Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:My target audience groupsare: Pest management professionals General public Pest management companies Chemical manufacturers State regulatory agencies Environmental groups Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We provided training / professional development opportunty by organizing a statewide continuing education (CE) events. They are listed below: 29th Annual UCR Urban Pest Management Conference online(March 2020): ~200 participants Annual UCR Fumigation School (November 2019): ~50 participants UCR Urban Entomology Fall Workshop online (November 2020): ~80 participants How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated through the following routes: Publishing research outcome through publshed articles, manuscripts, presentations, and press releases. Organizing continuing education (CE) events to disseminate the up-to-date research outcomes to the adequate audience / clientele groups (e.g., pest management professionals, state regulators, general public, state IPM advisors, chemical manufacturers). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Ants:I will be focusing on following objectives. In particular, boric acid and biodegradable hydrogel will be tested in the agricultural settings which have very large Argentine ant populations. Objective 2. To conduct field studies to compare the efficacies of conventional approaches and our novel strategies, with the assistance of volunteering houses and cooperating Pest Management Professionals (PMPs). The overall amount of applied insecticide and reducing the potential runoff of pesticides in to urban waterways will be estimated / quantified. Objective 3. To field-test natural hydrogel beads that effectively deliver small amount of insecticides along with sugar-based liquid bait to large populations of sugar-feeding pest ants with cooperating PMPs. Bed bug:We plan to focus on the following objectives.?? Thess will be my PhD student's dissertation research topics. Objective 7. To determine the behavioral / physiological response of bed bug to entomopathogenic fungi. Objective 8. To examine the chemical ecology of bed bugs to exploit their behavior and use natural attractant compounds to develop a monitor / detection device. Termite:I plan to focuse following objectives. Thses will be within my PhD student's dissertation research topics. Objective 1. To identify and synthesize the attractant / trail pheromones of western drywood termites,Incisitermes minor. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic pheromones will increase termites' contact with treated surfaces (liquid and dust). Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating synthetic pheromones into currently available insecticidal sprays or dusts. Wasps: I plan to focus following objectives. In particular, different active ingredients and different bait matrices will be tested including biodegradable hydrogels. Objective 1. To conduct continuous monitoring of yellowjacket activity throughout the year in several field sites in California. Objective 2. Develop effective and economic methods of baiting yellowjackets in the park / natural areas by exploring several different insecticidal active ingredients and novel non-meat bait substances.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Ants: Objective 1. To develop effective pheromone formulations with a close collaboration with an industry collaborator, and develop protocols for incorporating the pheromone formulations with insecticide sprays for ant control. - We continued the close collaboration with the pheromone manufacturing company to test this idea. Objective 2. To conduct field studies to compare the efficacies of conventional approaches and our novel strategies, with the assistance of volunteering houses and cooperating Pest Management Professionals (PMPs). The overall amount of applied insecticide and reducing the potential runoff of pesticides in to urban waterways will be estimated / quantified. - Laboratory and field studies were conducted. Objective 3. To field-test natural hydrogel beads that effectively deliver small amount of insecticides along with sugar-based liquid bait to large populations of sugar-feeding pest ants with cooperating PMPs. - One review article was published. Bed bug: Objective 1. To conduct laboratory studies to identify the important behavior-modifying chemical cues for bed bugs. - My PhD student continued on this project. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic / standard chemical will increase bed bug's aggregation and retention once they contact a harborage substrate treated with the chemical. - Behavioral studies were continued by my PhD student. Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating the chemical attractant(s) into novel monitoring tools for bed bug. - Nothing to report. Objective 4. Conduct field studies to directly compare our novel bed bug detector / monitor with conventional pit-fall traps and other types of active / passive monitors. - Nothing to report. Objective 5. To establish the field collected bed bug strains (Cimex lectulariusandC. hemipterus) in the laboratory. - These populations were continued maintained and a chemical ecology study has been conducted by my PhD student. Objective 6. To determine the current status of insecticide resistance in field populations of bed bug in California and other Western states - Nothing to report. Objective 7. To determine the behavioral / physiological response of bed bug to entomopathogenic fungi. - The research continued by my PhD student. Objective 8. To examine the chemical ecology of bed bugs to exploit their behavior and use natural attractant compounds to develop a monitor / detection device. Termite: Objective 1. To identify and synthesize the attractant / trail pheromones of western drywood termites,Incisitermes minor. - Research progress has been made my PhD student. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic pheromones will increase termites' contact with treated surfaces (liquid and dust). - Nothing to report. Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating synthetic pheromones into currently available insecticidal sprays or dusts. - My PhD student has been making progress in this part of the research. Objective 4. To determine if some volatile adjuvants could be used to improve the heat treatment by achieving a higher control efficacy without the need for the extreme temperatures and longer treatment time. - Behavioral and toxicological study has been carried out by my PhD student. Wasps: Objective 1. To conduct continuous monitoring of yellowjacket activity throughout the year in several field sites in California. - Several field trials were conducted and several different baiting methods (e.g., hydrogel) have been tested in the sites. Genetic analyses were considered to study the genetic composition of the trapped yellowjackets at the sites. Objective 2. Develop effective and economic methods of baiting yellowjackets in the park / natural areas by exploring several different insecticidal active ingredients and novel non-meat bait substances. -everal field trials were conducted and several different baiting methods (e.g., hydrogel) have been tested in the sites. Genetic analyses were considered to study the genetic composition of the trapped yellowjackets at the sites.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
McCalla, K. A., J.-W. Tay, A. Mulchandani, D.-H. Choe, M. S. Hoddle. 2020. Biodegradable alginate hydrogel bait delivery system effectively controls high-density populations of Argentine ant in commercial citrus. J. Pest. Sci. 93:10311042.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Perry, D. T. and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Volatile essential oils can be used to improve the efficacy of heat treatments targeting the western drywood termite: evidence from a laboratory study. J. Econ. Entomol. 113: 1373-1381.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Perry, D. T. and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Volatile essential oils can be used to improve the efficacy of heat treatments targeting the western drywood termite: evidence from simulated whole house heat treatment trials. (published on Sep 4, 2020) J. Econ. Entomol. 113: 24482457.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Wilson Rankin, E. E., J. M. Cecala, N. H. Pineda, Q. Y. Lu, E. Pelayo, and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Differential feeding responses of several bee species to sugar sources containing iridomyrmecin, an Argentine ant trail pheromone component. (published on July 27, 2020) J. Insect Behav. 33: 8390.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Tay, J.-W., D.-H. Choe, A. Mulchandani, and M. K. Rust. 2020. Hydrogels: from controlled release to a new bait delivery for insect pest management. (published online Aug 27, 2020) J. Econ. Entomol. 113: 2061-2068.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Ko, A. and D.-H. Choe. 2020. Development of a lateral flow test for bed bug detection. Sci. Rep. 10: 13376. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70200-0
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Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Pest management professionals, general public, chemical pesticide manufacturer, state / federal regulators and agencies, pest management associations, environmental groups, housing management, school district, county-based urban IPM advisors Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We provided training / professional development opportunities by organizing a statewide continuing education (CE) events. 28th UCR Urban Pest Management Conference (March 2019) was successfully organized and delivered to local pest management professionals, state government agencies, and chemical industry representatives. In 2019, we had >200 attendees including 14 speakers from university, laboratory, federal / state agencies, etc. Also, we had 14 industry sponsors. We also provided training and professional development by organizing a 2-day educational event, 2018 UCR Fumigation School (November 2018). In 2018, over 20 registered attendees from pest control companies, state regulatory agencies, chemical manufacturers, etc.? How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated through the following routes: Publishing research outcome through published articles, manuscripts, presentations, and press releases. Organizing UCR Urban Pest Management Conference and UCR Fumigation School annually to disseminate the up-to-date research outcomes to the adequate audience / clientele group (e.g., pest management professionals, state regulators, general public, state IPM advisors, chemical manufacturers). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Ant: For the following objective, I plan to conduct several studies in urban / agricultural interface settings as well as natural settings. The new hydrogel bait with some new actives (e.g., boric acid) and an effective preservative will be tested. The collaborative networks with others will be established. • Objective 3. To field-test natural hydrogel beads that effectively deliver small amount of insecticides along with sugar based liquid bait to large populations of sugar-feeding pest ants with cooperating PMPs. Wasp: For the following two objectives, I plan to collaborate with Dr. Michael Rust at UCR to conduct yellowjacket baiting study in several sites in California. I will be responsible in providing staff support, and manufacturing and formulating the novel bait. In particular, we plan to conduct several choice tests to determine if biodegradable hydrogels can be as effective as a synthetic hydrogel as a bait matrix for yellowjacket control. In addition, several new active ingredients will be tested in the near future for their effectiveness when used with the hydrogels. • Objective 1. To conduct continuous monitoring of yellowjacket activity throughout the year in several field sites in California. • Objective 2. Develop effective and economic methods of baiting yellowjackets in the park / natural areas by exploring several different insecticidal active ingredients and novel non-meat bait substances. Bed bug: For the following objective, I plan to continue the data collection and analysis. • Objective 7. To determine the behavioral / physiological response of bed bug to entomopathogenic fungi. Termite: For the following two objectives, I plan to continue (1) to characterize the termites' response to the synthetic attractants (e.g., trail pheromone and other volatile compounds), and (2) to determine if the addition of the attractants can improve the efficacy of pesticide treatment. Wooden arena will be developed to mimic the typical conditions where the drywood colonies would be situated. • Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic pheromones will increase termites' contact with treated surfaces (liquid and dust). • Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating synthetic pheromones into currently available insecticidal sprays or dusts.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Ants: • Objective 1. To develop effective pheromone formulations with a close collaboration with an industry collaborator, and develop protocols for incorporating the pheromone formulations with insecticide sprays for ant control - Continued working with UCR Technology Commercialization Office and its licensing officer to facilitate the communication between UCR and the industry collaborators for technology licensing and potential commercialization. • Objective 2. To conduct field studies to compare the efficacies of conventional approaches and our novel strategies with the assistance of volunteering houses. Between June 2019 and September 2019, UCR Summer Ant Project was conducted. Two conventional treatment protocols and one "reduced-risk IPM protocol" were compared. The overall amount of applied insecticide and control efficacy was quantified. A total of 16 houses were used for this project. Our study showed a pheromone adjuvant and biodegradable hydrogel bait with boric acid can be effectively incorporated into ant IPM in urban settings. • Objective 3. To field-test natural hydrogel beads that effectively deliver small amount of insecticides along with sugar- based liquid bait to large populations of sugar-feeding pest ants with cooperating PMPs. - We continued working with the manufacturing process to increase our capacity in hydrogel production. Several further adjustment and improvements have been made to product at least 25-30 kg of biodegradable hydrogel bait per day. This hydrogel bait with boric acid was tested at a filed site at Dana Point. Between June 2019 and September 2019, several applications were made at the site, about 25 kg of gel bait at a time. Argentine ant was the primary ant species at the site. The foraging activity levels of Argentine ant were compared between the treated plot and the control plot. Bed bug: • Objective 1. To conduct laboratory studies to identify the important behavior-modifying chemical cues for bed bugs. - Bed bug exuviae have been tested as a source of volatile pheromone that might be responsible for bed bug's natural aggregation behavior. The synthetic pheromones were also synthesized and tested with olfactometer experiments. • Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic / standard chemical will increase bed bug's aggregation and retention once they contact a harborage substrate treated with the chemical. - Nothing to report. • Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating the chemical attractant(s) into novel monitoring tools for bed bug. - Nothing to report. • Objective 4. Conduct field studies to directly compare our novel bed bug detector / monitor with conventional pit-fall traps and other types of active / passive monitors. - Nothing to report. • Objective 5. To establish the field collected bed bug strains (Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus) in the laboratory. - Several strains of tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus) have been imported from Malaysia, and they have been kept in UCR's insectary / quarantine facility. Several field strains of C. lectularius have been also kept in the laboratory. Both species of bed bugs were used for the research on their aldehyde pheromones. • Objective 6. To determine the current status of insecticide resistance in field populations of bed bug in California and other Western states. - Nothing to report. • Objective 7. To determine the behavioral / physiological response of bed bug to entomopathogenic fungi. - Several behavioral assays were conducted in the laboratory. In particular, the bed bugs' behavioral responses were continuously tracked with a behavior analysis system which allows us to record the bed bug behavior under IR light condition. • Objective 8. To examine the chemical ecology of bed bugs