Source: AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE submitted to NRP
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF PESTS AFFECTING COTTON: PLANT GENETICS, BIOCONTROL, AND NOVEL METHODS OF PEST ESTIMATION
Sponsoring Institution
Agricultural Research Service/USDA
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
USDA INHOUSE
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0409132
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 25, 2005
Project End Date
May 24, 2010
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
(N/A)
SHAFTER,CA 93263
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
40%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
40%
Applied
40%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2051710106030%
4021710106070%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems; 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
1710 - Upland cotton;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
The objective of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is to develop new materials and methods for sustainable production of high quality cotton and other crops grown in the irrigated western United States. Specifically, research on integrated management of insects, identification and management of invasive plant pathogens and development of novel germplasm should enable efficient and profitable crop production with limited impact on the environment.
Project Methods
An interdisciplinary team consisting of an entomologist, geneticist, ecologist and plant pathologist will work together with Federal, State, and University collaborators to solve the major problems facing sustainable production of irrigated crops in the context of environmental stewardship. Efforts focus on discovering and developing new pest insect controls based on parasites and pathogens that impact only pest insects. Determination of overwintering locations and movement of pest insects will allow for more accurate prediction of future pest infestations and to identify release points of parasites. A process for rapid identification of race 4 Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum (FOV), a disease new to the US will be developed and used to determine the extent of the infestation and to measure plant responses to remediation attempts. Conventional breeding techniques in combination with modern molecular techniques will lead to cotton germplasm with improved yield and fiber qualities and increased resistance to insects and diseases. ¿Replacing 5303-21220-002-00D (5/05)."

Progress 05/25/05 to 05/24/10

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is to develop new materials and methods for sustainable production of high quality cotton and other crops grown in the irrigated western United States. Specifically, research on integrated management of insects, identification and management of invasive plant pathogens and development of novel germplasm should enable efficient and profitable crop production with limited impact on the environment. Approach (from AD-416) An interdisciplinary team consisting of an entomologist, geneticist, ecologist and plant pathologist will work together with Federal, State, and University collaborators to solve the major problems facing sustainable production of irrigated crops in the context of environmental stewardship. Efforts focus on discovering and developing new pest insect controls based on parasites and pathogens that impact only pest insects. Determination of overwintering locations and movement of pest insects will allow for more accurate prediction of future pest infestations and to identify release points of parasites. A process for rapid identification of race 4 Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum (FOV), a disease new to the US will be developed and used to determine the extent of the infestation and to measure plant responses to remediation attempts. Conventional breeding techniques in combination with modern molecular techniques will lead to cotton germplasm with improved yield and fiber qualities and increased resistance to insects and diseases. �Replacing 5303-21220-002-00D (5/05)." This is the final report for the project 5303-21220-003-00D terminated in May 2010. Substantial progress was made in cotton cultivar improvement and in understanding the dominant disease and insect pest problems of cotton in the semi-arid western US. Cotton germplasm with improved fiber, tolerance to heat stress, or resistance to the fungus causing Fusarium wilt (race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, FOV) were released. These materials increase the genetic diversity available to breeders addressing the problems of California cotton. Candidate genes controlling fiber quality and resistance to races 1 and 4 of FOV, and the root-knot nematode, were identified. Analyses provided insights into the interactions of genes from resistant and susceptible cultivars, as well as molecular markers for assisting breeding. Field assays identified a Pima cultivar with resistance to race 4 of FOV. The identified cultivar has since become the dominant Pima cultivar grown in California. A molecular assay for race 4 of FOV was developed to provide a rapid diagnostic tool to facilitate research on this devastating disease. Additional studies identified novel strains of FOV from archived specimens across the US cottonbelt. Observed virulence of the novel strains justifies an ongoing survey of FOV in the US. Documentation of natural infection of cottonseed by race 4 of FOV provided information critical to efforts by the seed industry to limit spread of FOV. Efforts to improve methods of managing race 4 of FOV identified commercially available detergents with good efficacy against FOV spores. These materials provide non-corrosive alternatives to household bleach for disinfesting field equipment. Field studies indicated that solarization was as effective as available chemical fumigants against soilborne FOV spores. This finding provides an environmentally friendly method of spot- treating severe infestations of FOV. Hot water treatment was identified as a means of disinfesting seed of race 4 of FOV, and may facilitate development of a commercial procedure to minimize the potential for spread of the disease in planted seed. Efforts to facilitate ecologically- based management of Lygus bugs through simulation of population dynamics and dispersal were unsuccessful, and emphasis switched to better understanding sampling methods and Lygus-cotton interactions. Procedures for calibrating the sweep net sampling method were developed, validated, and used to demonstrate the lack of differences in population estimates by different trained samplers. These results are key to the development of robust treatment decision rules. Video-monitored assays of Lygus feeding behavior demonstrated major differences among Lygus genders and adult age groups that will be critical to the accurate characterization of injury to cotton. Corresponding results from ongoing greenhouse and field studies are consistent with the conclusion of Lygus age- and gender- specific injury rates to cotton. These results will facilitate improved understanding of Lygus-cotton interactions and development of improved treatment decision rules. Accomplishments 01 Age- and gender-based differences in feeding behavior of adult Lygus hesperus. Lygus species constitute the most important pest complex of US cotton but mechanisms of injury to cotton are poorly understood. ARS researchers at Shafter, CA used video-based assays to document differenc in feeding behaviors among selected classes of Lygus adults. Young adult of both genders and recently mated older males fed more often and for longer periods than older females. Recognition of the heterogeneity of feeding behaviors among Lygus adults provides key information to reduce eliminate previously unexplained variability in studies to quantify Lygu induced crop losses. 02 Identification of a gene and molecular markers associated with Fusarium wilt resistance in cotton. Fusarium wilt is an important disease of cott caused by a fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum) that can survive for long periods in the soil. An ARS researcher in Shafter, CA collaborated with University scientists to study inheritance of Fusarium resistance in Upland and Pima cottons. A major resistance gene for race of F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum was identified and analyses of molecular markers suggested genetic interactions and the mechanism of resistance. Identified markers should be useful for breeding Fusarium wi resistance into elite cotton cultivars by marker-assisted selection. 03 Diminished diapause response of Lygus hesperus with laboratory rearing. Understanding of the diapause phenomenon in Lygus hesperus is important the development of ecologically-based management tactics, but results of previous studies using laboratory-reared insects were inconsistent. ARS researchers at Shafter, CA and Maricopa, AZ examined the incidence of diapause exhibited by field-collected and laboratory-reared Lygus under controlled conditions. The diapause response of Lygus originating from established laboratory colonies was substantially reduced compared with that of Lygus originating from the field. These results identify serious artifacts of earlier studies and indicate a sound understanding of diapause in Lygus will necessitate re-examination of this phenomenon usi insects more typical of field populations.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Ulloa, M., Percy, R.G., Hutmacher, R.B., Zhang, J. 2009. The Future of Cotton Breeding in the Western United States. J. Cotton Sci. 13(4):246-255.
