Source: MICHIGAN STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
NEW ARTHROPOD PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACHES AND CONTROL TACTICS FOR MICHIGAN TREE FRUIT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1017196
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Nov 1, 2018
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2021
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
(N/A)
EAST LANSING,MI 48824
Performing Department
Entomology
Non Technical Summary
Michigan is the leading producer of tree fruits in the Midwest, with over 70,000 acres of orchards. Tree fruits are a significant contributor to Michigan's economy with a 3-year average farm level value of $375 million annually. Collectively, if left unchecked, a complex of over 30 kinds of arthropod pest species can reduce marketable yield by up to 100 percent. Among the key insect-related challenges facing the Michigan tree fruit industries are the need for new control options, the threat from invasive and emerging pests and meeting the zero tolerance for "worms" in fruit at harvest imposed by regulations and consumer demands. Without effective control of pests that feed directly on the fruit, growers can have entire loads of fruit rejected or in extreme cases lose an entire season's crop. Additionally, many factors acting together have heightened grower impetus to reduce chemical inputs and adopt alternative pest controls. The project addresses the USDA knowledge areas of plant protection against insects, mites and other arthropods and the development of integrated pest management systems.The overall goal of this project is to develop and deliver pest controls and management strategies that are efficacious, environmentally sound, and economical for Michigan tree fruit production systems. The objectives of the project are 1) to determine the efficacy and optimal timing of newer insecticides for control of major foliar and fruit feeding pests of MI tree fruits, 2) to develop monitoring tools and management programs for spotted wing drosophila, 3) to develop monitoring tools and management programs for brown marmorated stinkbug, 4) to determine the composition of BMSB microbiota and potential for manipulating symbiotic bacteria for managing this invasive, 5) to survey for the presence of lightbrown apple moth, summer fruit tortrix and European cherry fruit fly in Michigan tree fruits for the purpose of early detection of these potential invasive pests and 6) to determine the effectiveness of mass release of sterile males for management of codling moth in apple. Experiments will be conducted in orchards at MSU AgBioResearch Centers and in commercial plantings. The development of the sterile insect technique, trap-out, and other selective controls, and monitoring systems will allow growers to eliminate treatments that are not warranted and thereby reduce the cost of insect pest management programs. They also will lead to greater IPM implementation and reduced exposure of humans and the environment to pesticides. The estimated cost savings of eliminating a single spray on the 33,000 acres of apples grown in Michigan will lead to an increase profit for Michigan growers of $1.5 million. Knowledge will be delivered to target audiences through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at professional meetings and through extension and outreach activities, including annual presentations at horticultural society meetings and short courses, and publication of newsletter articles and in web-based information resources Increases in grower adoption of new technologies and approaches, and changes in profit and insecticide use patterns will be measured to quantify the impact of the project on the intended audience.
Animal Health Component
75%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
75%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2111110113055%
2111112113035%
2111114113010%
Knowledge Area
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1114 - Peach; 1110 - Apple; 1112 - Cherry;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology;
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to develop and deliver pest controls and management strategies that are efficacious, environmentally sound, and economical for Michigan tree fruit production systems. The specific objectives of the proposed research are:1) To determine the efficacy and optimal timing of newer insecticides for control of major foliar and fruit feeding pests of MI tree fruits.2) To develop monitoring tools and management programs for spotted wing drosophila.3) To develop monitoring tools and management programs for brown marmorated stinkbug.4) To determine the composition of BMSB microbiota and potential for manipulating symbiotic bacteria for managing this invasive.5) To survey for the presence of lightbrown apple moth, summer fruit tortrix and European cherry fruit fly in Michigan tree fruits for the purpose of early detection of these potential invasive pests.6) To determine the effectiveness of mass release of sterile males for management of codling moth in apple.
