Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Mating disruption technology works by interfering with the mating behavior of pests, reducing their reproductive success and controlling population growth. Therefore, farmers and growers seeking alternative and eco-friendly pest control methods are likely to be interested in products like Tangler OFM mating disruption if it aligns with their crop protection needs. It's essential for the product to be effective, easy to use, and compatible with existing agricultural practices to appeal to this target audience. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The successful development, testing, and evaluation of the Tangler OFM product offered various opportunities for training and professional development for individuals involved in the project: Technical Expertise: Team members likely gained specialized technical knowledge related to insect behavior, mating disruption technologies, and agricultural pest control methods. This expertise is valuable for individuals pursuing careers in agriculture, entomology, or related fields. Research Skills: The project involved conducting large-scale commercial research plots, providing opportunities for individuals to enhance their research skills. This includes experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. Product Development and Testing: Professionals involved in the project gained experience in product development and testing, including understanding regulatory requirements, product formulation, and quality control. These skills are transferable to various industries involving research and development. Comparative Analysis: Those responsible for comparing Tangler OFM with a commercial competitor (Isomate OFM) likely developed skills in comparative analysis. This involves assessing product efficacy, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and making data-driven decisions. Optimization Techniques: The optimization of Tangler OFM's membrane provided an opportunity for individuals to develop skills in material science, engineering, and optimization techniques. This experience can be valuable for those interested in product design and improvement. Project Management: Coordinating the various aspects of the project, including development, testing, and evaluation, likely involved project management skills development. This includes planning, resource allocation, and timeline management. Communication Skills: Presenting findings, results, and recommendations to stakeholders, whether internal teams or external partners, provided opportunities to enhance communication skills. This is crucial for effectively conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences. Regulatory Compliance: Individuals involved in the project may have gained knowledge of regulatory processes and compliance requirements for agricultural products. This experience is beneficial for professionals working in industries where adherence to regulations is critical. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The nature of the project, involving aspects of entomology, agriculture, engineering, and materials science, likely facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration. Individuals could have gained experience working with professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving. Overall, the project provided a multifaceted learning experience, offering a range of opportunities for skill development and professional growth across technical, research, managerial, and communication domains. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Conferences and Symposia: Presenting the research at conferences and symposia allows researchers to share their findings with a broader audience of experts, practitioners, and industry stakeholders. This facilitates networking and discussions, potentially leading to collaborations or further insights. Workshops and Training Sessions: Hosting workshops or training sessions is an effective way to share practical aspects of the research with industry professionals, growers, and other interested parties. This format allows for hands-on learning and direct interaction with the researchers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Upon completing the development, testing, and evaluation of the Tangler OFM, the project achieved several significant milestones: Season-Long Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM) Control: The Tangler OFM demonstrated effective performance throughout the entire season in stone and pome fruit orchards, showcasing its ability to provide continuous control against Oriental Fruit Moth infestations. Complete Shutdown of Target Insect: The product successfully achieved a complete shutdown of the Oriental Fruit Moth population, indicating its efficacy in disrupting the mating behavior and preventing the insects from causing damage to crops. Large-Scale Commercial Research Plot Viability: Through extensive testing in large-scale commercial research plots, the viability of Tangler OFM for season-long damage control was established. The product's performance was evaluated under real-world conditions, ensuring its practical effectiveness. Comparison with Competitor (Isomate OFM): The project conducted a comprehensive comparison between Tangler OFM and the commercially available competitor, Isomate OFM (Pacific Biocontrol Corporation, Vancouver, Washington). This assessment allowed for an understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of Tangler OFM in comparison to an established product. Optimal Rate Determination: The research clarified the optimal application rate of Tangler OFM required to achieve mating disruption, long-term population reduction, and prevention of crop damage. This information is crucial for farmers and orchardists in determining the appropriate dosage for effective pest management. Membrane Optimization: Tangler OFM's membrane was successfully optimized to achieve the target goal of releasing 0.04-60 μg/hour of the main active ingredient. This precise control over the release rate ensures a sustained and effective level of mating disruption throughout the Oriental Fruit Moth flight period. In summary, the project accomplished the development and validation of Tangler OFM as a robust and effective solution for season-long Oriental Fruit Moth control, outperforming a commercial competitor and providing valuable insights into optimal application rates and membrane optimization for enhanced efficacy.
Publications
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