  • Spurgeon, D.W. 2009. Using Marked Lygus hesperus (Knight) (Hemiptera: Miridae) Adults to Evaluate Sweepnet Sampling in Cotton. Journal of Cotton Science. 13: 196-205.
  • Holmes, E.A., Bennett, R.S., Spurgeon, D.W., Colyer, P.D., Davis, R.M. 2009. New Genotypes of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum from the Southeastern United States. Plant Disease. 93:1298-1304.
  • Cooper, W.R., Dillwith, J.W., Puterka, G.J. 2010. Salivary proteins of Russian wheat aphid (Hempitera: Aphididae). Environmental Entomology. 39(1) :223-231.
  • Cooper, W.R., Rieske, L.K. 2010. Gall structure affects ecological associations of Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). Environ. Entomol. 39(3): 787-797.
  • Cooper, W.R., Puterka, G.J., Glenn, D.M. 2010. Relative attractiveness of colour traps to pear psylla in relation to seasonal changes in pear phenology. The Canadian Entomologist. 142(2):188-191.
  • Spurgeon, D.W. and C.P.-C. Suh. 2009. Pheromone Production by the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Fed Cotton Squares and Bolls. Journal of Entomological Science. 44:209-221.
  • Spurgeon, D.W. 2010. Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana against Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) at Low Temperatures. J.Entomol. Sci. 45: 211-219.
  • Roberts, P.A., Ulloa, M. 2010. Introgression of root-knot nematode resistance into tetraploid cottons. Crop Sci. 50 (3):940-951.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is to develop new materials and methods for sustainable production of high quality cotton and other crops grown in the irrigated western United States. Specifically, research on integrated management of insects, identification and management of invasive plant pathogens and development of novel germplasm should enable efficient and profitable crop production with limited impact on the environment. Approach (from AD-416) An interdisciplinary team consisting of an entomologist, geneticist, ecologist and plant pathologist will work together with Federal, State, and University collaborators to solve the major problems facing sustainable production of irrigated crops in the context of environmental stewardship. Efforts focus on discovering and developing new pest insect controls based on parasites and pathogens that impact only pest insects. Determination of overwintering locations and movement of pest insects will allow for more accurate prediction of future pest infestations and to identify release points of parasites. A process for rapid identification of race 4 Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum (FOV), a disease new to the US will be developed and used to determine the extent of the infestation and to measure plant responses to remediation attempts. Conventional breeding techniques in combination with modern molecular techniques will lead to cotton germplasm with improved yield and fiber qualities and increased resistance to insects and diseases. �Replacing 5303-21220-002-00D (5/05)." Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Ten cotton chromosomes were assayed for presence of molecular markers associated with resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV), the fungus causing Fusarium wilt. DNA sequences of thirty-one markers, associated with FOV or root-knot nematode resistance, or located close to other known markers, were obtained. In cooperation with the University of California-Riverside and UC-Davis, 460 cotton entries were evaluated for resistance levels to FOV races 1 and 4, and root-knot nematode in field and greenhouse studies. These studies revealed interactions in plant response to FOV between cotton entries, FOV races, and evaluation sites. Analyses of these data were initiated to investigate the inheritance and gene action of FOV-resistance. Isolates of FOV from Texas and the Ivory Coast of Africa were obtained and partially genotyped. The resulting sequences will be used as references to study genetic and pathogenic diversity of FOV in the U.S. Hot water treatments were evaluated for eliminating FOV infection in cottonseed to complement earlier studies of dry heat treatments. Fusarium infection of seed was reduced by exposure to 90 C for 90 sec or more. Field evaluations of treatments for reducing FOV inoculum in soil were repeated. Results were consistent with those from the previous year, in which three treatments (methyl bromide+chloropicrin, telone+chloropicrin, and solarization) reduced the incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt symptoms compared with untreated soil. Mark-release-recapture studies of sweep net collection efficiency for Lygus adults in cotton expanded to encompass among-sampler differences and the influence of release time on Lygus sampling. Results demonstrated the sweep net sampling technique can be standardized to eliminate among-sampler differences in population estimates. Higher recovery of Lygus adults sampled 2 hours after release, compared with recovery of Lygus released the previous day, indicated allowance of time for re-distribution of released Lygus within the plant canopy is important for accurate estimation of collection efficiency. Assays of the insect disease, Beauveria bassiana, against Lygus adults under low temperatures indicated a temperature-dependence of Lygus mortality but little difference among Beauveria isolates. Efforts to establish a Moroccan strain of a wasp parasite of Lygus, Peristenus relictus, were initiated in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The dynamics of development of morphological criteria for distinguishing diapause in Lygus adults was evaluated under controlled conditions. Key diagnostic characters were identified that suggest earlier reports of diapause response to photoperiod are inaccurate. Evaluations of the temperature-dependence of Lygus egg development were initiated to better understand the environmental ecology of this pest. Behavioral assays of Lygus feeding were conducted to gain insights into mechanisms of feeding injury in cotton. Observations suggest Lygus adults devote a higher proportion of time to feeding than was previously reported, and that feeding times are similar between genders. Technology Transfer Number of New/Active MTAs(providing only): 4

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Kantartzi, S.K., Ulloa, M., Sacks, E., Stewart, J.McD. 2009. Assessing genetic diversity in Gossypium arboreum L. cultivars using genomic and EST- derived microsatellites. Genetica 136: 141-147.
