Showing papers in "Journal of Integrated Pest Management in 2017"
TL;DR: It is suggested that the interactions between management practices adopted and not adopted are driving the rapid evolution of resistance to Bt corn in Brazil, a phenomenon perhaps never seen before in any part of the world.
Abstract: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the most important corn pest in South America. Larvae feed mostly on leaves, but also ears when population densities are high. This pest has been historically controlled with insecticide applications, but many cases of resistance have limited their efficacy. Transgenic corn varieties expressing Bacillus thuringiensis proteins (Bt corn) have been a widely adopted alternative to insecticides and, in the past 8 yr, have been the primary technology for fall armyworm control in Brazil. Because transgenic varieties require 10–15 yr to be developed and fall armyworm has quickly evolved resistance to most commercially released Bt corn hybrids, strategies for Bt trait durability are paramount. Most of the Bt corn hybrids lost their ability to control fall armyworm in just 3 yr after their release in Brazil. Here we summarize what is known about Bt resistance in fall armyworm in Brazil, a phenomenon perhaps never seen before in any part of the world. Furthermore, we suggest that the interactions between management practices adopted (or not adopted, e.g., refuge compliance) to delay the evolution of resistance and the ecological and evolutionary characteristics of fall armyworm are driving the rapid evolution of resistance to Bt corn in Brazil. As newer products emerge in the market, careful consideration will be needed to maximize trait durability.
90 citations
TL;DR: Novel simulation models using more recent empirical data on tick population dynamics, hosts, efficacy of various combinations of interventions, human exposure elements, and utilization of personal and environmental measures will help to understand the interactions of integrated strategies for tick population management.
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of Lyme disease and the emergence of other tick-associated human diseases in the United States have become a major public health concern. A wide variety of personal protection measures and tick control strategies have been used or investigated to reduce contact between ticks and humans, reduce tick abundance, or lower the prevalence of tick-borne agents in the ticks. These methods have generally been applied or evaluated as single interventions and other than some early computer model simulations, studies applying integrated tick management approaches are few. In this paper, we review surveyed human behaviors and risks for exposure to ticks, concepts pertinent to integrated pest management for ticks, simulation models, various tick control strategies, integrated tick management studies, and highlight what is needed going forward. Increased education and communication between physicians and veterinarians is essential to address tick-associated diseases in a ‘one health’ approach and unify the animal and human branches of medicine to identify, treat, and implement preventive measures. Novel simulation models using more recent empirical data on tick population dynamics, hosts, efficacy of various combinations of interventions, human exposure elements, and utilization of personal and environmental measures will help us better understand the interactions of integrated strategies for tick population management. Many questions remain related to the ecology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, observed and modeled efficacy of various integrated interventions, human behavior and exposure to tick bite and disease risk, comparative cost of interventions, and the acceptance and use of prevention and tick control tools.
71 citations
TL;DR: Research conducted over the past 10 yr has improved the understanding of the environment conducive to disease development, host resistance, and improved disease diagnosis and management.
Abstract: Charcoal rot [Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid] of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important but commonly misidentified disease, and very few summary articles exist on this pathosystem. Research conducted over the past 10 yr has improved our understanding of the environment conducive to disease development, host resistance, and improved disease diagnosis and management. This article summarizes the currently available research with an emphasis on disease management.
46 citations
TL;DR: This paper describes a method combining a salt solution, coffee filter, and microscope that can reliably and efficiently detect small and large larvae of D. suzukii in fruit samples and provides images to support larval identification of this pest.
Abstract: Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) has become a major economic pest of soft-skinned fruits since it was detected in North America in 2008. Control of this fly is achieved through insecticide sprays applied when ripening or ripe fruit are present. Monitoring to aid informed management decisions is challenging since trapping for adults is not a reliable indicator of potential or existing infestation in the fruit. Moreover, current larval monitoring techniques using brown sugar or salt solutions allow for visual detection of late-instar larvae, but they are time consuming and tend to miss smaller larvae. Here, we describe a method combining a salt solution, coffee filter, and microscope that can reliably and efficiently detect small and large larvae of D. suzukii in fruit samples. By sifting the sample liquid through an inexpensive coffee filter, larvae of all instars can be counted quickly and accurately. This method is 1.7 times faster than using a visual traybased method and can detect more larvae because first instar larvae can be detected. Growers can use this information to target insecticide sprays for curative control of small larvae, identify fields where the presence of larger larvae may indicate an unmarketable crop, or verify that no infestation exists and control programs are working. We provide images to support larval identification of this pest, and we expect this method will become an important component of rebuilding IPM programs in fruit crops affected by D. suzukii.
