Annual/Termination Reports:

[10/10/2002] [07/04/2003] [01/30/2004] [02/07/2005] [12/27/2005]

Report Information

Participants

Mahr, Dan (WI); Horn, Dave (OH); Olsen, Denise (ND); Wright, Bob (NE); Puttler, Ben (MO); Prokrym, Dave (USDA-APHIS. ex offcio); Heimpel, George (MN); Landis, Doug (MI); O'Neil, Bob (IN); Wise, Dave (KY); Yaninek, Steve (IN, Admin. Adviser); Obrycki, John (IA); Wiedenmann, Rob (IL); Hoffman, Mike (NY); Zolerowich, Greg (KS); Rudyj, Erich (USDA/NBCI).

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held in conjunction with an international symposium on The Practice of Biological Control Importation and Management of Natural Enemies and Agents at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT from August 2-5, 2001. The chair was Dave Wise, the secretary was Bob ONeil, and the administrative advisor was Steve Yaninek. Reports were given on CSREES by Steve Yaninek, changes at APHIS/CPHT by Dave Prokrym, the 2001 MIBC short course by Rob Wiedenmann, the 2001 NCB/ESA Symposium by Dave Horn, and NBCI by Erich Rudyj.



Old Business:

The request of approval of NCR-125 was approved by CSREES. The Committee thanked Dave Horn for all his efforts in this regard. The new project has been posted on the NCR-125 web site (http://www.cips.msu.edu/ncr125/index.htm).



New Business:

Doug Landis reported that the state reports are now on the NCR-125 web site. The Committee congratulated Doug on a job well done!

Doug also discussed the recent IFAFS granrts competition.. Although the project proposal was not funded, there were a number of positive suggestions and the proposal was well-received. A lunch meeting was planned to discuss option for any planned 2002 re-submissions. The Committee thanked Doug for his stellar efforts on this.

Rob Wiedenmann discussed the need for a 2002 MIBC short course. No decision was made on the 2002 MIBC offering.

Bob Wright presented information on NAPPO (North American Plant Protection Organization) biological control agent post-release evaluation. Erich Rudyj suggested that committee members send their comments to Mike Oraze of NBCI.

Ideas were solicited for the 2002 NCB/ESA biological control symposium. Ray Cloyd volunteered to organize a session with a title and presenters TBA.

Results of he recent foreign explorations in China and Japan for natural enemies of the soybean were presented by George Heimpel and Bob ONeil. Several natural enemies were discovered and are currently under quarantine culture at the USDA/ARS laboratory in Newark, DE. A general discussion of future plans and current finding on the aphid and the potential for biological control ensued.

State Reports: (see reports on the NCR-125 web site).

Dan Mahr announced the availability of a regional Extension publication on: Greenhouse biological control. Also, Dan requested suggested revision for the Mahr et al. biological control workbook as well as a request for orders for the latest edition.

The Committee voted to send a letter to Dr. Tim King thanking him and the other organizers of the contemporaneous biological control conference (The practice of biological control: importation and management of natural enemies and agents.).

The nominating committee submitted the name of George Heimpel as Secretary-elect (Sect. 2002). The nomination was seconded and Dr. Heimpel was elected by proclamation. The Chair thanked the nominating committee for their diligent work.

George Heimpel announced the next meeting to be held in Minnesota in 2002.

The Committee thanked David Wise for running a solid meeting.

With minor modification the minutes of the 2000 meeting were approved. A number of modifications to the 2001 agenda were added and the agenda was then approved. The Chair appointed Dave Horn & John Obrycki as members of the Nominating Committee, with the charge of advancing the name(s) for the 2003 Secretary. The Committee unanimously supported a motion for members to communicate with USDA administrators our support for the excellent work of NBCI and for the continued existence of NBCI. Rob Wiedenmann and Dan Mahr (as President of IOBC/NRS) indicated they would be submitting letters soon.

