Progress 12/15/08 to 12/14/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems. 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality. 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency. Approach (from AD-416): This project proposes the development and integration of entomological, horticultural, and engineering technology to solve major problems affecting temperate tree fruit production, the sustainability and environmental impact of tree fruit production, and consumer acceptance of tree fruits. Novel arthropod management techniques will be developed through the evaluation of insect behavioral manipulation strategies, identification of insect-resistant fruit tree accessions, and manipulation of the orchard floor vegetation to encourage beneficial insects and arthropods. Improved light, water, and pest management will be developed through new irrigation and vegetation manipulation of the orchard floor and through improved understanding of hormones and growth habit on carbon partitioning, tree development, and water use efficiency. Novel crop load management will be developed through new chemical and mechanization approaches. Future mechanization of orchard operations will be facilitated by newly developed tree management systems to improve light penetration in novel tree growth habits and by computerized visualization of tree branches and fruit. The broad base of expertise in the research program will integrate the most appropriate technologies to solve the key problems of tree fruit production. Productive and sustainable tree fruit production systems will benefit both consumers and global competitiveness of U.S. growers. This is the final report for the project 1931-21000-019-00D which terminated in December 2013 and has been replaced by a new project 1931- 21000-024-00D. The project used fundamental and applied research to improve tree fruit yield and quality with new management tools and sustainable strategies. Water conservation can be improved by managed resource allocation and use of novel technologies: 1) Orchard floor management with shallow- rooted grass suppressed broadleaved weeds and when combined with subsurface irrigation, the water supported trees, not weeds; 2) Water use efficiency improved when tree canopies were treated with the particle film, Surround, likely due to the film�s favorable modification of temperature and light; and 3) Water conservation and dehydration protection were also achieved with root applications of the amino acid DL- �-aminobutyric acid and the hormone abscisic acid to young apple trees. Sustainable management of insect pests in orchards benefited from techniques that require reduced use of synthetic pesticides: 1) Traps for attracting and killing apple maggots were improved with food-based cues in combination with a novel toxicant delivery system; 2) Newly- developed pheromone and repellant formulations to disrupt mating of dogwood borer were developed; 3) Apple trees with resistance to codling moth were identified; and 4) Apple orchards with reflective groundcover mulches improved growth, yield, fruit color, and over 50% reduction spirea aphid infestation compared to conventional weed-free herbicide management. The brown marmarated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive insect that is a major new pest of fruit, vegetables, agronomic crops, and homeowners. With the Appalachian Fruit Research Station (AFRS) leadership, a BMSB Working Group was formed to organize the current knowledge and to develop a plan for needed research. AFRS determined that after testing various insecticides, dinotefuran was effective for control. The results were made available to stakeholders throughout a series of meetings and extension publications presented during the spring and summer of 2011. As a result, Section 18 status was granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to permit its use for BMSB control. In addition, the BMSB Working Group developed a proposal that provided significant funding to support research for developing sustainable practices for BMSB management. For example, studies were initiated to develop behaviorally- based monitoring and management tools for BMSB. This included evaluation of visual stimuli such as pyramid traps and a known attractant under field conditions. New mechanical and chemical sustainable technologies were developed to manage crop load and ensure fruit quality. A novel peach growth habit was grown with different training systems to improve adaptability to mechanical thinning. Pillar peach trees trained as a central leader or slender spindle form were developed to enable mechanical thinning. A new self-propelled mobile platform was designed to carry and operate a single spiked-drum shaker mechanism for peach bloom and green fruit thinning. The shaker was tested in commercial orchards on high-density peach trained to a perpendicular system and reduced bloom density up to 20% and green fruit crop loads up to 50%. In tandem with the mechanical thinner, the natural product, eugenol, a natural essential oil, was developed to thin apple and peach blossoms. Concentrations of 2% or less eugenol applied at 80% full bloom for apple, and multiple sprays at 20% and 80% full bloom for peach were comparable to commercial thinning sprays or hand thinning. Fruit tree size and branching (architecture) strongly affects the intensity of cultural practices and potential use of automation in orchards. Genes and the associated chemical and physical signals that may regulate branching in apple and peach were characterized. Size- controlling rootstocks are also critical for efficient and effective management of high-yielding apple trees, especially where orchard mechanization