Progress 02/08/16 to 12/09/20
Outputs
Target Audience:To meet the needs of small-scale family farms and limited-resource farmers as well as organic and conventional growers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were addressed by this project examining CBC methods in insect pest management. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty vegetable and fruit retailers. Sustainably grown BBs could provide a high-value crop for this region. Thus, this project could significantly impact low-income minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities. Three graduate students completed their theses regarding CBC of insect pests in BBs and graduated. AFE and MES students learned the principles of CBC in various classes. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Conservation biological control (CBC) principles were taught to students in AFE 116, Introduction to Agriculture. Food, and Environment; AFE 117, Global Perspectives in Agriculture, Food, and Environment, AFE 217, Plant Science; and AFE 318, Environmental Entomology. One undergraduate and 2 graduate students were mentored in CBC and insect identification and ecology research in AFE 411, Practicum II; ENV 600, Research; ENV 601, Thesis; and ENV 699, Capstone Research. Small, limited-resource, and minority farmers were instructed in CBC at the KSU Third Thursday Thing. One highschool student was taught the scientific method, CBC principles, and insect identification during the KSU Summer Apprenticeship Program. Five undergraduate and 5 graduate students in the Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MES) program were mentored in research projects on integrated control of SWD in sustainably grown blackberries using NP BR and the biologically based insecticides, Entrust and Grandevo. One undergraduate student, 4 graduate students, the Co-PD, and the Project Director attended and/or made presentations regarding this research at the Ohio Valley Entomological Association 30th Annual Forum, the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, the Annual Posters at the Capitol, the Annual Entomological Association of America Conferences, the North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, the Association of Research Directors Symposium, the Virtual Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, and the Virtual Annual Entomological Society of America Conference. The Eastern Branch and Southeastern Branch Joint Annual Entomological Meeting was cancelled due to Covid-19. Three MES graduate students completed their theses and graduated: Ms. Sathya Govindasamy, "Rove Beetle (Staphylinidae) Abundance in Primocane Blackberries Treated with Organic-Certified Insecticides and Bordered by Native Perennial or Pasture Border Rows in Frankfort, Kentucky"; Ms. Mamata Bashyal, "The Abundance of Predatory Insects Associated with Natural Pesticide Use and Native Perennial Plants in the Culture of Primocane Blackberries"; and Mr. Eddie Kyle Slusher, "Identification and Quantification of Parasitoids in Blackberries Sprayed with Three Biologically Based Insecticides and Bordered by Native Perennial and Pasture in Franklin County, KY." One undergraduate student, one MES graduate student, and one Forensic Psychology graduate student were mentored in research projects and taught how to identify beneficial insects. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of this research were disseminated by undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the PD and Co-PD to scientists, growers, and students, the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meetings, the Association of 1890 Research Directors Meeting, the Association of 1890 Research Directors Symposium, the Ohio Valley Entomological Association Annual Forums, the Annual Entomological Association of America Conferences, the North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, the Annual Posters at the Capitol, the Association of 1890 Research Directors Symposium, the Virtual Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, and the Virtual Annual Entomological Society of America Conference. The Eastern Branch and Southeastern Branch Joint Annual Entomological Meeting was cancelled due to Covid-19. The PD and Co-PD disseminated research results to the public via events held, including KSU Farm Field Days, Third Thursday Sustainable Agriculture Workshop events, multiple tours of KSU NP BR and BB plantings, and multiple student engagement events. The KSU Organic Agriculture Working Group website, https://organic.edu /index.shtml was updated along with social media outlets such as Facebook. Approximately 250 telephone calls and emails regarding NP plant borders, beneficial insects, BBs and SWD were answered. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Native perennial (NP) border rows (BR) at the Kentucky State University (KSU) Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, KY were maintained and managed by weeding and mulching. NPs included thimbleweed, New England aster, purple coneflower, grey-headed coneflower, rattlesnake master, common boneset, blue lobelia, bee balm, foxglove beardtongue, hairy beardtongue, slender mountain mint, big bluestem, little bluestem, side-oats grama, prairie switchgrass, and prairie dropseed. Additional NP species added were: stiff goldenrod; smooth blue aster, and Joe Pye weed to all NP BR. Drip tape irrigation was installed in all blackberry (BB) plots and electric fencing was deployed. BBs were planted in all 8 plots in 2016. BB rows were weeded and mulched and plants watered as needed. Areas between BB rows and surrounding the plots were mowed every 1-3 weeks. Spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD) traps containing apple cider vinegar and Dawn dish soap (Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, OH) were deployed weekly to monitor for presence. In 2016, 4 sticky traps were deployed and changed weekly. Pink lady beetle (LB), Asian LB, spotless LB, seven-spotted LB, big-eyed bugs (BEB), and minute pirate bugs (MPB ) were captured in NP and pasture (P) border rows. MPB, a predator of SWD, was the most abundant predator caught. There were 24 families of parasitic Hymenoptera captured. Among these, Mymaridae, Trichogrammatidae, Figitidae, Platygastridae, Ceraphronidae were the most abundant. Members of Figitidae, which parasitize SWD, were among the most abundant. Five species of NP plants were planted at farms of 3 grower collaborators. Three sticky traps were placed in BB plots of 4 collaborators and replaced weekly. LBs, BEB, green and brown lacewings, and syrphid flies were captured. Insecticide treatments (including Grandevo® foliar spray, Grandevo soil spray, Grandevo foliar and soil spray, Entrust® foliar spray, and a water control were used to treat the BBs as recommended in 2017 through 2019. Grandevo was rotated with Entrust and Entrust was rotated with PyGanic®. Ten BBs were