Accomplishments

With minor modification the minutes of the 2000 meeting were approved. A number of modifications to the 2001 agenda were added and the agenda was then approved. The Chair appointed Dave Horn & John Obrycki as members of the Nominating Committee, with the charge of advancing the name(s) for the 2003 Secretary. The Committee unanimously supported a motion for members to communicate with USDA administrators our support for the excellent work of NBCI and for the continued existence of NBCI. Rob Wiedenmann and Dan Mahr (as President of IOBC/NRS) indicated they would be submitting letters soon.

Publications

Go to the following website and select individual states for their list of current publications: http://www.cips.msu.edu/ncr125/

Impact Statements

1. Our regional efforts on biological control of purple loosestrife has successfully established Galerucella beetles in 9 North Central states achieving up to 90% reduction in loosestrife density in sites up to two square miles in size. More than 50000 school students have been engaged in rearing natural enemies and learning about invasive species ecology and management. Widespread media attention to the project has bought invasive species information to more than 2 million of the regions citizens.
2. Our team of regional collaborators has elucidated the biology and ecology of soybean aphid, a new exotic invasive pest in the region. The team has also conducted foreign exploration and quarantine testing of soybean aphid natural enemies from China and Japan, and evaluated the impacts of existing natural enemies on soybean aphid population regulation.
3. We have impacted more than 500,000 students, educators, farmers, natural resource managers, IPM practitioners, policy makers and biological control specialists with diverse educational efforts including an electronic newsletter, website, extension and technical publications, presentations and sponsored symposia addressing diverse biological control topics. These educational efforts directly result in reduced pesticide usage, improved economic and environmental conditions in the region.

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Report Information

Participants

Heimpel, G. (MN, Program Chair); Horn, D. (OH); Landis, D. (MI); Nowierski, R. (USDA-CSREES); Olson, D. (ND); ONeil, R. J. (IN); Prokrym, D. (USDA-APHIS); Ragsdale, D. (MN); Skinner, Luke (guest): Wiedenmann, R. (IL); Wright, R. (NE); Yaninek, S. (IN, Admin. Advisor); Zolnerowich, G, (KS).

Brief Summary of Minutes

See attachment

Accomplishments

See "Copy of Minutes" and check the 2002 state reports at:<br /> <br>http://www.cips.msu.edu/ncr125/StateRpts.htm

Publications

For recent publications check the 2002 state reports at: http://www.cips.msu.edu/ncr125/StateRpts.htm

Impact Statements

1. Biological control of purple loosestrife: Our regional efforts on biological control of purple loosestrife has successfully established Galerucella beetles in 9 North Central states achieving up to 90% reduction in loosestrife density in sites up to two square miles in size. More than 50,000 school students have been engaged in rearing natural enemies and learning about invasive species ecology and management.
2. Biological control of soybean aphid: Our team of regional collaborators has elucidated the biology and ecology of soybean aphid, a new exotic invasive pest in the region. The team has also conducted foreign exploration and quarantine testing of soybean aphid natural enemies from China and Japan, and evaluated the impacts of existing natural enemies on soybean aphid population regulation.
3. Biological control education: We have impacted more than 500,000 students, educators, farmers, natural resource managers, IPM practitioners, policy makers and biological control specialists with diverse educational efforts including an electronic newsletter, website, extension and technical publications, presentations and sponsored symposia addressing diverse biological control topics.