is to be used. Two hormones that regulate growth were discovered as signals that move upward in the sap of apple trees from rootstocks. Results support the hypothesis that rootstock controls the size of the tree but the scion controls the distribution of carbon within the tree crown. These discoveries can be used in the development of cultural practices and breeding for development of new rootstocks that are stress resistant and that can be integrated into orchard automation. Orchard automation requires reliable capture of fruit tree image and accurate quantitation in 3-D space of fruit and branches. Image capture was achieved with multiple cameras to develop data sets of skeletal objects, including control items such as a coil of copper tubing but also of tree branches. New algorithms were developed and used to convert the experiment-based voxel data to more commonly-used graphics file formats and to smooth the images. In parallel with the image work, a robot was established that can be controlled through programs. The image data will be used to direct platform-mounted robots to carry out orchard work such as pruning. Other orchard automation work continued to test and improve a mechanical thinner of flowers and fruit on grower peach trees in California. Abiotic factors that limit tree fruit productivity were identified and moderated. Ozone was identified as a factor limiting photosynthesis and the use of a kaolin-based particle film was shown to degrade ozone. In addition, progress continued to manage heat stress with particle film to reduce canopy temperature, increase light reflection into the canopy, and alter the quality of light to change the partitioning of dry matter into fruit. Field and greenhouse studies indicate that kaolin-based particle films provide additional habitat for fungi, yeast and bacteria on plant surfaces. Studies demonstrate that microbial DNA is increased as much as 10X on particle film treated leaves in the field. Pathogenic microorganisms were not increased. This microbial growth may be a mechanism associated with ozone degradation and plant protection from ozone damage. Gas exchange, leaf area index, light transmission and water use efficiency of standard and pillar peach growth habits were measured over a series of years. Data demonstrated that the pillar architecture has increased canopy illumination resulting in increased photosynthesis and transpiration without a reduction in water use efficiency. A mobile robotic platform was constructed for use in field trials. The platform is driven between tree rows and the robot will acquire image data of trees that is used to develop 3D images of tree canopies. Testing and modification are planned with the goal of directing the robot to prune trees based on horticultural rules. Experiment was completed determining molecular and biochemical processes that regulate growth and development of peach tree canopies. Hormones and hormone-associated genes were identified and quantified, providing sites that may be targeted for genetic or cultural management. New orchard management systems require tree shapes and sizes that may be achieved by manipulating the sites identified in this work.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Glenn, D.M. 2014. An analysis of ash and isotopic carbon discrimination (delta13C) methods to evaluate water use efficiency in apple [abstract]. Scientia Horticulturae. p. 32-36.
- Leskey, T.C., Wright, S.E., Hock, V., Chouinard, G., Cormier, D., Leahy, K. , Cooley, D., Tuttle, A., Eaton, A., Zhang, A. 2014. Evaluating electrophysiological and behavioral responses to volatiles for improvement of odor-baited trap-tree management of Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Environmental Entomology. 43(3):753-761.
- Weber, D.C., Leskey, T.C., Cabrera-Walsh, G.J., Khrimian, A. 2014. Synergy of aggregation pheromone with methyl (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-decatrienoate in attraction of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys. Journal of Economic Entomology. 107:1061-1068. DOI:10.1603/EC13502.
- Lee, D., Nielsen, A.L., Leskey, T.C. 2014. Dispersal capacity and behavior of nymphal stages of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. Journal of Insect Behavior. DOI: 10:1007/s1095-014-9456-2.
- Lee, D., Short, B.D., Joseph, S.V., Bergh, J.C., Leskey, T.C. 2103. Review of the biology, ecology, and management of Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in China, Japan and Korea. Environmental Entomology. 42(4):627-641.
- Hock, V., Chouinard, G., Lucas, E., Cormier, D., Leskey, T.C., Wright, S.E. , Zhang, A., Pichette, A. 2014. Establishing abiotic and biotic factors necessary for reliable male pheromone production and attraction to pheromones by female plum curculios Conotrachelus nenuphar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The Canadian Entomologist. DOI.org/10.4039/tce.2014.1.
- Frank, D., Zhang, A., Wright, S.E., Walgenbach, J., Bergh, C.J., Leskey, T. C. 2014. Effect of a pheromone antagonist-based disruption blend on dogwood borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) mate-finding and infestation in a commercial apple orchard. Journal of Entomological Science. 49(1):44-45.
- Lee, D., Cullum, J., Beckett, L., Anderson, J., Daugherty, J., Leskey, T.C. 2014. Identification of overwintering sites of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in natural landscapes using human and canine surveyors. PLoS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091575.
- Glenn, D.M., Yuri, J. 2103. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) x ultraviolet radiation (UV) interact to initiate solar injury in apple. Scientia Horticulturae. p. 105-110.