to exploit their behavior and use natural attractant compounds to develop a monitor / detection device. - Nothing to report. Termite: • Objective 1. To identify and synthesize the attractant / trail pheromones of western drywood termites, Incisitermes minor. - The trail pheromone compound has been synthesized and tested for its biological activity. Natural compounds with behavioral significance have been screened for their activity for the drywood termites. • Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic pheromones will increase termites' contact with treated surfaces (liquid and dust). - Nothing to report. • Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating synthetic pheromones into currently available insecticidal sprays or dusts. -Nothing to report. • Objective 4. To determine if some volatile adjuvants could be used to improve the heat treatment by achieving a higher control efficacy without the need for the extreme temperatures and longer treatment time. - Laboratory and field study were conducted with western drywood termites and one of the essential oil components. The data indicated that the volatile adjuvants can increase the effectiveness of the conventional heat treatment protocol against drywood termite infestations. Wasps: • Objective 1. To conduct continuous monitoring of yellowjacket activity throughout the year in several field sites in California. - Several sites in Northern California and Southern California have been monitored for their yellowjacket activity levels. New attractants (e.g., meat-based attractants) were also tested as a possible lure for monitoring trap development. • Objective 2. Develop effective and economic methods of baiting yellowjackets in the park / natural areas by exploring several different insecticidal active ingredients and novel non-meat bait substances. - In collaboration with other groups (e.g., county advisor), one new active ingredient was tested with a hydrogel matrix for yewllowjacket baiting. Pre- and post-treatment monitoring data were collected and analyzed. The amount of bait take was also recorded and analyzed. This experiment was conducted at several different sites in Northern California as well as Southern California.?
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Schall, K., J.-W. Tay, A. Mulchandani, D.-H. Choe, and M. Hoddle. 2018. Harnessing hydrogels in the battle against invasive ants. Citrograph. 9: 30-35.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Choe, D.-H., E. Paysen, L. Greenberg, K. Campbell, and M. Rust. 2019. A closer look: Argentine ant control. Pest Control Technology. October issue: 131, 132, 134, 135.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
McCalla, K. A., J.-W. Tay, A. Mulchandani, D.-H. Choe, M. S. Hoddle. Biodegradable alginate hydrogel bait delivery system effectively controls high-density populations of Argentine ant in commercial citrus. J. Pest. Sci.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Perry, D. T. and D.-H. Choe. Volatile essential oils can be used to improve the efficacy of heat treatments targeting the western drywood termite: evidence from a laboratory study. J. Econ. Entomol.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Sutherland, A. M., Choe, D.-H, Rust, M. K. 2019. Cockroaches, UC IPM Pest Note, UC ANR Publication 7467. UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Choe, D.-H. Carpet Beetles, UC IPM Pest Note, UC ANR Publication 7436. UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
The use of volatile essential oils to improve heat treatments for the western drywood termite. 2018 ESA,ESC, and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Insecticidal baits effectively manage outdoor nuisance cockroaches while minimizing exposure risks at sensitive sites. 2018 ESA,ESC, and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Ontogeny of aldehyde pheromones in bed bugs (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). 2018 ESA,ESC, and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Using biodegradable seaweed-based hydrogels to deliver aqueous ant bait. 2018 ESA,ESC, and ESBC Joint Annual Meeting Entomological Society of America.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Communicating relevant science-based information to structural pest management professionals. Pacific Branch Meeting of Entomological Society of America. Pacific Branch of Entomological Society of America.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
UCR research update on ants and bed bugs. Procter and Gamble Company visit. 09/2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Field Tests of Oxadiazine and Neonicotinoid Products for Argentine ant control. UCR Urban Pest Management Conference. 03/2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Control of Incisitermes minor, the Western Drywood Termite, Using Heat and Essential Oils. UCR Urban Pest Management Conference. 03/2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
The Use of Volatile Adjuvants to Improve Heat Treatments for the Western Drywood Termite. UCR Urban Pest Management Conference (poster presentation). 03/2019
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Termite biology and its implication on control. Target Specialty Products Annual Winter Workshop. 03/2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Resistant Profiles of German Cockroach Strains in Southern California. UCR Urban Pest Management Conference. 03/2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Depositional Pattern of Pyrethroid Insecticides after use of Total Release Fogger Products. UCR Urban Pest Management Conference. 03/2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Measurement of Aldehyde Pheromone in Nymphal Bed Bugs (Heteroptera: Cimicidae). UCR Urban Pest Management Conference. 03/2019