Project Methods
The efficacy of newer or experimental insecticides will be evaluated in orchards at MSU AgBioResearch Centers. Teatments will be applied to small plots arranged in a completely randomized block design with at least four replicates per treatment. Adult or immature densities and levels of fruit injury will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of pest control in all experiments. Data will be subjected to ANOVA; means will be separated using Tukey's honestly significant difference test.Trap comparisons and lab-field experiments will be used to develop monitoring tools and management programs for spotted wing drosophila. The commercial utility of a sticky red panel baited with a commercial lure for assessing SWD activity will be tested in at least 25 commercial cherry orchards spread throughout Michigan's main cherry production regions. To identify more potent attractants, volatiles will be collected from a number of sources that are known to be attractive to SWD using a headspace volatile collection system. The attractiveness of volatiles released from fruits, yeast, or the combination of the two will be tested in a flight tunnel and in field trapping assays. Small plot efficacy trials will be conducted to determine the optimum time for initiating SWD management programs and identify novel control tactics for SWD.New trap designs and commercially-produced or experimental lures for BMSB will be tested by deploying one of each trap or lure type at each of 4-6 sites where BMSB has been captured in previous years. The effect of trap placement will be simultaneously addressed by comparing BMSB catch in traps placed on the wood edge, on the orchard perimeter, or an intermediate location within the orchard drive row. Special attention will be focused on the newest BMSB trapping system comprised of LLIN netting affixed to a tall post and baiting with a pheromone lure. I also will test the effectiveness of LLINs as part of a management program via their deployment as trap out devices.Monitoring for the presence of lightbrown apple moth, summer fruit tortrix and eastern cherry fruit fly will entail deploying traps on 5-10 fruit farms in each of four Michigan fruit producing regions. Traps will be checked weekly. If a suspected positive find is recorded, the specimen(s) will be sent to USDA-APHIS for species identification.Research on BMSB symbiotic bacteria will focus on egg sterilization, potential control with bactericides and characterizing the symbionts presence in lab colonies and wild populations. Egg sterilization will be achieved by immersing egg masses in 4% formalin or 10% bleach, extensively washing them with sterile water, and air drying them on the surface of filter paper in the large sterile petri-dish. The numbers of eggs hatched, time for egg hatching, nymph mortality, their developmental time, adult longevity and female fecundity will be compared between eggs surface-sterilized with formalin or 10% bleach or not sterilized. The commercial bactericides registered for agricultural use, Bacinash-200 and Blackout (Multiplex company), with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity will be tested for their effects on fitness of BMSB. Molecular approaches for detecting and characterizing symbionts will be employed to identify the cause of high mortality in BMSB laboratory colonies. We will compare microbiome profiles in laboratory reared and wild-caught BMSB by extracting microbial DNA using the DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit (Qiagen).Experiments testing the effectiveness of mass release of sterile moths for managing CM will be conducted in commercial apple orchards in Michigan's main apple production regions. The study will be set up as a randomized complete block design with one replicate of each treatment within a given orchard plot. Mass-reared CM irradiated at 200 Gy will be imported from the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (OKSIR) facility in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. I will evaluate the efficacy of two sterile release programs: 1) release of sterile moths plus judicious use of insecticides as needed or 2) pheromone-based mating disruption overlaid with the release of sterile moths plus judicious use of insecticides as needed. Captures of wild males in pheromone-baited traps and fruit injury counts at mid-season and prior to harvest will be used to assess treatment effects. The efficiency of releasing from "uniformly" or from "reduced release points, either by hand or drone, will be compared by measuring captures of released SIR moths in 16 pheromone-baited sticky traps placed in the upper portion of the trees, in a 4 x 4 grid within each block. Over the course of the project, I also will investigate factors, such as the timing of moth release and orchard design, that may impact the dispersal of SIR moths. Finally, I will evaluate the effectiveness of releasing SIR moths at 40:1, 20:1 and 10: 1 over-flooding ratios by simulating wild moth populations at different densities. Knowledge will be delivered to target audiences through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at professional meetings and through extension and outreach activities, including annual presentations at horticultural society meetings and short courses, and publication of newsletter articles and in web-based information resources. In addition, the Michigan Fruit Management Guide that is updated annually will have the greatest day-to-day impact on grower practices because the publication is routinely consulted during the growing season to assist in the process of management decision-making. Increases in grower adoption of new technologies and approaches, and changes in profitability and insecticide use patterns will be measured to quantify the impact of the project on the intended audience.