  • DeTar, W.R. 2009. Crop Coefficients and Water Use for Cowpea in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Agricultural Water Management. 96(1):53-66.
  • Suh, C.P., Armstrong, J.S., Spurgeon, D.W., Duke, S.E. 2009. Comparisons of boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) pheromone traps with and without kill strips. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102:183-186.
  • Ulloa, M., Percy, R., Zhang, J., Hutmacher, R.B., Wright, S.D., Davis, R.M. 2009. Registration of four Pima cotton germplasm lines having good levels of Fusarium wilt race 4 resistance with moderate yields and good fibers. Journal of Plant Registrations. 3:198-202.
  • Wallace, T.P., Bowman, D., Campbell, B.T., Chee, P., Gutierrez, O.A., Kohel, R.J., McCarty, J., Myers, G., Percy, R., Robinson, F., Smith, W., Stelly, D.M., Stewart, J.M., Thaxton, P., Ulloa, M., Weaver, D.B. 2009. Status of the USA cotton germplasm collection and crop vulnerability. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 56:507-532.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is to develop new materials and methods for sustainable production of high quality cotton and other crops grown in the irrigated western United States. Specifically, research on integrated management of insects, identification and management of invasive plant pathogens and development of novel germplasm should enable efficient and profitable crop production with limited impact on the environment. Approach (from AD-416) An interdisciplinary team consisting of an entomologist, geneticist, ecologist and plant pathologist will work together with Federal, State, and University collaborators to solve the major problems facing sustainable production of irrigated crops in the context of environmental stewardship. Efforts focus on discovering and developing new pest insect controls based on parasites and pathogens that impact only pest insects. Determination of overwintering locations and movement of pest insects will allow for more accurate prediction of future pest infestations and to identify release points of parasites. A process for rapid identification of race 4 Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum (FOV), a disease new to the US will be developed and used to determine the extent of the infestation and to measure plant responses to remediation attempts. Conventional breeding techniques in combination with modern molecular techniques will lead to cotton germplasm with improved yield and fiber qualities and increased resistance to insects and diseases. �Replacing 5303-21220-002-00D (5/05)." Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Soil treatments were examined for their ability to reduce Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) race 4 inoculum. Three treatments, methyl bromide+chloropicrin, telone+chloropicrin, and solarization, significantly reduced disease symptoms compared with no treatment. Both high- (60-80 C) and low-temperature (30-40 C) dry heat treatments were evaluated for eliminating FOV in cottonseed. In both tests FOV infection levels decreased with increasing temperature and treatment duration. No temperature treatment eliminated the fungus from cottonseed. Unique isolates of FOV from the southeastern U.S. were identified in collaboration with University of California-Davis and Louisiana State University scientists. The isolates were evaluated for their effects on a panel of cotton varieties varying in susceptibility to Fusarium wilt. Twenty-eight commercial detergents were tested for their ability to kill FOV spores. Four detergents proved effective as disinfectants. The research addresses National Program 304�Crop Protection and Quarantine, Component V. Pest Control Technologies, c) Physical/Mechanical and Cultural Control, and e) Chemical Control. The insect disease, Beauveria bassiana, was tested against adult Lygus bugs at low temperatures. Results indicated mortality caused by the disease varied with both temperature and disease strain. Methods to calibrate the sweep net sampling technique for Lygus adults in cotton were developed and validated. Collection efficiency of the sweep net was about 20% in pre- blooming cotton, but declined to low levels by mid-season. The research addresses National Program 304�Crop Protection and Quarantine, Component V. Pest Control Technologies, a) Traditional Biological Control, and Component VI. Integrated Pest Management Systems and Areawide Suppression Programs, a) Sampling Methods, Detection and Monitoring. Discovery and mapping of molecular markers in cotton continued. A genetic map covering about 60% of the cotton genome and representing 24 of the 26 chromosomes was constructed. DNA sequences of the markers used were previously posted in the Cotton Marker Database (http://www.cottonmarker.org/projects/). Studies to evaluate germplasm for response to the race 4 isolate of FOV continued. A population of 140 breeding lines from a cross between Upland and Pima cottons was tested for resistance to FOV races 1 and 4, and root- knot nematodes, in cooperation with University of California-Riverside and UC-Davis scientists. Results suggested the genes active in the plant disease-response varied with environmental conditions. Ten candidate molecular markers associated with FOV susceptibility or resistance were identified. The markers identified and mapped will be used in additional research to evaluate associations with important cotton traits. The research addresses National Program 301�Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement, Component II. Crop Informatics, Genomics, and Genetic Analyses, c) Genetic Analyses and Mapping of Important Traits, and National Program 304�Crop Protection and Quarantine, Component V. Pest Control Technologies, b) Breeding for Host Plant Resistance. Technology Transfer Number of New/Active MTAs(providing only): 1 Number of New Germplasm Releases: 1

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Bennett, R.S., Hutmacher, R.B., Davis, M.R. 2008. Seed Transmission of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Race 4 in California. J. Cotton Sci. 12:160-164.
