NCERA125: Biological Control of Arthropods and Weeds (new project)

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[11/01/2006] [01/11/2008] [11/13/2008] [12/26/2009] [11/23/2010] [03/13/2011]

Date of Annual Report: 11/01/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/24/2006 - 10/25/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 10/01/2006

Participants

Matthew ONeal, Iowa State University
Robert ONeil, Purdue University
Luis Canas, Ohio State University
George Heimpel, University of Minnesota
Doug Landis, Michigan State University
John Obrycki, University of Kentucky
Ben Puttler, University of Missouri
Sathyamurthy Raghu, Illinois Natural History Survey
Silvia Rondon, Oregon State University
Kelly Tilmon, South Dakota State University
Steven Yaninek, Purdue University
Robert Wright, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Gregory Zolnerowich, Kansas State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

1. Approval of 2005 minutes
2. Steve Yaninek reported to the group regarding the approval of the NCERA-125 until 2011, commenting that the reviewers were very positive. However, there was one issue in that the team does not supply a measures of impact. Yaninek indicated that at the midterm review we will need to indicate substantial impacts. This does not involve new impacts but a better documentation of on-going impacts and accomplishments. The group discussed what would constitute an impact and how these can be measured.
3. George Hiempel reported about the 2006 symposium of the International Organization of Biological Control at the National Entomological Society of America. The topic was Best Practices in Classical Biological Control and included five speakers from both University and Federal labs in the U.S. as well as Dr. Barratt from New Zealand. Awards were presented to students from Michigan State University (Aljeandro Costamagna) and Iowa State University (Nicholas Schmidt).
4. Hiempel also reported on the current status of permits for release of imported parasitoids for management of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines). This included a discussion about the different organizations that are responsible for granting permission, or at least reviewing the application. All were surprised to learn of NAPPOs (North American Plant Protection Organization) role as an obligatory, outside reviewer of applications for USDA-APHIS.
5. Luis Canas opened the discussion regarding the 2007 meeting. The Mexican Biological Control Institute has suggested that the a joint meeting be held in Monterrey Mexico. The group supported the joint meeting and are waiting for confirmation of dates and locations before going forward with further plans. At the meeting the proposed dates were 5-9 November, 2007. Other organizations to be in attendance will include the IOBC and the Western Regional Project (W-1185), Biological Control of Arthropods in Pest Management Systems of Plants. NCERA-125 will 1, facilitate communication between various BC groups, 2, develop an NCERA_125 sponspered symposia with emeberships presentations, 3, develop a possible training course or student workshop interaction.

6. A report was read regarding the Midwest Biological Control Institute, hosted and organized by Jonathon Lundgren. Participants included 12 students from 7 states. A proposed course on Insect Pathology hosted by Lee Solter of the Illinois Natural History survey was approve for next year. The date for the 2007 class was tentatively set for late June to early July.
7. Bob ONeil and George Hiempel reported on the symposium hosted by NCERA-125 at the 2006 North Central Branch (NCB)of the Entomological Society of America meeting. The topic was the soybean aphid (Ecology and Management of the Soybean Aphid) with over 100 in attendance for seven talks.
8. Discussion followed about a biological control focused symposium at the 2007 NCB meeting in Winnipeg Canada.
9. In the afternoon a longer discussion focused on documenting impacts. Following discussion of what constitutes an impact, a breakout session had eight groups form to develop ways to measure impacts along NCERA-125 objectives. This included:
a. Education and outreach: Accomplishments of this objective include hosting the MBCI, Soybean aphid distance education course, website, NCB symposium and facilitation of international collaboration and communication.
b. Purple Loosestrife: Accomplishments for this group include surveying land managers regarding the impact of the Purple Loosestrife Project.
c. Soybean aphid: Documentation of insecticide use in each year since its arrival with information of natural enemy contribution to limit soybean aphid outbreaks and thus reduce need for insecticides. Measurement of impacts to include citation measurement for articles featured in the special 2004 issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America.
d. Japanese beetles: Ben Puttler indicate he would provide data regarding the establishment of biological control agents for Japanese beetle control within the Midwest.
e. Garlic Mustard. Several testable hypotheses were developed with a model whose creation was facilitated by collaboration of NCERA-125 members. This resulted in saving significant money in eliminating the testing of potential classical BC candidates.
f. Reduce pesticide usage
g. Ecosystem value/function/service: Doug Landis suggested the use of surveymonkey website or other such tool to indicate value of BC to land managers for conservation.
h. Regulatory issues and communication. Hiempel and others will continue to provide leadership to improve integration of regional groups for improved awareness and practice of BC.
Standing committees were formed for each of these groups with the duty to report back at each meeting on the progress made towards each objective and efforts to measure impacts from reaching these objectives
The rest of the meeting was devoted to state reports of ongoing research and extension activities related to BC.