Progress 11/01/18 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Michigan and other US apple, peach and cherry producers and the Extension Educators serving them. Other individuals associated with the production of these commodities. Professional colleagues. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational presentations on new insect pest management tactics and strategies were given to agricultural stakeholders at the Ridge/Belding Spring Spray Meeting, Southeast MI Spring Tree Fruit Meeting, Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days, Northwest Michigan Horticultural Show, the Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Industry field tours of research plots were held at the Trevor Nichols Research Center and the Clarksville Horticultural Research Station. Two graduate students and two post-doctoral researchers were trained as part of this project. Educational presentations by graduate students, post doctoral research associates and myself on new insect pest management tactics and strategies were given to agricultural stakeholders at the Ridge/Belding Spring Spray Meeting, Southeast MI Spring Tree Fruit Meeting, Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days, Northwest Michigan Horticultural Show, the Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Expo. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project findings were shared through conferences, workshops, field days, trade journal articles, extension newsletters, annual reports, and presentations at grower and scientific meetings. Findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America and the Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference in Portland, the PheroIFP19-Joint Meeting of theIOBC Working Groups in Lisbon, Portugal, the annual meeting of Walnut growers in South East France and the joint meeting of the Entomological Society of America and the Canadian Entomological Society in Vancouver, BC. Updates onthe management of tree fruit insects were presented to the industry at Annual Horticultural Society meetings in Grand Rapids (over 3500 attendees), Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and West central Michigan (100-300 attendees/meeting). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The efficacy of experimental and newly registered insecticides was evaluated in a suite of small plot trials conducted in MSU research orchards. Pest densities and The results of these trials will be summarized this winter and incorporated into the annual update of the Michigan Fruit Management Guide. This is the principal source used by fruit growers to make sound pest management decisions. The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) are the best-documented and highest profile threats to the Michigan tree fruit industries. Trapping for BMSB was carried out at more than 60 sites near or in tree fruit orchards spread across Michigan. As in past years, BMSB is widespread and abundant in southern counties, but was only found in a few sites, and in low numbers, in west central and northern Michigan counties. Apple growers in the southern apple growing regions responded to this surge in BMSB activity by applying insecticides to prevent damage prior to harvest. I continued to assess establishment success of T. japonicus, an adventive parasitoid of BMSB that was discovered in MI in 2018. Augmentative field releases of adult T. Japonicus were carried out at over a dozen sites. Sentinel egg masses and yellow sticky cards were deployed at numerous locations in Michigan to evaluate the distribution of T. japonicus and identify areas where future augmentative releases should focus. A field study was conducted with the aim of refining long-lasting insecticidal netting and panel trapping systems for BMSB. An attract-and-kill program for BMSB utilizing perimeter-placed LLIN traps placed at 30-meter intervals along wooded orchard borders was evaluated at four sites approximately 3-7 acres in size that were within 50 m of a wood edge. Control plots consisting of a grower standard stinkbug spray program were established at each site. Treatment effects were measured by assessing capture in panel traps in the interior of the plots and stink bug damage to apples one week after the last insecticide treatment and just before the peak of apple harvest. Trapping for SWD was carried out at 90 sites spread across 19 Michigan counties. Substantial rainfall and resulting humidity resulted in rapid SWD population growth compared with previous seasons, especially in southern Michigan sites. Greater than 20% of the traps captured flies in all regions signaled the need to protect susceptible fruit. A fruit phenology model was explored as a means of predicting when cherries may be at low, medium, or high risk of infestation by SWD. The model is based on research showing that cherries are susceptible to SWD attack between 954 to 1170 growing degree days (GDD) base 39.2 F post bloom. Monitoring programs for SWD and BMSB have allowed growers to preserve extant tree fruit IPM programs and maintain environmental, consumer and worker safety. Invasion by either of three other exotics, the light brown apple moth (LBAM), summer fruit tortrix (SFT) or European Cherry Fruit Fly (ECFF) also would greatly complicate the IPM programs developed for insect management in tree fruits were deployed in 2020 at 24 fruit farms/year spread across Michigan's fruit production regions. No LBAM, SFT or ECFF were detected in the survey. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has shown promise as a novel option for suppressing CM populations. In order to make this a cost-effective alternative for managing CM, research was conducted with the aim of optimizing the methods timing and density of release of sterile adults. Mass-reared CM irradiated at 200 Gy were imported weekly from the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (OKSIR) facility in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. In 2020 M3 Consulting Group personnel transported 24,000 moths weekly across the border and shipped them to Michigan overnight in coolers, allowing us to release them in orchards within six hours of receiving them. The 2020 season focused on evaluating the use of drones to deploy the sterile moths. Recapture of sterile moths was about 2-fold higher when moths were released by hand compared to drone application. The drone application was significantly improved by lowering the release altitude, the closer to the canopy the better the recapture and distribution. Another challenge addressed was the density of sterile moths needed to