harvested weekly from each treatment in 2017 and 2018 and every 2 weeks in 2019. SWD larvae were identified and enumerated using the floatation method. In 2017 through 2019, 5 sticky traps were placed in each BR as well as 1 in each treatment in the BB rows. LB species captured in 2016 were also found in 2017 in addition to convergent LB, parenthesis LB, mildew-eating (ME) LB, and orange-spotted LB. MPB, BEB, syrphid flies, and green lacewings. Significantly more MPB, BEB, and ME LB were caught in NP BR whereas more seven-spotted LB and pink LB were found in P BR. None of the biologically based insecticides appeared to negatively impact any of the beneficial predaceous insects. In 2017, 21 hymenopterous parasitoid families were identified. Platygastridae was the most abundant family representing 45.8% of the captured population. Diapriidae, 13%, Ceraphronidae, 9%, Mymaridae, 9%, and Figitidae, 7%. NP BR had a significantly higher population of parasitoids than all other habitats. Parasitoid populations were significantly more abundant in BBs bordered by NP and P than in P BR. Parasitoid families showed no negative impact from the insecticides. Significantly, there were 50% fewer SWD larvae in BBs bordered by NP than BBs bordered by P. Sticky traps were deployed and collected every other week. Parasitoid pan traps were set weekly. Pitfall traps were deployed in NP and P BR as well as one per insecticide treatment in the 2 BB rows of each plot and changed out every other week. The number of SWD larvae increased with time, with the greatest increase occurring Sep. 7-14 in BBs bordered by P and treated with Entrust. Larval numbers decreased from Sep. 7-14 in BBs bordered by NP and treated with Grandevo soil and Grandevo foliar and soil treatments. LB species and other predators found in past years were also captured in 2018. There were significantly more MPB in NP BR. There were more BEB and ME LB in the NP BR. More seven-spotted LB were found in P BR. There were significantly more pink LB in P BR. More spotless LB were found in BBs bordered by P. The most abundant beneficial insect in all insecticide treatments was MPB followed by Asian LB. Numbers of MPB were consistent among treatments. In looking at the average number of beneficial insects per trap for three dates, one week before sprays began, one halfway through sprays, then one week after sprays ended, MPB numbers remained consistent. Asian LB numbers increased halfway through sprays, but remained relatively the same one week before sprays began and one week after sprays ended. BEB decreased over time to zero one week after sprays ended. Seven-spotted LB declined half-way through sprays, but began to rebound one week after sprays ended. Both spotless and ME LBs showed a steady decline over the treatment period, but populations were small at the beginning. Of the parasitic wasps, there were significantly more Ichneumonidae, Platygastridae, Ceraphronidae, Bethylidae, and Megaspilidae found in NP BR than in all other habitats. Mymaridae, Figitidae, and Diapriidae were significantly more abundant in BBs bordered by NP and BBs bordered by P. Braconidae were significantly more abundant in BBs bordered by P. Enchartidae were significantly more abundant in P BR than in all other habitats. Encyrtidae were significantly more abundant in P BR than NP BR. Species of LB and other predators on sticky traps were found in 2019 as in past years. The 3 most abundant predatory insects were MPB, Asian LB, and spotless LB. There were more MPB in the control and Grandevo soil treatments and fewer MPB in Grandevo foliar treatment. The average number of MPB was greatly reduced halfway through the sprays and after sprays ended. There were more SWD larvae in BBs bordered by P than bordered by NP. Rove beetle subfamilies present were Phloeocharinae, Paederinae, Staphylininae, Leptotyphlinae, Oxytelinae, and Tachyporinae. The 3 most abundant were Phloeocharinae, Paederinae, and Staphylininae. There were no significant differences between insecticide treatments. In 2020, beneficial insects were identified and quanitifed from the remaining 2,837 sticky traps from 2018 and 2019. In 2018, 13 species or families of beneficial insects were identified. The most abundant were MPB, 4,352, spotless LB, 338, Asian LB, 218, and pink LB, 132. In 2019, 12 species or families of beneficial insects were identified. The most abundant were MPB, 6,168, spotless LB, 252, Asian LB, 215, syrphid flies,123, and orange spotted LB, 111. Results indicate that managing habitats around crop fields using NPs can positively impact parasitoid populations. NP BR had significantly higher numbers of parasitoids than P BR. This is likely explained by the increased abundance of floral resources, moderate overwintering habitats, and potential hosts resulting in the 19 species of native plants. Floral resources in the form of 14 species were included in the NPs. BB flowers provided floral resources as well. A more abundant and attractive selection of hosts is also a likely explanation for more profuse populations in the BBs. P BR appeared to be the least attractive of the 4 habitats, which is likely due to its lack of floral resources and habitats. Results appear to indicate that some types of crops, as well as NP plants can provide food and resources for parasitic Hymenoptera and other beneficial insect populations. Spraying biological insecticides did not appear to significantly affect parasitoid populations. The majority of the beneficial insects remained present throughout and after the application of insecticides. Although BEB, MPB, spotless LB, and ME LB decreased over time during the sprays, it must be noted that each insect species is present during a specific period of time. More SWD larvae were found in blackberries bordered by P.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Sedlacek, J.D., K.L. Friley, E.K. Slusher, M. Bashyal, and S. Govindasamy. 2020. Overview of conservation biological control studies in blackberries at Kentucky State University. https://esa.confex.com/esa/esa2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/151222.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Sedlacek, J.D., K.L. Friley, E.K. Slusher, M. Bashyal, and S. Govindasamy. 2020. Overview of conservation biological control studies in blackberries at Kentucky State University. Oral presentation not presented at the Eastern Branch and Southeastern Branch Joint Annual Entomological Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia due to Covid-19. March 31, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Friley, K.L., J.D. Sedlacek, S. Govindasamy, M. Bashyal, E.K. Slusher, and L.J. Whittinghill. Beneficial insects in sustainably grown blackberries using conservation biological control and two OMRI approved insecticides. Poster presented at the Entomology 2020, Entomological Society of Americas Virtual Annual Meeting. November 16-25, 2020.