- Glenn, D.M., Kim, S. 2014. Response of perennial specialty crops to climate change. Horticultural Reviews. p. 45.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems. 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality. 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency. Approach (from AD-416): This project proposes the development and integration of entomological, horticultural, and engineering technology to solve major problems affecting temperate tree fruit production, the sustainability and environmental impact of tree fruit production, and consumer acceptance of tree fruits. Novel arthropod management techniques will be developed through the evaluation of insect behavioral manipulation strategies, identification of insect-resistant fruit tree accessions, and manipulation of the orchard floor vegetation to encourage beneficial insects and arthropods. Improved light, water, and pest management will be developed through new irrigation and vegetation manipulation of the orchard floor and through improved understanding of hormones and growth habit on carbon partitioning, tree development, and water use efficiency. Novel crop load management will be developed through new chemical and mechanization approaches. Future mechanization of orchard operations will be facilitated by newly developed tree management systems to improve light penetration in novel tree growth habits and by computerized visualization of tree branches and fruit. The broad base of expertise in the research program will integrate the most appropriate technologies to solve the key problems of tree fruit production. Productive and sustainable tree fruit production systems will benefit both consumers and global competitiveness of U.S. growers. Over the last 60 months, the project was affected by the retirement of two scientists (Entomologist and Horticulturist); the departure of an Entomologist; the emergence of a devastating insect pest, Brown Marmarated Stink Bug (BMSB); and a significant reduction of funds. As a result, two milestones associated with the departed scientsts were removed from the project with Area and NPL authorization in February 2011 and three new milestones associated with BMSB were added. Most 60-month horticulture milestones were completed but three related to ground cover crops, pest management, and reflective ground covers were removed from the project with Area and NPL authorization in May 2013. Significant progress was made for pest management, knowledge of control of fruit trees, and orchard automation technologies that will support sustained, secure production of fruit. The pheromone of the BMSB that was isolated and identified by ARS in 2011 was synthesized, and during 2012, was tested in the field by scientists and growers in 10 states throughout the country. Larger quantities of the pheromone have been synthesized and are being tested during the 2013 season (Objective 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems). Hormones and associated metabolites that affect bud break and shoot growth were determined in growth units and tree sap of apple trees grown on size-controlling rootstocks. The metabolic profiles strongly indicated the root graft and shoot tips are the key sites of size-control. Results support the hypothesis that rootstock controls the size of the tree but the scion controls the distribution of carbon within the tree crown. Hormones and genes that control bud break and branch growth were identified and measured in peach trees with distinctive architectures. Trees with upright branches had reduced branch density and hormonally- regulated gene expression that was distinctive in comparison with trees with horizontally-oriented branches. This discovery will contribute to genetic and cultural management of fruit trees for orchard automation (Objective 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality). The vision system was refined to create 3D models of dormant apple trees in the laboratory for the purposes of robotic pruning research and physiological/genetic/horticultural studies. The number and type of cameras were determined for accurate models to be generated by algorithms developed in-house. Algorithms and software have been developed to determine the shape and architecture of bare apple trees and a rule- driven decision system for automatic pruning. The computer vision work is being refined in the laboratory and a platform-supported system has been fabricated for the field for trial (Objective 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency). Accomplishments 01 Pheromone-based monitoring tools for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). The BMSB, Halyomorpha halys Stal, has been officially detected in 40 states, as well as Canada, Switzerland, Germany and France, and has inflicted devastating injury on tree fruit, vegetables and row crops, and is a serious nuisance pest, particularly in the mid-Atlantic region. ARS researchers at Kearneysville, West Virginia, and Beltsville, Maryland, collaborated to identify the key pheromone components for BMSB and synthesized sufficient amounts for a national evaluation of the trapping efficacy. Trapping data confirmed the high efficacy of the pheromone combination. The commercialization of this pheromone technology will lead to effective management of the pest and new trap-and-kill techniques that will reduce pesticide usage.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Wright, S.E., Leskey, T.C., Jacome, I., Pinero, J.C., Prokopy, R.J. 2012. Integration of insecticidal, phagostimulatory, and visual elements of an attract-and-kill system for apple maggot fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 105:1548-1556.
- Leskey, T.C., Short, B.D., Butler, B.R., Wright, S.E. 2012. Impact of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) in Mid- Atlantic tree fruit orchards in the United States: case studies of commercial management. Psyche. DOI:10/1155/2013/535062.
- Leskey, T.C., Hamilton, G., Nielsen, A., Polk, D., Rodrigues-Saona, C., Bergh, C., Herbert, D., Kuhar, T., Pfeiffer, D., Dively, G., Hooks, R., Raupp, M., Shrewsbury, P., Krawczyk, G., Shearer, P., Whalen, J., Koplinka- Loehr, C., Myers, E., Inkley, D., Hoelmer, K.A., Lee, D., Wright, S.E. 2012. Pest status of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) in the USA. Outlooks on Pest Management. 23:218-226.
- Leskey, T.C., Lee, D., Short, B.D., Wright, S.E. 2012. Impact of insecticides on the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae): analysis on the insecticide lethality. Journal of Economic Entomology. 105:1726-1735.
- Zhang, A., Leskey, T.C. 2013. Sex pheromone dispenser type and trap design affect capture of dogwood borer. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 39:390-397.
- Lee, D., Wright, S.E., Leskey, T.C. 2013. Impact of insecticide residue exposure on the invasive pest, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): analysis of adult mobility. Journal of Economic Entomology. 106(1):150-158.
- Joseph, S., Bergh, C., Wright, S.E., Leskey, T.C. 2013. Factors affecting captures of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in baited pyramid traps. Journal of Entomological Science. 48:43-51.