suppress wild populations. Field experiments were conducted in commercial apple orchards comparing the efficacy of programs in which sterile moths were released at the full rate of 800 moths/acre (50:50; male:female) or a half rate of 400 moths/acre. SIT moths were released at the two rates over the entire season at five locations. The number of sterile moths recaptured was similar whether 800 or 400 individuals were released weekly. The high and low release rates had a similar suppressive effect on wild male captures, with about a 50% reduction compared to the control plot. Another focus was to compare season-long versus first or second generation only sterile moth releases. Each of the programs were replicated in at least three orchards. Moths were applied weekly at a rate of 800/ac using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the prescribed period. Captures of wild males in pheromone-baited traps and two fruit injury counts, mid-season and prior to harvest, were used to assess treatment effects, i.e., the extent to which adult densities and larval infestation were reduced by sterile moth treatments. Very good control of CM was achieved in most of the orchards. In the first year of using SIT, growers also applied pheromone and other control measures along with SIT to control CM. Under this robust regime of SIT plus other controls, no CM fruit injury was recorded in any of the plots. However, seasonal captures of wild and sterile males over the course of the season provided strong inference about the relative success of each program. Captures of SIT males were fairly consistent in the season-long programs, peaking at around 40-60 moths per week. Season-long releases in orchards with moderate CM pressure (average captures of <10/trap/week) provided good suppression of CM and very low 2nd generation captures. Releasing 1st generation only under similar pest pressure also was highly effective, nearly eliminating 2nd generation captures. Very good activity of sterile moths was recorded in these plots. Releasing 2nd generation only in orchards with moderate CM pressure also was effective. Less than adequate control of CM was only recorded where CM pressure was much higher (20-40 adults/trap/week). With only a 1:1 overflooding ratio of sterile to wild moths, adult captures remained high throughout the 2nd generation flight.

Publications


    Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Michigan and other US apple, peach and cherry producers and the Extension Educators serving them. Other individuals associated with the production of these commodities. Professional colleagues. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students and two post-doctoral researchers are being trained as part of this project. Educational presentations by graduate students, post doctoral research associates and myself on new insect pest management tactics and strategies were given to agricultural stakeholders at the Ridge/Belding Spring Spray Meeting, Southeast MI Spring Tree Fruit Meeting, Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days, Northwest Michigan Horticultural Show, the Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Expo. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project findings were shared through conferences, workshops, field days, trade journal articles, extension newsletters, annual reports, and presentations at grower and scientific meetings. Findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America and the Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference in Portland, OR. Updates on the management of tree fruit insects were presented to the industry at Annual Horticultural Society meetings in Grand Rapids (over 3500 attendees), Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and West central Michigan (100-300 attendees/meeting). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Research and education in objectives 1-4 will continue.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The efficacy of experimental and newly registered insecticides was evaluated in a suite of small plot trials conducted in MSU research orchards. Pest densities and The results of these trials will be summarized this winter and incorporated into the annual update of the Michigan Fruit Management Guide. This is the principal source used by fruit growers to make sound pest management decisions. The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) are the best-documented and highest profile threats to the Michigan tree fruit industries. Trapping for BMSB was carried out at more than 60 sites near or in tree fruit orchards spread across Michigan. Adult captures increased dramatically beginning in September. As in past years, BMSB is widespread and abundant in southern counties, but was only found in a few sites, and in low numbers, in west central and northern Michigan counties. Apple growers in the southern apple growing regions responded to this surge in BMSB activity by applying insecticides to prevent damage prior to harvest. I am continuing to assess establishment success of T. japonicus, an adventive parasitoid of BMSB that was discovered in MI in 2018. Augmentative field releases of adult T. Japonicus were carried out at over a dozen sites. Sentinel egg masses and yellow sticky cards were deployed at numerous locations in Michigan to evaluate the distribution of T. japonicus and identify areas where future augmentative releases should focus. A field study was conducted with the aim of refining long-lasting insecticidal netting and panel trapping systems for BMSB. The experiment is still in progress and data will be analyzed this winter. An attract-and-kill program for BMSB utilizing perimeter-placed LLIN traps placed at 30-meter intervals along wooded orchard borders is being evaluated at four sites approximately 3-7 acres in size that are each within 50 m of a wood edge. Control plots consisting of a grower standard stinkbug spray program have been established at each site. Treatment effects are being measured by assessing capture in panel traps in the interior of the plots and stink bug damage to apples one week after the last insecticide treatment and just before the peak of apple harvest. Trapping for SWD was carried out at 90 sites spread across 19 Michigan counties. Substantial rainfall and resulting humidity resulted in rapid SWD population growth in mid-June compared with previous seasons, especially in southern Michigan sites. Greater than 20% of the traps captured flies in all regions by early July, signaling the need to protect susceptible fruit. A fruit phenology model was explored as a means of predicting when cherries may be at low, medium, or high risk of infestation by SWD. The model is based on research showing that cherries are susceptible to SWD attack between 954 to 1170 growing degree days (GDD) base 39.2 F post bloom. Monitoring programs for SWD and BMSB have allowed growers to preserve extant tree fruit IPM programs and maintain environmental, consumer and worker safety. Invasion by either of three other exotics, the light brown apple moth (LBAM), summer fruit tortrix (SFT) or European Cherry Fruit Fly (ECFF) also would greatly complicate the IPM programs developed for insect management in tree fruits. were deployed at 24 fruit farms/year spread across Michigan's fruit production regions. No LBAM, SFT or ECFF were detected in the survey. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has shown promise as a novel option for suppressing CM populations. In order to make this a cost-effective alternative for managing CM, research was conducted with the aim of optimizing the methods timing and density of release of sterile adults. Mass-reared CM irradiated at 200 Gy were imported weekly beginning in late May from the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (OKSIR) facility in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada. M3 Consulting Group personnel transported 24,000 moths weekly across the border and shipped them to Michigan overnight in coolers, allowing us to release them in orchards within six hours of receiving them. This past season focused on evaluating the use of drones to deploy the sterile moths. Recapture of sterile moths was about 2-fold higher when moths were released by hand compared to drone application. The drone application was significantly improved by lowering the release altitude, the closer to the canopy the better the recapture and distribution. Another challenge addressed was the density of sterile moths needed to suppress wild populations. Field experiments were conducted in commercial apple orchards comparing the efficacy of programs in which sterile moths were released at the full rate of 800 moths/acre (50:50; male:female) or a half rate of 400 moths/acre. SIT moths were released at the two rates over the entire season at five locations. The number of sterile moths recaptured was similar whether 800 or 400 individuals were released weekly. Recapture was greater in July than August. The high and low release rates had a similar suppressive effect on wild male captures, with about a 50% reduction compared to the control plot. Another focus this year was to compare season-long versus first or second generation only sterile moth releases. Each of the programs were replicated in at least three orchards. Moths were applied weekly at a rate of 800/ac using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during the prescribed period. Captures of wild males in pheromone-baited traps and two fruit injury counts, mid-season and prior to harvest, were used to assess treatment effects, i.e., the extent to which adult densities and larval infestation were reduced by sterile moth treatments. Very good control of CM was achieved in most of the orchards. In the first year of using SIT, growers also applied pheromone and other control measures along with SIT to control CM. Under this robust regime of SIT plus other controls, no CM fruit injury was recorded in any of the plots. However, seasonal captures of wild and sterile males over the course of the season provide strong inference about the relative success of each program. Captures of SIT males were fairly consistent in the season-long programs, peaking at around 40-60 moths per week. Season-long releases in orchards with moderate CM pressure (average captures of <10/trap/week) provided good suppression of CM and very low 2nd generation captures. Releasing 1st generation only under similar pest pressure also was highly effective, nearly eliminating 2nd generation captures. Very good activity of sterile moths was recorded in these plots. Releasing 2nd generation only in orchards with moderate CM pressure also was effective. Less than adequate control of CM was only recorded where CM pressure was much higher (20-40 adults/trap/week). With only a 1:1 overflooding ratio of sterile to wild moths, adult captures remained high throughout the 2nd generation flight.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J.C., A. H., C.E. Wheeler, A. VanWoerkom and L. J. Gut. 2020. Control of San Jose scale in sweet cherry, 2019. 45 (1): doi: 10.1093/amt/tsaa061.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J.C., A. H., C.E. Wheeler, A. VanWoerkom and L. J. Gut. 2020. Control of codling moth in apple, 2019. 45 (1): doi: 10.1093/amt/tsaa058.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J.C., A. H., C.E. Wheeler, A. VanWoerkom and L. J. Gut. 2020. Control of apple maggot in apple, 2019. 45 (1): doi: 10.1093/amt/tsaa057.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J.C., A. H., C.E. Wheeler, A. VanWoerkom and L. J. Gut. 2020. Control of spotted wing drosophila in tart cherry, 2019. 45 (1): doi: 10.1093/amt/tsaa042.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Pote, J. J. Wilson and L. Gut. 2020. Trap design and deployment strategies for monitoring brown marmorated stink bug. New York Fruit Quarterly 28 (2): 5-11.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., L.J., Gut, M. Grieshop and W. Shane. (revised Aug 2020). Managing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Michigan Orchards. Fact Sheet.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J., L.J., Gut, R. Isaacs, A. M. C. Schilder, B. Zandstra, E. Hanson & B. Shane. 2020. Michigan Fruit Management Guide. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-154.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. 2020 Fruit insecticide registration update. MSU AgNews, March 30, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wise, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Miticide options for controlling mites in fruit. MSU AgNews, May 1, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  June 23, 2020. MSU AgNews, June 23, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  June 30, 2020. MSU AgNews, June 30, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 7, 2020. MSU AgNews, July 7, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 14, 2020. MSU AgNews, July 14, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 21, 2020. MSU AgNews, July 21, 2020.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2020. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 28, 2020. MSU AgNews, July 28, 2020.