39 citations
TL;DR: This species is of minor importance in forests, but can cause serious losses in pecan and fruit tree orchards and is a major nuisance in urban parks and homelots where it often completely defoliates ornamental and shade trees.
Abstract: The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is a widespread defoliator that is native throughout the continental United States, as well as southern Canada and northern Mexico. It has been introduced accidentally into many parts of Europe and Asia. Larvae have been recorded from >400 species of forest and shade trees, primarily hardwoods, but also several conifer species in the southern United States. This species is of minor importance in forests, but can cause serious losses in pecan and fruit tree orchards and is a major nuisance in urban parks and homelots where it often completely defoliates ornamental and shade trees. Fall webworm larvae construct conspicuous webs that start at the ends of branches and expand as the larvae grow to incorporate multiple branches. Foliage within webs is completely consumed. Two color races occur throughout the range of this moth, but pure white adults and black-headed larvae predominate in northern regions, whereas spotted adults and red-headed larvae predominate in southern regions. Populations of fall webworm are regulated naturally in its native range by host quality and abundance and by at least 50 species of dipteran and hymenopteran parasitoids and 36 species of predators and parasites. Physical removal, biocontrol, and insecticides are available for management of this moth.
38 citations
35 citations
TL;DR: It is hoped that this review will provide stakeholders sufficient information for management of these pests, until more region-specific research can be performed on stink bugs in soybean and corn in the midwestern United States.
Abstract: Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are an emerging threat to soybean and corn production in the midwestern United States. An invasive species, the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is spreading through the region. However, little is known about the complex of stink bug species associated with corn and soybean in the midwestern United States. In this region, particularly in the more northern states, stink bugs have historically caused only infrequent impacts to these crops. To prepare growers and agricultural professionals to contend with this new threat, we provide a review of stink bugs associated with soybean and corn in the midwestern United States. Descriptions and images of common stink bug species are provided as a diagnostic aid. The biologies and impacts of stink bugs to crops are discussed, with particular attention to differences among species. Based primarily on information from southern states, scouting, thresholds, and insecticide-based management of these pests are discussed. It is hoped that this review will provide stakeholders sufficient information for management of these pests, until more region-specific research can be performed on stink bugs in soybean and corn in the midwestern United States.
35 citations
TL;DR: For example, this paper surveyed North Carolina maize growers for intention to plant non-Bt maize refuge, understanding of the importance of refuge, and for their perceptions on actions that would encourage refuge plantings.
Abstract: Southern U.S. growers who plant Bt maize (Zea mays L.) must plant a separate non-Bt refuge to maintain Bt susceptibility to pests. North Carolina maize growers were surveyed for intention to plant non-Bt maize refuge, understanding of the importance of refuge, and for their perceptions on actions that would encourage refuge plantings. Identical surveys were conducted and compared before and after a short verbal presentation during 2014 on the logic and necessity of planting refuge. An identical survey was given during 2016, but without a verbal presentation and growers were not asked about actions to encourage planting of refuge. Survey responses from 2014 and 2016 were compared and 2016 survey responses were investigated for possible correlations to environmental factors, such as planted crop area and demographic factors by county. Only 38.3 to 44.3% growers indicated they were planning to plant refuge, and 22 to 29.4% were uncertain about this. Additionally, the verbal county meeting presentation did not increase grower intention to plant more refuge. Although this medium increased understanding directly following the presentation, understanding did not change two years later. Total cropland and farm size were most consistently correlated with intention to plant refuge and understanding of the importance of planting refuge. Future efforts to increase compliance and maintain Bt susceptibility in southern U.S. states like North Carolina should focus on reaching smaller-sized growers. Furthermore, the seed industry could also focus on improved breeding, seed availability, and marketing efforts toward companion non-Bt refuge hybrids, as this was popular with growers.
34 citations
TL;DR: The known utility of volatile pyrethroids in the context of repellency, acute symptoms, toxicity, and sublethal effects is reviewed, and an overview of the evaluation methods used with volatile pyREthroids is provided.