- Leskey, T.C., Wright, S.E., Saguez, J., Vincent, C. 2012. Incidental contact with insecticides and fungicides on plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), movement and mortality: implications for pest management. Pest Management Science. 69:464-470.
- Lee, D., Wright, S.E., Boiteau, G., Vincent, C., Leskey, T.C. 2013. Effectiveness of glues for harmonic radar tag attachment on Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and their impact on adult survivorship and mobility. Environmental Entomology. 42:515-523.
- Tworkoski, T., Miller, S.S., Scorza, R. 2013. Effects of size-controlling rootstocks on growth and yield of peach trees with upright and spreading growth habits. Journal of American Pomological Society. 67(2):89-94.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems. 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality. 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency. Approach (from AD-416): This project proposes the development and integration of entomological, horticultural, and engineering technology to solve major problems affecting temperate tree fruit production, the sustainability and environmental impact of tree fruit production, and consumer acceptance of tree fruits. Novel arthropod management techniques will be developed through the evaluation of insect behavioral manipulation strategies, identification of insect-resistant fruit tree accessions, and manipulation of the orchard floor vegetation to encourage beneficial insects and arthropods. Improved light, water, and pest management will be developed through new irrigation and vegetation manipulation of the orchard floor and through improved understanding of hormones and growth habit on carbon partitioning, tree development, and water use efficiency. Novel crop load management will be developed through new chemical and mechanization approaches. Future mechanization of orchard operations will be facilitated by newly developed tree management systems to improve light penetration in novel tree growth habits and by computerized visualization of tree branches and fruit. The broad base of expertise in the research program will integrate the most appropriate technologies to solve the key problems of tree fruit production. Productive and sustainable tree fruit production systems will benefit both consumers and global competitiveness of U.S. growers. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest of fruit, vegetables, agronomic crops, and homeowners. With the Appalachian Fruit Research Station (AFRS) leadership, a BMSB Working Group continues to organize the current knowledge and develop plans for needed research. AFRS evaluated residual activity of key insecticides under field conditions, and results were made available to stakeholders through a series of meetings and extension publications presented during the winter of 2011 and summer of 2012. As a result, a Section 18 application was submitted to the EPA to permit the use of bifenthrin in apples and peaches. In addition, AFRS participated in trials aimed at identifying the BMSB pheromone and generated results identifying stimulating wavelengths and intensities of light for BMSB. In addition, AFRS was the first to document that BMSB overwinter in natural overwintering sites in forested settings. Size-controlling rootstocks are critical for efficient and effective management of high-yielding apple trees, especially where orchard mechanization is to be used. Improved understanding of the size- controlling mechanisms is needed for development of new rootstocks for all fruit trees. Two hormones that regulate growth were discovered as signals that move upward in the sap of apple trees from rootstocks. These discoveries can be used in the development of cultural practices and breeding for development of new rootstocks that are stress resistant and that can be integrated into orchard mechanization. Orchard mechanization requires reliable capture of fruit tree image and accurate quantitation in 3-D space of fruit and branches. Image capture was achieved with multiple cameras to develop datasets of skeletal objects, including control items such as a coil of copper tubing but also of tree branches. New algorithms were developed and used to convert the experiment-based voxel data to more commonly-used graphics file formats and to smooth the images. In parallel with the image work, a robot was established that can be controlled through programs. The image data will be used to direct platform-mounted robots to carry out orchard work such as pruning. Other orchard mechanization work continued to test and improve a mechanical thinner of flowers and fruit on grower peach trees in California. Due to a frost that followed early flowering, there was no peach fruit to test this year at AFRS. Field and greenhouse studies indicate that kaolin-based particle films provide additional habitat for fungi, yeast and bacteria on plant surfaces. Studies demonstrate that microbial DNA is increased as much as 10X on particle film treated leaves in the field. Pathogenic microorganisms were not increased. This microbial growth may be a mechanism associated with ozone degradation and plant protection from ozone damage. Accomplishments 01 New size-controlling rootstocks are needed for modern, efficient, and hi yielding fruit orchards, but apples are the only fruit where size- controlling rootstocks are feasible and widely used. Even in apple, the mechanisms of size-control are not well known. Recent work by ARS researchers at Kearneysville, West Virginia established that hormones ( e. abscisic acid and gibberellin) produced in rootstocks and translocate to shoots differ between dwarfing and invigorating rootstocks. These hormones strongly affect growth and development, and this information wi help in the development of new rootstocks for apple and other fruit tree through breeding and cultural management.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Brown, M.W. 2012. Role of biodiversity in integrated fruit production in eastern North American orchards. Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 14:89- 99.
- Glenn, D.M., Tworkoski, T., Scorza, R., Miller, S.S. 2011. Long-term effects of sod competition on peach production for standard and pillar growth types on yield and economic parameters. HortTechnology. 21(6):720- 725.
- Kim, Y., Glenn, D.M., Park, J., Ngugi, H.K., Lehman, B.L. 2011. Characteristics of active spectral sensor for plant sensing. Transactions of the ASABE. 55(1):293-301.