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:This project impacts low-income minority farmers and organic and conventional growers by providing new crop and market opportunities, as well as entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty vegetable and fruit retailers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three undergraduate and three graduate students were mentored in research projects on integrated control of SWD in sustainably grown blackberries using native perennial plants and biologically based insecticides. One graduate student, the Co-PD, and the Project Director attended and/or made presentations regarding this research at the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, the Annual Entomological Society of America Conference, and the Association of 1890 Research Directors Symposium. One graduate student, Ms. Sathya Govindasamy, completed her thesis, "Rove Beetle (Staphylinidae) Abundance in Primocane Blackberries Treated with Organic-Certified Insecticides and Bordered by Native Perennial or Pasture Border Rows in Frankfort, Kentucky" and graduated. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?One graduate student, as well as the PD and Co-PD, made presentations concerning this research at the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, the Annual Entomological Society of America Conference, and the Association of 1890 Research Directors Symposium. The PD and Co-PD disseminated research results to the public via events such as KSU farm field days, Celebrate Ag Day, multiple tours of KSU native perennial border rows and blackberry plantings, and multiple student recruitment events. Approximately 50 telephone calls and emails regarding native perennial plant borders, beneficial insects, blackberries, and SWD were answered. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we plan to identify beneficial insects on the remaining sticky traps, identify and quantify SWD larvae in the 2019 blackberries, enter the final data collected, run statistics, and write two manuscripts for publication.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Blackberry research plots and border rows were maintained and managed at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky. Blackberries were irrigated as needed. Sticky traps were deployed in native perennial and pasture border rows as well as blackberry rows every other week and collected weekly. Spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD) monitoring traps were deployed and collected weekly. Blackberries were sprayed as recommended according to previously assigned treatments. Insecticide treatments included Entrust foliar, Grandevo foliar, soil, foliar and soil, and water (control). Grandevo treatments were rotated with Entrust, while Entrust treatments were rotated with PyGanic. Blackberries were harvested from plants within each treatment plot every two weeks. Flowering of plants in native perennial and pasture border rows were recorded weekly. Beneficial insects were identified and quantified from sticky traps. SWD adults were identified from monitoring traps. SWD larvae were identified and enumerated from blackberries harvested in 2018. There were more larvae in the blackberries bordered by pasture than in the blackberries bordered by native perennial plants. The identification and abundance of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) were determined using pitfall traps in the native perennial and pasture border rows as well as one per insecticide treatment in the two blackberry rows of each plot. Staphylinidae subfamilies present were Phloeocharinae, Paederinae, Staphylininae, Leptotyphlinae, Oxytelinae, and Tachyporinae. The three most abundant were Phloeocharinae, Paederinae, and Staphylininae. The three most abundant subfamilies found in pasture border rows and blackberries bordered by pasture were Phloeocharinae, Staphylininae and Paederinae. There were no significant differences between insecticide treatments. Pink lady beetles, Coleomegilla maculata; Asian lady beetles, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas); spotless lady beetles, Cycloneda sanguinea; seven spotted lady beetles, Coccinella septempunctata; mildew-eating lady beetles, Psyllobora parvinotata; orange-spotted lady beetles, Brachiacantha ursina; minute pirate bugs, Orius; syrphid flies, Syrphidae; green lacewings; brown lacewings, Hemerobiidae; and big eyed bugs, Geocoris, were the beneficial insect species caught on sticky traps in 2018. The three most abundant predatory insects were minute pirate bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, and spotless lady beetles. There were more minute pirate bugs in the control and Grandevo soil treatments and fewer minute pirate bugs in the Grandevo foliar treatment. In 2018, the average number of minute pirate bugs was greatly reduced halfway through the sprays and when the sprays ended whereas the insecticides did not negatively affect beneficial insects in 2017.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Govindasamy, Sathya. 2019. Rove Beetle (Staphylinidae) Abundance in Primocane Blackberries Treated with Organic-Certified Insecticides and Bordered by Native Perennial or Pasture Border Rows in Frankfort, Kentucky. Master thesis. Kentucky State University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Friley, Karen L., John D. Sedlacek, Mamata Bashyal, Eddie K. Slusher, Sathya Govindasamy, and Megan McCoun. 2019. Populations of natural enemy predators in blackberry plots bordered by native perennial plants or pasture and sprayed with biologically based insecticides. Association of 1890 Research Directors. Jacksonville, FL. March 30-April 3.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Govindasamy, Sathya, John D. Sedlacek, Karen L. Friley, Mamata Bashyal, and Jill Fisk. 2019. Rove beetle (Staphylinidae) populations in blackberries treated with several organic certified insecticides and bordered by native perennial or pasture border rows in Frankfort, Kentucky. Association of 1890 Research Directors. Jacksonville, FL. March 30-April 3.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Govindasamy, S., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Bashyal, M., and Fisk, J. 2018. Rove beetles in blackberries treated with biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial plants or pasture in Frankfort, Kentucky. Annual Entomological Society of America Conference. Vancouver, B.C., Canada. November 11-14.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Govindasamy, S., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Bashyal, M., McCoun, M., Fisk, J., Moody, K.V., and Buckler, K.E. 2018. Rove beetles in blackberry plots bordered by native perennials or pasture and treated with biological pesticides. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY. November 3.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Friley, K. L., Sedlacek, J.D, Bashyal, M. Govindasamy, S., McCoun, M., and Fisk, J. 2018. Predatory insects captured in blackberries treated with biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial plants or pasture in Franklin County, Kentucky. Annual Entomological Society of America Conference. Vancouver, B.C., Canada. November 11-14.