Abstract: Ongoing difficulties with successful urban mosquito management highlights the need to find novel management strategies to reduce the impact of mosquito vectors. To date, urban mosquito management can be summarized as dependent on the theme of recruiting the public to invest in their own protection. This effort takes the form of source reduction education programs and accompanying personal protection guidelines. However, the topical repellents that form the cornerstone of our personal protection guidelines are available in equal measure with spatial repellents. Spatial repellents commonly include volatile pyrethroids as active ingredients, which easily transition into a vapor phase, that are formulated into mosquito coils, vaporizers, emanators, or heated mats. These formulations are available on the global market. Consumers frequently choose spatial repellents, and existing literature indicates this choice has merits. This predicament forces integrated vector management to adapt to and understand tools that consumers selectively employ. At present, there is little information differentiating the effects of vapor-active pyrethroids from the contact efficacies we recognize from well-utilized pyrethroids. To address this, volatile pyrethroids need to have their multiple effects identified, defined, and described to maximize their utility for preventing mosquito biting and, thus, pathogen transmission. This article reviews the known utility of volatile pyrethroids in the context of repellency, acute symptoms, toxicity, and sublethal effects, and provides an overview of the evaluation methods used with volatile pyrethroids.
33 citations
26 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that programs using IPM approaches for bed bug management can lead to significant reductions in bed bug incidence and density when compared with insecticidereliant approaches, however, total elimination of bed bugs in multiunit environments remains a challenge and is often reported as unattainable, raising concerns about the effectiveness of strategies for bed bugs management used in these environments.
Abstract: Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. These insects are particularly problematic in low-income multiunit housing buildings, where infestations are difficult to control, tend to become chronic, and the locations serve as reservoirs from which bed bugs disperse. This document reviews and reports on published accounts and validations of various methods to detect and manage bed bugs in these urban settings. The analysis demonstrates that programs using IPM approaches for bed bug management can lead to significant reductions in bed bug incidence and density when compared with insecticidereliant approaches. However, total elimination of bed bugs in multiunit environments remains a challenge and is often reported as unattainable, raising concerns about the effectiveness of strategies for bed bug management used in these environments. Several factors may contribute to the persistence of bed bugs in low-income, multiunit housing situations, including lack of awareness and education of residents and staff about bed bugs, overall building infestation levels, resident lifestyles, reluctance to report infestations, resident abilities to undertake unit preparation required by some pest management companies, and low efficacy of insecticide treatments. Although community-wide and proactive bed bug management programs are shown to be more effective, sustainable, and economically viable in the long term than reactive and insecticide-only programs, general adoption of best practices may be impeded by budget limitations and interest of affordable multiunit housing providers. Resumen Los chinches de cama (Cimex lectularius) es una plaga que se sigue expandiendo en ambientes urbanos. Estos insectos representan un serio problema en edificaciones multi-residenciales de familias de bajos nivel de ingresos econ omicos, donde las infestaciones son dif ıciles de controlar, tienden a volverse cr onicas y sirven de reservorios desde donde los chinches se dispersan. Este documento revisa y reporta informaci on publicada de la validaci on de varios métodos para para detectar y manejar los chinches de cama en estos ambientes urbanos. El an alisis mostr o que los programas que usan abordajes de Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIPs) para el control de los chinches de cama pueden reducir de manera significativa la incidencia y densidad de estos insectos, si se compara con los programas donde se utilizan solamente insecticidas. Sin embargo, la erradicaci on de los chinches de cama en estos ambientes sigue siendo un reto y muchas veces dif ıcil de alcanzar, lo que genera dudas acerca de la eficacia de estos programas para el chinche de cama usados en estos ambientes. Varios factores podr ıan contribuir a la persistencia de chinches de cama en estas edificaciones, los cuales incluye la escasez de concientizaci on y educaci on de residentes y personal administrativo acerca del VC The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. 1 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. For commercial re-use, please contact journals.permissions@oup.com Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 2017, 8(1): 13; 1–10 doi: 10.1093/jipm/pmx009
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a survey among golf course superintendents throughout the weevil's area of impact to better understand the severity of damage, prevalence of insecticide resistance, information sources, and trends in management practices.
Abstract: The annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis Kirby, is the most difficult to control insect pest of shortmown golf course turf in the northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. We conducted a survey among golf course superintendents throughout the weevil’s area of impact to better understand the severity of damage, prevalence of insecticide resistance, information sources, and trends in management practices. Responses were received from 293 golf courses in 14 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. The average population caused damage to 6.6 fairways, 5.7 tee boxes, and 6.4 greens/collars, amounting to a total of 5.2 ha requiring protection on an 18-hole facility. On average, courses made 3.9 insecticide applications per year and spent US$9,270 on L. maculicollis management. Twenty percent of the responders reported having a pyrethroid-resistant L. maculicollis population. “Resistant” populations were located across the region, though higher-than-average incidence was reported from areas with long histories of managing L. maculicollis. “Resistant” populations caused more damage than “susceptible” populations, reported higher average insecticide budgets, and were more likely to make more than five insecticide applications per year than “susceptible” courses. Surveys indicated that, despite the reliance on chemical controls, 90% of turf managers used multiple monitoring tactics to better time and target controls. The greatest influence on management philosophy was by University personnel (43%) followed by colleagues (31%) and sales/distributors (21%). This survey highlights the need for developing alternatives to chemical insecticides to control L. maculicollis and provides insight into the costs associated with the development of pyrethroid resistance.