- Tworkoski, T., Wisniewski, M.E., Artlip, T.S. 2011. Application of BABA and s-ABA for drought resistance in apple. Journal of Applied Horticulture. 13(2):85-90.
- Tworkoski, T., Fazio, G. 2011. Physiological and morphological effects of size-controlling rootstocks on �Fuji� scion. Acta Horticulturae. 903:865- 872.
- Glenn, D.M., Campostrini, E. 2011. Girdling and summer pruning in apple increase soil respiration. Scientia Horticultureae. DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta. 2011.04.023.
- Leskey, T.C., Wright, S.E., Short, B.D., Khrimian, A. 2012. Development of behaviorally based monitoring tools for the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha Halys (Stal) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in commercial tree fruit orchards. Journal of Entomological Science. 47:76-85.
- Pinero, J.C., Agnello, A., Tuttle, A., Leskey, T.C., Faubert, H., Koehler, G., Morin, G., Leahy, K., Loss, L., Cooley, D., Prokopy, R.J. 2011. Effectiveness of odor-baited trap trees for plum curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) monitoring in commercial apple orchards in the Northeast. Journal of Economic Entomology. 104:1613-1621.
- Frank, D.L., Brewster, C.C., Leskey, T.C., Bergh, C.J. 2011. Factors influencing the temporal and spatial patterns of dogwood borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) infestations in newly planted apple orchards. Environmental Entomology. 40:173-183.
- Tworkoski, T., Glenn, D.M. 2012. Weed suppression by grasses for orchard floor management. Weed Technology. 26(3):559-565.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems. 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality. 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency. Approach (from AD-416) This project proposes the development and integration of entomological, horticultural, and engineering technology to solve major problems affecting temperate tree fruit production, the sustainability and environmental impact of tree fruit production, and consumer acceptance of tree fruits. Novel arthropod management techniques will be developed through the evaluation of insect behavioral manipulation strategies, identification of insect-resistant fruit tree accessions, and manipulation of the orchard floor vegetation to encourage beneficial insects and arthropods. Improved light, water, and pest management will be developed through new irrigation and vegetation manipulation of the orchard floor and through improved understanding of hormones and growth habit on carbon partitioning, tree development, and water use efficiency. Novel crop load management will be developed through new chemical and mechanization approaches. Future mechanization of orchard operations will be facilitated by newly developed tree management systems to improve light penetration in novel tree growth habits and by computerized visualization of tree branches and fruit. The broad base of expertise in the research program will integrate the most appropriate technologies to solve the key problems of tree fruit production. Productive and sustainable tree fruit production systems will benefit both consumers and global competitiveness of U.S. growers. The brown marmarated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive insect that is a major new pest of fruit, vegetables, agronomic crops, and homeowners. With the Appalachian Fruit Research Station (AFRS) leadership, a BMSB Working Group was formed to organize the current knowledge and develop a plan for needed research. AFRS determined after testing various insecticides that dinotefuran was effective for control. The results were made available to stakeholders through a series of meetings and extension publications presented during the spring and summer of 2011. As a result, Section 18 status was granted by EPA to permit its use for BMSB control. In addition, the BMSB Working Group developed a proposal that provided significant funding to support research for developing sustainable practices for BMSB management. For example, studies were initiated to develop behaviorally-based monitoring and management tools. This included the evaluation of visual stimuli, such as pyramid traps, and a known attractant under field conditions. In addition to BMSB, research continued on the management of insect pests, plum curculio and dogwood borer, by behavioral modification and new traps. A sex pheromone was identified for dogwood borer, and trials are currently being conducted in commercial apple orchards to evaluate formulations that disrupt mate finding of dogwood borer. Fruit tree size and branching (architecture) strongly affects the intensity of cultural practices and the potential use of automation in orchards. Genes and the associated chemical and physical signals that may regulate branching in apple and peach were characterized. This knowledge will help identify the biological processes that determine tree architecture and can be utilized as a selection trait for breeding programs and a management target for grower practices, such as thinning, pruning and spraying, that are targets for automation. Orchard mechanization work continued to refine the design of a mechanical thinner. The first generation thinner is being tested on grower peach trees, and a new thinner with a lighter but resilient new frame was constructed and is being tested on peach trees trained to different architectures. Computer vision work continued to create a three-dimensional model of a leafless apple tree that will be used with mechanized pruning. Cameras acquired tree images that were used as input to a computer program that is under development to create the three-dimensional model. Traditional modeling techniques that work well for structured objects, such as buildings, do not work well for trees, so work has focused on methods to overcome the specific problems caused by the characteristics of trees (e.g. irregular structure). Progress was made in identifying abiotic factors that limit tree fruit productivity. Ozone was identified as a factor limiting photosynthesis and the use of a kaolin-based particle film was shown to degrade ozone. In addition, progress continued to manage heat stress with particle film to reduce canopy temperature, increase light reflection into the canopy, and altering the quality of light to change the partitioning of dry matter into fruit. Accomplishments 01 Established a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Working Group. ARS researchers at Kearneysville, WV initiated formation of the BMSB Working Group. This group brings together research personnel for USDA-ARS and Land Grant Universities from over 10 states as well as extension personn stakeholders, industry representatives, and regulatory officials from t USDA-APHIS and the EPA. This group has formulated research, extension, and regulatory priorities for the BMSB and developed coordinated, collaborative projects aimed at developing effective monitoring and management tools for this invasive species.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Brown, M.W., Mathews, C.R., Krawczyk, G. 2010. Extrafloral nectar in an apple ecosystem to enhance biological control. Journal of Economic Entomology. 103(5):1657-1664.