Accomplishments

In 2006 two significant accomplishments were achieved by participants within the NCERA-125. 1. NCERA-125 hosted the symposium, Ecology and Management of the Soybean Aphid at the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America meeting (Bloomington, IL. 29 March 2006). This topic was discussed by seven researchers who presented thier results to over 100 in attendance. Those in attendance included regional entomologist, IPM specialist, and agribusiness representatives. 2.NCERA-125 hosted the 2006 version of the Midwest Biological Control Institute at the Oak Lake Field Station in South Dakota during 25-28 June. The course was hosted and organized by Dr. Jonathon Lundgren. Participants included 12 students from 7 states. A proposed course on Insect Pathology hosted by Lee Solter of the Illinois Natural History survey was approve for next year. The date for the 2007 class was tentatively set for late June to early July.

Publications

North Dakota Extension Majumdar, A., M. A. Boetel, and R. J. Dregseth. 2006. Survey, isolation, and screening for native pathogens of sugarbeet root maggot (Diptera: Ulidiidae) in the Red River Valley. Sugarbeet Research and Extension Reports. North Dakota State University Coop. Ext. Serv. 36: 228-231. Olson, D. and R. Hanson. 2006. Biological of leafy spurge biological control agents. In Biology and biological control of leafy spurge. Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. USDA Forest Servide. Majumdar, A., M. A. Boetel, S. T. Jaronski, R. J. Dregseth, and A. J. Schroeder. 2006. Cereal cover crops and a microbial insecticide for integrated control sugarbeet root maggot (Diptera: Ulidiidae). Sugarbeet Research and Extension Reports. North Dakota State University Coop. Ext. Serv. 36: 222-227. Peer reviewed Roehrdanz, R., D. Olson, R. Bourchier, S. Sears, A. Cortilet, and G. Fauske. 2006. Mitochondrial DNA diversity and Wolbachia infection in the flea beetle Aphthona nigriscutis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) an introduced biocontrol agent for leafy spurge. Biological Control 37:1-8. Nebraska Extension N/A Thesis/Dissertation Alexander P. Cunningham. 2006. Predacious Coccinellidae in Alfalfa, M.S. Thesis, Advisors: S. D. Danielson and J. R. Brandle. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Peer reviewed Angel-Sahagún CA, Lezama-Gutiérrez R, Molina-Ochoa J, Galindo-Velasco E, López-Edwards M, Rebolledo-Domínguez O, Cruz-Vázquez C, Reyes-Velázquez WP, Skoda SR, Foster JE. 2006. Susceptibility of biological stages of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans, to entomopathogenic fungi (Hyphomycetes). 8pp. Journal of Insect Science 5:50, available online: insectscience.org/5.50 Kriz, James C., Stephen D. Danielson, James R. Brandle, and Erin E. Blankenship. 2006. Relative Abundance of Exotic and Native Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) in Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa. J. Entomol. Sci. 41(1): 84-86. Kriz, J. C., S. D. Danielson, J. R. Brandle, and E. E. Blankenship.2006. Effects of aphid abundance and surrounding vegetation on the encounter rate of Coccinellidae, Chrysopidae, and Nabidae in alfalfa. J. Entomol. Sci. 41: 211-220. Minnesota Extension Newman, R.M., E. M. Gross, W. Wimmer and P. Sprick. 2006. Life history and developmental performance of the Eurasian milfoil weevil, Eubrychius velutus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin 60(2): 170-176. Newman, R.M., P. Sprick, E. M. Gross, and W. Wimmer. 