TL;DR: The recent "Summit for Protecting Pollinators in Turf" as mentioned in this paper reviewed the scientific literature on nontarget impacts of pest management practices on pollinators in turfgrass landscapes, to develop best management practices for protecting these organisms and to identify knowledge gaps and prioritize future research needs.
Abstract: Turfgrass is an important cropping system covering >16 million hectares in the United States. Synthetic insecticides, which are important tools in managing several key insect pests in these landscapes, have been implicated in the decline of managed and wild pollinators. The public perception linking the use of chemical insecticides to pollinator population declines threatens their future use and our ability to maintain functional and aesthetically acceptable landscapes. Extension and research entomologists from across the United States met in 2016 for the “Summit for Protecting Pollinators in Turf” to review the scientific literature on nontarget impacts of pest management practices on pollinators in turfgrass landscapes, to develop best management practices for protecting these organisms, and to identify knowledge gaps and prioritize future research needs. The group identified that there is a scarcity of detailed research on pollinator health in turf landscapes and has prioritized areas where research was most needed to conserve pollinator populations while balancing the needs for maintaining healthy turfgrass.
TL;DR: The forest tent caterpillar is a widespread defoliator that is native throughout most of the continental United States and Canada south of 61°N latitude and its potential to become more important in a warmer climate warrant greater attention to its population dynamics and control options.
Abstract: The forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a widespread defoliator that is native throughout most of the continental United States and Canada south of 61°N latitude. Larvae feed on a wide variety of hosts across their geographic range, but local populations perform best on local host species. Defoliation during outbreaks can strip preferred trees of all foliage and cause substantial branch mortality and growth reduction but generally does not cause much tree mortality, at least not directly. Defoliation in recreational areas reduces visitation because migrating caterpillars are viewed as nuisances and defoliated trees as unsightly. The insects, their frass, and associated damage to ornamental trees and shrubs also are nuisances for homeowners. The current importance of the forest tent caterpillar and its potential to become more important in a warmer climate warrant greater attention to its population dynamics and control options. Because 1) outbreaks of this native insect generally cause little long-term damage to forest values, 2) widespread application of insecticides is cost prohibitive, and 3) forests are increasingly valued as reservoirs of biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services, microbial insecticides, such as Bt, spinosad, and baculovirus formulations, are favored over synthetic insecticides for control of this insect when warranted. Other biorational insecticides include azadirachtin (a botanical insecticide) and insecticidal soap. Conventional synthetic insecticides include several pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin and permethrin), organophosphates (such as acephate and malathion), and carbamates (carbaryl), but these have broad nontarget effects that discourage use in forests.
TL;DR: The survey indicated that insecticides selected for pest management were chosen based on cost, efficacy, low mammalian toxicity, and short reentry and preharvest intervals, and participants suggested that the carbamate, methomyl, was the only effective alternative to pyrethroid insecticides for these pests.
Abstract: Vegetable and strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier) pest management involves intensive use of insecticides. Recently, pyrethroid insecticide residues toxic to benthic organisms (e.g., Hyalella azteca Saussure) were detected in the surface water of the Salinas Valley, California, resulting in the establishment of a Total Maximum Daily Load level for bifenthrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Three discussion sessions and surveys were conducted during grower meetings held in Salinas, California, in 2016, regarding integrated pest management and critical use patterns of pyrethroid insecticides. Survey results were filtered to include only responses from qualified participants involved in pest management decisions on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce Mill.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), Brassica crops, and strawberry. Results indicated that there were many important crop-specific pests that were currently being controlled by pyrethroids, for example, western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae); Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae); cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae); and root maggots, Delia spp. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). Participants suggested that the carbamate, methomyl, was the only effective alternative to pyrethroid insecticides for these pests. Although some lower risk controls may be useful on organic crops where there tends to be a higher tolerance for damage, lower risk controls will not be useful in conventional cropping systems until there is a higher tolerance for damage in the product. The survey indicated that insecticides selected for pest management were chosen based on cost, efficacy, low mammalian toxicity, and short reentry and preharvest intervals.