    Progress 11/01/18 to 09/30/19

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Michigan and other US apple, peach and cherry producers and the Extension Educators serving them. Other individuals associated with the production of these commodities. Professional colleagues. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational presentations on new insect pest management tactics and strategies were given to agricultural stakeholders at the Ridge/Belding Spring Spray Meeting, Southeast MI Spring Tree Fruit Meeting, Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days, Northwest Michigan Horticultural Show, the Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Industry field tours of research plots were held at the Trevor Nichols Research Center and the Clarksville Horticultural Research Station. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project findings were shared through conferences, workshops, field days, trade journal articles, extension newsletters, annual reports, and presentations at grower and scientific meetings. Findings were presented at the PheroIFP19-Joint Meeting of the IOBC Working Groups in Lisbon, Portugal, the annual meeting of Walnut growers in South East France and the joint meeting of the Entomological Society of America and the Canadian Entomological Society in Vancouver, BC. Topics presented included "Mating disruption, past, present and future", Optimizing the sterile insect technique for managing codling moth", "Improved trapping for Halyomorpha halys (Stahl) using long lasting insecticide netting (LLIN)" and "Attractiveness of symbiotic yeast to Drosophila suzukii as influenced by background fruit odor." Scientific findings on "Sterile insect release: a new tool for codling moth management in Michigan", "Effect of timing and release method on SIR moth dispersion" and "Improved trapping for brown marmorated stink bug using long-lasting insecticidal netting" were presented at the Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference in Portland, OR. Lectures entitled "Novel ways to reduce black stem borer damage," "Opportunities for mating disruption of San Jose scale", "BMSB trapping and opportunities for biological control" and "Sterile insect release: a new tool for codling moth control in Michigan" were given to fruit growers and industry representatives at the Michigan State University Tree Fruit Management School in Traverse City, MI. Updates on the management of tree fruit insects were presented to the industry at Annual Horticultural Society meetings in Grand Rapids (over 3500 attendees), Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and West central Michigan (100-300 attendees/meeting). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Research and education in each of the six objectives will continue.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The efficacy of more than 20 insecticides was evaluated in a suite of small plot trials conducted in MSU research orchards. Levels of fruit injury were used to assess the effectiveness of control materials. Nearly all treatments tested for SWD control significantly reduced the incidence of larval infestation in cherry compared to the untreated check. Top performing treatments included phosmet, spinetoram, cyclaniliprole and hydrogen peroxide + peroxyacetic acid. In a trial conducted in apple, buprofezin, flupyradifurone, and spirotetramat treatments all reduced the incidence of SJS compared to the untreated check. Slight suppression of SJS was achieved using the biological, Burkholderia rinojensis. The results of these trials were incorporated into the annual update of the Michigan Fruit Management Guide. This is the principal source used by fruit growers to make sound pest management decisions. The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) are the best-documented and highest profile threats to the Michigan tree fruit industries. Trapping for BMSB was carried out at more than 60 sites near or in tree fruit orchards spread across Michigan. Adult captures through early September were low in comparison to last year. Beginning in mid-September, the number BMSB caught jumped significantly at a number of the southern Michigan sites. Apple growers in this region are responding to this surge in BMSB activity by applying insecticides to prevent damage prior to harvest. Trapping for SWD was carried out at 80 sites spread across 19 Michigan counties. A wet cool spring resulted in a slow start to SWD activity, with only 15 flies captured over the first 3 weeks of June. A surge in SWD captures occurred in early July, especially in the southern counties. SWD activity increased dramatically in mid-July, with flies caught at more than 90% of the sites and a ten-fold increase in mean captures. Monitoring programs for SWD and BMSB have allowed growers to preserve extant tree fruit IPM programs and maintain environmental, consumer and worker safety. Invasion by either of three other exotics, the light brown apple moth (LBAM), summer fruit tortrix (SFT) or European Cherry Fruit Fly (ECFF) also would greatly complicate the IPM programs developed for insect management