Source: AUBURN UNIVERSITY submitted to
ADVANCING IPM SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH ON URBAN INSECTS WITH EMPHASES ON ECONOMICALLY SIGNIFICANT AND INVASIVE INSECT PESTS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1006466
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
ALA015-1-15005
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2015
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2020
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Hu, X.
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
Entomology
Non Technical Summary
Subterranean termites and kudzu bugs are exotic invasive pests in the U.S. Both have significant economic and environment impacts on the urban and agriculture environments.Subterranean termites are the single greatest economic pest in the United States. These termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year to homes, historical structures and commercial buildings, as well as to forest and horticultural plants (Rust and Su 2012). Termites evolved as decomposers of dead plant materials and contribute to the nutrient turnover of soil (Holt and Lepage 2000), but rapid urbanization and deforestation changed their habitats and turned them into serious pests in urban, agriculture and forest environments. The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae), alone was accountable for $1.5 billion annually in damage in 1994 (Su). The control cost, although high compared to those for other household pests, is considered relatively small in comparison with the value of a house and the damage potential by termites (Su and Scheffrahn 1998). In the southern states, there is an 80 - 100% chance of a home being attacked by termites in the absence of termite control measures (Mauldin 1986). Successful management of subterranean termites has been a challenge because of termites' cryptic living style, unique social structure, large populations, tenacious foraging habits, unpredictable foraging patterns, and most importantly, unlimited food and moisture supplies in the urban and forest ecosystems (Potter 1997, Su and Scheffrahn 1998, Henderson 2001). Termite control carries the highest risk for the pest control industry of all categories in urban pest management. The termination of USDA "Operation Termite Full Stop" program (1998-2007) further aggravates our battle with Formosan subterranean termites in Alabama. This is partially attributed to the deposit of tons of termite-infested wood debris from neighboring states to Alabama in the wake of hurricanes and partially to declining in support for termite research and control program. In recent years, we have experienced an increasing number of calls from Historic Structure Organizations, the Society of Arboriculture and the Forest Society about Formosan termites endangering historic buildings and destroying living trees and ornamentals. Termites are also expanding their territory to infest horticulture crops, gardens and landscapes, causing economic loss and affecting the environment. Questions remain to be answered about what are the mechanism of their successful adaptations in urban and forest ecosystems, and what are the strategies and mechanisms in combating soil-borne harmful microorganisms and surviving standard termiticide treatments. For these reasons, termite research is a high priority.The kudzu bug (Heteroptera: Plataspididae: Megacopta cribraria F.) is an exotic insect. It was first discovered in the southeastern U.S. in 2009 and has now established across much of the Southeast (Gardner et al. 2013). Kudzu bugs have become a serious pest threatening soybean, vegetable, and horticultural producers. The kudzu bug problem is also exacerbated by its abundance in kudzu-infested urban areas where it has become a nuisance in homes and buildings. In addition to the severe crop loss caused to soybean, M. cribraria infestation also impacts international trade and commerce. After inspections of containers revealed dead kudzu bugs in shipments of frozen chicken meat paste, some Central American countries issued quarantine of products from Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina with a fear of accidental introductions in contaminated shipments there. As the pest has established in all the 67 counties in Alabama, the threat posed by this invasive insect species is rapidly increasing and no effective control strategies other than chemical insecticides are currently available to help soybean farmers manage this exotic insect in the region. As a consequence, farmers have continued to rely heavily on insecticide sprays to control kudzu bug. This increased use of chemical pesticides can result in the development of pest resistance. Though presumed no local natural enemies, we discovered two naturally occurring parasitoids and a pathogenic fungus in AL in 2014 (Golec et al. 2013, Gardner et al. 2013). However, their economic impact in suppressing kudzu bug populations and effects on soybean yield remain unclear. Because it is new pest in U.S. and its pest status continue elevating in urban, agriculture and international trade, kudzu bug research deserves a high priority.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
49%
Applied
49%
Developmental
2%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
21631101130100%
Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3110 - Insects;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this researchis to address AL needs in protecting human dwelling and quality of live, and legume crop production from the two most economically significant and rapidly invading pests, and advance knownledge for enviromentally sustainable Intergrated Pest Management oftermites and kudzu bugs in both agriculture and urban ecosystems.
Project Methods
The methods and efforts required to advance, develop and conduct effective IPM programs are similar to all four of the key IPM emphasis areas and can be divided into two major categories: efforts to conduct scientific experiments, develop information, products, and pest management recommendations and efforts to disseminate information, training and education to end-user clientele. Efforts to develop information include: conducts laboratory and field experiments to gain results and data, proper analysis of the data and scientifically interpret the results toward new theory and developing resolutions to scientific problems and questions. The process of experiments involves literature review, development of experiment design and protocol, data collection and analysis, peer-review, employing new equipment and devices, and integrated knowledge and skills for developing strategies and tactics. Effort to disseminate information include: traditional and modern methods from site visits, personal contacts, extension publication, demonstration, phone calls and sample identifications, email, newspaper, radio and TV shows, presentations and talks, workshops, timely information, webinars, and a variety of news media tools. Evaluation of the effectiveness of these efforts is accomplished using multi-means using both quatative and quantitate data, including impacts on the knowledge level and understanding of the targeted fields, behavior changes after education, the numbers of publications, presentations, and all the activities, number of direct and indirect contacts, adaptation rate of IPM before and after extension education, feedback from clients and stakeholders, etc. This evaluation will be categorized into short-term, mid-term, and long-term impacts.