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Report Information

Participants

Charlet, Larry (USDA ARS); Heimpel, George (MN, Chair); Horn, Dave (OH); Landis, Doug (MI); Mahr, Dan (WI); Nowierski, Robert (USDA CSREES); Olson, Denise (ND, Secretary and Chair-elect); Orouke, Megan (??);Puttler, Ben (MO); Ragsdale, David (MN); Rector, Brian (USDA ARS); Roda, Amy (USDA APHIS); Rutledge, Claire (IN); Sadof, Cliff (IN); Wiedenmann, Rob (IL); Wright, Bob (NE); Yaninek, Steve (IN, Admin. Advisor); Yoo, Ho Jung (IN); Zolnerowich, Greg (KS);

Brief Summary of Minutes

This meeting was held in conjunction with the 2003 Entomological Society of America‘s National Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. The chair was George Heimpel, the secretary Denise Olsen, and the administrative advisor Steve Yaninek. Reports were given by Steve Yaninek (NCR-125 AA), Bob Nowierski (USDA CSREES), Amy Roda (USDA APHIS), and Rob Wiedenmann and George Heimpel (IOBC). There was discussion about the status of NBCI (the group agreed to draft a resolution letter in support of NBCI), some old business including the NCR-125 website (will be maintained by MSU) and the Midwest Biocontrol News (still available online, but no new editions), and then new business. Details of the discussion and proposed actions concerning the new business are provided the the attached minutes.

Accomplishments

The meeting provided an opportunity for participants in the region to review work in progress and discuss plans for the future. It is the one time each year when committee members come together to focus exclusively on topics that are a priority of this committee. Meeting accomplishments included:<br /> <br /> 1. Decision to organize a symposium on Conservation Biocontrol at the 2004 NCB/ESA Meeting in Kansas City.<br /> <br /> 2. The committee chose Doug Landis as the 2004 secretary and 2005 chair. <br /> <br /> 3. The nominating committee picked East Lansing, Michigan on October 14 and 15 for the 2004 annual meeting.

Publications

Available on the NCR-125 website in the individual state reports at:<br /> <br>http://www.cips.msu.edu/ncr125/

Impact Statements

1. Biological control of purple loosestrife - Our efforts has successfully established Galerucella beetles in 9 North Central states achieving up to 90% reduction in loosestrife density in sites up to two square miles in size. More than 50,000 school students have been engaged in rearing natural enemies and learning about invasive species ecology and management. Widespread media attention to the project has brought invasive species information to more than 2 million of the regions citizens.
2. Biological control of soybean aphid - Our team of regional collaborators has elucidated the biology and ecology of soybean aphid, a new exotic invasive pest in the region. The team has also conducted foreign exploration and quarantine testing of soybean aphid natural enemies from China and Japan, and evaluated the impacts of existing natural enemies on soybean aphid population regulation.
3. Biological control education - We have impacted >500,000 students, educators, farmers, natural resource managers, IPM practitioners, policy makers and biological control specialists with diverse educational efforts including an electronic newsletter, website, extension and technical publications, presentations and sponsored symposia addressing diverse biological control topics. The result is reduced pesticide usage, improved economic and environmental conditions in the region.
4. Biological control of leafy spurge I - Our efforts have established Aphthona flea beetles species which successfully control leafy spurge infestations in seven states in the region. Large stands of leafy spurge have been reduced by as much as 80-90% by the root feeding behavior of the flea beetle larvae. Day-degree emergence models highlight the best week to collect beetles for redistribution based on emergence patterns observed in several north central and western U.S. states.
5. Biological control of leafy spurge II - Education and media attention contributed to the success of Aphthona flea beetle introductions to control leafy spurge. Education programs provided demonstrations and methodology training, resulting in numerous land owners and managers embracing biocontrol and biological-based IPM to control leafy spurge. The media attention on biological control of leafy spurge has increased public awareness of the need to control and prevent the spread of this weed.