  • Chen, Z., Scheffler, B.E., Dennis, E., Triplett, B.A., Zhang, T., Chen, X., Stelly, D., Rabinowicz, P., Town, C., Arioli, T., Brubaker, C., Cantrell, R., Lacape, J., Ulloa, M., Chee, P., Gingle, A.R., Haigler, C.H., Percy, R. G., Saha, S., Wilkins, T., Wright, R.I., Van Deynze, A., Zhu, Y., Yu, S., Guo, W., Abdurakhmonov, I., Katageri, I., Ur-Rahman, M., Zafar, Y., Yu, J., Kohel, R.J., Wendel, J., Paterson, A. 2007. Towards Sequencing Cotton (Gossypium) Genomes. Plant Physiology. 145:1303-1310.
  • Dara, S.K., Mcguire, M.R., Ulloa, M., Kaya, H.K. 2008. Evaluation and Molecular Characterization of Beauveria bassiana for the Control of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) in California. J. Entomol. Sci. 43(2):241-246.
  • Detar, W.R., Chesson, J.H., Penner, J.V., and Ojala, J.C. 2008. Detection of soil properties with airborne hyperspectral measurements of bare fields. Transactions of the ASABE 51(2):463-470.
  • DeTar, W.R. 2008. Yield and growth characteristics for cotton under various irrigation regimes on sandy soil. Agricultural Water Management. Vol 95/1:pp 69-76.
  • Spurgeon, D.W. 2008. Seasonal patterns in host-free survival of the boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the subtropics. Journal of Entomological Science. 43(1):13-26.
  • Spurgeon, D.W., Sappington, T.W., and Rummel, D.R. 2008. Host-free Survival of Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Two Regions of Texas. Southwest Entomol. 33: 151-152.
  • Wang, C., Ulloa, M., Roberts, P.A. 2008. A transgressive segregation factor (RKN2) in Gossypium barbadense for nematode resistance clusters with gene rkn1 in G. hirsutum. Mol. Genet. Genome 279:41-52.
  • Zhang, J., Yuan, Y., Niu, C., Hinchliffe, D.J., Lu, Y., Yu, S., Percy, R.G. , Ulloa, M., Cantrell, R.G. 2007. AFLP-RGA markers in comparison with RGA and AFLP in cultivated tetraploid cotton. Crop Science 47:180-187.


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is to develop new materials and methods for sustainable production of high quality cotton and other crops grown in the irrigated western United States. Specifically, research on integrated management of insects, identification and management of invasive plant pathogens and development of novel germplasm should enable efficient and profitable crop production with limited impact on the environment. Approach (from AD-416) An interdisciplinary team consisting of an entomologist, geneticist, ecologist and plant pathologist will work together with Federal, State, and University collaborators to solve the major problems facing sustainable production of irrigated crops in the context of environmental stewardship. Efforts focus on discovering and developing new pest insect controls based on parasites and pathogens that impact only pest insects. Determination of overwintering locations and movement of pest insects will allow for more accurate prediction of future pest infestations and to identify release points of parasites. A process for rapid identification of race 4 Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum (FOV), a disease new to the US will be developed and used to determine the extent of the infestation and to measure plant responses to remediation attempts. Conventional breeding techniques in combination with modern molecular techniques will lead to cotton germplasm with improved yield and fiber qualities and increased resistance to insects and diseases. �Replacing 5303-21220-002-00D (5/05)." Accomplishments Identification of a commercially available Pima cultivar with resistance to Fusarium wilt race 4. The San Joaquin Valley of California is the primary production region of high-quality Pima cotton in the U.S. Recent identification in the San Joaquin Valley of a new race of Fusarium wilt (FOV race 4) that is particularly damaging to Pima cotton threatens the sustainability of this industry. Scientists of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit in Shafter, CA and University of California - Davis collaborators screened more than 200 varieties of Pima, Acala (a high-quality upland cotton), and Upland cottons for susceptibility to FOV race 4. These efforts identified a commercially available Pima variety (Phytogen 800) with lowered susceptibility to Fusarium wilt. As a result of these screening efforts, planted acreage of Phytogen 800 in the San Joaquin Valley have increased from about 3% before discovery of FOV race 4 to more than 60% at present. Although identification of the Fusarium-tolerance of Phytogen 800 does not solve the FOV race 4 problem in California, use of this variety facilitates continued production of Pima cotton until researchers identify additional sources of resistance or methods to control the disease. This accomplishment contributes to National Program 304 Component 5, Pest Control Technologies, Problem Statement D, Other Biologically-Based Control. Demonstration of natural infection of cottonseed by Fusarium (FOV) race 4. The recent discovery of a new and potentially devastating strain of Fusarium wilt (FOV race 4) infesting cotton in the San Joaquin Valley of California has raised important questions regarding the origin and mechanisms of spread of this disease. While other strains of Fusarium commonly infest cottonseed in other production regions of the U.S., seed infection by FOV race 4 in the San Joaquin Valley would be of particular concern because an estimated 14,000 hectares within the region are devoted to the production of certified planting seed. Efforts by scientists of the Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit to determine the potential for natural infection of acid-delinted seed confirmed a very low rate of Fusarium infection (1 positive/5,000 seeds). This finding was corroborated by a collaborator at the University of California, Davis. Although seed infection rates are apparently low, they are sufficient to pose a threat of infection to producers receiving infected planting seed. These results also emphasize the importance of accurately quantifying the risk posed by infected seed and for developing methods to eliminate or remedy seed infection. This accomplishment contributes to National Program 304 Component 5, Pest Control Technologies, Problem Statement C, Physical/Mechanical and Cultural Control. Technology Transfer Number of Active CRADAS and MTAS: 3 Number of Web Sites managed: 1 Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 6

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Detar, W.R., Penner, J.V. 2007. Airborne remote sensing used to estimate percent canopy cover and to extract canopy temperature from scene temperature in cotton. Transactions of the ASABE, Vol. 50(2):495-506.