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience is broad and diverse, domestic and international, including everyone who's food safety, health, and live is affected by insect pests and pesticides used for pest management. Specifically, this project targets all Alabama residents and beyond, including general public, scientists, soybean producers, pest control professionals and consultants, extension agents, stakeholders, government agents and private sections, as well as college and graduate students. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project enabled collaboration with a broad and diverse group of researchers, and statewide leadership in outreach program aimed at advancing IPM on structural and urban insect pests and improving the educational level of Alabama residents and stakeholders with emphases on economically significant and invasive insect pests. This project trained 4 graduate students (1 PhD and 3 MS). Provided 21 consulting services to pest control professionals and businesses on the best practices and applications of new technologies, increased their knowledge and applicable skills. Provided direct and case-by-case training to 17 extension agents and indirect training to members of 4 extension teams. The housing-IPM activities trained about 9 officers/supervisors of Housing Authority. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results have been disseminated to science communities of interest through: Publications of scientific papers in academic journals, proceedings, and magazines Presentations and posters at domestic and international academic conferences/meetings Talks at professional meetings/training/workshops Communications/discussions of scientist groups to reach scientists and professionals domestically and globally Results distribution to communities who are not usually aware of research activities via: Meetings (virtual or in-person) targeting extension customers (extension agents, Housing Authority staff and residents, crop farmers, neighborhood clubs, realty associations, etc.) Field demonstrations at local events and community activities E-releasing research results timely to pest control consultants via email Social media, news-media, newspapers, etc. Writing Timely Information articles, flyers, newsletters, pest alert, etc. to extension agents and the public Working with ACES Communication Departments to release Daily News on ACES website Results transferred to users via: On-side field demonstrations Case-specific studies, face-to-face discussion and demonstration during Field-Day, video and ppt Conducing workshops/training for users Developing educational materials for users. Traditional means: phone -calls, emails, and visits Virtual tools and social media have been playing a critical role in maximizing intended audients amid COVID pandemic. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Initiate a new 5-y Hatch program. Continue collaboration on the two multistate programs (S1067 and SAC12).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impacts: This Hatch project aimed to advance integrated pest management of two economically important invasive insect pests in urban and agricultural ecosystems. It involves 3 objectives researching subterranean termites and 3 objectives studying kudzu bugs. By conducing laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies, this project has been completed successfully with several additional studies. The findings of this project have created significant impacts. Results advanced fundamental and applied knowledge on these two groups of pests, changed users' behaviors from conventional pest control to implementation of the low-coast, low-risk pest control practices, inspired development of new technology and products, and improved protection of homes and quality of lives, safer food supplies, a clear and comfortable livelihood, reduced control cost and increased yield of legume crops. Termite Project: Objective 1 tested two termite-baiting products incorporated with various insect-markers and found that the compressed IGR-bait (novaluron) resulted in 95-100% mortality of tested subterranean colonies and that the insect-marker, Nile Blue A, did not lower bait efficacy but allowed observation of bait transmission among termite colony members. These results build confidence of pest control professionals and homeowners in using this safe durable product that has no risk to human and environment. Objective 2 further tested the retention period and transfer of bait-incorporated Blue A and found that color-retention periods had positive relation to the length of feeding-times, and the color persisted in dyed-workers until their death and even after they transformed into apterous neotenics. The most stunning finding is that the color was still visible in larvae produced by the dyed neotenics, showing the versatile use of this marker in studying termite biology and behaviors.Objective 3 had been completed by 2019 and resulted in the first evidence of constitutive and inducible antibacterial proteins for development of novel drugs for MDR-diseases. These results are published in peer-reviewed journals and delivered to users by presenting at professional meetings, extension and outreach activities. Kudzu bug project also completed all the objectives with the last work assessed water loss rate, percentage total body water content, cuticular permeability, and desiccation tolerances in adults and immature stages of two generations. Results showed significant influences of desiccation stress on the survival of adult and nymphal kudzu bugs, implying that environmental stress can affect the relative abundance of this species in the fields and around homes. These results will assist in developing sustainable IPM tactics in both agriculture and urban ecosystems. Additionally, housing-IPM activities covered about 1,500 families and 170 units in 50 Housing Authority buildings with periodic monitoring and inspections. Post-education/demonstration surveys revealed about 100% knowledge increase on pest and control decision-making, 100% willing to adopt IPM, and about 95% implemented housing-IPM methods. The number of pest incidences in the participating families reduced by 95%, an average of $185 gain in control cost (about 80% cost cut), and an average of $550 gain in home repair cost. Outputs and Outcomes: This Hatch project, supported by USDA/NIFA under that leadership of Auburn University, is of great interest of a broad and diverse audients with great visibility and effective/productive in terms of outcomes and impacts. Research outputs and outcomes in 2020 include 2 articles published in refereed journals, 1 graduate theses, 2 research reports to industry sponsors, participations of 2 multistate projects (S1076 and ASC12), 1 course syllabus (graduate level), received a grant support from industry, served on 3 editorial boards of scientific journals, served as subject editor for one journal, reviewed 5 manuscripts for 5 journals, 47 field demonstrations on termite control technologies, 25 on monitoring peridomestic pest insects in urban ecosystems, judging This project also advised 4 graduate students (1 PhD and 3 MS), 2 collaboration of multistate projects (S1067 Fly management in animal agriculture systems and impacts on animal health and food safety; SAC12 Entomology), answered >100 calls and emails on household, structure, and livestock insect pests, identified 67 insect pest specimens submitted by customers and recommended on control methods, 25 pest questions submitted by extension agents and provided knowledge on pest biology and choice of best control methods, 10 surveys on over-the-counter insecticidal products in AL,collected numerous insect specimens for outreach activities and exhibitions, 1 Housing-IPM report to NIFA/USDA, 3 news media interviews, weekly or biweekly visit/monitoring/inspection to participated public affordable housing units, housing-IPM demonstration in 58 units.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Oladipupo, SO, Hu XP and Appel AG. 2020. Essential oil components in superabsorbent polymer gel modify reproduction of Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, July 2nd 2020 online: doi: 10.1093/jee/toaa139
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Benk, G., Thompson R. Hu, XP, and Appel, AG. 2020. Water Loss and Desiccation Tolerance of the Two Yearly Generations of Adult and Nymphal Kudzu Bugs, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). Environmental Entomology. 49(3): 651-659. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaa032
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Oladipupo SO, Hu XP, and Appel AG. 2020. Topical toxicity profiles of some aliphatic and aromatic essential oil components against insecticide-susceptible and resistant strains of German cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 113(2): 896-904, doi.org/10.1093/jee/toz323
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Differential nymphal development of Blattella asahinai and B. germanica and their hybridization potential (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). Madison Peterson, M.S. thesis
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Insect pests activities amid COVID-19 pandemic - chiggers and concrete mites.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Key steps for best ways to get rid of cockroaches
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Manage black widow spiders in and outside homes
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Tips for inspecting and controlling sting wasps and hornets
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bees vs wasps 101
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ant control - treating subnests and satellite nests
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Argentine ants - super-colony
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Signs of termite infestation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Carpenter ants basic biology
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Home-ground ticks control
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Flatworm planarians - invasive garden pests


Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience is broad and diverse. It includes both domestic and international groups, including everyone whose food safety, health, and life is affected by insect pests and pesticides used for pest management. Specifically, this project targets all Alabama residents and beyond, including general public, scientists, pest control professionals and consultants, extension agents. Additional stakeholders include Federal and State government agents, private citizens, as well as undergraduate and graduate college students. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project enabled collaboration with a broad and diverse group of researchers. Activities also strengthened statewide leadership in outreach program aimed at advancing IPM on soybean and urban insect pests. Additional outcomes served to improve the educational level of Alabama residents and stakeholders with emphases on economically significant and invasive insect pests. This project trained 4 graduate students (1 PhD, and 3 MS) and developed 1 course syllabus. The 65 in-house-IPM demonstrations and 47 field-demonstrations educated about 550 customers. The 9 workshops/trainings trained about 16 pest control professionals, >30 soybean producers, about 25 government agents, and >300 residents. Extension and outreach activities took multiple mass media platforms to maximize intended audients. Presentations at local, national and international conferences, and meetings disseminated research results to a broad and diverse audience. The 14 consulting services to pest control professionals and businesses increased their overall knowledge and skills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research results have been disseminated to science communities of interest through the following methods: Publishing scientific papers in academic journals, proceedings, and magazines, Presenting talks and posters at domestic and international academic conferences/meetings, Presenting talks at professional meetings/training/workshops, Participating in communications/discussions of scientist groups to reach scientists and professionals domestically and globally. Results distributed to communities who are not usually aware of research activities were completed through the following methods: Workshops targeting extension customers (extension agents, Housing Authority staff and residents, crop farmers, neighborhood clubs, realty associations, etc.), Exhibits at local events and community activities, Releasing research results timely to pest control consultants via email, Demonstrations at meetings, workshops, field-days, site-visits, Releasing results to target audience via social-media, news-media, newspapers, websites, Writing timely information articles, flyers, newsletters, pest alert, etc. to extension agents and the public. Results were transferred to users via the following methods: On-side field demonstrations, Case-by-case, face-to-face discussion and demonstration during Field-Day, video and power-point presentations, Conducing workshops/training for users, Developing educational materials for users. Traditional means: phone -calls, emails, and visits News and social media have been playing a critical role in maximizing intended audients. Finally, my research findings and extension programs have made headlines in numerous newspapers, radio and TV stations, and online media, which all serve as training to audiences with ACES Communication Departments to release Daily News on ACES website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Complete the current Hatch program by Sept 30, 2020. Initiate a new 5-year Hatch program starting Oct. 1, 2020. Continue collaboration on the two multistate programs (S1067 and SAC12). Publish at least 2 referred articles; present research works at international and domestic academic and professional meetings and workshops/trainings.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact: Insect pests cause millions of dollars in damage to human dwellings, economic loss of crops. Additionally, current control practices are mostly toxic to human lives and harmful to environment. This project seeks to advance integrated management practices of termites and kudzu bugs, which are two of the most economically significant and invasive insect pests in Alabama. Our project goal seeks to protect human dwellings and improve the quality of human lives. A) Termite Project: Termites eat wood in human dwellings and cause billions of dollars damage annually in the U.S. The first objective assessed several termiticidal products for their performance at various conditions and applied with different protocols. The second objective looked at bio- and abio-factors that may influence products performances using video-aided technology. Results revealed that temperature affects termite activities and product performance. These findings can assist pest control professionals in maximizing control efficacy at different seasons of the year by selecting proper application protocols with suitable products. These findings can also help homeowners understand varied control outcomes. For our third objective, we investigated termite activities against disease pathogenic bacteria. Disease pathogenic bacteria, particularly those multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRs), cause infectious diseases and kills millions of humans and animals every year. We discovered potent anti-MDRs and anti-nonMDR activities in termite hemlymph. We also successfully profiled and characterized both innate and induced anti-pathogenic bacterial proteins through an integrated approach consisting of inhibition zone assay, gel electrophoretic analysis, and a proteomic approach verified by Quasi-Poisson likelihood modeling. This result provides the first evidence that termites produce constitutive and inducible proteins that suppress and kill human bacterial pathogens. These findings will contribute to development of novel drugs for MDR-diseases, so to enhance the health and quality of lives. These results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and delivered to users at professional meetings, through extension and outreach activities. B) Kudzu Bug Project: The Kudzu bug is a newly introduced key pest of soybeans and causes about 60% yield loss if uncontrolled. Objective Four investigated biological traits that may contributing to the invasiveness of this new soybean pests. We discovered that adults spend winter in reproductive dormancy rather than diapause. Females mate in Fall are able to lay viable eggs without presence of male, corroborating the genetic study that the populations in US was originated from one female introduced from Asia, and explaining why this pest is so invasive and spreads so fast in the U.S. Objective Five, using greenhouse choice test, identified soybean plant growth stages R1-R3 are the most attractive to kudzu bugs. Further, using olfacometers, we discovered that host-location behavior of kudzu bug are mediated by soybean plant volatiles. Finally, we identified the active semiochemicals using combined GC-EAD and GC-MS and confirmed 4 chemicals that elicited the strongest EAG response. Objective Six documented effects of egg-parasitic wasp on suppressing kudzu bug populations, insecticide spray on parasitic wasps and kudzu bug populations, and on soybean yields at 3 ACES research stations. Stunningly, we found the endoparasitic wasps are very powerful bio-control agent, causing egg mortality between 30% - 90%; pesticide sprays are harmful to kudzu bug as well as wasps. In the seven-year study, kudzu bug populations in untreated soybean fields gradually dropped to the same levels as the populations in soybean field received pesticide spray every year. These results will assist in developing non-toxic trap products and semiochemical-based monitoring technique for environmentally sustainable Integrated Pest Management of kudzu bugs in both agriculture and urban ecosystems. Outputs and Outcomes This Hatch project, supported by USDA/NIFA under that leadership of Auburn University, is of great interest of a broad and diverse audients with great visibility and effective/productive in terms of outcomes and impacts. In summary, this Hatch program in 2019 produced 4 published and 1 submitted papers in peer-reviewed refereed journals; 1 graduate theses, 10 conference papers and presentations, 7 online-publications, 7 newsletters and factsheets, 3 research reports, 5 interviews by news media, 1 course syllabus (graduate and undergraduate levels), 65 housing IPM demonstrations (45 in bedbug infested units, 2 for managing bat-infested units, 18 on monitoring household pest problems), 47 field-demonstrations (12 on termite inspection and baiting, 25 on monitoring peridomestic pest insects in urban ecosystems), 9 workshops on housing IPM, 3 Posters (bedbug IPM, cockroach IPM and Bat IPM), and 5 research protocols (3 for bioassays of alternative control tactics, 2 for filming in-ground termite colonies). This project also advised 4 graduate students (1 PhD and 3 MS), 2 collaboration of multistate projects (S1067 Fly management in animal agriculture systems and impacts on animal health and food safety; SAC12 Entomology), answered >100 calls and emails on household, structure, and livestock insect pests, identified 62 insect pest specimens submitted by extension clients, did 26 surveys on over-the-counter insecticidal products in AL, provided 14 consulting serviced to pest control professionals and businesses, and collected numerous insect specimens for outreach activities and exhibitions. Post service surveys indicated 86-100% knowledge increases in housing IPM and legume soybean pest (kudzu bugs), 75-95% consequent changes in action, and >85% improvement in conditions. Post-workshop assessment showed 80%, 83%, and 90% accuracy in identifying bedbug and cockroach species. Average expense on household pest control per residential unite dropped to $15 in 2018, 77% lower than 5 years ago and 20% lower than 2018. More than 90% of the homeowners responded "satisfaction" of termite control results. Soybean spray on kudzu bugs decreased from 6 times to 2 times, resulted in considerable economic gain and environmental benefit.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Oladipupo SO, Hu XP, and Appel AG. 2019. Topical toxicity profiles of some aliphatic and aromatic essential oil components against insecticide-susceptible and resistant strains of German cockroach (Blattodea: Ectobiidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toz323
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Peterson M, Hu XP, and Appel AG. 2019. Instar determination of Blattella asahinai (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) from digital measurements of the pronotum using Gaussian mixture modeling and the number of cercal annuli. Journal of Insect Science. 19(5): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/iez087
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Liu Y, Hu XP, Allan SA, Alborn HT and Bernier U. 2019. Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of the Kudzu Bug, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) to Volatile Compounds Identified from Host Plants, Kudzu (Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merrill var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen and Almeida) and Soybean (Glycine max Merrill.). Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. 67(15): 4177-4183. DOI: 10.1021/acs/kafc/8b06765