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:To meet the needs of small-scale family farms and limited-resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were used in this project to examine Conservation Biological Control methods in insect pest management. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty vegetable and fruit retailers. Sustainably grown blackberries could provide high-value crops for this region. Thus, this project could significantly impact low-income, minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities. Events held included the KSU Farm Field Days, Small Limited-Resource Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU research plots, and distribution of Extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about conservation biological control methods of pest insect management in vegetable and fruit crops. The KSU Organic Agriculture Working Group website (http://organic.edu/index.shtml) was updated along with social media outlets, such as Facebook. One graduate student is completing a thesis project on conservation biological control of insect pests in blackberries. Two graduate students completed projects concerning blackberries. Two MES candidates graduated and are currently PhD candidates at the University of Georgia. Guided scientific writing concerning conservation biological control research was conducted in ENV 503 (Student Team Project). Changes/Problems:One collaborator decided to change planting plans and did not make land available for planting blackberries. The other collaborator did not maintain the native perennial border rows. Thus, we were unable to collect data from their farms. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four undergraduate and three graduate students in the Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MES) program were mentored in research projects on integrated control of SWD in sustainably grown blackberries using native perennial plants and biologically based insecticides, Entrust and Grandevo. One undergraduate and three graduate students, the Co-PD, and the Project Director attended and/or made presentations regarding this research at the Ohio Valley Entomological Association 30th Annual Forum, the Annual Kentucky Academy of Science Conference, the Annual Posters at the Capitol, the Annual Entomological Association of America Conference, and the North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the PD and Co-PD made presentations concerning this research at the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, the Ohio Valley Entomological Association Annual Forum, the Annual Posters at the Capitol, the Annual Entomological Association of America Conference, and the North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. The PD and Co-PD disseminated research results to the public via various events, including KSU farm field days, Third Thursday Sustainable Agriculture Workshop events, AFE Day, STEM Day, multiple tours of KSU native perennial border rows and blackberry plantings, and multiple student recruitment events. Approximately 50 telephone calls and emails regarding native perennial plant borders, beneficial insects, blackberries, and SWD were answered. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will continue to: 1) determine if habitat management/native perennial plantings in a farmscaping approach enhances beneficial insect diversity and abundance and whether application of Entrust and Grandevo reduces SWD abundance and damage in blackberries;, 2) plant Prime Ark variety blackberries and border rows containing five species of native perennial plants at two farms owned by grower-collaborators to determine whether the biologically based insecticides Entrust and Grandevo reduce SWD abundance and damage in blackberries.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Blackberry plots bordered by native perennial plants or pasture were maintained and managed at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky. Blackberry plots were prepared for the field season by cutting and removing blackberry canes, fertilizing each plant with 2 cups of Nature Safe® 10-2-8. Pitfall traps and covers were made. All native perennial border rows were weeded and mulched with straw to conserve soil water and retard weed growth. Blackberry rows were mulched with straw and irrigated as needed. Blackberry plots and pasture border rows were mowed every two-three weeks. Tobacco sticks were installed in the center of each treatment within the blackberry rows and equidistant to the edge and each other in the border rows. Pitfall traps were deployed next to the tobacco sticks. Blackberry canes were tipped at 15" and 30". One SWD monitoring trap was deployed in each plot and changed weekly. Male and female SWD were identified and quantified. Sticky traps were deployed and collected every other week alternating with pitfall traps. Pitfall traps were transferred into specimen containers with white vinegar, 5% acidity, and taken to the laboratory. Ten ripe blackberry fruit from each treatment were harvested weekly and placed in the freezer for later identification and quantification of SWD larvae. Insecticide treatments (including Grandevo® foliar spray, Grandevo soil spray, Grandevo foliar and soil spray, Entrust® foliar spray) and a water control were used to treat the blackberries as recommended. Grandevo was rotated with Entrust and Entrust was rotated with PyGanic®. Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica, on blackberry plants were managed by brushing them into soapy water, bagged, and disposed. Flowering plants in native perennial and pasture border rows were recorded weekly. Native perennial replacement plants were maintained outside and inside of the greenhouse as needed. Beneficial insects were identified and enumerated from sticky traps. Parasitic wasps were identified and enumerated from pan traps. Rove beetles were identified and quantified from pitfall traps. SWD larvae were identified and quantified from the blackberries. There were no significant differences between treatments. The number of larvae increased with time. The greatest increase of larvae occurred from Sep. 7 to Sep. 14 in blackberries bordered by pasture and treated with Entrust. The number of larvae decreased from Sep. 7 to Sep. 14 in blackberries bordered by native perennial plants and treated with Grandevo soil and Grandevo soil and foliar treatments. Beneficial insects found on sticky traps included minute pirate bugs, Orius spp.; Asian lady beetles, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas); pink lady beetles, Coleomegilla maculata; spotless lady beetles, Cycloneda sanguinea; seven spotted lady beetles, Coccinella septempunctata; convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens; parenthesis lady beetles, Hippodamia parenthesis; mildew eating lady beetles, Psyllobora parvinotata; orange spotted lady beetles, Brachiacantha ursine; big-eyed bugs, Geocoris spp.; syrphid flies, Syrphidae; and green lacewings, Chrysopidae. There were significantly more Orius spp. in the native perennial border rows. There were more big-eyed bugs and mildew eating lady beetles in the native perennial border rows. There were more seven spotted lady beetles in the pasture border rows. There were significantly more pink lady beetles in the pasture border rows. There were more spotless lady beetles in blackberries bordered by pasture. For the insecticide treatments, the most abundant beneficial insect in all treatments was the minute pirate bug, followed by the Asian lady beetle. Numbers of the minute pirate bug were consistent among treatments. In looking at the average number of beneficial insects per trap for three dates, one week before the sprays began, one half-way through the sprays and the last, one week after the sprays ended, minute pirate bug numbers remained consistent. Asian lady beetle numbers increased half way through the sprays, but remained relatively the same at one week before sprays began and one week after sprays ended. Big-eyed bugs decreased over time to zero one week after sprays ended. Seven spotted lady beetles declined half way through the sprays, but began to rebound one week after sprays ended. Both spotless and mildew eating lady beetles showed a steady decline over the treatment period, but the populations of these insects were small at the beginning of treatment. The majority of the beneficial insects remained present throughout and after the application of biologically based insecticides. Although big-eyed bugs, spotless lady beetles and mildew eating lady beetles decreased over time during the sprays, it must be noted that each insect species is present during a specific period of time. We need to observe when these time frames occurto determine whether this played a part in the decrease. Of the parasitic wasps identified and enumerated from pan traps, significantly more Ichneumonidae, Playgastridae, Ceraphronidae, Bethylidae, and Megaspilidae were found in the native perennial border rows than in any of the other habitats. Mymaridae, Figitidae, and Diapriidae were significantly more abundant in both native perennial blackberry rows and pasture blackberry rows than in the border rows. Braconidae were significantly more abundant in pasture blackberry rows. Enchartidae were significantly more abundant in pasture border rows than in any other habitat. Encyrtidae were significantly more abundant in both pasture habitats than in the native perennial habitats. Access to floral resources and potential hosts is the likely explanation for the higher abundance of parasitic Hymenoptera in the native perennial border rows. Native perennial border rows provided floral resources in the form of 14 species of native plants. The pasture and native perennial blackberry rows provided floral resources in the form of blackberry flowers as well. A more abundant or more attractive selection of hosts is also a likely explanation for more abundant parasitic Hymenoptera populations in the blackberry rows. The pasture border rows appeared to be the least attractive of the four habitats, which is likely due to its lack of floral resources and habitats. The results seem to indicate that some types of crops, as well as native perennial plants, can provide food and resources for parasitic Hymenoptera populations. Spraying biological insecticides did not appear to significantly affect parasitoid populations.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Slusher, E.K., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Bashyal, M., Govindasamy, S. and McCoun, M. 2017. Identification and quantification of parasitoids in blackberries sprayed with three biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial and pasture in Franklin County, KY. Abstract. The Ohio Valley Entomological Association 30th Annual Forum Program Book. p. 30.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Bashyal, M., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Slusher, E.K., Govindasamy, S. and McCoun, M. 2017. Comparing the abundance of beneficial insects in blackberry plots bordered by native perennial plants and pasture and sprayed with biologically based insecticides. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Murray State University, Murray, KY, Nov 3-4, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Govindasamy, S., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Slusher, E.K., Bashyal, M. and McCoun, M. 2017. Spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, larvae in blackberries bordered by native perennial plants or pasture and treated with biologically based insecticides. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Murray State University, Murray, KY, Nov 3-4, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