  • Bennett, R.S., Milgroom, M.G., Sainudiin, R., Cunfer, B.M., Bergstrom, G.C. 2007. Relative Contribution of Seed-transmitted Inoculum to Foliar Populations of Phaeosphaeria nodorum. Phytopathology. 97:584-591.
  • Bancroft, J.S. 2006. Comparison of two species of aphids (homoptera: aphididae) on nine host-plants using age specific fecundity and survival. Southwestern Entomologist. 31:233-243.
  • Ulloa, M., Brubaker, C., Chee, P. 2007. Cotton. In: Kole, C. (Ed.) Genome Mapping & Molecular Breeding. Vol. 6: Technical Crops. Book Chapter. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York. p. 1-49.
  • Ulloa, M., Percy, R.G., Hutmacher, R., Cantrell, R.G. 2006. Registration of SJ-U86 Cotton Germplasm Line with High Yield and Excellent Fiber Quality. Crop Science. 46:2336-2338.
  • Percy, R.G., May, O.L., Ulloa, M., Cantrell, R.G. 2006. Registration of AGC85, AGC208, and AGC375 upland cotton germplasm lines. Crop Science. p. 1828.
  • Spurgeon, D.W. 2007. Ecologically-based IPM in cotton. In: Koul, O., Cuperus, G.W., editors. Ecologically-Based Integrated Pest Management. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing. p. 367-405.
  • Spurgeon, D.W., Raulston, J.R. 2006. Boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adult diapause responses to selected environmental and dietary conditions. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 99:1085-1100.
  • Suh, C.P., Spurgeon, D.W. 2006. Host-free survival of boll weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) previously fed vegetative-stage regrowth cotton. Journal of Entomological Science. 41:277-284.
  • Spurgeon, D.W., Suh, C.P. 2007. Diel patterns of pheromone production in the boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of Entomological Science. 42:250-260.


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Progress Report 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? Why does it matter? Research on new biological controls of insects and methods to combat plant pathogens is conducted under NP 304 Development of New and Improved Pest Control Technologies. Research to determine insect movement patterns is conducted under NP 304 Integrated Pest Management and Pest Control Technologies. The cotton germplasm enhancement research contributes to NP 301 component Genomic Characterization and Genetic Improvement. Cotton production currently uses large amounts of water, synthetic chemicals and additional physical inputs that reduce profitability. It is also perceived that current efforts in breeding have led to a plateau in cotton quality and yield. The Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is enhancing cotton germplasm and discovering materials and methods for producing cotton with environmentally and socially acceptable methods. Movement of cotton pests among the multiple crops of California makes controlling these insects difficult. Studies to determine movement within the crop landscape will help predict when insects may become problematic. Introduction of new biological control agents of cotton insect pests and development of microbial pesticides will reduce dependence on chemicals. A new, virulent race of a Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) is threatening cotton production in California. Studies are conducted to reduce the impact of the disease and to determine methods to limit its spread. The development and application of molecular markers combined with traditional genetics will help to identify, map, and follow traits that can be used in elite cotton germplasm to enhance cotton yield and quality or impart fungal and insect pest resistance. These issues are important to producers, other scientists, and, ultimately, the consumer. As urbanization encroaches on prime farmland, Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) activities affect farm chemical use, and emerging concerns over the effect of farming practices on air quality, it is possible current practices will be regulated out of existence. At the present time, few alternatives exist for pest control and other conventional farming practices. If chemical controls for aphid and other pests are reduced, sticky cotton issues will become more important. The development of alternative management options that arise from research in germplasm enhancement, insect control and disease management will assist the cotton industry to more effectively compete in a global market. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) FY2005: Efforts to identify specific molecular markers for Beauveria bassiana isolates of interest and additional field testing will be completed. Mark recapture experiments for determination of Lygus abundance and movement will be completed. Germplasm will be selected in preparation for host plant resistance studies and identification of SSR markers for genetic diversity studies. Development and identification of molecular markers for diverse genome analysis and for cotton improvement can be used to gain knowledge of the structural genomics and map locations of loci affecting agronomically important traits will be initiated. FY2006: B. bassiana field tests will continue with an emphasis on formulation, rate and timing of application. Behavioral studies of Lygus parasites will be completed and a regional model of Lygus population dynamics initiated. A new plant pathology laboratory will be established and staffed; methods for culturing and infecting plants with FOV will be established. F. oxysporum epidemiology and seed pathology studies will be initiated. Research will begin to screen cotton germplasm for resistance to insects and Fusarium. Greenhouse and field germplasm evaluations for Fusarium wilt disease will continue. Germplasm selection in preparation for host plant resistance studies and identification of SSR markers for genetic diversity studies and mapping will continue. Development and identification of molecular markers for diverse genome analysis and for cotton improvement can be used to gain knowledge of the structural genomics and map locations of loci affecting agronomically important traits will continue. Research to develop additional molecular markers for genetic diversity studies and mapping will continue. A mapping population will be developed for Fusarium host resistance studies. FY2007: B. bassiana field tests and host range analysis will continue and technology transfer activities will focus on companies interested in developing microbial pesticides. Behavioral studies of aphid parasites will be completed; field dispersal studies for Lygus and aphid parasites will be initiated. The growth chamber study examining environmental factors contributing to disease severity, as well as the seed treatment study will be completed. Field trials on soil treatments against FOV will begin. Fingerprinting of a selected mapping population will begin for the identification of marker(s) for use in marker assisted selection. Molecular characterization of B. bassiana and other fungal pathogens will continue to identify specific molecular markers for specific strains. Screening cotton germplasm for resistance to insects and Fusarium will continue. Development of additional molecular markers for genetic diversity studies and mapping will continue. A mapping population will be utilized for Fusarium host resistance studies. Development and identification of molecular markers for diverse genome analysis and for the improvement of cotton will continue in order to gain knowledge in the structural genomics and map locations of loci affecting agronomically important traits will continue. FY2008: Biological attributes of B. bassiana (host range, field activity, solar stability, etc.) will be completed and published. Insect parasite work will be completed and published. Testing of a regional Lygus model will begin. Molecular characterization of B. bassiana and other fungal pathogens to identify specific molecular markers for specific strains will