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Quarcoo F, Hu XP and Appel AG. 2019. Temperature-mediated variation in behavior and mortality of non-repellent insecticides on subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Insects 10(2): 37, doi: 10.3390/insects10020037
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2019 Citation: Benk, G., Thompson R. Hu, XP, and Appel, AG. 2020. Water Loss and Desiccation Tolerance of the Two Yearly Generations of Adult and Nymphal Kudzu Bugs, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). Environmental Entomology. Submitted on Nov. 7, 2019.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Benk G. Abundance and diversity of urban ant species and water relations of kudzu bug. Auburn University, MS thesis
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Toxicity profiles of aromatic and aliphatic essential oil components against strains of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. International forum for surveillance and control of mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases. Xiamen, China, May 26-30, 2019
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Toxicity profiles of aromatic and aliphatic essential oil components against strains of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Environmental Agents and Vector Management. Taibei, May 31- June 2, 2019
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zeng Y and H XP. Hemolymph protein profiles of subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes challenged with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. November 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Richard Murphy and Xing Ping Hu. Impact of Nile Blue A and Trelona bait on eastern subterranean termite (Blattodea: Rhinotermitida: Reticulitermes flavipes). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. November 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Seun Oladipupo, Arthur Appel and Xing Ping Hu. Toxicity profiles of aromatic and aliphatic essential oil components against strains of German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Ectobiidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. November 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Madison Peterson, Arthur G. Appel and Xing Ping Hu. Use of Gaussian mixture models with digital and morphological measurements for instar determination of the Asian cockroach. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. November 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gokhan Benk, Arthur Appel, and Xing Ping Hu. Temporal variation in abundance and diversity of ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) around homes in Auburn, Alabama. Entomological Society of America  Southeastern Branch meeting. March 4-6, Mobile, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Seun Oladipupo, Arthur Appel and Xing Ping Hu. Toxicity profiles of aromatic and aliphatic essential oil components against strains of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Entomological Society of America  Southeastern Branch meeting. March 4-6, Mobile, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Madison Peterson, Arthur Appel and Xing Ping Hu. Instar determination of Blattella asahinai (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) from digital measurements of the pronotum and number of cercal annuli. Entomological Society of America  Southeastern Branch meeting. March 4-6, Mobile, AL
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Benk, G., Thompson R. Hu, XP, and Appel, AG. 2020. Water Loss and Desiccation Tolerance of the Two Yearly Generations of Adult and Nymphal Kudzu Bugs, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). Environmental Entomology. Submitted on Nov. 7, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Hu, XP, Tian Y. and Hogsette J. Evaluation of Essential Oils Toxicity on Resistant and Susceptible House Fly Strains. 21st International Conference on Urban Pests and Public Health, Paris France February 21-22.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Subterranean termite control products for Alabamians ANR1250
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Yellow jackets most aggressive in fall. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/yellow-jackets-most-aggressive-in-fall/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Carpenter bees: destructive spring pests. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/carpenter-bees-destructive-spring-pests/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Fending off spring insect pests. March 25.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Timely Information: Influence of rainy weather over pest populations. March 1, 2019.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Human health concerns associated with bedbugs and bats (Housing IPM), newsletter
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Steps of monitoring bedbugs (Housing IPM), news letter
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: What you can do to be a part of IPM in housing (Housing IPM)
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Lessons we have learned from IPM demonstration in housing (Housing IPM)
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Possible reasons for bedbugs still hanging on in your unit after a year into IPM program (Housing IPM)
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Six Tips for Managing Spring Pests https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/six-tips-for-managing-spring-pests/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wasps: Watch Out This Summer. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/wasps-watch-out-this-summer/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Watch out for Black widow spiders this fall. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/watch-out-for-black-widow-spiders-this-fall/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Warm, rainy winter could create high insect population. March 26. http://ocm.auburn.edu/experts/2019/03/260859-xing-ping-hu-weather.php
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Pesky critters prevalent during summer.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Pesky critters prevalent during summer.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Abundance and diversity of perimeter pests. Research Reported to Pest Management Foundation Board of Trustees
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Research trials report: occurrence, population dynamics and interactions between kudzu bugs and egg parasitoids in Alabama, Alabama Soybean Producer Committee
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Project report to BASF: Video aided observations on termite-bait interactions and termite-marker interactions


Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:This project targets on abroad and diverse audience, domestic and international, who's food safety, health, and lives are affected by insect pests and products/technologies used for pest management. Specifically, the targeted audiences includes, but not limited to, all Alabama residents and beyond, scientists, soybean producers, pest control professionals and consultants, extension agents, stakeholders, govenment agents and private sections, as well as college and graduate students. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project enabled me to collaborate with researchers nationally and globally, and provide statewide leadership in outreach program aimed at advancing IPM on soybean and urban insect pests and improving the educational level of Alabama residents and stakeholders with emphases on economically significant and invasive insect pests. I had the opportunity to work with ACES extension programs and 2 multi-state programs, and a cross state IPM program for House Authorities (residents, in-house staffs and administrator). Through graduate program, workshops, seminars, field-demonstrations and consulting, this project trained at least 3 graduate students, about 55 pest control professionals, >46 soybean producers, numerous Extension Agents, >39 Housing authority officers and staffs, >210,000 residents. Two of the trainees entered pest control workforce and are doing well, 3 trainees have their consulting services. Graduate students include national and internationals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results dissemination to science communities of interest by: Publishing scientific papers in academic journals, proceedings, and magazines Presenting talks and posters at conferences/meetings Giving lectures and talks at professional meetings/training/workshops Participating communications/discussions of scientist groups to reach scientists and professionals globally and domestically Results distribution to communities who are not usually aware of research activities via: Presenting talks at professional meetings, workshops, field-days, local events Releasing results to commodity group via news-media, newspapers, websites Doing interviews with Radio, TV stations, Newspapers, etc. for news release Writing Timely Information articles, flyers, news-letters, pest alert, etc. to extension agents and the public Working with ACES Communication Departments to release Daily News on ACES website Sending new findings via email and social media tools (facebook, twitter, etc.) Results transfer to user via: On-side field demonstrations Case-by-case, face-to-face discussion and demonstration during Field-Day, video and ppt Conducing workshops/training for users Developing educational materials for users. Traditional means: phone -calls, emails, and visits News and social media have been playing a critical role in maximizing intended audients. My research findings and extension programs have made headlines in numerous newspapers, radio and TV stations, and online media, which all serve as training to audients. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue working on the objectives and the additional multi-state program S-1060. Publish at least 2 referred articles; present research works at international and domestic academic and professional meetings (at least 8); conduct/participate in workshops/trainings (at least 8); collect data on economic, environmental and financial impacts of this project; seek funding/grants from all possible sources; extend global and domestic collaborations; advise graduate students (at least 4) and visiting scientists. Evaluations will focus on behavior changes and economic gains.