McCoun, M., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Slusher, E.K., Bashyal, M. and Govindasamy, S. 2018. Beneficial insects in blackberries treated with biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial plants and pasture. Posters at the Capitol, Frankfort, KY, February 8, 2018.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sedlacek, J.D., Slusher, E.K., Friley, K.L., Bashyal, M., McCoun, M. and Govindasamy, S. 2017. Parasitoid wasps associated with blackberries bordered by native perennial plants versus pasture borders in Franklin County, Kentucky. University of Kentucky 2017 Fruit and Vegetable Research Report. PR739: 10-12.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Slusher, E.K., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L., Bashyal, M., Govindasamy, S. and McCoun, M. Identification and quantification of parasitoids in blackberries sprayed with three biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial and pasture in Franklin County, KY. The Ohio Valley Entomological Association 30th Annual Forum. Columbus, OH. Oct. 20, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Slusher, E. K., Sedlacek, J.D., Friley, K.L. and Bashyal, M. Parasitic Hymenoptera associated with blackberries bordered by native perennial and pasture border rows in Frankfort, Kentucky. Annual Entomological Association of America Conference. Denver, CO. Nov. 6, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Friley, K.L., Sedlacek, J.D., Bashyal, M., Slusher, E.K. and Govindasamy, S. Beneficial insects captured in native perennial border rows, pasture border rows and blackberry rows in Frankfort, Kentucky. Annual Entomological Association of America Conference. Denver, CO. Nov. 8, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Slusher, K., Sedlacek, J., Friley, K., Bashyal, M., Govindasamy, S. and McCoun, M. Identification and quantification of parasitoids in blackberries sprayed with three biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial and pasture in Franklin County, KY. North Central Branch Meeting, Entomological Society of America, Madison, WI. Mar, 18-21, 2018.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Slusher, E.K. Identification and quantification of parasitoids in blackberries sprayed with three biologically based insecticides and bordered by native perennial and pasture in Franklin County, KY. Thesis Defense and Presentation. Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Bashyal, M. The abundance of predatory insects associated with natural pesticide use and native perennial plants in the culture of primocane blackberries. Thesis Defense and Presentation. Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY.
|
Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:In order to meet the needs of small-scale family farms and limited-resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were addressed by this project by examining Conservation Biological Control methods in insect pest management. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty vegetable and fruit retailers. Sustainably grown blackberries could provide high-value crops for this region. Thus, this project could significantly impact low-income, minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities. Events held included the KSU Farm Field Days, Small Limited-Resource Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU research plots, and distribution of Extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about conservation biological control methods of pest insect management in vegetable and fruit crops. The KSU Organic Agriculture Working Group website (http://organic.edu/index.shtml) was updated along with social media outlets such as Facebook Two graduate students are completing ENV 600 (MES Research) and ENV 601 (MES Thesis) projects on conservation biological control of insect pests in blackberries. One graduate student completed ENV 600 and ENV 601 on a project concerning blackberries. Guided scientific writing concerning conservation biological control research was conducted in ENV 503 (Student Team Project). Changes/Problems:Three 40' X 3' native perennial rows were planted with five species of flowering plants near blackberries at three grower collaborator farms in Oct. 2016. None of the plantings survived because the growers either did not weed/water them or mowed them. In 2013, we moved from Atwood Research Facility and our laboratory was closed for renovation. We are sharing a small laboratory with two different research groups, which has a negative impact on laboratory-based research and what can be accomplished. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the year, one undergraduate and three graduate students in the Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MES) program were mentored in research projects on integrated control of SWD in sustainably grown blackberries using native perennial border rows and the biologically based insecticides, Entrust® and Grandevo®. One undergraduate student, three graduate students, the Co-PD, and the Project Director attended and/or made presentations regarding this research at the annual Kentucky Academy of Science Meeting, the Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium, and the annual Ohio Valley Entomological Association meeting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the PD and Co-PD made presentations concerning this research at the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, the Association of 1890 Research Directors Meeting, the Ohio Valley Entomological Association Annual Forum, and the Annual Entomological Association of America Conference. The PD and Co-PDs disseminated research results to the public via events held, including KSU farm field days, Third Thursday Sustainable Agriculture Workshop events, multiple tours of KSU native perennial border rows and blackberry plantings, and multiple student recruitment events. Approximately 50 telephone calls and emails regarding native perennial plant borders, beneficial insects, blackberries and SWD were answered. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will continue to: 1) determine if habitat management/native perennial plantings in a farmscaping approach to enhance beneficial insect diversity and abundance and application of Entrust® and Grandevo® reduces SWD abundance and damage in blackberries, 2) plant Prime Ark variety blackberries and border rows containing five species of native perennial plants at two farms owned by grower-collaborators to determine if biologically based insecticides, Entrust® and Grandevo® reduce SWD abundance and damage in blackberries.