be completed. Field trials testing soil treatments against FOV will be completed. US FOV isolates will begin to be collected and genotyped. Resistant germplasm accessions will be crossed and advanced for further selection. Research to develop molecular markers for resistance to Fusarium and genetic mapping will continue. Evaluation of host plant resistance to Fusarium wilt will continue. Fingerprinting of a selected mapping population will continue for the identification of marker(s) for use in marker assisted selection. Development and identification of molecular markers for diverse genome analysis and for the improvement of cotton will continue in order to gain knowledge in the structural genomics and map locations of loci affecting agronomically important traits will continue. FY2009: Extensive on farm trials will determine the effectiveness of B. bassiana as a microbial pesticide. A biological database and model for Lygus prevalence will be finalized and published. Research on mechanisms of seed infection by FOV will be initiated, and collecting/genotyping of US FOV isolates will continue. Field evaluations for host plant resistance studies will be conducted. Studies to develop additional molecular markers for candidate genes will continue. FY2010: Field evaluations for host plant resistance studies will be conducted. Studies to develop additional molecular markers for candidate genes will continue. Development and identification of molecular markers for diverse genome analysis and for the improvement of cotton crop will continue in order to gain knowledge in the structural genomics and map locations of loci affecting agronomically important traits will continue. 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Heat stress causes severe reduction in lint yield and fiber quality in the cotton crop in the U.S. A cotton germplasm line, SJ-U86, was developed by the Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture and Cotton Incorporated, and jointly released with the University of California in 2006. The primary reason for the release of the SJ-U86 line as an alternative germplasm choice is its significantly higher lint yield and higher lint percent when compared with those of well-known Acala high-quality cottons, with no overall sacrifice of fiber quality. In addition to its superior performance in the San Joaquin Valley of California, SJ-U86 performs much better in the heat stress environment of Maricopa, AZ, where Acala cultivars Maxxa and Phytogen 72 yield poorly. SJ-U86 provides an alternative source for public and private breeders in the far west, especially in California, for improving heat tolerance in Acala cottons that was lacking before. The research is conducted under NP 304 (Crop Protection & Quarantine) Component II (Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (Microbes) and addresses the Problem A (Basic Biology) by developing fundamental biological knowledge to develop efficient, viable, environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and sustainable strategies of pest control. 4b List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. The Plant Pathologist SY vacancy was filled and the new hire began in September 2005. OSQR objectives were rewritten to reflect perceived needs of growers and industry. A biological laboratory technician was hired under a term appointment and began in October. Most necessary lab equipment has been acquired and protocols for culturing FOV and inoculating plants have been established. The research is conducted under NP 304 (Crop Protection & Quarantine) Component II (Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (Microbes) and addresses the Problem A (Basic Biology) by developing fundamental biological knowledge to develop efficient, viable, environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and sustainable strategies of pest control. Significant quantities of commercial seed are produced in California due to ideal environmental conditions. Since FOV is known to be seed- transmitted, the incidence of seed infected by FOV race 4 is a major concern of the commercial seed producers and growers. Seed were collected from infected plants in 2005 to assay for race 4 and to test heat treatments for eliminating FOV. While very small numbers of Fusarium species have been obtained from seed, no race 4 isolates of FOV have been found among the 5000 seeds screened to date. Epidemiological evidence from new areas confirmed to be infested with FOV race 4 suggests that seed infection occurs at very small frequencies (circa 1/20,000 seed), yet is still a likely contributor to the continuing spread of FOV race 4. Since relatively high levels of seed infection are necessary to test efficacy of seed treatments, a cooperator in Louisiana (Patrick Colyer, Red River Research Station, LSU) has been secured in order obtain FOV- infected seed in 2006. The research is conducted under NP 304 (Crop Protection & Quarantine) Component II (Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (Microbes) and addresses the Problem A (Basic Biology) by developing fundamental biological knowledge to develop efficient, viable, environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and sustainable strategies of pest control. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. This project was initiated in May 2005. Refer to final report for CRIS 5303-21220-002-00D, Western Integrated Cropping Systems for major accomplishments. Cotton is the worlds most important fiber producing crop, and research efforts are ongoing at many locations to breed varieties with increased fiber quality, yield, and other traits. To help speed the process, molecular markers are efficient tools for genome analysis in many crop species. In collaboration with colleagues, a new set of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was developed from the sequence information of a fiber EST database from the diploid species Gossypium arboreum and inserted genomic BAC-ends of Acala Maxxa, G. hirsutum. New markers, totaling about 1,019 MUSS and MUCS from expressed fiber genes and 1,082 MUSB from BAC-ends successfully amplified PCR DNA products from a survey panel of six cotton (Gossypium) species, discriminating and showing some sequence similarity to the genes with known function including fiber elongation-related genes. With these markers a new genetic map was developed covering approximately 45% of the cotton genome. Molecular markers can be used as a framework to gain knowledge in the structural genomics and map locations of genes affecting agronomically important traits for diverse genome analysis and for the improvement of cotton. The research is conducted under NP 304 (Crop Protection & Quarantine) Component II (Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (Microbes) and addresses the Problem A (Basic Biology) by developing fundamental biological knowledge to develop efficient, viable, environmentally friendly, ecologically sound and sustainable strategies of pest 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? Through annual field days, and grower/industry meetings, scientific results and progress are reported via verbal presentations and brief non- technical summaries. These included reports on FOV seed pathology, Lygus biocontrol and population dynamics, new aphid parasites and cotton germplasm enhancement. In the next few years, we anticipate making available to private companies isolates of Beauveria bassiana and important germplasm traits, as well as being able to provide substantiated recommendations to growers for management of FOV through effective soil and seed treatments. The adoption of the technologies is dependent on suitable and production requirements.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • McGuire, M.R., Leland, J.E. 2006. Field trials of Beauveria bassiana against Lygus spp. in California and Mississippi. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. p. 1389-1392.