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact: This project has provided a comprehensive understanding on key factors (bio- and abio-) that influences the efficacy of termiticidal products. Our findings of application protocol and temperature affect product efficacy help professionals develop strategic technologies to select suitable products and employ proper application methods to maximize control effectiveness at various seasons of a year. The findings also enable homeowners to team up with professionals with advised expectations for termite control outcome. The results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and incorporated into my extension program to benefit a broad audiences in both urban and agricultural systems. We made breakthrough discoveriesin 2018 on the anti-microbial activities in termites, particularly the activities depressing multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRs), the disease pathogen affecting millions of people and animals. We successfully profiled and characterized constitutive anti-non-MDR compounds, and the induced anti-MRSA and anti-PAO1 proteins in termite hemlymph, using integrated approach consisting of inhibition zone assay, gel electrophoretic analysis, and a proteomic approach verified by Quasi-Poisson likelihood modeling. We provide the first evidence of termites possess constitutive and inducible proteins against human bacterial pathogens, and an initial insight into a putative termite immune anti-MDR response. These findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals and will contribute to development of novel drugs for MDR-diseases, so to enhance the health and quality of lives. Following the findings of soybean plant growth stage influences on kudzu bug infestations, we further identified legume plant semiochemiclas used for host location and attraction by kudzu bugs. The results will result in developing non-toxic trap products and semiochemical-based monitoring technique for PM program for environmentally sustainable Integrated Pest Management of kudzu bugs in both agriculture and urban ecosystems. Additionally, my Housing IPM program educated thousands of officers and residents, resulted in dramatic increased knowledge and willingness to implement IPM practices in residents living in Public Housings. The buildings implementing IPM practices have saved 77% of the cost for bedbug treatment (from >30,500 dropped to <$6,900), an expressive economic gain. Supported by USDA/NIFA and under that leadership of Auburn University, this hatch project is of great interest of a broad and diverse audients with great visibility and effective/productive in terms of outcomes and impacts. In summary, my Hatch program in 2018 resulted in 2 referred publications, 2 paper submissions in process of review, 1 master student theses, 12 outreach articles, 9 headlines in newspapers, 3 interviews with communication departments, 9 flyers, 11 exposures in news media and social media, 7 conference papers/presentations at professional conferences and meetings, 36 surveys on pest complex and populations, 9 Housing-IPM demonstrations and 3 workshops, 31 talks to clientele groups including webinars, 3 posters, 6 evaluation of new pest-control products sponsored by industries/producers, 167 consultancies/responses to broad users via eXtension, email and phone calls, and 3 graduate students. Post service surveys indicated 86-100% knowledge increases in housing IPM and legume soybean pest (kudzu bugs), 76-95% consequent changes in action, and >85% improvement in conditions. Average expense on household pest control per residential unite dropped to $16 in 2018, 76% lower than 5 years ago and 19% lower than 2017. Soybean spray on kudzu bugs decreased from 6 to 2 times, considerable economic gain and environmental benefit. The kudzu bug project was awarded International IPM Awards of Excellence at International IPM Symposium in 2018.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Zeng Y, Hu XP, Cao G. and Suh S-J. 2018. Hemolymph protein profiles of subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes challenged with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Scientific Reports 8(1), 13250. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-31681-2.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Yang L, Hu XP, Golec J. and Zeng XN. 2018. Effects of legume species and plant growth stage on attraction, fecundity and development of the Kudzu Bug, Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 111(5)) 2217-2224, DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy178.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Quarcoo, F, Hu, XP and Appel, AG. Temperature-mediated variation in behavior and mortality of non-repellent insecticides on subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Insects
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Liu Y, Hu XP, Allan SA, Alborn HT and Bernier U. 2018. Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of the Kudzu Bug, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) to Volatile Compounds Identified from Host Plants, Kudzu (Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merrill var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen and Almeida) and Soybean (Glycine max Merrill.). Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Savannah Duke. The stink bug complex in Alabama field crops with a focus on the Brown Marmorated Stink bug. Auburn University MS Theses
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hu, X.P. The house fly Musca demestica as a mechanical vector of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Entomological Society of American Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC Canada
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hu, X.P. Alternation of constitutive activities and production of inducible antibacterial activities in MDR-fed termite (#1323). XVIIIth Congress of IUSSI, Guaruja, SP, Brazil
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hu, X.P. and Tim Reed. 2018. Impact of the parasitic wasp as a biological control for suppressing kudzu bug populations in soybeans. Alabama Farmers Federation Soybean Producers Committee meeting
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hu, X.P. 2018 Profiling constitutive and inducible hemolymph proteins in Reticulitermes flavipes against infectious pathogens. ESA-SEB
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Alert Series 1: Cold snap wont faze insect pests. ACES Extension Daily. January 10, 2018. https://news.aces.edu/blog/2018/01/10/cold-snap-wont-phase-insect-pests/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Alert Series 2: It is that time of the year to deal with indoor ladybugs. Timely Information
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hu, X.P. Toxicity of EOs against the pyrethriod-resistant and susceptible strains of house fly. Annual Plant Protection Conference, Jinan, Shandong
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Hu, X.P. Toxicity of 14 botanical chemicals on permethrin-resistant and susceptible strains of house flies. Livestock Workers Conference. Puerto Rico, July 2018.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Thompson P, Benk G. Appel, A.G. and Hu, X.P. 2018. Water relations of several stages of the Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai. National Conference on Urban Entomology & Invasive Pest Ant Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Benk, G, Thompson P, Hu, X.P. and Appel, A.G. 2018. Water loss and desiccation tolerance of several stages of the Kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria. National Conference on Urban Entomology & Invasive Pest Ant Conference.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Alert Series 3. Important spring invaders. Timely Information
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Alert Series 4. Managing spring pests. Extension Daily. https://news.aces.edu/blog/2018/04/27/managing-spring-insect-pests-2/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Alert Series 5. Horsefly: pest behavior and control strategies. IPM Communicator Newsletter. Timely Information. https://sites.aces.edu/group/homegrounds/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=84c631ab-2d45-4e01-a3df-a3ec5f1dad14&ID=385&Web=a99b9cf1-40b4-4bb8-9004-85a79a4b328f
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Series 6. Fall flea surge: control fleas indoors and outdoors. Extension Daily. https://news.aces.edu/blog/2018/09/05/fall-flea-surge-control-fleas-indoors-and-outdoors/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pests Series 7: Fall is to bring more aggressive wasps and hornets in Alabama. https://sites.aces.edu/group/homegrounds/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=84c631ab-2d45-4e01-a3df-a3ec5f1dad14&ID=386&Web=a99b9cf1-40b4-4bb8-9004-85a79a4b328f
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pests Series 8. More about wasps and hornets: prevention and control. https://offices.aces.edu/shelby/in-alabama-fall-brings-more-aggressive-wasps-and-hornets/ October 1
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Series 9. Stink Bugs: Unwelcome Fall Guests. Extension Daily. https://news.aces.edu/blog/2018/10/16/stink-bugs-unwelcome-fall-guests/
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Series 10. Pest of the fall - Stink bug set for home invasion. https://sites.aces.edu/group/commhort/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=4206d93f-559b-47b1-a67e-efe319997b4a&ID=489&Web=a01cb228-31e0-4468-8e80-f44a93c1d947
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Urban Pest Series 11. Another fall home invader: Asian cockroaches. Timely Information sheet. November 8.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Cold front in war on bugs won't stop the problems. Opelika-Auburn News.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Characters you need to know about the common household pests: identification
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Biological behaviors you need to know about the common household pests
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: The tactics and products you may use in managing bedbugs
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Human health concerns associated with bedbugs and bats
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Bats in buildings
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Pest behaviors you can use in IPM to achieve effective control
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: How bedbugs got into your units and how to prevent it from happening
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Is IPM a one-time deal or a sustainable method?