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Blackberry rows bordered by native perennial borders were maintained and managed at the Kentucky State University Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky. Native perennial border and blackberry rows were mulched with straw to conserve soil water and retard weed growth. Plants were watered, plots were weeded, and areas between blackberry rows were mowed as necessary. Plant mortalities were replaced with the same species (as needed). Fields surrounding all plots, including border rows, were mowed every two to three weeks. Insecticide treatments (including Grandevo® foliar spray, Grandevo® soil spray, Grandevo® foliar and soil spray, Entrust® foliar spray) and a water control were used to treat the blackberries as recommended. Ten blackberries were harvested from each treatment weekly beginning Aug.11. Berries were taken to the laboratory and SWD larvae identified and enumerated using the floatation method. The predatory beneficial insect species caught were minute pirate bugs, Asian lady beetles, pink lady beetles, spotless lady beetles, seven-spotted lady beetles, convergent lady beetles, parenthesis lady beetles, mildew-eating lady beetles, orange spotted lady beetles, Orius spp., big-eyed bugs, syrphid flies, and green lacewings. Significantly more Orius spp., big-eyed bugs, and mildew-eating lady beetles were caught in the native perennial border rows whereas more seven-spotted lady beetles and pink lady beetles were caught in the pasture border rows. None of the biologically based insecticides appeared to have a negative impact on any of the beneficial predaceous insects as applied. Twenty-one hymenopterous parasitoid families were captured and identified. Platygastridae was the most abundant family in our sample representing 45.8% of the captured population. Diapriidae (13%), Ceraphronidae (9%), Mymaridae (9%), and Figitidae (7%) were among the more abundant families found. Native perennial border rows themselves had a significantly higher population of parasitoids than the blackberries bordered by these native perennial border rows, blackberries bordered by pasture, and the pasture border rows. There was no significant difference between the parasitoid populations in the blackberry rows bordered by native perennials and parasitoids in the blackberries bordered by pasture. Parasitoid populations were significantly more abundant in the blackberry rows bordered by native perennials and the blackberries bordered by pasture than in the pasture border rows. Parasitoid families showed no negative impact from any of the biological insecticides used. Results indicate that managing habitats around crop fields using native perennial plants can positively impact parasitoid populations. Native perennial borders had significantly higher numbers of parasitoids than the pasture border rows. This is likely explained by the increased abundance of floral resources, moderate overwintering habitats, and potential hosts resulting from the 19 species of native plants. Significantly, 50% fewer SWD larvae were found in the blackberries bordered by the native perennial plots than the pasture-bordered plots.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Slusher, E. K., Sedlacek, J. D., Friley, K. L. and Bashyal, M. 2016. Identification and quantification of parasitic Hymenoptera in native perennial and pasture border rows in central Kentucky. Presented at the 2016 Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Louisville, KY. Nov. 4-5, 2016. http://www.kyscience.org/docs/2016_Abstract_submissions.xlsx.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Govindasamy, S., Friley, K.L., Pomper, K.W., Sedlacek, J.D., E. Slusher, E.K., Bashyal, M., Lowe, J.D. and Crabtree, S.B. 2017. Monitoring spotted wing Drosophila in blackberries using two commercial lures. Presented at the Third Thursday Thing Sustainable Agriculture Workshop on Organics, Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. Center for Sustainable Farms and Families. Feb. 16, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Govindasamy, S., K.L. Friley, K.W. Pomper, J.D. Sedlacek, E.K. Slusher, M. Bashyal, J.D. Lowe and S.B. Crabtree. 2017. Spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, captures using two commercial lures in sustainably grown blackberries in Central Kentucky. Presented at the Annual Posters at the Capitol Abstract Book, pg. 82. http://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/ viewcontent. cgi?article=1209&context=postersatthecapitol.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Bashyal, M, Friley, K. L., Sedlacek, J. D., Slusher, E. K. and Govindasamy, S. 2017. Beneficial insects found in native perennial and pasture border rows of blackberry plantings. Presented at the Association of 1890 Research Directors 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Apr. 2-3, 2017. p. 228. https://www. umes.edu/ard/ 1890Symposium/ARD%20Booklet% 20-%202017%20web.pdf.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Govindasamy, S, Friley, K.L., Pomper, K.W., Sedlacek, J.D., Slusher, E.K., Bashyal, M., Lowe, J.D. and Crabtree, S.B. 2017. Captures of spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, using two commercially available lures in organically grown blackberries. Presented at the Association of 1890 Research Directors 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Apr. 2-3, 2017. https://www.umes.edu/ard/1890 Symposium /ARD%20Booklet%20-%202017%20web.pdf.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sedlacek, J.D. K.L. Friley, E.K. Slusher, and M. Bashyal. 2017. Using native perennial plant borders for integrated pest management of sweet corn and blackberry pests at Kentucky State University. Presented at the Association of 1890 Research Directors 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Apr. 2-3, 2017. 1890 Research: Meeting 21st Century Challenges Through Innovation. Forum on Implementation of IPM. p.2.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Slusher, E. K., Sedlacek, J. D., Friley, K. L. and Bashyal, M. 2017. Relative abundance of parasitic Hymenoptera in native perennial and pasture border strips bordering blackberries in Franklin County. Presented at the Association of 1890 Research Directors 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Apr. 2-3, 2017. p. 230. https://www.umes.edu/ard/1890 Symposium/ARD%20 Booklet% 20-%202017%20web.pdf.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Friley, K. L. 2017. SWD Trapping. Presented at The Third Thursday Thing. Center for Sustainable Farms and Families. Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. May 18, 2017.