in tree fruits. Traps for these potential invasives were deployed at 24 fruit farms/year spread across Michigan's fruit production regions. No LBAM, SFT or ECFF were detected in the survey. A series of experiments were conducted with the aim of developing more effective trap designs and commercial attractants for SWD and BMSB. The following trap designs/modifications were directly compared for their ability to catch BMSB in Michigan orchard settings: several versions of a long-lasting insecticidal netting (LLIN) trap, panel trap, pyramid trap (original unmodified top), pyramid trap (with modified top and lure secured to the outside of the top) and the Rescue trap. All traps were baited with the Trécé high dose dual-component lure. LLIN traps also are being evaluated as a means of managing BMSB by placing traps every 40 meters along the perimeter of commercial orchards. Trapping experiments are still in progress and data will be analyzed this winter. SWD laboratory assays focused on optimizing traps to capture overwintering morphs. A sugar yeast bait was more attractive to winter morphs than raspberry fruit. Laboratory assays also revealed that significantly more overwintering flies are captured when traps and lures are placed on the floor rather than hung in the experimental arena. SWD field trapping research focused on evaluating the effect of color contrast on capture of flies in sticky panel traps. Traps were custom-made in the following colors and patterns: green, yellow and red, green a purple circle in the center yellow panel with a red circle in the center, alternating green and purple squares, alternating red and yellow squares. Sticky panel traps baited with a Scentry lure were deployed randomly in each of 6 cherry orchards located in southwest Michigan. The mean number of SWD were similar among all the traps. Thus, combining colors in various patterns to provide contrast did not increase fly captures. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has shown promise as a novel option for suppressing CM populations. In order to make this a cost-effective alternative for managing CM, research was conducted with the aim of optimizing the methods and timing of release of sterile adults, as well as the impact of farm practices on their effectiveness. Over 1.6 million sterile CM were released in carrying out a dozen experiments to determine the impact of release method on the distribution of moths following their release. The results revealed that releasing moths from only a few locations is just as effective as evenly distributing them across the entire block and releasing them by hand is as effective as applying them via a drone. Moths exhibit the ability to quickly disperse throughout the orchard once they have been released from only a limited number of locations in the orchard. This outcome is good news for the economics of CM SIT. A key question about sterile insect release is what ratio of sterile to wild is required to suppress wild populations. A series of mark-recapture experiments revealed that the best suppression of catch was in the plots with a release ratio of 40:1 sterile/wild. Substantial catch suppression was also achieved at a 20:1 ratio but was fairly weak at a 10:1 ratio. Overall, findings indicate that implementing SIT for CM management will be cost effective; reducing production costs for growers, especially after a few years of using the technique. SIT also is an excellent resistance management strategy, preserving the dwindling number of effective insecticides. Drosophila flies rely on microorganisms such as natural yeast symbionts for food, development, and reproduction. This close interactions with symbionts provide an opportunity for developing novel species-specific pest management strategies such as improved monitoring and detection. Attraction of SWD to six yeast strains was evaluated in a series of laboratory and field experiments. In laboratory binary choice tests, SWD was highly attracted to H. uvarum, the most abundant yeast strain found in its yeast flora. Additional assays were conducted to assess whether background host odor impacts attraction to yeast. The presence of raspberry odor reduced attraction of SWD to yeast, while the presence of cherry or blueberry did not impact attraction. In field trials, traps baited with H. uvarum captured the highest numbers of males and females among all the yeasts tested, followed by C. zemplinina and S. cerevisiae. The development and survival of BMSB is heavily dependent on the presence of gut symbionts. Female BMSB deposit symbionts on the surface of their egg mass. Newly hatched nymphs ingest the symbionts by constantly probing the surface with their proboscis while they aggregate on or around the egg mass. This process can be viewed as a weak link in the life history of BMSB. Laboratory experiments showed that sterilization of BMSB eggs had a severe impact on egg hatch and survival of nymphs. There was no survival of eggs sterilized by 100% ethanol. Surface sterilization by bleach also dramatically reduced egg and 1st instar nymph survival. Additional experiments were conducted to determine whether application of a bactericide on foods that BMSB feed on adversely affects the fitness of BMSB nymphs. Newly hatched 2nd instar nymphs feeding on vegetables treated with the commercial bactericide and fungicide, Physan 20, resulted in lower numbers of alive 3rd and 4th instar nymphs than those feeding on untreated vegetables.