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2018 Citation: Tips for managing invading insect pests


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience is broad and diverse, can be domestic and international, all the racial and ethnic groups and social status, and everyone impacted by and/or interested in learning management of urban insect pests for enhancing life health and food safety. It includes, but not limited to, scientists, pest management industry and professionals, chemical manufacturers and agricultural product producers, graduate and undergraduate students, educators of a wide range (colleges, pre-college schools), extension staff, stakeholders including government agents (public housing authorities, transportation, education, public health, environment, agriculture and industry, schools, etc.) and private sections (builders, realty agents, hotel and rental business, etc.), as well as the general public (homeowners, residents). Research efforts include acts and processes that deliver science-based knowledge and technology to the end users through educational programs. The programs are to be implemented through traditional and modern digital/electronic social media platforms composed of individual and group methods. Examples include formal classroom instruction, advising graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory and field practices, coordinating/developing/presenting at professional training/workshops/meetings, publications in refereed scientific journals and non-referred outreach platforms, providing consulting to pest control industry and professionals, developing outreach educational programs, site demonstrations of case-study and new technologies, offering experiential learning opportunities, engaging social media and news media, but also conducting traditional face-to-face and electronic contacts. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project enabled me to provide statewide leadership in outreach program aimed at advancing IPM research on soybean and urban insect pests and improving the educational level of Alabama residents and stakeholders with emphases on economically significant and invasive insect pests. I had the opportunity to work with 5 extension programs and 2 multi-state programs, and a cross state IPM program for House Authorities (residents, in-house staffs and administrator), for timely disseminate scientific updates and new pest control technologies / products from scientific groups and my own research projects to targeted clients. The housing IPM project provided a platform for training public housing residents, in-housing serving staff, housing managers, and contract professionals. It also enabled the trainees to create their own workshops using the knowledge and handouts received from my project. Of the 7 clients I assisted closely, 2 entered professional pest control services, and 3 became consultants, the other 2 are considering create own pest control business next year. My project also created opportunities for training graduate students and visiting scientist, domestic and international from Asia, Europe and Africa. The training take multiple mass media platforms including extension articles and Timely information sheets, ACES Daily News and eXtension websites, Zoom, Webinars, email, and oral/poster presentations at local, national and international conferences, meetings, workshops, and training events to reach maximum intended audients. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from this project have been disseminated to science communities of interest by: Publishing papers in scientific journals and outreach magazines, Presenting talks and posters on research progress and results at conferences/meetings Giving lectures and talks at professional meetings/training/workshops Participating communications/discussions of scientist groups to reach scientists and professionals globally and domestically Results from this project have been distributed to members of communities who are not usually aware of these research activities via: Presenting talks at professional meetings and workshops Releasing new findings to commodity websites, associations and organizations for them to post on their websites Doing interviews with Radio, TV stations, Newspapers, etc. for news release Writing Timely Information articles for release to extension agents and public Communicating with communication departments for Daily News on ACES website Running workshops for users Sending new findings via email and social media tools (facebook, twitter, etc.) Results have been transferred to user via: On-side field demonstrations Demonstration and training during Field-Day, video and ppt Also used methods are traditional phone -calls, emails, and visits News and social media have been playing a critical role in maximizing intended audients. My research findings and extension programs have made headlines in numerous newspapers, radio and TV stations, and online media, which all serve as training to audients. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue working on the 6 objectives and the additional multi-state program S-1060. Publish at least 2 referred articles; present research works at international and domestic academic and professional meetings (at least 8); conduct/participate in at least 8 workshops/trainings; collect data on economic, environmental and financial impacts of this project; seek funding/grants from all possible sources; extend global and domestic collaborations; advise at least 3 graduate students and visiting scientists

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact: This project has provided a comprehensive understanding of a new specific parasitic wasp successfully suppressing the invasive kudzu bugs infesting soybeans, and the continuing range expansion of this braconid parasite wasp in AL. Spraying insecticide on soybean R3 plants does more harm to the parasitic wasp than to kudzu bugs. These discoveries incite remodeling of new economic threshold to incorporate two factors (egg-parasitization rates and kudzu bug counts), which will reduce soybean farmers' insecticide use and save labors, reserve natural enemies, and increase yield by estimated $10-20/acre increase in profits. We also find kudzu bugs are most attracted to the odor emitted from soybean plant at R1-R2 growth stages. This finding incite interests of lure and trap developers developing alternative tools for control of this invasive soybean pest. In summary, these findings lead to a sustainable environmental and economic change affecting people. The research supported by this award has also resulted in a discovery of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) in termite hemolymph-extract inhibiting growth of entopathogenic and human pathogens, including 2 infectious Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens. This finding piques interests of new drug developers to combat diseases caused by MDR-bacteria affecting millions of people, livestock, and other animals every year, and interests of molecular biology tool developers for better control of termites by manipulating its immune system. Outputs and Outcomes Supported by USDA/NIFA and under that leadership of Auburn University, this hatch project is of great interest of a broad and diverse audients with great visibility and effective/productive in terms of outcomes and impact. The contributions are achieved through a series experiments. My programs have resulted in 2 referred publications, 21 outreach articles, 11 headlines in newspapers, 6 interviews with radios and TV stations, 21 stories in news media and social media, 11 presentations at professional conferences and meetings, 20 field surveys on pest complex and populations, 11 Housing-IPM demonstrations, 22 talks to clientele groups including webinars, 10 posters, 5 projects evaluating newly developed pest-control products; 26 consultancies to users, 14 responses to eXtension for extension professionals and the public, and 9 graduate students at MS and PhD levels. Five post service surveys showed influential positive changes in audients' knowledge (85-100%), consequent changes in action (80-100%) and condition (85-100%). Average expense on pest control per residential unite dropped to $24 in 2017, 50% lower than 5 years ago and 21% lower than 2016.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Wu, Hao, Xing Ping Hu and Arthur G. Appel. 2017. Temperature-dependent development and thermal sensitivity of Blaptica dubia (Blattodea: Blaberidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 110(2): 546-551. doi: 10.1093/jee/tow278
