Showing papers in "Journal of Integrated Pest Management in 2018"

Review: Application of Tick Control Technologies for Blacklegged, Lone Star, and American Dog Ticks

Abstract: Tick population control technologies have been studied for several decades but no method is successful in all situations. The success of each technology depends on tick species identity and abundance, host species identity and abundance, phenology of both ticks and hosts, geographic region, and a multitude of other factors. Here we review current technologies, presenting an overview of each and its effect on three common tick species in the eastern United States: blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis (Say; Ixodida: Ixodidae)), lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus; Ixodida: Ixodidae)), and American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis (Say; Ixodida: Ixodidae)). Moreover, we assess the relative success among methods within the same season, as well as over successive years, in reducing tick populations by life stage. For each tick species and life stage, we present published findings, and in the absence of published studies, we hypothesize the most likely outcome based on tick life history. Integrated tick management over a specific time scale, using a variety of tick control technologies, will have the greatest effect on reducing tick abundance.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae): A Non-Native Pest of Hemlocks in Eastern North America

Abstract: Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, is an invasive insect species in eastern North America that was accidentally introduced from southern Japan. It is the single most important pest of hemlocks in eastern North America and has a severe impact on the two susceptible species: eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere (Pinales: Pinaceae) and Carolina hemlock, Tsuga caroliniana Engelmann (Pinales: Pinaceae). Since the first report of hemlock woolly adelgid in Virginia in 1951, it has been slowly but steadily increasing its range. Recent establishments outside the contiguous range in Michigan and Nova Scotia have also occurred. At the stand level, hemlock trees are being replaced by hardwood trees in eastern North America, impacting some critical ecosystem processes. Several institutions are actively researching ways to protect the existing hemlock stands from further damage and to restore the ecosystems impacted by their loss. Although several control options for hemlock woolly adelgid have been developed, none are completely effective on their own, so a combination of all available control strategies is being used in an effort to save the existing hemlock stands. High-value hemlocks are being protected using chemicals, while a suite of predators is being released in forested areas. However, biological control has not provided immediate protection for heavily infested trees, so options for restoring hemlocks (hybrids with Asian species and punitively resistant stock) and finding viable replacements are being evaluated.

Nebraska Growers’ and Crop Consultants’ Knowledge and Implementation of Integrated Pest Management of Western Bean Cutworm

Abstract: Western bean cutworm (WBC), Striacosta albicosta (Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a native noctuid pest of corn and dry beans in North America. While this pest has expanded its range greatly in recent years, historically it has consistently caused high yield losses in western Nebraska. A survey was distributed to growers, crop consultants and other agricultural professionals to obtain information about current management practices used for WBC. Questions covered multiple topics including: demographics, scouting practices, degree-day model use, confidence in management knowledge, Bt corn use, insecticide use, and considerations for biological control. There were 95 completed responses received by email. Respondents self-reported a significantly higher yield loss due to WBC in 2016 than in 2015 and 2014. Growers demonstrated less knowledge of WBC identification and management than crop consultants. There were frequent (58.45%) reports of Cry1F Bt corn providing decreased control against WBC. This survey identified major concerns for growers and agricultural professionals in Nebraska for WBC management. An improved understanding of WBC biology and education on management would be most beneficial for growers. Crop consultants would benefit from using more diverse management tactics including: biological control, rotation of insecticide mode-of-action, and diversifying Bt corn types.

Pest Management Practices Prescribed by Frontline Extension Workers in the Smallholder Agricultural Subsector of Kenya

Abstract: This article examines pest management practices recommended to smallholder farmers by extension agents, and the factors influencing the same. The study focused on plant health clinics, established under the Plantwise program, as primary providers of data. A diverse range of biotic and abiotic stressors was found to hamper crop production in the smallholder agricultural subsector of Kenya. Much as extension workers prescribed Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, albeit on a limited scale, management of crop pests was mainly by use of non-IPM practices. In addition, significant associations were observed between the prescribed practice and individual moderators (namely extension officer’s gender, age, education level, and location), type of crop and causative agent. The results of the study confirm the need for further investments in the smallholder agricultural subsector of Kenya. In particular, the sector should prioritize capacity-building initiatives for extension agents on ecological and economical sound approaches to pest management.

Assessing Compatibility of a Pesticide in an IPM Program

Abstract: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture [2012-51120-20087, 2014-70006-22629, 2015-34383-23709]

The First North American Record of the Allium Leafminer

Abstract: The invasive species Phytomyza gymnostoma (Loew) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), also know as the Allium Leafminer, is reported from the United States for the first time. The first specimens were collected in Lancaster County, PA, USA in December 2015. An additional 19 counties in Pennsylvania and two states were confirmed in 2016. The species’ North American distribution, pest implications, and observations on their biology in the New World are reviewed.

Biology and management of the whitemarked tussock moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae).

Abstract: The whitemarked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is common in the eastern United States and Canada but occurs as far west as Alberta, Colorado, and Texas. Larvae are conspicuously colored, with distinctive red heads, white or yellow mid-dorsal tufts of hairs, and a black mid-dorsal stripe flanked by yellow subdorsal stripes. Larvae feed on at least 140 species of deciduous and coniferous woody plants, demonstrating tolerance to a wide variety of plant defensive compounds. This species is not a major forest pest but does exhibit periodic outbreaks that can cause serious defoliation. However, it often is a pest of shade trees, walnut orchards, poplar and Christmas tree plantations, and blueberry crops, and its urticating larval hairs and setae can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This species is likely to become more important in a warmer climate, warranting greater attention to its population dynamics and control options. Variation in temperature, host condition, and mortality agents appear to be responsible for changes in abundance. Maintaining tree vigor and planting resistant varieties are nonchemical options for management. When control is necessary, application of microbial pathogens, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, is effective and favored over synthetic insecticides. 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). These synthetic chemicals have broad nontarget effects that discourage use in forests. Insecticides should only be used according to their label directions.

Using Immediate Feedback to Improve Short-Term Learning in Extension

Abstract: Program evaluation is an important part of any extension program and is often a required component by funding agencies. Given declining resources in land-grant universities, we must be creative in evaluating the learning and adoption of our research-based recommendations. I used a survey tool to give immediate feedback to participants in a wide variety of situations. Results indicate adults were receptive to this evaluation method, and close-ended questions can provide reliable evaluation data in an extension program. People showed improved significant learning with this technique and it is a model for other extension personnel.

Building IPM Capacity in Missouri Through Train-the-Trainer Workshops and Effective Partnerships

Abstract: Since its inception in 2010, the Lincoln University (LU) IPM Program has been developing (through research) and promoting (through Extension) effective and affordable IPM strategies to combat pests affecting vegetable and small fruit production in Missouri. From 2011 to 2013 the LU IPM program partnered with the Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and implemented four train-the-trainer workshops. Overall, subject matter experts from nine US states provided training to 153 Extension educators from Univ. of Missouri Extension, LU Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Conservation, University of Illinois Extension, and University of Nebraska Extension. Educators indicated that they significantly increased their IPM knowledge leading to improved abilities to assist farmers. The implementation of these 2-day workshops also resulted in important mid-term outcomes. For example, results from 9-month post-workshop surveys indicated that: (1) 2,453 farmers were assisted by 83 trainees using IPM information received at the workshops, (2) 26.5% of the respondents wrote articles for newsletters and/or newspaper columns using IPM information (131 total outputs), and (3) 86.7% of the respondents visited 595 farms and used IPM information. Overall, the implementation of this type of Extension IPM activities has proven successful, and the outcomes highlight the efforts that the LU IPM program is taking to train Extension educators within and outside Missouri in necessary IPM skills.