TL;DR: Leafcutting ants are primarily a tropical group, but three species, particularly the Texas leafcutting ant, Atta texana (Buckley) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), occur in the southern United States.
Abstract: Leafcutting ants are primarily a tropical group, but three species, particularly the Texas leafcutting ant, Atta texana (Buckley) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), occur in the southern United States. Leafcutting ants provide an example of the complexity of ecological interactions. As a result of extensive defoliation and nest excavation, these ants influence vegetation cover, soil structure, and water fluxes over a significant portion of the landscape. They also can be severe forest and crop pests, and collapse of their extensive underground colonies can undermine roads and structures. In Texas, they are considered the second most important pest in pine plantations, following southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Leafcutting ants can defoliate a wide variety of plants, but some plant species are unpalatable because of defensive chemicals or endophytic fungi growing within foliage. Leafcutting ant populations also are regulated naturally by the availability of suitable nest sites and by predators, parasites, and antagonists of their fungal gardens. Relatively few management options are available. One bait and one fipronil product are labeled for leafcutting ant control.
TL;DR: For each of the three most problematic pests, insecticide application and early harvest of hay were practiced by the largest number of Wyoming producers according to the survey results.
Abstract: Although insect pest management in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. [Fabales: Fabaceae]) hay remains a major challenge in the Western United States, we know comparatively little about the producer priorities and perceptions of alfalfa insect pests. Given the importance of alfalfa to Wyoming agriculture, we sought to better understand producer priorities regarding insect pest management in alfalfa. We developed a survey instrument that was mailed to 3,141 individuals by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). We received 634 returned surveys, a response rate of 20.7% of all Wyoming alfalfa producers. Respondents were asked to list all insect pests they had encountered in their experience growing alfalfa, and then to select the most problematic from the list they generated. Sixty-six percent of respondents named alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Gyllenhal; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as the most problematic insect pest they had encountered. Eighteen percent of respondents named grasshoppers (Orthoptera) as most problematic, and 8% of respondents named aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Producers indicated a variety of agronomic, economic, biological, and weather-related reasons that rendered these insects as problematic pests. For each of the three most problematic pests, insecticide application and early harvest of hay were practiced by the largest number of Wyoming producers according to our survey results. For all three of these pests, insecticides are both used most often and considered most effective by the most respondents. These findings suggest an important opportunity for future research on integrated insect pest management.
TL;DR: The biology and pest status of grape root borer are reviewed and recent developments toward improved monitoring and management tactics for it are discussed.
Abstract: Grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris; Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is indigenous to the eastern United States and an economically important pest of commercial vineyards much of that region. After eclosion from eggs laid above ground, the oligophagous larvae burrow into the soil and feed on grape roots for 1–3 yr before pupating and emerging as an adult moth. Compared with many other lepidopteran pests of economic crops, the development of IPM tactics for grape root borer has lagged. Indeed, an important ongoing issue is that grape growers often remain unaware of an infestation until the vines show advanced symptoms. While captures of males in sex pheromone-baited traps can be used to determine the initiation, peak, and cessation of adult flight annually, they are not useful to assess the degree of infestation in individual vineyard blocks. Regular sampling of the pupal exuviae left by emerging adults is the optimal method to assess grape root populations in commercial vineyards. The biology and pest status of grape root borer are reviewed and recent developments toward improved monitoring and management tactics for it are discussed.
TL;DR: The buck moth has become a species of conservation concern in northern states, where it is threatened by habitat loss, fire suppression and other anthropogenic changes in habitat conditions, and perhaps by parasitoids introduced to control invasive Lepidoptera.
Abstract: The genus Hemileuca Walker (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is widespread across North America, with about 20 species, including the buck moth, Hemileuca maia (Drury). This species is important as a periodic defoliator in oak forests of the eastern United States but is not considered to be destructive to forest resources. Buck moth populations are regulated naturally by environmental factors, particularly foliage quality, predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. The buck moth has become a species of conservation concern in northern states, where it is threatened by habitat loss, fire suppression and other anthropogenic changes in habitat conditions, and perhaps by parasitoids introduced to control invasive Lepidoptera. In the South, the buck moth caterpillars attract attention because the urticating spines of its larvae cause painful stings that often require first-aid advice. Although considered a nuisance in urban areas, this insect generally is not sufficiently abundant to warrant specific control measures. If control is warranted, several biological and insecticidal options are available.