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Yang, L., Hu, X.P, Santen. E., and Zeng, X.N. Attractiveness of host plants at different growth state to kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae): Behavioral responses to whole plant and constitutive volatiles. J. Econ. Entomol. 110(6): 2351-2356. Doi: 10.1093/jee/tox214
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: 1. Hu, XP and Zeng, Y. 2017. Characterization of antibacterial activities of a subterranean termite against human pathogens. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference of Urban Pests, Birmingham, England. Page 453. http://www.icup.org.uk/report/ICUP1264.pdf
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Yang L. (PhD student). Development of behavior-semiochemical-based IPM approach for invasive kudzu bug, Megacopta cribratia (F.) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). Auburn University
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Cheng, M. (MS student). Investigation of bioactivity and variation in alkaloid and hydrocarbon profiles of Solenopsis invicta Buren minim workers in relation to their age. Auburn University
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Yuan Zeng (Ph.D.). Subterranean termite immunity: identification, purification, and characterization of antimicrobial peptides and inducible immune proteins
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Tian, Yuexun (MS). Toxicity and repellency of essential oils to the house fly (Musca domestica).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Tian, Y., Hu, X.P., and Jogsette, J. 2017. The contact toxicity of essential oils to the house fly, Musca domestica. Annual meeting of Entomology Society of America. ESA-SEB annual meeting.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: 30. Duke, S, Smith R, Flanders K, Hu, XP and Jacobson A. Brown marmorated stink bug in Alabama field crops. ESA-SEB Annual meeting
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: 2. Hu, X.P. and Hogsette Jerome. 2017. Transmission of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in horses by house flies. The 5th International Forum for Surveillance and Control of Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Diseases in conjunction with the 12 National Congress of Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Entomological Society of China. Nanjing China
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Hu, XP. S-1060 Report. Multistate project S-1060: fly management in animal agriculture system and impacts on animal health and food safety (2013-2018). January 11-12. Riverside, California
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Hu, XP and Reed, Tim. 2017. Report to Alabama Soybean Producer Committee: On-farm demonstration of kudzu bug biological control. Alabama Farmers Federation Soybean Committee Meeting
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Reed, Tim and Hu, XP. 2017. Report to Alabama Soybean Producer Committee: Impact of the parasitic wasp Paratelenomus saccharalis in suppressing populations of kudzu bugs infesting soybeans in Alabama, Alabama Farmers Federation Soybean Committee Meeting


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience is broad and diverse, can be domestic and international, all the racial and ethnic groups and social status, everyone impacted by and/or interested in learning management of household and structural pests for enhancing people health and food safety. It includes, but not limited to, scientists, pest management industry and professionals, chemical manufacturers and product producers, graduate and undergraduate students, educators of a wide range (colleges, pre-college schools), extension staff, stakeholders including government agents (public housing authorities, transportation, education, public health, environment, agriculture and industry, schools, etc.) and private sections (builders, realty agents, hotel and rental business, etc.), as well as the general public (homeowners, residents). Research efforts include acts and processes that deliver science-based knowledge and technology to the end users through educational programs. The programs are to be implemented through traditional and modern digital/electronic social media platforms composed of individual and group methods. Examples include formal classroom instruction, advice graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory and field practices, coordinate/develop/present at professional training/workshops/meetings, publications in refereed scientific journals and non-referred outreach platforms, provide consulting to pest control industry and professionals, develop outreach educational programs, site demonstrations of case-study and new technologies, offer experiential learning opportunities, engage social media and news media, but also continue traditional face-to-face contacts and electronic contacts. Changes/Problems:I have participated in the multi-state program "S-1060: Fly management in animal agriculture systems and impacts on animal health and food safety", representing the state of Alabama since 2013. I have been working on this project as the 7 objective of Hatch project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project enabled me to provide statewide leadership in outreach program aimed at advancing IPM research on urban arthropods and improving the educational level of Alabama residents and stakeholders with emphases on economically significant and invasive insect pests. Working with 5 Priority Program Teams (PPTs) with Alabama Cooperative Extension System, trainings were provided to field extension staffs on household and structure pest management, crop and livestock pest management, and pesticide safety education and applicator re-certification. This projectprovided opportunities to work with House Authorities (residents, in-house staffs and administrator) for trainings on how to managing household pests. I was invited to provide trainings to pest control companies for professional development, and to green industries, realty companies, rental companies, citizen clubs, various associations and organizations, state departments, etc. for trainings on termite inspection and prevention. Working on this project provided opportunities for international and domestic collaborations. This project was presented at pesticide dealer meetings, 4-H education programs, forest programs, agronomic and horticulture programs. I also supervised graduate students and international visiting scholars in agricultural sciences. The training take multiple mass media platforms including extension articles and Timely information sheets, ACES website and eXtension websites, Scopia, Webinars, email, and oral/poster presentations at local, national and international conferences, meetings, workshops, and training events to reach maximum intended audients. . How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Publishing in scientific journals, presenting at conferences/meetings, giving talks at professional meetings/training/workshop, and joining scientific discussions are the main platforms to reach scientists and professionals globally and domestically. Multiple platforms have been used to timely disseminating results to end users, including extension articles, Timely information, ACES website and eXtension websites, Scopia, Webinars, email, talks at local/national/international events and activities, flyers for the public, poster presentations meetings/conferences of communities of interest, field demonstrations, field days, even phone calls and home visits, etc. News and social media have been playing a critical role in maximizing intended audients. My research findings and extension programs have made headlines in numerous newspapers, radio and TV stations, and online media, which all serve as training to audients. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue working on the 6 objectives; publish at least 3 referred articles; present research works at international and domestic academic and professional meetings (at least 8); conduct/participate in at least 8 workshops/trainings; collect data on economic, environmental and financial impacts of this project; seek funding/grants from all possible sources; extend global and domestic collaborations; advise graduate students and visiting scientists.