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Cloonan, K.R., J. Hern�ndez-Cumplido, A.L.Viana de Sousa, D.G. Romalho, H.J. Burrack, L. Della Rosa, L.M. Diepenbrock, F.A. Drummond, L.J. Gut and 12 others. 2019. Laboratory and field evaluation of host-related foraging odor-cue combinations to attract Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). J. Econ. Entomol. https://doi.org 10.1093/jee/toz224.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Acebes-Doria, A. L., A.M. Agnello, D.G. Alston , H. Andrews, E.H. Beers, J.C. Bergh, R. Bessin, B.R. Blaauw, G.D. Buntin, E.C. Burkness, S. Chen, T.E. Cottrell, K.M. Daane, L. Fann, S.J. Fleischer, C. Gu�dot, L.J. Gut and 21 others. 2019. Season-long monitoring of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (St�l) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), throughout the United States using commercially available traps and lures. J. Econ. Entomol. https://doi.org 10.1093/jee/toz240.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kirkpatrick, D. M., A. L. Acebes-Doria, K. B. Rice, B. D. Short, C. G. Adams, L. J. Gut and T. C. Leskey. 2019. Estimating monitoring trap plume reach and trapping area for nymphal and adult Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in crop and non-crop habitats. Environ. Entomol. https://doi.org 10.1093/ee/nvz093.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Smith, O. M. R. Perry, J. Wise, L. Gut, G. Sundin and M. Grieshop. 2019. Spray coverage and pest management efficacy of a solid set canopy delivery system in high density apples. Pest Manag. Sci. https://doi.org 10.1002/ps.5421.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jarrett, B.J.M., J. Pote, E. Talamas, L. Gut and M. Szucs. 2019. The discovery of Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelinonidae) in Michigan. Great Lakes Entomol. 52:6-11.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Hafez, A. M., D. Mota-Sanchez, L.J. Gut and J.C. Wise. 2019. Choristoneura rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) resistance to insecticides in Michigan apple and cherry orchards. J. Econ. Entomol. 112: 812-817.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Wood, T., J. Gibbs, N. Rothwell, J. Wilson, L. Gut, J. Brokaw and R. Isaacs. 2018. Limited phenological and dietary overlap between bee communities in spring flowering crops and herbaceous enhancements. Ecol. Appl. 28:1924-1934.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wise, J., L.J., Gut, R. Isaacs, A. M. C. Schilder, B. Zandstra, E. Hanson & B. Shane. 2019. Michigan Fruit Management Guide. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-154.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Adams, C. and L. Gut. 2019. Sterile insect release: a new tool for codling moth management in Michigan. Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conf. 93: 4.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gut, L. and J. Pote 2019. Improved trapping for brown marmorated stink bug using long-lasting insecticidal netting. Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conf. 93: 23.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wise, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. 2019 Fruit insecticide registration update. MSU AgNews, April 9, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gut, L., A. Irish-Brown and E. Pochubay. 2019. Early season sprays for managing San Jose scale. MSU AgNews, April 16, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wise, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Miticide options for controlling mites in fruit. MSU AgNews, April 26, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  June 4, 2019. MSU Wise, J. and L. Gut. 2019. Codling moth management options for Michigan apples. MSU AgNews, June 4, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  June 26, 2019. MSU AgNews, June 26, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 5,2019. MSU AgNews, July 5, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 9,2019. MSU AgNews, July 9, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 16,2019. MSU AgNews, July 16, 2019.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Curtiss, R., Adams, C., and L. Gut. 2019. Effect of timing and release method on SIR moth dispersion. Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conf. 93: 4.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 24,2019. MSU AgNews, July 24, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wilson, J., R. Isaacs and L. Gut. 2019. Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update  July 30,2019. MSU AgNews, July 30, 2019.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Szucs, M. L. Gut, J. Wilson, and J. Pote 2019. Biological control of brown marmorated stink bug in Michigan. MSU AgNews, July 24, 2019.