|
Progress 02/08/16 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:This research is designed to assist small and limited-resource vegetable farmers as well as tobacco farmers considering diversifying into fruit production, specifically blackberry production. Information obtained will also be applicable to larger farms as well. Farmers understandably have an aversion to risk (e.g., pest pressure, insecticide use patterns, adopting novel technologies/management practices). This research will provide information to help answer questions regarding novel agricultural practices and their relationship to biodiversity and beneficial insects of interest to farmers. The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK), a newer member of the Kentucky Horticulture Council, is also a target audience and strongly supports this research. These are issues of interest to farmers and the general public as well. The KSU Extension Program will be used to disseminate information gathered during this investigation. Results will be presented at KSU's Third Thursday Thing, posted on our web site and a new blackberry web page, and will be published in popular press publications such as Kentucky Pest News and the Kentucky Farmer. Students in AFE 116 (Introduction of Agriculture, Food and Environment), AFE 117 (Global Perspectives in Agriculture, Food, and Environment), AFE 217 (Plant Science), and AFE 318 (Environmental Entomology) will be taught principles of CBC. Two graduate students are completing thesis (ENV 600 and ENV 601) projects on CBC of insect pests in blackberries. Guided scientific writing concerning CBC research will be conducted in ENV 503 (Student Team Project). Changes/Problems:The sampling protocol for parasitic hymenoptera will be modified. Instead of using sticky traps, yellow pan traps containing 20% propylene glycol will be deployed in four native perennial border rows, four pasture border rows, and all blackberry treatments weekly in July and August. Atwood Research Facility, and my laboratory, have been closed for renovation for the past three years preventing more extensive research concerning other aspects of CBC using natural enemies of SWD. Four different research groups are sharing a small laboratory, which has a negative impact on what can be accomplished, due to space limitations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Conservation biological control (CBC) principles were taught to students in AFE 116, Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Environment; AFE 117, Global Perspectives in Agriculture, Food, and Environment; AFE 217, Plant Science; and AFE 318, Environmental Entomology. One undergraduate and two graduate students were mentored in CBC and insect identification and ecology research in AFE 411, Practicum II; ENV 600, Research; ENV 601 Thesis; and ENV 699, Capstone Research. Small, limited-resource, and minority farmers were instructed in CBC at the KSU Third Thursday Thing. One high school student was taught the scientific method, CBC principles, and insect identification during the KSU Summer Apprenticeship Program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of this research were disseminated to scientists, growers, and students at the KSU Third Thursday Thing Sustainable Agriculture Workshop. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period we will continue to: 1) determine if habitat management/native perennial plantings used in a farmscaping approach enhances beneficial insect diversity and abundance in blackberries, 2) determine if these plantings reduce SWD abundance and damage in blackberries, and 3) determine if native perennial border plantings enhance beneficial insect diversity and abundance and whether novel biological treatments reduces damage in blackberries at grower collaborator farms. Experiments will be conducted by the PD and co-PD. Graduate and undergraduate student researchers will be mentored in these projects.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Native perennial border rows at the Kentucky State University Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky, were maintained and managed. Native perennial border rows were weeded and mulched with straw, and plant mortalities were replaced with the same species. Additional plant species were added to the native perennial border rows: Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida, Smooth Blue Aster, Aster laevis, and Joe-Pye Weed, Eupatorium fistulosum. Drip tape irrigation was installed in all blackberry plots and electric fencing was deployed to deter herbivore feeding in anticipation of planting the blackberries. On June 16, blackberry plants were planted in eight plots (2 feet apart in two, 80-foot long rows) bordered by native perennial plants or pasture. Rows of blackberries were mulched with straw to conserve soil water and retard weed growth. Plants were watered, plots were weeded, and areas between blackberry rows were mowed as necessary. Fields surrounding all plots, including border rows, were mowed every two to three weeks. Spotted winged drosophila (SWD) traps containing apple cider vinegar and Dawn dish soap (Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, OH) were deployed in June to monitor for presence of this insect. Beginning July 13 and ending November 18, beneficial insects were collected weekly using four yellow sticky traps deployed equidistant to each other and from the ends in each border row. Predators and parasitoids were identified and enumerated in the laboratory. Pink lady beetles, Asian lady beetles, spotless lady beetles, seven spotted lady beetles, big eyed bugs and minute pirate bugs were captured in the native perennial and pasture border rows. Minute pirate bugs, a predator of SWD, was the most abundant insect predator caught. Twenty-four families of parasitic hymenoptera were captured: Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Chalcididae, Mymaridae, Trichogrammatidae, Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae, Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, Eurytomidae, Torymidae, Perilampidae, Figitidae, Platygastridae, Ceraphronidae, Diapriidae, Proctotrupidae, Chrysididae, Pompillidae, Tiphidae, Bethylidae, Megaspilidae, and Enchartidae. Of these, Mymaridae, Trichogrammatidae, Figitidae, Platygastridae, and Ceraphronidae were the most abundant. Members of the family Figitidae, which parasitize SWD, were the most abundant. Five species of native perennials (Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida; Smooth Blue Aster, Aster laevis; Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium; Joe-Pye Weed, Eupatorium fistulosum; and Common Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum) were planted at the farms of three grower collaborators. Three sticky traps each were placed in blackberry plots of four grower collaborators; traps were replaced weekly from July through August. Lady beetles, big eyed bugs, minute pirate bugs, green and brown lacewings and syrphid flies were identified from these plots. Parasitic wasps will be identified and enumerated.
Publications
|
|