Deeds. American Nurseryman 199: 43- 50.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Umble, J.R., Fisher, J.R. Suitability of selected crops and soil for garden symphylan (Symphyla, Scutigerellidae: Scutigerella immaculata Newport) population growth. Applied Soil Ecology. 2003. v24 p.151-163.
- Fisher, J.R., Albrecht, M.A. Constant temperature life table studies of populations of grape phylloxera from Washington and Oregon, USA. Acta Horticulturae. 2003. v617 p. 43-48.
- Umble, J.R., Fisher, J.R. 2003. Sampling considerations for garden symphylans (Scutigerella immaculata Newport) in Western Oregon. Journal of Economic Entomology. 2003. v96 p. 969-974.
- Umble, J., Fisher, J. Influence of below-ground feeding by garden symphylans (symphyla, scutigerellidae: scutigerella immaculata newport) on plant health. Environmental Entomology. 2003. 32 p. 1251-1261.
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