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Enhancing biological control of citrus pests with improved ant control technologies. 2nd Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Research Symposium. 03/2019
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
UCR research update on urban pest insects. PCOC Orange County Meeting. 01/2019
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
The biology of termites. UCR Fumigation School. 11/2018
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Bed bugs and fumigation. UCR Fumigation School. 11/2018
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Progress 04/04/18 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Pest management professionals, general public, chemical pesticide manufacturer, state / federal regulators and agencies, pest management associations, environmental groups, housing management, school district, county-based urban IPM advisors Changes/Problems:Bed bug: The following ojectives are most likely to be significantly revised or removed from the project due to the change of priority of the research direction. Objective 1. To conduct laboratory studies to identify the important behavior-modifying chemical cues for bed bugs. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic / standard chemical will increase bed bug's aggregation and retention once they contact a harborage substrate treated with the chemical. Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating the chemical attractant(s) into novel monitoring tools for bed bug. Objective 4. Conduct field studies to directly compare our novel bed bug detector / monitor with conventional pit-fall traps and other types of active / passive monitors. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?27th UCR Urban Pest Management Conference was successfully organized and delivered to local pest management professionals, state government agencies, and chemical industry representatives. In 2018, we had total 203 attendees from academia, pest management companies, chemical manufactures, state regulatory agencies. 14 industry sponsors. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated through the following routes: Publishing research outcome through published articles, manuscripts, presentations, and press releases. Organizing UCR Urban Pest Managment Conference annually to disseminate the up-to-date research outcomes to the adequate audience / clientele group (e.g., pest management professionals, state regulators, general public, state IPM advisors, chemical manufacturers). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Ant: For the following objective, I plan to conduct several studies in urban setting as well as natural settings. The new hydrogel bait with some new actives (e.g., boric acid) will be testd. Several other conventional methods of ant management will be also considered for urban settings. Objective 3. To field-test natural hydrogel beads that effectively deliver small amount of insecticides along with sugar-based liquid bait to large populations of sugar-feeding pest ants with cooperating PMPs. Wasp: For the following two objectives,I plan tocollaborate with Dr. Michael Rust at UCR to conduct yellowjacket baiting study in several sites in California. I will be responsible in providing staff support, and manufactuing and formulating the novel bait. Objective 1. To conduct continuous monitoring of yellowjacket activity throughout the year in several field sites in California. Objective 2. Develop effective and economic methods of baiting yellowjackets in the park / natural areas by exploring several different insecticidal active ingredients and novel non-meat bait substances. Bed bug: For the following objective, I plan to establish assay methods and data analysis methods. Objective 7. To determine the behavioral / physiological response of bed bug to entomopathogenic fungi. - Several behaviorl assay designs were developed and test in the laboratory. Termite: For the followingtwo objectives, I plan to conduct several studies (1) to characterize the termties' response to the synthetic attractants, and (2) to determine if the addition of the attractants can improve the efficacy of pesticide treatment. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic pheromones will increase termites' contact with treated surfaces (liquid and dust). Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating synthetic pheromones into currently available insecticidal sprays or dusts.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Ants: Objective 1. To develop effective pheromone formulations with a close collaboration with an industry collaborator, and develop protocols for incorporating the pheromone formulations with insecticide sprays for ant control - Continued working with UCR Technology Commercialization Office and its licensing officer to faciliate the communication between UCR and the industry collaborators for technology licensing and potential commercialization. Objective 2. To conduct field studies to compare the efficacies of conventional approaches and our novel strategies, with the assistance of volunteering houses and cooperating Pest Management Professionals (PMPs). The overall amount of applied insecticide and reducing the potential runoff of pesticides in to urban waterways will be estimated / quantified. - Summer UCR Ant Project was conducted between June 2018 - September 2018 to compare several pesticide treatment protocols to develop a new low-impact IPM protocols for