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Supported by USDA/NIFA and under that leadership of Auburn University, this hatch project is of great interest of a broad and diverse audiences with great visibility and effective/productive in terms of outcomes and impact. The contributions are achieved through a series experiments. The experiments resulted in better and new understanding of the biological traits of the targeted pests, new or improved products and application methods, development of better strategies and tactics for Integrated Pest Management, empowered audients with new knowledge to make smart decisions/actions for more economic, safer, and efficient pest management to gain sustainable agricultural productions. My programs have made headlines and recognized in numerous newspapers, on radios and TVs, as well as the news media and social media. The 7 referred publications in scientific journals, 16 representations at academic and professional conferences, 12 invited talks, 25 field demonstrations, 7 grants from various funding sources, 5 graduate students and other products are also strong testimony of project contributions. In summary, the new discoveries and experimental results from both laboratory and field have made influential positive changes in audients' knowledge, consequent changes in action and condition. Outcomes: Objective 1 (Refine and assess new treatment techniques for effective and sustainable protection against damage caused by termites) has produced empirical evidences of new HE insecticide formulae penetrating mud-tube wall to infest termites foraging for structure wood-components. The result was released at Urban Pest Conference and reported to project sponsor for applying product registration with EPA. This technology uses less insecticide than barrier-treatment and gives professionals alternative method for effective termite management. Objective 2 (Investigate factors that allow/disallow termites to successfully adapt to new urban and forest ecosystems) has collected data showing correlations between various landscape factors and house damage by termites. Release of this information to homeowners and residents through extension activities resulted in 50% increase (compared with the # in 2014-15) in clients using this knowledge for proactive termite prevention and few attacks by termites. Objective 3 (Explore termite antibacterial properties for developing effective bio-products against pathogenic bacteria) has made a breakthrough discovery that a native termite species has institutional and induced broad-spectrum activities against several human bacterial pathogens including two multidrug resistant human pathogens. The origin of the activities and the nature of those active compounds have determined. This is the first discovery in this aspect and has drawn global attention from scientists for discovering novel antimicrobial drugs. We are in the process of characterizing the antibiotics. Objective 4 (Investigate Kudzu bug biological characters attributing to aggressive invasiveness and rapid spread) had discovered a unique pre-winter-fertilizing biological trait evolved in kudzu bugs, enabling colony establishment in new habitat the next year with one single gravid female. Objective 5 (determine the preference to soybean plant development stages and identify the most attractive stages and the semiochemical attractants in reference to behavioral orientation) has identified soybean flowering stages R1-R3 are attraction of kudzu bug moving from wild kudzu weed to soybean field and the period for optimal control. This knowledge resulted in at least a 50% reduction in insecticide use, protected key natural enemies. Objective 6 (Assess the economic impact of newly discovered natural enemies on pest population and crop) found the wasp significantly suppressed kudzu bug population in untreated soybean field. Insecticide spray was reduced to protect this imperative parasitic wasp by farmers on a trial basis. We are developing optimal action thresholds incorporating egg parasitization rates and kudzu bug population levels.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Barba M, Steward A. and H, X.P. Experimental transmission of Corynebacterium pseudotuberulosis in horses by house flies. Phi Zeta National Research Award competition
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Delany M. Sikora E, Reed T, Hu XP, Ray, C. A. Distribution of the kudzu bug and its potential predators in Alabama. Applied Research and Extension Education Poster. NACAA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Zeng Y. Hu XP and Suh S-J. A Switch from Constitutive Defense to Inducible Chemical. Responses in the Eastern Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Alabama EPSCoR Annual Meeting.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Reed, Tim and Hu, XP. 2016. Impact of the parasitic wasp Paratelenomus saccharalis in suppressing populations of kudzu bugs infesting soybeans in Alabama. Alabama Soybean Producer Committee meeting
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zeng Y. Hu, X.P. 2016. Novel Constitutive and Inducible Antibacterial Activities against Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Pathogens in the Eastern Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Graduate Student Competition
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zeng Y. Hu, X.P. Analysis of anti-microbial protein in termite hemolymph and gut. Agricultural Poster Night
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hu, XP. Antimicrobial activity characterization: eastern subterranean termite against human pathogens. Faculty Research Symposium
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hu, X.P. Control termite infestation in wall-void. National Conference on urban entomology. Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Yang, L. and Hu, XP. Foraging orientation, oviposition preference and development of Kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) on six bean crops. This is Research: Student Symposium
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zeng Y, Hu XP, Suh S. Bacteria induced alternation in the antibacterial defense of the subterranean termite. Graduate Scholar Forum, Auburn University
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Liu Y. and Hu XP. Feeding and oviposition preference of Kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) to six bean crops. ID 101268; PW 133006. 2015 Annual meeting of Entomological Society of America
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Barwary, Z., Gorzlanyk, A. and Hu, X.P. 2015. Effects of concentration, distance, and application methods of Altriset on eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Insect Science 22: 451-460.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Golec, J.A. and Hu, X.P. 2015. Pre-overwintering copulation and female ratio bias: Life history characteristics contributing to the invasiveness and rapid spread of Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae). Environmental Entomology. 44(2): 411-417.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Barba M, Stewart AJ, Passler T, Xing PH, Chamorro MF, Cattley R, Hathcock T, Hogsette JA and Wooldridge AA. 2015. Experimental transmission of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi in horses by house flies. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 29:636-643.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Barba M, Stewart AJ, Hathcock T, Hogsette JA, Wooldridge AA, Passler T, Chamorro MF, Cattley R, Xing PH. 2015. Experimental inoculation of house flies, Musca domestica L., with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar equi. Bulletin of Insectology. 68:39-44.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Golec, J.R., Hu, X.P., Yang, L. and Eger, J.E. 2016. Kudzu-deprived first-generation Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) are capable of developing on alternative legume species. Journal of Agriculture and Urban Entomology. 31(1): 52-61
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zeng Yuan, Xing Ping Hu, Sang-Jin Suh. 2016. Characterization of antibacterial activities of eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, against human pathogens. PlosOne DOI:10.137/journal.pone.0162249
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hu, XP, J Yuan and R Hickman. 2016. Intercepting Subterranean Termites Traveling Up Wall-Void in Mud-Tubes. National Conference of Urban Entomology Proceedings.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hu, X.P. 2015. Cases review of fish kill caused by fire ants. Proceedings of 2015 Imported Fire Ant and Invasive Pest Ant Conference. LSU New Orleans, LA. April 6-8. Pp:63-64