- Miller, S.S., Scorza, R. 2010. Response of two novel peach tree growth habits to in-row spacing, training system, and pruning: effect on growth and pruning. Journal of American Pomological Society. 64(3):199-217.
- Glenn, D.M., Bassett, C.L. 2011. Apple delta 13 discrimination is related to shoot ash content. HortScience. 46(2)213-216.
- Miller, S.S., Baugher, T.A., Schupp, J.R., Wolford, S.D. 2011. Performance of mechanical thinners for bloom or green fruit thinning in peaches. HortScience. 46(1):43-51.
- Frank, D.L., Leskey, T.C., Bergh, C.J. 2010. Morphological characterization of the antennal sensilla of the dogwood borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 103(6):993-1002.
- Boiteau, G., Vincent, C., Meloche, F., Leskey, T.C., Colpitts, B. 2011. Evaluation of tag entanglement as a factor in harmonic radar studies of insect dispersal. Environmental Entomology. 40:94-102.
- Boiteau, G., Vincent, C., Meloche, F., Leskey, T.C., Colpitts, B. 2011. Harmonic radar: efficacy at detecting and recovering insects on agricultural host plants. Pest Management Science. 67(2):213-219.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems. 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality. 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency. Approach (from AD-416) This project proposes the development and integration of entomological, horticultural, and engineering technology to solve major problems affecting temperate tree fruit production, the sustainability and environmental impact of tree fruit production, and consumer acceptance of tree fruits. Novel arthropod management techniques will be developed through the evaluation of insect behavioral manipulation strategies, identification of insect-resistant fruit tree accessions, and manipulation of the orchard floor vegetation to encourage beneficial insects and arthropods. Improved light, water, and pest management will be developed through new irrigation and vegetation manipulation of the orchard floor and through improved understanding of hormones and growth habit on carbon partitioning, tree development, and water use efficiency. Novel crop load management will be developed through new chemical and mechanization approaches. Future mechanization of orchard operations will be facilitated by newly developed tree management systems to improve light penetration in novel tree growth habits and by computerized visualization of tree branches and fruit. The broad base of expertise in the research program will integrate the most appropriate technologies to solve the key problems of tree fruit production. Productive and sustainable tree fruit production systems will benefit both consumers and global competitiveness of U.S. growers. During 2010, progress was made toward the management of plum curculio, and a potentially significant insect threat to fruit, the brown marmorated stink bug, was evaluated. The synthetic chemical, trans-2- hexenal, was identified as a reliable standard for use in behavioral studies that monitor electro-physiological responses of plum curculio. This new standard will enable the discovery of biologically active signals for plum curculio management with physiochemical techniques. The brown marmorated stink bug is a recently introduced invasive pest into eastern North America that has begun to cause economic damage and is a household nuisance. It was shown that early season damage was greater than 20% in apple and 50% in peach in both unsprayed and sprayed orchards. Based on stink bug population studies that were conducted this year, specified growth rate models can be used to predict appropriate scheduling for pest management. Research continued on the role of plant growth regulators on tree architecture and their effect on stress resistance. The DNA sequences of genes that may be important components of hormone regulation of branching were compared in herbaceous and vine species. This comparison allowed PCR primers to be developed which were used this year to demonstrate that similar genes were present in peach and apple. Cloning and sequencing of the gene DNA sequence from apple and peach enabled the development of a quantitative RT-PCR technique that will be used to compare gene expression in fruit trees with different growth characteristics. In the greenhouse, applications of the amino acid DL-�-aminobutyric acid (BABA) and the hormone abscisic acid provided dehydration protection to young apple trees. Research progressed to develop techniques that improve crop load management which is necessary to attain marketable size fruit. A woven white reflective mulch material increased shoot growth in young apple trees and in one cultivar, blossom production was increased. In mature trees, applications of 1% eugenol, a natural essential oil, reduced crop load about 50% in peach indicating that eugenol can effectively reduce the time required for follow-up hand