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Report Information

Participants

Allyene, Marianne - IL, INHS; Brewer, Mike - ?; Canas, Luis - OH; Evans, Jeff - ?; Fieldler, Anna - ?; Gardiner, Mary - ?; Heimpel, George - UM; Landis, Doug (Secretary) - MI; Olson, Denise (Chair) - ND; O'Neal, Matt - IA; O'Neil, Bob - IN; Puttler, Ben - MO; Prokrym, David - USDA, APHIS; Wright, Bob - NE; Zolnerowich, Greg - KS

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held in East Lansing, Michigan at the MSU Kellog Conference Center. The chair was Denise Olson, the secretary Doug Landis, and the administrative advisor Steve Yaninek (who could not attend the meeting). Reports were given by Denise Olson (briefings submitted by the AA and the CSREES representative), David Prokrym (update on CPHST and PPQ), Marianne Alleyne (IOBC-NRS), Bob O'Neil (MBCI), and George Heimpel (IOBC Global). Details of their presentations can be found in the minutes. George Heimpel also reported on activities and hires at that the Quarantine lab in MN. State representative provided brief synopses of their state reports. The new business included a briefing about the 2004 ESA NCB symposium on Physiological and Ecological Determinants of the Host Range of Insect Pathogens and Parasitoids which Marianne Alleyne volunteered to organize. There was a discussion and general agreement to change the annual meeting format by expanding it by half a day. It was also decided to explore the possibility of a joint meeting with NC-148 Migration and Dispersal (this was arranged and the two committees will meeting jointly in Chicago in 2005). Dan Mahr received the support of the committee to develop a SARE proposal to update the North Central Regional Pub. 481 on the Biological Control of Insects and Mites. Denise Olson agreed to draft the letter of support. Luis Cañas was elected as secretary for 2005.

Accomplishments

The meeting provided an opportunity for participants in the region to review work in progress and discuss plans for the future. It is the one time each year when committee members come together to focus exclusively on topics that are a priority of this committee. Meeting accomplishments included:<br /> <br /> 1. Decision to organize a symposium on Physiological and Ecological Determinants of the Host Range of Insect Pathogens and Parasitoids in West Lafayette, IN at the 2005 ESA NCB meeting.<br /> <br /> 2. The committee agreed to change the format of the annual meeting by adding a half day extension.<br /> <br /> 3. The committee supported the initiative by Dan Mahr to develop a proposal for SARE to update Pub. 481 on the Biological Control of Insects and Mites.<br /> <br /> 4. The committee chose Luis Cañas as the 2005 secretary and 2006 chair. <br /> <br /> 5. The nominating committee picked Chicago/O'Hare, IL for a joint meeting with NC-148 (Migration and Dispersal) on October 25-26 for the 2005 annual meeting.

Publications

Available on the NCERA-125 website in the individual state reports at: http://www.cips.msu.edu/ncr125/

Impact Statements

1. Insect Biocontrol - Soybean aphid is a key invasive pest of soybean in the region causing $1.7 billion/year in losses. NCERA-125 determined that over 7 of the 42 million infested acres were treated with insecticides to control this pest in 2003. Foreign exploration in Asia to date revealed 10 potential natural enemies and host-range testing of 3 parasitoids has been completed. New biocontrol systems could save growers over $1 billion dollars/year in yield losses and pesticide costs.
2. Weed Biocontrol - We have established Aphthona species flea beetles for biological control of leafy spurge infestations in seven states in the region reducing stands by as much as 80-90%. Educational programs providing demonstrations and methodology training have reached more than 1,000 land owners and managers. Media attention to biological control of leafy spurge has reached over 300,000 people increasing public awareness of the need to control and prevent the spread of this weed.
3. BC Education/Extension - For 14 years, NCERA-125 members have organized the Midwest Institute for Biological Control offering in-depth, team taught graduate short-courses featuring biological control topics and expertise not widely available. The Institute brings together students and faculty from the region and rotates among institutions to expose students to peers and facilities from other locations including visits to Honduras and France to provide students an international experience.
4. BC Education/Extension II - To date, 240 students from most North Central states, CA, CT, MA, FL, NM, NC, Nicaragua, and France have taken courses. More than 25 "LadyBird Fellowships" have been awarded to support student participation. The Institute is funded by grants from the USDA, in-house contributions, and course registrations. A notebook of lecture outlines, and a Web-based text is available at (www.inhs.uiuc.edu/cee/biocontrol/home.html).

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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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