Argentine ant management. A total of 16 houses were used for this 4 month project. Our study showed some non-pyrethroid and non-fipronil active ingredients can be effectively incorporated into ant IPM in urban settings. Objective 3. To field-test natural hydrogel beads that effectively deliver small amount of insecticides along with sugar-based liquid bait to large populations of sugar-feeding pest ants with cooperating PMPs. - We continue work with the manufacturing process to increase our capacity in hydrogel production. Several adjustment and improvement have been made to product at least 10 kg of biodegradable gel bait per day. In 2018, several new research / field trial opprotunties have been establisehd for 2019 ant season. Bed bug: Objective 1. To conduct laboratory studies to identify the important behavior-modifying chemical cues for bed bugs. - Bed bug exuviae have been tested as a source of volatile pheromone that might be responsible for bed bug's natural aggregation behavior. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic / standard chemical will increase bed bug's aggregation and retention once they contact a harborage substrate treated with the chemical. - Nothing to report. Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating the chemical attractant(s) into novel monitoring tools for bed bug. - Nothing to report. Objective 4. Conduct field studies to directly compare our novel bed bug detector / monitor with conventional pit-fall traps and other types of active / passive monitors. - Nothing to report. Objective 5. To establish the field collected bed bug strains (Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus) in the laboratory. - Several strains of tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus) have been imported from Malaysia, and they have been kept in UCR's insectary / quarantine facility. Several field strains of C. lectularius have been also kept in the laboratory. Objective 6. To determine the current status of insecticide resistance in field populations of bed bug in California and other Western states. - Some toxicological assay was conducted with freshly established field-collected C. lectularius. Deltamethrin was used for this assay. The assay result indicated some signficant level of resistance in the field collected strain of bed bug. Objective 7. To determine the behavioral / physiological response of bed bug to entomopathogenic fungi. - Several behaviorl assay designs were developed and test in the laboratory. Objective 8. To examine the chemical ecology of bed bugs to exploit their behavior and use natural attractant compounds to develop a monitor / detection device. - Nothing to report. Termite: Objective 1. To identify and synthesize the attractant / trail pheromones of western drywood termites, Incisitermes minor. - The compound has been synthesized and tested for its biological activity. Objective 2. To determine whether the synthetic pheromones will increase termites' contact with treated surfaces (liquid and dust). - Nothing to report. Objective 3. To develop effective and economical methods of incorporating synthetic pheromones into currently available insecticidal sprays or dusts. -Nothing to report. Objective 4. To determine if some volatile adjuvants could be used to improve the heat treatment by achieving a higher control efficacy without the need for the extreme temperatures and longer treatment time. - Laboratory and field study were conducted with western drywood termites and one of the essential oil components. The data are highly promising, and they indicate that the volatile adjuvants can increase the effectiveness of the conventional heat treamtent protocol against drywood termite infestations. Wasps: Objective 1. To conduct continuous monitoring of yellowjacket activity throughout the year in several field sites in California. - Research funding has been secured to conduct this study. Several field siteswith yellowjacket activityhave been also identified and secured for the study. Objective 2. Develop effective and economic methods of baiting yellowjackets in the park / natural areas by exploring several different insecticidal active ingredients and novel non-meat bait substances. - Collaboration with other groups (e.g., county advisor) has been established.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Merrill, K. C., C. L. Boser, C. Hanna, D. A. Holway, I. Naughton, D.-H. D.-H. Choe, K. Campbell, M. S. Hoddle, J. Kabashima, M. Dimson, and M. K. Rust. 2018. Evaluation of a hydrogel matrix for baiting western yellowjacket (Vespidae: Hymenoptera). J. Econ. Entomol. 111: 17991805. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy139
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Schall, K., J.-W. Tay, A. Mulchandani, D.-H. Choe, and M. Hoddle. 2018. Harnessing hydrogels in the battle against invasive ants. Citrograph. 9: 30-35.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Use of a Biodegradable Hydrogel to Deliver Aqueous Bait to Control Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Residential Settings.
JIA-WEI TAY, Mark Hoddle, Ashok Mulchandani, and Dong-Hwan Choe (in a symposium entitled: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS OF MOLECULAR RESEARCH IN URBAN ENTOMOLOGY, 2018 National Conference on Urban Entomology, Cary, NC)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Residual Efficacy of Several Pesticide Products for Bed
Bugs on Contaminated Surfaces. DONG-HWAN CHOE (in a symposium entitled: BED BUG RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT, 2018 National Conference on Urban Entomology, Cary, NC)
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