thinning. Multiple sprays of the ethylene generating bioregulator, ethephon, were effective at reducing the problem of biennial crop production in mature apple trees. Progress was made in the development of machines for thinning peach bloom or green fruit. A new single spiked-drum shaker was designed and developed following previous tests with a double-drum unit. The new shaker is smaller, lighter weight and more readily adapted to forklift machines commonly found in commercial orchards. Field tests in 2010 demonstrated removal rates ranging from 10% to over 50% of the green fruit (about 35 days after full bloom) depending on shaker frequency. Work continued on techniques to create a three-dimensional model of a leafless apple tree for the eventual purposes of mechanized pruning. Cameras were used to acquire images of the tree, and those images were used as input to a computer program that is under development to create the three-dimensional model. Accomplishments 01 New and efficient mechanical thinning equipment for high-density peach production systems. Reducing the number of fruit per tree (thinning) is necessary to attain marketable size fruit, but thinning is a costly and labor intensive operation that could benefit from mechanization. A new single spiked-drum shaker was designed and developed by ARS scientists a Kearneysville, WV following previous tests with a double-drum unit. The new shaker is smaller, lighter weight and more readily adapted to forkli machines commonly found in commercial orchards. Field tests in 2010 demonstrated removal rates ranging from 10% to over 50% of the green fru (about 35 days after full bloom) depending on shaker frequency. This thinning device has drawn interest from peach grower groups in Californi Washington, and South Carolina in addition to Pennsylvania where some tests were conducted. 02 Brown marmorated stink bug may cause significant damage to apple and pea The brown marmorated stink bug is a recently introduced invasive pest into eastern North America that has begun to cause economic damage and i a household nuisance. It was shown by ARS scientists at Kearneysville, that early season damage to apple is greater than 20% and to peach is 50 in both unsprayed and sprayed orchards. The insect growth rate was also confirmed. Damage estimates and sampling will enable stink bug monitori for determination of when damage levels to fruit are imminent. Application of these data to previously developed growth rate models can predict when this pest is at the proper growth stage to manage.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bergh, J.C., Leskey, T.C., Walgenbach, J.F., Klingeman, W.E., Kain, D.P., Zhang, A. 2009. Dogwood borer (lepidoptera: sesiidae) abundance and seasonal flight activity in apple orchards, urban landscapes and woodlands in five eastern states. Environmental Entomology. 38:530-538. Available www.bioone.org/doi/pdf/10.1603/022/038/0304.
- Glenn, D.M. 2010. Canopy gas exchange and water use efficiency of 'Empire' apple in response to particle film, irrigation, and microclimatic factors. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 135(1):25-32.
- Frank, D., Leskey, T.C., Bergh, C. 2009. Post-mating behavior of female dogwood borer (lepidoptera: sesiidae) in apple orchards. Environmental Entomology. 38(4):1219-1225.
- Boiteau, G., Vincent, C., Meloche, F., Leskey, T.C. 2010. Harmonic radar: assessing the impact of tag weight on walking behavior of Colorado potato beetle, plum curculio and corn rootworm. Journal of Economic Entomology. 103(1):63-69.
- Leskey, T.C., Wright, S.E., Glenn, D.M., Puterka, G.J. 2010. Effect of surround WP on behavior and mortality of the apple maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae). Environmental Entomology. 103(2):394-401.
- Frank, D., Leskey, T.C., Bergh, J. 2010. Development of a rearing methodology for the dogwood borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 103(1):50-56.
- Leskey, T.C., Short, B.D., Wright, S.E., Brown, M.W. 2009. Diagnosis and variation in appearance of brown stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) injury on apple. Journal of Entomological Science. 44:1-10.
- Leskey, T.C., Hancock, T., Wright, S.E. 2010. Host tree-related differences in foragaing and electroantennogram activity for the plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The Canadian Entomologist. 142:284-293.
- Miller, S.S., Tworkoski, T. 2010. Blossom thinning in apple and peach with an essential oil. HortScience. 45(8):1218-1225.
- Brown, M.W., Short, B.D. 2010. Factors affecting appearance of stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) injury on apple. Environmental Entomology. 39:134-139.
- Brown, M.W., Mathews, C.R. 2009. Biology of Oedophrys hilleri (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A Potential New Pest of Peach in the Eastern United States. Entomological News. 120:185-193.