  • Bancroft, J.S. 2005. Dispersal and abundance of Lygus hesperus in three field crops.. Environmental Entomology. Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 1517-1523.
  • Bancroft, J.S., Hutmacher, R., Godfrey, L., Goodell, P., Mcguire, M.R., Funk, P.A., Wright, S. 2006. Comparison of sticky cotton indices and sugar composition.. Journal of Cotton Science. 10:97-104.
  • DeTar, W.R., Funk, H.A. 2006. Using a subsurface drip irrigation system to measure crop coefficients and water use of cowpea (vigna unguiculata). Meeting Proceedings. Calif. Dry Bean Advisory Board Progress Report. p. 45- 49.
  • Frelichowski, J.E., Palmer, M., Main, D., Tomkins, J.P., Cantrell, R.G., Stelly, D., Yu, J., Kohel, R.J., Ulloa, M. 2006. Genetic mapping of microsatellites derived from BAC-end sequences of Gossypium hirsutum Acala 'Maxxa'. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. Mol. Genet. Genom. 275 (5) 479- 491. Online DOI: 10.1007/s00438-006-0106-z.
  • Frelichowski, J.E., Ulloa, M., Stewart, M., Percival Jr, A.E. 2006. Progress report for the evaluation of cotton landraces from the USDA-ARS cotton germplasm collection. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. p. 771-773.
  • Park, Y.H., Alabady, M.S., Ulloa, M., Sickler, B., Wilkins, T.A., Yu, J., Stelly, D.M., Kohel, R.J., El-Shihy, O.M., Cantrell, R.G. 2005. Genetic mapping of new cotton fiber loci using EST-derived microsatellites in an interspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) cotton population. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. 274(4):428-441.
  • Ulloa, M., Mcd. Stewart, J., Garcia-C, E.A., Godoy-A, S., Gaytan-M, A., Acosta-N, S. 2006. Cotton genetic resources in the western states of Mexico: in situ conservation status and germplasm collection for ex situ preservation.. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. Online DOI: 10. 1007/s10722-004-2988-0. 53: 653-668.
  • Ulloa, M., Hutmacher, R.B., Davis, M., Wright, S.D., Percy, R.G. 2006. Breeding for fusarium wilt (FOV) race 4 resistance in cotton under field and greenhouse conditions. Journal of Cotton Science. 10:114-127.
  • Ulloa, M. 2006. Heritability and correlations of agronomic and fiber traits in an okra-leaf upland cotton population. Crop Science. 46:1508- 1514.
  • Ulloa, M., Bennett, R., Mcguire, M.R., Hutmacher, B., Marsh, B., Davis, M. R., Percy, R.G., Wright, S. 2006. Commercial and improved germplasm evaluations for fusarium wilt, FOV race 1 with root-knot nematodes and race 4. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. p. 883-893.
  • Wang, C., Ulloa, M., Roberts, P.A. 2005. Identification and mapping of microsatellite markers linked to the root-knot nematode resistance gene RKN 1 in acala nemx cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Journal of Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 112:770-777.


Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

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? Cotton production currently uses large amounts of water, synthetic chemicals and additional physical inputs that reduce profitability. It is also perceived that current efforts in breeding have led to a plateau in cotton quality and yield. The Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Unit is enhancing cotton germplasm and discovering materials and methods for producing cotton with environmentally and socially acceptable methods. Movement of cotton pests among the multiple crops of California makes controlling these insects difficult. Studies to determine movement within the crop landscape will help predict when insects may become problematic. Introduction of new biological control agents of cotton insect pests and development of microbial pesticides will reduce dependence on chemicals. A new, virulent race of a disease is threatening the cotton crop in California. Studies are conducted to reduce the impact of the disease and to determine methods to halt its spread. The development and application of molecular markers combined with traditional genetics will help to identify, map, and follow traits that can be used in elite cotton germplasm to enhance cotton yield and quality or impart fungal and insect pest resistance. Research on new biological controls of insects and methods to combat plant pathogens contribute to NP 304 Development of New and Improved Pest Control Technologies. Determination of insect movement patterns contributes to NP 304 Integrated Pest Management and Pest Control Technologies. The cotton germplasm enhancement research contributes to NP 301 component Genomic Characterization and Genetic Improvement. These issues are important to producers, other scientists, and, ultimately, the consumer. As urbanization encroaches on prime farmland, FQPA activities affect farm chemical use, and emerging concerns over the effect of farming practices on air quality, it is possible current practices will be regulated out of existence. At the present time, few alternatives exist for pest control and other conventional farming practices. If chemical controls for aphid and other pests are reduced, sticky cotton issues will become more important. The development of alternative management options that arise from research in germplasm enhancement, insect control and disease management will assist the cotton industry to more effectively compete in a global market. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. FY2005: Efforts to identify specific molecular markers for Beauveria bassiana isolates of interest and additional field testing will be completed. B. bassiana is a fungus that selectively kills the Western tarnished plant bug (Lygus species) and other pest species. Mark recapture experiments for determination of Lygus abundance and movement will be completed. A new plant pathology lab will be developed and staffed; methods for detection of Fusarium races will be developed. Fusarium epidemiology studies will be initiated. Germplasm will be collected in preparation for host plant resistance studies and identification of SSR markers for genetic diversity studies and mapping will continue. FY2006: B. bassiana field tests will continue with an emphasis on formulation, rate and timing of application. Behavioral studies of Lygus parasites will be completed and a regional model of Lygus population dynamics initiated. Greenhouse studies to develop inoculation and detection techniques for Fusarium will be completed and field tests begun. Studies will begin to screen cotton germplasm for resistance to insects and Fusarium. Studies to develop additional molecular markers for genetic diversity studies and mapping will continue. A mapping population will be developed for Fusarium host resistance studies. FY2007: B. bassiana field tests and host range analysis will continue and technology transfer activities will focus on companies interested in developing microbial pesticides. Behavioral studies of aphid parasites will be completed; field dispersal studies for Lygus and aphid parasites will be initiated. Fusarium field epidemiology will be completed. Studies to detect Australian isolates of Fusarium will be initiated. Host plant resistance studies will continue. Fingerprinting of a selected mapping population will begin for the identification of marker(s) for use in marker assisted selection FY2008: Biological attributes of B. bassiana (host range, field activity, solar stability, etc.) will be completed and published. Insect parasite work will be completed and published. Testing of a regional Lygus model will begin. Basic studies on Fusarium-host interactions will be completed and published. Studies to identify Australian isolates of Fusarium will be completed. Resistant germplasm accessions will be crossed and advanced for further selection. Studies to develop molecular markers for resistance to Fusarium and genetic mapping will continue FY2009: Extensive on farm trials will determine the effectiveness of B. bassiana as a microbial pesticide. A biological database and model for Lygus prevalence will be finalized and published. Microarray studies of Fusarium infection processes will be initiated. Field evaluations for host plant resistance studies will be conducted. Studies to develop additional molecular markers for candidate genes will continue. 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. FY05 Milestones are found on the report for 5303-21220-002-00D. 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? FY2006: Examine the effects of formulation, rate and timing of application of B. bassiana in field tests. Complete behavioral studies of Lygus parasites. Initiate regional model of Lygus population dynamics. Complete greenhouse studies to develop inoculation and detection techniques for Fusarium. Initiate Fusarium field tests and epidemiological studies. Develop selection tools to evaluate cotton germplasm with resistance to insects and Fusarium. Initiate greenhouse and field studies to evaluate resistance of selected germplasm to insects and Fusarium. Continue studies to develop additional molecular markers for genetic diversity and mapping. FY2007: Continue field testing B. bassiana and initiate technology transfer activities. Complete host range testing of B. bassiana. Complete behavioral studies of aphid parasites. Initiate field dispersal studies for Lygus and aphid parasites. Complete Fusarium field epidemiology studies. Initiate studies to detect Australian Fusarium isolates. Continue greenhouse and field studies to evaluate resistance of selected germplasm to pests. Select and establish crosses and develop populations from selected insect resistant entries for selection and mapping. Finger print and map selected populations. Initiate identification of molecular markers for marker assisted selection. FY 2008: Complete solar stability studies of formulated B. bassiana. Pursue commercialization of B. bassiana isolates. Complete Lygus survey database and post on the world wide web. Test and debug regional Lygus model. Initiate plant fungal interaction studies. Determine the prevalence of Fusarium in seeds from symptomatic and non symptomatic plants. Complete detection studies of Australian Fusarium isolates. Advance selected cotton entries for further insect and disease resistant studies. Fingerprint and map selected populations. Initiate the development of a candidate gene approach for selected molecular markers. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? A. The project was initiated in May, 2005. Please refer to final report for CRIS 5303-21220-002-00D, Western Integrated Cropping Systems for accomplishments. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. B. The project was initiated in May, 2005. Please refer to final report for CRIS 5303-21220-002-00D, Western Integrated Cropping Systems for accomplishments. 4c List any significant activities that support special target populations. C: Nothing to report 4d Progress report. D: This is a newly intiated project. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. The project was initiated in May, 2005. Please refer to final report for CRIS 5303-21220-002-00D, Western Integrated Cropping Systems for major accomplishments. 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? Through annual field days and other grower meetings, scientific results and progress are reported via verbal presentations and brief non technical summaries. These included reports on Lygus biocontrol and population dynamics, new aphid parasites and cotton germplasm enhancement. We anticipate in the next few years, making available to private companies isolates of Beauveria bassiana and important germplasm traits. The adoption of the technologies is dependent on suitable efficacy and production requirements. 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). The project was initiated in May, 2005. Please refer to final report for CRIS 5303-21220-002-00D, Western Integrated Cropping Systems for publications.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications