Progress 01/22/14 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the output from this project includes academic, government and industry researchers interested in biological control, agroecology, natural resources and pest management, extension educators and grower and industry stakeholders. In addition, the target audience includes consumers and the general public interested in food security, food safety and the environment. These audiences will be reached through various means including peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, extension newsletter articles, lectures in college classrooms, extension presentations at winter grower meetings and summer field days/workshops, investigator web sites, and webinars. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Wickings: training opportunities These projects have created training opportunities in the application, rearing, and evaluation of native and/or commercial entomopathogenic nematodes for one technician. They have also facilitated opportunities for training turfgrass managers, teachers, and middle school science students in the biology and use of entomopathogens for controlling soil- and thatch-dwelling insects in golf, sports, and lawn turf. Agnello Training opportunities Personnel trained/advised: Carrie Preston, MS Graduate Student, Entomology, Cornell, Ithaca Adam Nardone, Undergraduate Technical Assistant, Monroe Community College, Rochester Kenneth Lamm, Undergraduate Summer Intern, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME Loeb Lab Training opportunities: Through these projects we have provided training to one graduate student who is working biological control of spider mites on strawberries under low tunnels and one undergraduate student who participating in summer research internship and worked on the spider mite -predatory mite project. Jentsch Training Opportunities: Zaid Normand, Undergraduate Technical Assistant, Bard College, Poughkeepsie, NY How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Wickings Disseminations: To date, the results of our research have been disseminated orally during seminars and extension workshops. Lakeside U, Lakeside Sod, Clarence, NY - presented remotely via zoom. Biological control options for managing pests on school sports turf., Participants ~30, time = 1hr, contact hours = 30, January 16, 2018 GCSA Webinar - Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Biological control in turfgrass., Participants ~30, time = 1 hour, contact hours = 30, March 6, 2018 Middle School Teacher Training Workshop, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office o Schoharie and Otsego Counties, Cobleskill, NY. Nematodes in the Classroom., Participants 6, time = 5 hours, contact hours = 30, March 6, 2018 Nematodes in the Classroom Middle School Science Outreach Event, Downsville Central School, Downsville, NY. Participants 40 (20 5th grade, 20 6th grade). Loeb Lab dissemination: Loeb, G., Hesler, S., Stockton, D., and Willden, S. Entomology 2017 research update: new approaches to managing spotted wing drosophila and biological control of spider mites on low tunnel strawberries. NYS Berry News, Spring 2018. Agnello Lab dissemination. [Agnello] New York survey of Trissolcus japonicus populations in BMSB trapping sites. Great Lakes Fruit Workers Meeting, Port Huron, MI. November 2017. Audience: 60 (20 min) [Agnello] New York survey of Trissolcus japonicus populations in BMSB trapping sites. Orchard Pest & Disease Management Conference, Portland, OR. January 2018. Audience: 150 (15 min) [Agnello] Establishing the Samurai wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, as a biocontrol agent against Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in New York State. 7th Annual Cornell Entomology Symposium, Geneva. January 2018. Audience: 60 (15 min). [Preston] Presence of Nosema maddoxi in Halyomorpha halys populations in eastern and western U.S. ESA, ESC and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada. November 2018. Audience: 90 (10 min). Jentsch lab dissemination: Results of 2018 Insecticide Efficacy Screening Studies. October 10th, 2018 HVRL IPM Workshop, Highland, NY (60 min.; 21 attendees primarily researchers. 21 contact hours). Monitoring and Management of the Stink Bug Complex In the Northeast.presented to the Red Tomato - Annual Growers Meeting, February 28th , 2018, Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library Hyde Park, NY Expanding the Range for Establishing the Samurai Wasp, Trissolcus japonicus in Orchards and Vegetable Crops of NYS, The Desmond Conference Center, 660 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY February 21st, 2018(Audio embedded PPT) [Jentsch] dissemination. Out of state: Biologicals: What are they and do they really work? November 27, 2018 Connecticut Pomological Society, Annual Meeting, Middletown Elks Lodge 44 Maynard St, Middletown, CT Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Management in Northeastern Orchards.Mississippi Valley Fruit Company, TruEarth Growers Meeting, Monday, March 27, 2018, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, The Green Mill Restaurant, 1025 Hwy 61 E, Winona, MN 55987 (Remote via GoToMeeting.com). Redistribution of Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) for Use in the Biological Control of BMSB Management in NYS.9th-International-IPM-Symposium, Baltimore, MD March 21st, 2018 Redistribution of Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) for Use in the Biological Control of BMSB Management in NYS.Eastern Branch ESA, Westin, Annapolis, MD March 19th, 2018 Redistribution Of Trissolcus Japonicus In NYS Orchards.SW Horticultural Days, Benton Harbor, Michigan February 8th, 2018 Old, New and Novel Tools for Management of the Asian Invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.SW Horticultural Days, Benton Harbor, Michigan February 8th, 2018 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
From Wickings Lab: Evaluating the effectiveness of native entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of white grubs on school sports turf We evaluated the feasibility of inoculating school athletic fields with native strains of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for controlling against grubs of annual white grubs. We determined that biocontrol nematodes can provide moderate suppression of Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae but that nematodes perform better on sandy soils that are frequently irrigated. Additionally, while H. bacteriophora appears unaffected by foot traffic/soil compaction, S. feltiae efficacy is greater in areas with low soil compaction. Two important challenges to the adoption of biocontrol nematodes on school grounds are 1) their high cost and 2) their low persistence year-to-year. Thus, we are working with native strains of the same nematode species.We inoculating 8 athletic fields in central and eastern NY State: 3 in Albany, 3 in Downsville, 2 in Geneva. We worked with school grounds managers and with school sciences classes to evaluate the establishment and persistence of the applied nematodes. We conducted a 5 hour teacher training workshop on March 6th, 2018 during which teachers from 4 schools gained hands-on experience in assaying soils for the presence and infection potential of entomopathogenic nematodes. Teachers at three schools then lead their middle school science classes through this same activity during fall 2018. Through our own sampling efforts, we were able to evaluate nematode establishment on each of the eight fields. Nematode infection bioassays were completed in December of 2018, and while the data are still being analyzed, our sites appear to have high nematode infection potential (over 80% of insect larvae infected during infectivity bioassays). Total infection rates in inoculated and control areas are indistinguishable, however data are currently being analyzed to test for significant differences among the two nematode species used in the inoculation. From Shelton Lab. The popular website, Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America, which I developed and maintained over the last 20 years was turned over to the NYS IPM Program and they will put it on their website. Amara will be the curator of the site. We added a number of units to the website during the last 6 months before turning it over to IPM, but it's probably not worth listing them. From Agnello Lab. Project:Management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in US Specialty Crops During the 2107 and 2018 growing seasons, we placed sentinel egg masses for detection of naturally occurring or adventive populations of egg parasitoids, including the exotic wasp speciesTrissolcus japonicus. Sentinel BMSB egg masses were placed in host trees adjacent to pheromone trap sites in multiple locations in the Lake Ontario and Hudson Valley apple regions, to assess the presence of adventive populations of T. japonicus or any naturally occurring egg parasitoid species in locations near apple orchards where BMSB occurrence had been documented. Alpha Scent sticky cards were placed along the orchard perimeter to determine the presence and establishment of T. japonicus from 2017 re-distribution sites in 7 day intervals. Recent finds of T. japonicus in Hudson Valley location suggest expansion of its range and overwintering establishment in re-distribution locations. Local BMSB populations were sampled to determine the presence of naturally occurring microsporidia and how they might be impacting the health or persistence of these populations. Between Sept. 2017 and Aug. 2018, the Hajek laboratory worked on summarizing the distribution of the microsporidian infecting brown marmorated stink bugs (= Nosema maddoxi), within the United States; we found it at all locations (east and west coasts) from which we had received samples. Using these data, we analyzed variables such as density and gender to see if they were associated with N. maddoxi infection prevalence. We have also been conducting bioassays with N. maddoxi and the brown marmorated stink bugs to look at mortality of infected versus control adults and nymphs, the effect of infection on rate of development of nymphs and the effect of infection on reproduction by adult females. Finally, during the 2018 field season, brown marmorated stink bug populations at three sites (two in NY and one in PA) were sampled to investigate the potential for changes in infection level during a season. From Loeb Lab. The lab engaged in several projects investigating aspects of biological control in fruit systems. One project investigated the use of persistent entomopathogenic (insect-attacking) nematodes (EPNs) to manage foliar feeding damage by adult Japanese beetle (JB) in commercial vineyards. Specifically, we examined the establishment potential of a one-time release of the two-species complex of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae ("NY001") and S. feltiae ("NY004") in a vineyard environment and the impact on Japanese beetle larvae and adults and adult feeding damage to grapes. We observed a consistent or increasing proportion of soil samples with evidence of that entomopathogenic nematodes became established at all release sites as measured by capacity to kill sentinel wax moth larvae. Of the two species being monitored, S. feltiae (Sf) established particularly well, averaging around 25% infectivity of soil samples in 2014.. Scarabaeidae larvae were fairly rare at all sites throughout the duration of this investigation. Overall, we recorded higher percentage defoliation from adult beetles in control zones than in nematode treated zones in 2014. Survey data 2014 for adult Japanese beetle was generally consistent with trends in feeding damage. For two field seasons we deployed sentinel fruit infested with larvae of spotted wing drosophila SWD (Drosophila suzukii) and D. suzukii sentinel pupae at several fruit farms (edge of planting and edge of adjacent wood lots) during summer to assess levels of parasitism by native parasitoids. We reared out a handful of pupal parasitoids (Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae) from the August assessment in first year. In second year we reared out 5 parasitoid wasps from sentinel SWD larvae with parasitism rates under 1%. They tentatively have been identified in the genus Asobara. From Jenstsch Lab. The Asian micro-hymenopteran samurai wasp, Trissolcus japonicus had been discovered during parasitoid surveys using frozen sentinel brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) eggs in the mid-Hudson Valley of NYS. A petition for the redistribution of the adventive biological control agent was approved by NYS. In 2017 frozen sentinel eggs were placed in 7 WNY (Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Orleans counties) and 4 ENY (Ulster and Orange County) sites to survey for parasitoids with no new sites of T. japonicus discovered. From this survey the native Trissolcus euschistii discovered on 23 June (N=1 Marlboro, Ulster Co.), the native Telenomus podisi discovered 30 June (N=3 Marlboro, Ulster Co.) and the Asian adventive Trissolcus japonicus rediscovered on 7 July (N=96 Marlboro, Ulster Co.) Redistribution of the samurai wasp began on 15 September on 32 sites of 25 farms in 6 NY counties. Recovery of newly released samurai wasp, made using sentinel egg placements in release sites, was observed in Monroe and Orleans Counties. Determining overwintering success samurai wasp releases began in 2018, using Alpha Scents yellow sticky cards frozen sentinel egg masses. T. japonicus were not recovered in any of our monitored sites using sentinel eggs. However, (1) T. japonicus was recovered in the vegetable CSA site in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co. and (1) T. japonicus from the Holly site in Orleans Co. Additionally, the native parasitoids T. euchesiti & T. podisiwere recovered from most of our release sites.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Romeis, J., Naranjo, S.E., Meissle, M., Shelton, A.M., Genetically engineered crops help support conservation biological control, Biological Control (2018), doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol. 2018.10.001
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Tian, J-C., XP Wang, Y. Chen, J. Romeis, S.E. Naranjo, R.H, Hellmich, P. Wang and A. M. Shelton. 2018. Bt cotton producing Cry2Ab does not harm two parasitoids, Cotesia marginiventris and Copidosoma floridanum. Scientific Reports. 8:307. doi:10.1038/ s41598-017-18620-3
|
Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the output from this project includes academic, government and industry researchers interested in biological control, agroecology, natural resources and pest management, extension educators and grower and industry stakeholders. In addition, the target audience includes consumers and the general public interested in food security, food safety and the environment. These audiences will be reached through various means including peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, extension newsletter articles, lectures in college classrooms, extension presentations at winter grower meetings and summer field days/workshops, investigator web sites, and webinars. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?From Agnello Lab Personnel trained/advised: Carrie Preston, MS Graduate Student, Entomology, Cornell, Ithaca Mikhail Fischer, Undergraduate Technical Assistant, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Geneva Amy Sparer, Undergraduate Summer Intern, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA Tim Lampasona, MS Graduate Student, Entomology, Univ. of Lincoln-Nebraska, NE Cameron Fuhr, MS Graduate Student, Entomology, Cornell, Ithaca From Loeb Lab. A post-bachelorette Gabriella Brind Amor and two undergraduate summer technicians, Joe Warner and Kayli Harling, received training in methodology for assessing rates of parasitism in the field and lab. Graduate student, Samantha Willden, received training in identification of predatory mites. From Wickings Lab These projects have created training opportunities in the application, rearing, and evaluation of native and/or commercial entomopathogenic nematodes for one technician and one MS/PhD student at Cornell University. They have also facilitated opportunities for training turfgrass managers in the use of entomopathogens for controlling soil- and thatch-dwelling insects in golf, sports, and lawn turf. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Group participated in numerous meetings, conferences, workshops and field days to discuss and disseminate information related to the biological control of arthropod pests of fruit and vegetable crops. Published numerous articles in grower oriented newsletters and magazines focused on recent research results and implications for biological control. The group maintained a web site focused on natural enemies in North America that is used by researchers, extension educators and the general public. Below is a listing of presentations and online reports on biological control by the group. Agnello Lab dissemination Blog site:https://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2017/10/04/establishing-the-samurai-wasp-in-ny-orchards-october-4-2017/ What's New in Insect Pest Management for Organic Apples (Biocontrol of plum curculio using entomopathogenic nematodes); NOFA-NY/Cornell Field Days,Appleton & Gardiner, NY.June. Audience: 16 (3 hr each). Loeb Lab dissemination: Riverhead, NY. 7 March 2017. Loeb, G. Managing insects and mites under cover. 15 min talk as part of the Berry Crops Protected Culture Workshop. Approximately 25 growers and other stakeholders in the audience. Contact hours = 6.25. Syracuse, NY. 17 January 2017. Loeb, G. Managing insects and mites under cover. 15 min talk as part of the Berry Crops Protected Culture Workshop held during the 2017 Empire State Producers Expo. Approximately 75 growers and other stakeholders in the audience. Contact hours = 18.75 contact hours. Riverhead, NY. 7 March 2017. Loeb, G. Managing insects and mites under cover. 15 min talk as part of the Berry Crops Protected Culture Workshop. Approximately 25 growers and other stakeholders in the audience. Contact hours = 6.25. Syracuse, NY. 17 January 2017. Loeb, G. and Hesler, S. Mite control 101: hands-on-activity. 30 minute session as part of the Berry Crops Protected Culture Workshop held during the 2017 Empire State Producers Expo providing experiential learning about spider mites, mite damage, predatory mites, and biological control release methods. Participants had the opportunity to view strawberry plants with mite damage, live mites to look at through dissecting scopes, and examples of containers used in release of beneficial mites and insects. We also provided printed material. Approximately 75 growers and other stakeholders participated. Contact hours = 37.5. Riverhead, NY. 7 March 2017. Loeb, G., Zamen, F., and Carroll, J. Mite control 101: hands-on-activity. 30 minute session as part of the Berry Crops Protected Culture Workshop providing experiential learning about spider mites, mite damage, predatory mites, and biological control release methods. Participants had the opportunity to view strawberry plants with mite damage, live mites to look at through dissecting scopes, and examples of containers used in release of beneficial mites and insects. We also provided printed material. Approximately 25 growers and other stakeholders participated. Contact hours = 12.5. Jentsch lab dissemination: Redistribution Of Trissolcus Japonicus In NYS Orchards. BMSB IPM Working Group, Winchester, VA November 29th, 2017, (20 min.; 45 attendees primarily researchers. 15 contact hours). Redistribution Of Trissolcus Japonicus In NYS Orchards. November 30th, 2017. Cumberland-Shenandoah Tree Fruit Management Meeting, Winchester, VA , (30 min.; 40 attendees primarily growers . 20 contact hours). Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - What can we expect in 2018 (30 min), Nov. 13, 2017 Ag In-Service Fruit Track Presentations; Monday, Jordan Hall, Staff Room, NYSAES, Geneva Field and Laboratory Based Efficacy Studies. On BMSB Using Reduced Risk and Short PHI Insecticides October 25th , 2017. New England, New York, Canadian Fruit Pest Management Workshop. Burlington Vt. (55 University faculty, fruit extension educators, and private consultants) Employing Spensa SP Technologies for Communicating Grower Based Tree Fruit Management Recommendations. October 25th , 2017. New England, New York, Canadian Fruit Pest Management Workshop. Burlington Vt. (55 University faculty, fruit extension educators, and private consultants) Expanding the Range of the Samurai Wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, in NY Orchards. October 25th , 2017. New England, New York, Canadian Fruit Pest Management Workshop. Burlington Vt. (55 University faculty, fruit extension educators, and private consultants) Establishing the Samurai Wasp in NY Orchards. October 4, 2017 http://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2017/10/04/establishing-the-samurai-wasp-in-ny-orchards-october-4-2017/ Will Samurai Wasp Be The Answer. December 26th, 2017 http://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2017/12/26/will-samurai-wasp-be-the-answer/ Poughkeepsie Journal Article: Discovery of wasps in Ulster County is likely to speed process across New York. March 6th , 2017 http://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2017/03/06/poughkeepsie-journal-article-discovery-of-wasps-in-ulster-county-is-likely-to-speed-process-across-new-york/ The Fall of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in New York's Hudson Valley. February 28th , 2017 http://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2017/02/28/the-fall-of-the-brown-marmorated-stink-bug-in-new-yorks-hudson-valley/ Wickings Lab dissemination: Winning Fields Winning Fairways, New York State Turfgrass Association, SUNY Delhi, Delhi NY, White grub management and biological control in golf turf. Participants = 50, Length in hours = 1, total contact hours = 50, October 4, 2017 New York State Landscape and Gardeners Association, Empire City Casino, Yonkers, NY, Biological control options for turf pest management. Participants = 184, time - 1hr, contact hours - 184, January 11, 2017 Nassau-Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association, Suffolk Community College, Selden, NY, Biological control options for turf pest management. Participants = 100, time = 1hr, contact hours = 100, January 19, 2017 Rochester Turf & Grounds Expo, New York State Turfgrass Association, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY. Cornell Biological Control Research Update. Participants = 65, Length in hours = 0.3, Contact hours = 19.5, November 15, 2017 New England Turf Show, Providence, RI, New England Turfgrass Association. Potential for using native entomopathogenic nematodes to control insect pests during sod production and following harvest, Participants = 200, time = 45 minutes, contact hours = 150, March 8, 2017 New England Turf Show, Providence, RI, New England Turfgrass Association. Use of entomopathogenic nematodes for managing annual white grubs in school sports turf., Participants 100, time = 45 minutes, contact hours = 75, March 8, 2017 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For Shelton Lab. Will maintain biocontrol web site through 2018 as make plans to transfer management to new individuals at Cornell University as Shelton transitions toward retirement. For Loeb Lab. Primary focus will be on investigating biological control alternatives for spider mites on strawberries with emphasis on strawberries grown under low tunnels. This will involve both laboratory and field experiments examining efficacy of different predatory mite species. For Jentsch Lab. In spring of 2018 we propose to broaden our survey of native and adventive parasitoids using both sentinel eggs and yellow cards. We plan to establish 200 additional redistribution sites, providing T.japonicus parasitized eggs to NY growers upon request. We will be conducting a Spring launch of our T.japonicus Citizen Science Project to disseminate parasitized eggs to the urban communities for Urban IPM Biocontrol management. https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/support-new-york-farms-through-bio-control For Wickings Lab: During the next reporting period, we will have begun our nematode inoculations of all school athletic fields, carried out our teacher training workshop, and initiated a Nematodes in the Classroom lab activity with 3-4 middle school science classes in Geneva, Downsville, Albany, and possibly also Cobleskill, NY.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
From Agnello Lab. Project:Management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in US Specialty Crops During this reporting period, the process was begun of placing sentinel egg masses for detection of naturally occurring or adventive populations of egg parasitoids, including the exotic wasp speciesTrissolcus japonicus. We placed sentinel BMSB egg masses in host trees adjacent to pheromone trap sites in multiple locations in the Lake Ontario and Hudson Valley apple regions, to assess the presence of adventive populations of T. japonicus or any naturally occurring egg parasitoid species in locations near apple orchards where BMSB occurrence had been documented. Freeze-killed egg masses were left for 7-day periods beginning in early August, replaced with fresh egg masses weekly into September, and held in the lab for parasitoid emergence.Additionally, local BMSB populations were sampled as a first step in determining the presence of naturally occurring microsporidia and how they might be impacting the health or persistence of these populations. Project:Optimizing Use of Native Persistent Nematodes for Biological Control of Plum Curculio in Organic and Conventional Apple Production Assessments of native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes to determine establishment success and efficacy for plum curculio management was successful. Results from the 2017 assays shows that bio-control nematodes have continued to persist in the treated areas. Continued presence and spread of bio-control nematode populations has shown in other cropping systems to have a long-term effect against native pests.Results from soil assays and arena trials continue to support the assumption that the nematode/insect/environment relationship is highly dynamic. From Loeb Lab. We deployed sentinel fruit infested with larvae of spotted wing drosophila SWD (Drosophila suzukii) and D. suzukii sentinel pupae at several fruit farms (edge of planting and edge of adjacent wood lots) in July, August and September to assess levels of parasitism by native parasitoids. Flies and parasitoids were reared out of samples in the lab. We only reared out 5 parasitoid wasps from sentinel SWD larvae in 2017 from July or August assessments. They tentatively have been identified in the genus Asobara. We exposed larvae of SWD to lone female Asobara but no parasitoids were reared out of these larvae. We established a new planting of strawberries under low tunnels at NYSAES in the spring of 2017 to investigate abiological control of spider mites, which often are more severe under protected culture. In July we assigned sections of strawberries to different treatments involving the release of biological control agents. We released two different species of predatory mites (spider mite specialist Phytoseiulus persimilis and the more diet generalist Amblyseius fallacis) separately and in combination and at different timings. Leaves were collected weekly to estimate the abundance of TSSM and predatory mites. ASpider mite populations built to high levels by the end of August and predatory mites also became well established in some plots. We are still analyzing the results in terms of impact of different predatory mite species, though initial analysis indicates that the spider mite specialist did not become established in most plots while the generalist became well established and indeed, eventually colonized plots that it was not released into. From Jentsch Lab: The goals of this project include the survey of native and invasive parasitoids of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) in New York State. The Asian parasitoid, recently named Samurai Wasp, Trissolcus japonicus has recently been found in MD, DL, WV, VA, NJ and New York. In 2016 surveys for T. japonicus adults recovered parasitized frozen sentinel BMSB eggs placed on foliage in a cluster of Black Walnut in Marlboro, NY. The wasp, native to the regions of Asia where the BMSB originates, is known to attack the eggs of BMSB and believed to be the biological to maintain low levels of BMSB in its native habitat. In the spring of 2017 frozen sentinel eggs were placed in 7 WNY (Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Orleans counties) and 4 ENY (Ulster and Orange County) sites to survey for parasitoids. No new sites of T. japonicus were discovered from this survey with the native Trissolcus euschisti discovered on 23rd June (N=1 Marlboro, Ulster Co. ), the native Telenomus podisi discovered 30th June (N=3 Marlboro, Ulster Co. ) and the Asian adventive Trissolcus japonicus discovered on 7th of July only in Marlboro, Ulster Co. (N=96), which were used to build a laboratory colony. In July of 2017 the entomology department at the HVRL successfully obtained DEC approval for redistribution of the Samurai Wasp, which began on 15th of September on 32 sites of 25 farms in 6 NY counties. Recovery of Samurai Wasp was made using sentinel egg placements in release sites after successful emergence of the wasp was observed. In two WNY release sites, recapture and emergence of the wasp from sentinel egg placements was evidence of early establishment. From Wickings Lab: Evaluating the effectiveness of native entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of white grubs on school sports turf At present, school sports turf managers possess very few tools for managing turf insect pests. Among them, entomopathogenic nematodes are the only tool that has shown acceptable efficacy, however, their effectiveness under different turf and soil conditions has not been determined. The objective of our work is to evaluate the feasibility of inoculating school athletic fields with native strains of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for controlling against grubs of annual white grubs. This projects is an extension of one funded by the NY State Turfgrass Association examining the utility of commercial nematode products for biocontrol of white grubs. In this project we determined that biocontrol nematodes can provide moderate suppression of Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae but that nematodes perform better on sandy soils that are frequently irrigated. Additionally, while H. bacteriophora appears unaffected by foot traffic/soil compaction, S. feltiae efficacy is greater in areas with low soil compaction. Two important challenges to the adoption of biocontrol nematodes on school grounds are 1) their high cost and 2) their low persistence year-to-year. Thus, in the current project, we are working with native strains of the same nematode species. These strains have been shown capable of persisting for multiple years in field crop soils, and if capable of persisting in school athletic field soils, could provide turf managers with a reliable and affordable pest control measure. We will be inoculating 8-10 athletic fields from 3-4 schools in central and eastern NY state, and will be working with middle school sciences classes to evaluate the establishment and persistence of the applied nematodes. To accomplish this, we are conducting a day-long teacher training workshop on March 6th, 2018 during which teachers from 3-4 schools will gain hands-on experience in assaying soils for the presence and infection potential of entomopathogenic nematodes. The teachers will then lead their middle school science classes through this same activity during fall 2018.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Paul K. Abram, Kim A. Hoelmer, Angelita Acebes-Doria, Heather Andrews, Elizabeth H. Beers, J. Christopher Bergh, Ric Bessin, David Biddinger, Paul Botch, Matthew L. Buffington, Mary L. Cornelius, Elena Costi, Ernest S. Delfosse, Christine Dieckhoff, Rachelyn Dobson, Zachary Donais, Matthew Grieshop, George Hamilton, Tim Haye, Christopher Hedstrom, Megan V. Herlihy, Mark S. Hoddle, Cerruti R. R. Hooks, Peter Jentsch, Neelendra K. Joshi, Thomas P. Kuhar, Jesus Lara, Jana C. Lee, Ana Legrand, Tracy C. Leskey, David Lowenstein, Lara Maistrello, Clarissa R. Mathews, Joshua M. Milnes, William R. Morrison, Anne L. Nielsen, Emily C. Ogburn, Charles H. Pickett, Kristin Poley, John Pote, James Radl, Paula M. Shrewsbury, Elijah Talamas, Luciana Tavella, James F. Walgenbach, Rebeccah Waterworth, Donald C. Weber, Celeste Welty, and Nik G. Wiman. 2017. Indigenous arthropod natural enemies of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in North America and Europe. Journal of Pest Science, 1-12. 2017. DOI: 10.1007/s10340-017-0891-7.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Rice, KB, RH Bedoukian, P Mclean, BD Short, WR Morrison, P Jentsch, NG Wiman, GC Hamilton, PM Shrewsbury, DC Weber, A Khrimian, and TC Leskey. 2017. Enhancing the response of Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to its Aggregation Pheromone with Ethyl Decatrieonate. Journal of Economic Entomology 111: 495-499. Doi.org/10.1093/jee/tox316.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Jentsch, P. 2017. Expanding the Range of the Samurai Wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, in New York Orchards. New York Fruit Quarterly. Volume 25, Number 2, Winter 2017
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the output from this project includes academic, government and industry researchers interested in biological control, agroecology, natural resources and pest management, extension educators and grower and industry stakeholders. In addition, the target audience includes consumers and the general public interested in food security, food safety and the environment. These audiences will be reached through various means including peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, extension newsletter articles, lectures in college classrooms, extension presentations at winter grower meetings and summer field days/workshops, investigator web sites, and webinars. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?From Shelton Lab: The biocontrol web site is referenced by lay people, extension educators and researchers from around the world. The web site was incorporated into a moodle course for master gardeners developed by Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Allegany County, NY From Agnello Lab: An undergraduate student from Finger Lakes Community College, as a summer intern, received some training in use of nematodes for control of arthropod pests. From Loeb Lab: A post baccalaureate student, Gabrielle Brind Amour, and two undergraduate summer technicians, Bethanny Jolly and Joe Warner, received training in methodology for assessing rates of parasitism in the field. A postdoctoral associate, Xiaoli Bing in the Buchon lab, received training in biology and field collection methods for spotted wing drosophila as well as training in the lab for conducting bioassays to screen efficacy of entomopathogens. Graduate student, Heather Grad, received training in molecular approaches to assessing rates of parasitism by endoparasites of Lygus lineolaris. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Group participated in numerous meetings, conferences, workshops and field days to discuss and disseminate information related to the biological control of arthropod pests of fruit and vegetable crops. Published numerous articles in grower oriented newsletters and magazines focused on recent research results and implications for biological control. The group maintained a web site focused on natural enemies in North America that is used by researchers, extension educators and the general public. Below is a listing of presentations made on biological control by the group. T.G. Lessord*, A. Agnello, E. Shields, and K. Wickings. 2016. Evaluation of native New York entomopathogenic nematodes for biocontrol of plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) in apple orchards. Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference, Philadelphia, PA. Jan. 3-7, 2016. Jentsch, P. 2016. BMSB News: The Invasive Parasitic Wasp, Trissolcus japonicus, Recently Found in New York State. https://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2016/09/19/bmsb-news-the-invasive-parasitic-wasp-trissolcus-japonicus-recently-found-in-new-york-state/ Jentsch, P. 2016. Game changer: The Asian wasp egg parasite, Trissolcus japonicus, has been found in habitat surveys in Beltsville, Maryland. https://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2015/03/18/game-changer-the-asian-wasp-egg-parasite-trissolcus-japonicus-has-been-found-in-habitat-surveys-in-beltsville-maryland/ Jentsch, P. 2016. BMSB News: Trissolcus japonicus recently found in Washington State https://blogs.cornell.edu/jentsch/2015/10/26/bmsb-news-trissolcus-japonicus-recently-found-in-washington-state/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For Shelton Lab: Will maintain biocontrol web site through 2017. For Loeb Lab: We will continue field assessment of the impact of native parasitoids on spotted wing drosophila in New York using sentinel larvae and pupae and we will continue to screen entomopathogens of spotted wing drosophila, including assessment of pathogenicity for late stage larvae. We plan to initiate a new project investigating biological control of spider mites and cyclamen mites on strawberry grown under low tunnels compared to when grown outdoors. From Jentsch Lab: Develop methods for monitoring regional and state-wide Trissulcus japonacus populations using -80C frozen BMSB sentinel egg placement in urban and agricultural centers in which BMSB have been documented using Citizen Science and pheromone trap capture reports.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
From Shelton Lab: Much of our work on this project involves conservation of biological control agents in agriculture. In this context we have focused on assessing the effects of insecticides and genetically engineered crops expressing Bt proteins on biocontrol agents. In 2016 we published a paper on assessing potential impact of Bt eggplant on non-target arthropods. The lab also continued to maintain the biocontrol web site. From Agnello Lab: Evaluations of Effectiveness of Nematodes as Biological Control Agents for Plum Curculio - Laboratory Trials with Orchard Soil Samples:Soil Samples from different orchards were used to conduct bioassays to test three different research questions. (1) How long canS. carpocapsae"NY-001" andS. feltiae"NY-04" persist in orchard soil? (2) AreS. carpocapsae"NY-001" andS. feltiae"NY-04" effective in reducing plum curculio numbers? (3) Which species (or combination) of nematode is most effective? Intact soil columns were collected from each of 4 orchard sites, and used to conduct laboratory trials. In addition, soil was collected from each of the four sites to create similar-sized mesocosms with sieved soil, in an attempt to remove soil "macrostructure" (e.g. cracks, rocks, large pieces of organic matter) as a factor.Soil cores and sieved cups were kept inside walk-in misting chambers set at 23° C. Individual trials were conducted for each of the two species of nematodes individually, as well as in a combined trial: 1) Persistence ofS. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, andS. carpocapsae/S. feltiae; and 2) Virulence ofS. carpocapsae,S. feltiae,andS. carpocapsae/S. feltiae.Each of the soil columns and sieved soil samples were infested with 10 last-instar plum curculio larvae, and an emergence trap top was attached. The trap tops were equipped with a removable transparent cap to allow newly emerged plum curculio adults to be collected and counted. Plum curculio mortality was estimated by comparing the number of emerged plum curculio adults with the number of larvae originally infested. - Persistence Trials:In the nematode persistence trials, newly inoculated soil samples were held in misting chambers at 25°C for at least one week to allow the nematodes to acclimate and establish. Nematode persistence was measured by quantifying nematode-causedG. mellonellamortality over time.The nematode persistence bioassays showed that nematodes were indeed present in the soil post-inoculation, and that they persisted under controlled temperature and moisture for at least 8 months. Within the intact soil columns, there was a significant effect of nematode species (p=0.002). Overall, the inoculation of both nematode species led to higherG. mellonellamortality thanS. carpocapsaealone (p=0.0087). There was also an effect of time, and site by time (p<2.2 x 10-16, 4.6 x 10-6, respectively). Specifically, at 2 months, the Empire site had significantly higherG. mellonellamortality than at the Loomis site (p=0.0011). In the sieved soil trials, there was a strong interaction effect of time and nematode species (p=0.0002 and <2.2 x 10-16, respectively). At the 2 month time point, the soil inoculated with both nematode species showed significantly higherG. mellonellamortality than the soil inoculated withS. carpocapsae(p=0.0001)orS. feltiaealone (p=0.0163). At 3 months, again, the soil inoculated with both nematode species, or withS. feltiaealone, showed higher mortality rates than soils inoculated withS. carpocapsaealone (p=0.0606). At 5 months, the combined nematode species caused higher mortality thanS. carpocapsaealone (p=0.0045). -Nematode Virulence Trials:There was no difference in plum curculio emergence betweenS. carpocapsae/S. feltiae-inoculated soil and the untreated soil (p=0.1747). Analysis showed a strong effect of nematode species (p=3x10-12) and a strong site effect (p=2.8x10-6). Soil collected from the Loomis site provided lower plum curculio emergence (0.17 ± 0.02) than the other sites (Davies: 0.36 ± 0.03, Empire: 0.21 ± 0.02, IdaRed: 0.14 ± 0.02) in both sieved and intact soil (p<0.0001). There were no other differences among sites. Overall, regardless of soil macrostructure, the plum curculio emergence from theS. feltiae"NY-04" inoculated soil samples (0.26 ± 0.01) was not different from the soil inoculated with both nematode species (0.27 ±0.01,p=0.7763). The plum curculio adult emergence for these trials (0.233 ± 0.014, 0.254 ± 0.016, respectively) was much lower than in theS. carpocapsaetreated soil (0.423 ± 0.016). TheS. carpocapsaetreated soil's (0.41 ±0.02) adult plum curculio emergence was not different from the untreated soil (0.41 ± 0.02,p=0.977). The same was found when looking at the sieved soil mesocosms separately. From Loeb Lab: We deployed sentinel fruit infested with larvae of spotted wing drosophila SWD (Drosophila suzukii) and D. suzukii sentinel pupae at several fruit farms (edge of planting and edge of adjacent wood lots) in July, August and September 2016 to assess levels of parasitism by native parasitoids. Sentinel SWD larvae were exposed to parasitoid wasps for 7 days and sentinel pupae for 48 hours. Flies and parasitoids were reared out of samples in the lab. We only reared out a handful of parasitoids, mostly the pupal parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae; parasitism was under 1%. This exploration is occurring and by having a base line estimate of the effectiveness of native parasitoids in our area will help us understand the ecological effects of introducing a non-native parasitoid into NY. Through a collaboration with Dr. Nicholas Buchon in Entomology, Cornell University, we have continued to conduct lab efficacy assessments of numerous bacterial and fungal entomopathogens against spotted wing drosophila adults, identifying several bacteria and fungi that spotted wing drosophila are particularly susceptible compared to Drosophila melanogaster. We also are isolating fungal and bacterial pathogens from wild adult SWD collected in late summer and late fall. Finally, the project is investigating immune responses of spotted wind drosophila and Drosophila melanogaster at the genetic level. During 2016 we used molecular techniques to evaluate parasitism rates of nymphs of Lygus lineolaris collected from strawberry plantings and adjacent wildflower plantings as part of a project to evaluate the effects of plant diversity at the local and landscape scale. Results indicate that parasitism from the introduced parasitoid Peristenus digoneutis was greater in landscapes with greater amounts of non-crop habitat, especially open-space habitat. Parasitism rates of nymphs by P. digoneutis were greater in strawberry plantings adjacent to wildflower plantings compared to control plots without wildflowers irrespective of landscape traits. From Jentsch Lab: Field surveys of BMSB parasitism beginning in July 2016 employing -80C frozen BMSB sentinel egg placement in the wooded edge of agricultural production sites in Ulster and Orange found both native and invasive parasitoid presence emerging from egg masses and on yellow cards. Trissulcus japonacus was observed from two site in Marlboro, NY in which sentinel eggs were pinned to the underside of Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima. Samples were confirmed by Elijah J. Talamas, USDA, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC, and sent to Marie Claude Bon for microsatellite assessment to determine native point of origin.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Shelton, A. M. Natural Enemies: A Guide to Biological Control Agents in North America. http://www.biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Grab, H., Poveda, K., Danforth, B., and Loeb, G. 2016. Managing farms and landscapes for both biological control and pollination services. Contributed 20 minute presentation at the International Conference on Pollination Biology, Health, and Policy, held in University Park, Penn State University.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Navasero, M.V., R.N. Candano, D. Hautea, R. A. Hautea, F. A Shotkoski, A. M. Shelton. 2016. Assessing potential impact of Bt eggplatns on non-target arthropods in the Philippines. PLoS One (http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165190)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Lessord, T., A. Agnello, T. Testa, E. Shields, and K. Wickings. 2016. Evaluation of Native New York Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Biocontrol of Plum Curculio in Apple Orchards. Proc. 91st Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conf., Winchester, VA.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for the output from this project includes academic, government and industry researchers interested in biological control, agroecology, natural resources and pest management, extension educators and grower and industry stakeholders. In addition, the target audience includes consumers and the general public interested in food security, food safety and the environment. These audiences will be reached through various means including peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, extension newsletter articles, lectures in college classrooms, extension presentations at winter grower meetings and summer field days/workshops, investigator web sites, and webinars. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?From Agnello Lab: Two summer interns (C. Dodge, 2013 and E. Pennock, 2014) oversaw the field assessment trials in micro-plot arenas for 2-month periods during the growing seasons. Additionally, an M.S. student (T. Lessord) is currently finishing her second year of evaluating soil characteristics of orchard sites for their potential impact on nematode establishment and subsequent effectiveness in controlling plum curculio. From Loeb Lab: A post baccalaureate student received training in methodology for assessing rates of parasitism in the field. A postdoctoral associate in the Buchon lab received training in biology and field collection methods for spotted wing drosophila as well as training in the lab for conducting bioassays to screen efficacy of entomopathogens. From Shelton Lab: In 2014-5, we trained 5 visiting scientists on how to conduct studies on non-target arthropods. More broadly, our website on biological control agents continues to be the premier website for teaching diverse audiences (teachers, the general public, scientists, etc.) about biological control. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Group participated in numerous meetings, conferences, workshops and field days to discuss and disseminate information related to the biological control of arthropod pests of fruit and vegetable crops. Published numerous articles in grower oriented newsletters and magazines focused on recent research results and implications for biological control. The group maintained a web site focused on natural enemies in North America that is used by researchers, extension educators and the general public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?From Agnello Lab: Nematode-inoculated research and commercial orchards will continue to be assessed for EPN persistence and impact on plum curculio damage, by evaluating fruit oviposition damage and repeating some of the field micro-arena assays against sentinel larvae. We are also interested in examining ways to facilitate EPN establishment through the use of foam or gel protectants during the inoculation process. From Loeb Lab: We will expand field assessment of the impact of native parasitoids on spotted wing drosophila in New York using sentinel larvae and pupae and we will continue to screen entomopathogens of spotted wing drosophila, including assessment of pathogenicity for late stage larvae. From Shelton Lab: Continue to publish research on interactions between genetically modified plants and natural enemies and maintaining the natural enemies web site.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
From Agnello Lab: In the laboratory, we conducted trials to determine the potential ofS. carpocapsae'NY 001',S. feltiae'NY 04', andH. bacteriophora'Oswego' as plum curculio (PC) biocontrol agents. We found that exposure of PC larvae to the nematodes was more effective than for PC adults, with the highest mortality obtained using a combination ofS. feltiaeandS. carpocapsae(up to 75%); mortality of PC larvae was seen within 14 days. For testing in the field, apopulation of nematode infective juveniles (IJs) ofS. feltiaeandS. carpocapsaewas applied to the soil surface in several research and commercial orchardsusing a modified herbicide sprayer mounted on an ATV. To assess the level of nematode establishment in these plots, we conducted a larval exposure trial with laboratory-reared PC larvae, usingmicro-plot arenas into which mature PC larvae were introduced, which was covered with an emergence trap top, and checked for emerged PC adults. Inthe results of the micro-arena assays, initial results the first year after nematode treatment showed slow progress in population establishment; however, by the third year, results in several of the orchard sites are approaching the levels of PC mortality seen in plots that were directly treated by hand, which is an encouraging sign that the nematode populations will ultimately contribute significantly to the reduction of plum curculio numbers and damage in these test sites. As another method of assessing overall impact of the nematode treatments on PC populations, fruitlet samples were taken from each of the orchards during June of each of the years of the project. In each row of each plot sampled, 100 fruits from each of 5 trees were assessed for PC oviposition damage (scars). There has been a uniform trend of lower overall damage levels in treated vs. untreated rows in essentially all plots, with a gradual decrease in the amount of damaged fruit each succeeding year. From Loeb Lab: We deployed sentinel fruit infested with larvae and pupae of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) at several fruit farms (edge of planting and edge of adjacent wood lots) in August and September 2015 to assess levels of parasitism by native parasitoids. Sentinel SWD were exposed to parasitoid wasps for 24 to 48 hours only. Flies and parasitoids were reared out of samples in the lab. We only reared out a handful of pupal parasitoids (Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae) from the August assessment; parasitism was under 1%. This has been the common result in other regions highlighting the need to find parasitoids from the native range of SWD for potential importation to US and other affected countries. This exploration is occurring and by having a base line estimate of the effectiveness of native parasitoids in our area will help us understand the ecological effects of introducing a non-native parasitoid into NY. Through a collaboration with Dr. Nicholas Buchon in Entomology, Cornell University, we have conducted lab efficacy assessments of numerous bacterial and fungal entomopathogens against spotted wing drosophila adults, identifying several bacteria and fungi that spotted wing drosophila are particularly susceptible compared to Drosophila melanogaster. We also are in the process of isolating and identifying entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria collected from wild caught spotted wing drosophila adults. Finally, the project is investigating immune responses of spotted wind drosophila and Drosophila melanogaster at the genetic level. From Shelton Lab: Much of our work on this project involves conservation of biological control agents in agriculture. In this context we have focused on assessing the effects of insecticides and genetically engineered crops expressing Bt proteins on biocontrol agents. Our efforts have largely involved using caterpillars that had evolved resistance to Bt proteins, or other insecticides, and then allowing natural enemies to consume them. This eliminates the problems of host or prey quality that has compromised other studies. This problem arises when susceptible hosts feed on Bt proteins or other insecticides which, in turn, are fed to the natural enemies. Because the hosts are susceptible to the proteins or insecticides, they are unhealthy and make poor food for the prey that then may develop more slowly, have higher mortality or reduced fecundity. Using resistant insects eliminates this problem of poor prey quality. Our work also has included modeling studies on the impact of a parasitoid on long-term control of a pest on Bt plants. Our studies have included a diversity of natural enemies. Results indicate that the Bt proteins expressed in commercialized Bt crops do not have negative effects on common natural enemies. Our review of the literature indicates that when negative effects have been seen, they are the effect of using susceptible hosts. Our modeling work indicates that parasitoids can delay the evolution of the pest to Bt plants.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Guo, Y-Y, J-C Tian, W-P Shi, X-H Dong, J. Romeis, S.E. Naranjo, R. H. Hellmich and A. M. Shelton. 2015. The interaction of two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, on Cry protein production and predation by Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) in Cry1Ac/Cry2Ab cotton and Cry1F maize. Transgenic Research (DOI) 10.1007/s11248-015-9917-1.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Tian, J-C., J. Yao, L-P. Long, J. Romeis, and A. M. Shelton. 2015. Bt crops benefit natural enemies to control non-target pests. Scientific Reports. Article number: 16636 (2015). doi:10.1038/srep16636
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Liu, X.X., G. H. Abro, F. Han, J. Tian, M. Chen, D. Onstad, R. Roush, Q. Zhang and A. M. Shelton. 2015. Effect of Bt broccoli and resistant genotype of Plutella xylostella on life history and prey acceptance of the predator, Coleomegilla maculata. Biological Control 91, 55-61.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Kumar, R., J. Tian, S. Naranjo and A. M. Shelton. 2014. Effects of Bt cotton on Thrips tabaci and its predator, Orius insidiosus. J. Econ. Entomol.107: 927-932.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Liu, X. X., M. Chen, H.L. Collins, D. W. Onstad, R. T. Roush, Q. Zhang, E. D. Earle and A.M. Shelton. 2014. Natural enemies delay insect resistance to Bt plants. PLoS One DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0090366.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Gautam, S., D. Olmstead, J-C Tian, H. Collins and A. M. Shelton. 2014. Tri-trophic studies using Cry1Ac-resistant Plutella xylostella demonstrate no adverse effects of Cry1Ac on the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 115-120
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
IOBC-WPRS Working Group "Integrated Plant Protection in Fruit Crops", Subgroups "Pome Fruit Arthropods" and "Stone Fruits", Vienna, Austria. October 2014. Assessments of native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) in apples.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Shelton, A. M. Natural Enemies: A Guide to Biological Control Agents in North America. http://www.biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pozzebon, A., Loeb, G.M., and Duso, C. 2015. Role of supplemental foods and habitat structural complexity in persistence and coexistence of generalist predatory mites. Scientific Reports 5, 14997; doi: 10.1038/srep14997.
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Progress 01/22/14 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Audiences targeted to receive information generated from this project included grape growers and winery owners, University extension educators and faculty, professional crop consultants, agri-chemical company representatives, and the public. We use various methods to communicate with our audiences including oral presentations at professional meetings, winter and summer field meetings for growers and industry representatives, fact sheets, newsletter articles (paper versions as well as web-based formats), and on-farm visits. Changes/Problems: The main challenge for the project was the overall low populations of Japanese beetles in 2014 at most study sites making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of releases of entomopathogenic nematodes on Japanese beetle abundance and damage at study sites. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Several undergraduate or post graduate students worked on aspects of this project during 2014 field season and obtained experience with proper experimental design, data collection, insect identification, biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes, and pest management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A summary of the progress on this project was presented to growers, extension educators, and industry representatives at theLake Erie Grape Conference in Fredonia, NY on 20 March 2014. The title of the presentation was “Grape rootworm/Japanese beetle project.” At the end, we conducted a survey of attendees on their interest in using entomopathogenic nematodes in their vineyards for controlling Japanese beetle grubs and adults. 80% of responders indicated they were somewhat or very concerned about Japanese beetle (40 out of 52), 65% indicated they would like to learn more (32/49), and 33% indicated they would be interested in rearing nematodes themselves and releasing in their vineyards (17/50). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Over the next reporting period the team will complete analysis of data from 2014 field season. We will prepare an extension bulletin describing the protocols that grape growers could use for rearing and releasing their own enomopathogenic nematodes and as time permits, we will continue to assess abundance of Japanese beetle adults and feeding damage in participating commercial vineyards.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project investigates the use of persistent entomopathogenic (insect-attacking) nematodes (EPNs) to manage foliar feeding damage by adult Japanese beetle (JB) in commercial vineyards. Grapes are the second largest fruit crop in New York. Current practices dictate the use of insecticide applications for management of JB adults. This project evaluated an approach that could substantially reduce insecticide use in vineyards, thereby enhancing profitability and sustainability for the industry. Nearly all vineyards in NY maintain permanent sod in the row middles, providing a reliable food source for Japanese beetle larvae in close proximity to grape vines. Upon emergence, adult beetles consume large amounts of grape foliage resulting in reduced vine growth, reduced cluster number and weight, reduced fruit quality and decreased overwinter bud hardiness. We proposed to test the feasibility of EPNs that kill larvae in row middles for reducing adult populations and foliar damage. Specifically, we examined the establishment potential of a one-time release of the two-species complex of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae (“NY001”) and S. feltiae (“NY004”) in a vineyard environment and the impact on Japanese beetle larvae and adults and adult feeding damage to grapes. Across study sites in NY (Finger Lakes and Lake Erie grape growing regions) we have observed a consistent or increasing proportion of soil samples with evidence of entomopathogenic nematodes as measured by capacity to kill sentinel wax moth larvae. Of the two species being monitored, S. feltiae (Sf) has established particularly well, averaging around 25% infectivity of soil samples in 2014. Abundance of Steinernema carpocapsae (Sc) has remained low but consistent. Scarabaeidae larvae were fairly rare at all sites throughout the duration of this investigation. Moreover, due to the considerable labor required to collect soil cores relative to the small actual amount of area sampled, our capacity to detect grubs was limited. Adult feeding damage was monitored annually for each site, concluding with a survey in 2014 in which all four of the remaining sites with valid control and treatment blocks were assessed. Overall, we recorded higher percentage defoliation in control zones than in nematode treated zones in 2014. The amount of overall feeding damage varied from site to site, with three of the sites having relatively low amounts and one site with relatively high amounts. However, at each site in 2014, a greater proportion of damage was recorded from control sites compared to nematode release sites (mean proportion decrease in release sites was 46%). Survey data 2014 for adult Japanese beetle was generally consistent with trends in feeding damage.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Loeb, G., T. Weigle, and E. Shields. 2014. Below ground insect threats to grapevines: Grape rootworm and Japanese beetle. Proceedings to The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program 2014 Wnter Grape Growing Conference, pp 15-16.
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