- Tworkoski, T., Scorza, R., Glenn, D.M. 2009. Leaf N and P in different growth habits of peach: effects of root system morphology and transpiration. Journal of Applied Horticulture. 11(2):95-98.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Develop and integrate sustainable pest control technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems. 2. Develop and integrate new horticultural technologies and strategies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach fruit quality. 3. Develop and integrate new automation and mechanization technologies into deciduous tree fruit production systems to improve apple and peach production efficiency. Approach (from AD-416) This project proposes the development and integration of entomological, horticultural, and engineering technology to solve major problems affecting temperate tree fruit production, the sustainability and environmental impact of tree fruit production, and consumer acceptance of tree fruits. Novel arthropod management techniques will be developed through the evaluation of insect behavioral manipulation strategies, identification of insect-resistant fruit tree accessions, and manipulation of the orchard floor vegetation to encourage beneficial insects and arthropods. Improved light, water, and pest management will be developed through new irrigation and vegetation manipulation of the orchard floor and through improved understanding of hormones and growth habit on carbon partitioning, tree development, and water use efficiency. Novel crop load management will be developed through new chemical and mechanization approaches. Future mechanization of orchard operations will be facilitated by newly developed tree management systems to improve light penetration in novel tree growth habits and by computerized visualization of tree branches and fruit. The broad base of expertise in the research program will integrate the most appropriate technologies to solve the key problems of tree fruit production. Productive and sustainable tree fruit production systems will benefit both consumers and global competitiveness of U.S. growers. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations During 2009 progress was made toward improved management of insect pests in orchards with techniques that require reduced use of synthetic pesticides. A bioassay that used detached insect antennae was developed to identify volatile chemical signals that disrupt breeding in plum curculio. Traps for attracting and killing apple maggots were improved with food-based cues in combination with a novel toxicant delivery system. The new traps were field tested with apple growers in four states. Trials were conducted in commercial apple orchards to evaluate the ability of pheromone and repellant formulations to disrupt mating of dogwood borer. Field trials were completed to determine insect population variability and sampling needed to precisely characterize predator and herbivore populations in orchards. These statistics are critical to determine pest and natural enemy populations responding to diverse spatial arrangements of flowering plants in orchards. Apple germplasm with resistance to codling moth was identified. Larvae were suppressed when codling moth fed on fruit of M. tschonoskii and M. x soulardii and laboratory assays suggested phenolic compounds were agents for resistance. In the past year greenhouse experiments were completed that characterized effects of surface and subsurface irrigation on young apple trees grown with grasses that have different rooting depths. It was determined that grass ground cover and subsurface irrigation may be combined to manage fruit trees while suppressing weeds. Water use efficiency (WUE) was measured with whole canopy gas exchange chambers and using stable isotope discrimination analysis from 2003 to 2007, demonstrating that seasonal water use of apple is better evaluated with stable isotope discrimination. Apple trees with the particle film, Surround, plus irrigation had the lowest WUE but highest photosynthesis and productivity compared to the Control non-irrigated trees, likely due to favorable temperature and light conditions in the tree canopy that were Surround-generated. In a newly planted apple orchard reflective groundcover mulches were compared to conventional weed-free herbicide management, demonstrating a number of benefits from mulch including: improved growth, yield, fruit color, and over 50 percent reduction of spirea aphid infestations. Studies continued with the natural product, eugenol, to thin apple and peach blossoms. Low concentrations of eugenol were comparable to commercial thinning sprays or hand thinning for peach. A new high- density peach orchard was established using novel peach growth habits with different training systems to identify potential benefits for cultural management efficiency and adaptability to mechanical thinning. A new self-propelled mobile platform was designed to carry and operate a re-designed single spiked-drum shaker mechanism for peach bloom and green fruit thinning. The shaker was tested in commercial orchards on high- density peach trained to a perpendicular system and reduced bloom density up to 20 percent and green fruit crop loads up to 50 percent. Technology Transfer Number of Active CRADAS: 1 Number of Web Sites managed: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Schupp, J., Baugher, T., Miller, S.S., Harsh, R.M., Lesser, K.M. 2008. Mechanical thinning of peach and apple trees reduces labor inputs and increases fruit size. HortTechnology. 18:660-670.
- Glenn, D.M. 2009. Particle film mechanisms of action that reduce environmental stress in 'Empire' apple. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 134(3):314-321.
- Wisniewski, M.E., Glenn, D.M., Gusta, L., Fuller, M.P. 2008. Using infrared thermography to study freezing in plants. HortScience. 43(6):1648- 1651.
- Leskey, T.C., Bergh, J., Walgenbach, J.F., Zhang, A. 2009. Evaluation of Pheromone-Based Strategies for the Dogwood Borer on Commercial Apple Orchards. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102(3):1085-1093.
- Leskey, T.C., Pinero, J.C., Prokopy, R.J. 2008. Odor-Baited Trap Trees: A Novel Management Tool for the Plum Curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 101(4):1302-1309.
- Leskey, T.C., Wright, S.E., Anger, W., Chouinard, G., Cormier, D., Pichette, A., Zhang, A. 2009. An Electroantennogram Technique for the Plum Curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Environmental Entomology. 38(3):870-878.
- Boiteau, G., Meloche, F., Vincent, C., Leskey, T.C. 2009. Effectiveness of glues used for harmonic radar tag attachment and impact on survival and behavior of three insect pests. Environmental Entomology. 38(1):168-175.
- Leskey, T.C., Chouinard, G., Vincent, C. 2009. Monitoring and management of the apple Maggot Fly and the Plum Curculio: Honoring the Legacy of R. J. Prokopy. In: Aluja, M., Leskey, T.C., Vincent, C., editors. Biorational Tree Fruit Pest Management. Wallingford, England. p. 110-144.
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