2006. An illustrated life history of the Eurasian milfoil weevil, Eubrychius velutus (Beck, 1817) in Germany (Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchinae: Phytobiini) - SNUDEBILLER 7, Studies on taxonomy, biology and ecology of Curculionoidea, Mönchengladbach: CURCULIO-Institute. Peer reviewed Roley, S.S. and R.M. Newman. 2006. Developmental performance of the milfoil weevil, Euhrychiopsis lecontei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on northern watermilfoil, Eurasian watermilfoil, and hybrid (northern x Eurasian) watermilfoil. Environmental Entomology 35(1): 121-126. http://hermia.esa.catchword.org/vl=14125878/cl=14/nw=1/rpsv/cw/esa/0046225x/v35n1/s14/p121 Ward, D.M. and R.M. Newman. 2006. Fish predation on Eurasian watermilfoil herbivores and indirect effects on macrophytes. Canadian Journal of Fisheries andAquatic Sciences 63(5): 1049-1057. http://pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/cgibin/rp/rp2_abst_e?cjfas_f06-010_63_ns_nf_cjfas5-06 Illinois Extension Birken, E. M., and R. A. Cloyd. 2006. Feeding behavior of the rove beetle, Atheta coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) under laboratory conditions. IOBC/WPRS Bulletin 29: 201-206. Peer reviewed Tooker, J. F., M. Hauser, & L. M. Hanks. 2006. Floral host plants of Syrphidae and Tachinidae (Diptera) of central Illinois. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 99: 96-112. van Klinken, R.D. and Raghu, S. 2006. A scientific approach to agent selection. Aust. J. Entomol. 45: 253258. Vavra, J., Hylis, M., Vossbrinck, C.R., Pilarska, D.K., Linde, A., Weiser, J. McManus, M.L., Hoch, G., and Solter, L.F. 2006. Vairimorpha disparis n.comb. (Microsporidia: Burenellidae): A redescription of the Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) microsporidium, Thelohania disparis Timofejeva 1956. J. Eukaryotic Microbiol. 53(4): 292-304. Solter, L.F. 2006. Transmission as a predictor of ecological host specificity with a focus on vertical transmission of microsporidia. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 92: 132-140. Tooker, J. F., & L. M. Hanks. 2006. Tritrophic interactions and reproductive fitness of the prairie perennial Silphium laciniatum Gillette (Asteraceae). Environ. Entomol. 35: 537-545. Rebek, E. J., C. S. Sadof, & L. M. Hanks. 2006. Influence of floral resource plants on control of an armored scale pest by the parasitoid Encarsia citrina (Craw.) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Biol. Control 37: 320-328. Schwab, L.K. and Raghu, S. (2006). Nutrient composition of soil and plant may predict the distribution and abundance of specialist insect herbivores: implications for agent selection in weed biological control. Aust. J. Entomol. 45: 345348. Raghu, S. and van Klinken, R.D. 2006. Refining the ecological basis for agent selection in weed biological control. Aust. J. Entomol. 45: 251252. Raghu, S., Dhileepan, K. and Treviño, M. 2006. Response of an invasive liana to simulated herbivory: Implications for its biological control. Acta Oecologica 29: 335345. Raghu, S., Dhileepan, K. and Wilson, J. 2006. Refining the process of agent selection through understanding plant demography and plant response to herbivory. Aust. J. Entomol. 45: 308316. Hylis M., Pilarska, D.K., Oborník, M., Vávra, J., Solter, L.F., Weiser, J. Linde, A., and McManus, M.L. 2006. Nosema chrysorrhoeae n. sp. (Microsporidia), isolated from browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) in Bulgaria: Characterization and phylogenetic relationships. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 91, 105-114. Fallon, D.J., Solter, L.F., Bauer, L.S., Miller, D.L., Cate, J.R., and McManus, M.L. 2006. Effect of entomopathogenic nematodes on Plectrodera scalator (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). J. Invertebr. Pathol. 92, 55-57 Dhileepan, K., Treviño, M. and Raghu, S. 2006. Temporal patterns in incidence and abundance of Aconophora compressa (Hemiptera: Membracidae), a biological control agent for Lantana camara, on target and nontarget plants. Environ. Entomol. 35: 10011012. Cervantes, D. E., L. M. Hanks, E. S. Lacey, & J. D. Barbour. 2006. First documentation of a volatile sex pheromone in a longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of the primitive subfamily Prioninae. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 99: 718-722. Cloyd, R. A., and A. Dickinson. 2006. Effect of insecticides on mealybug destroyer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and parasitoid Leptomastix dactylopii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), natural enemies of citrus mealybug (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 99(5): 1596-1604. Cloyd, R. A., C. L. Galle, and S. R. Keith. 2006. Compatibility of three miticides with the predatory mites Neoseiulus californicus McGregor and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). HortScience 41(3): 707-710. Dhileepan, K., Senaratne, K.A.D.W. and Raghu, S. 2006. A systematic approach to biological control agent exploration and prioritisation for prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica ssp. indica). Aust. J. Entomol. 45: 303307. Kentucky Extension Harwood, J.D., C. Ricci, R. Romani & J. J. Obrycki. 2006. Historic prevalence of a laboulbenialean fungus infecting introduced coccinellids in the United States. Antenna, Bulletin of the Royal Entomological Society 30: 74-79. Peer reviewed Harwood, J.D., A. Samson & J.J. Obrycki. 2006. No evidence for the uptake of Cry1AB Bt-endotoxins by the general predator Sciaites subterraneus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in laboratory and field experiments. Biocontrol Sci. & Tech. 16: 377-388. Harwood, J.D. & J.J. Obrycki. 2006. The detection and decay of Cry1Ab Btendotoxins within non-target slugs, Deroceras reticulatum (Muller) (Mollusca: Pulmonata), following consumption of transgenic corn. Biocontrol Sci. & Tech. 16:77-88 Prevalence and association of the laboulbenialean fungus Hesperomyces virescens (Laboulbeniales: Laboulbeniaceae) on coccinellid hosts (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Kentucky, USA. European Journal of Entomology 103: 799-804. Indiana Extension N/A Peer reviewed Desneux, N., H. J. S. Yoo, and R. J. ONeil. 2006. Suppression of population growth of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, by predators: the identification of a key predator, and the effects of prey dispersion, predator abundance and temperature. Env. Entomol. 35: 1342-1309. Iowa Extension NA Thesis/Dissertation Schmidt, N.P. 2006. Sampling and management of aphidophagous natural enemies in Iowa soybean. MS. Thesis, Department of Entomology, Iowa State Univ., Ames. 86 pp. Peer reviewed Isaacs, R. Mason, K.S., Brewer, M., Noma, T. and O'Neal, M.E. 2006. Does implementation of a selective blueberry insect control program enhance biological control? IOBC wprs Bulletin 29 (10), 7-12. Schmidt, N.P., M.E. ONeal, and J.W. Singer. Alfalfa living mulch advances biological control of soybean aphid. Environ. Entomol. Accepted August 2006. Michigan Extension Marino, P.C, D.A. Landis, B.A. Hawkins. 2006. Conserving parasitoid assemblages of North American pest Lepidoptera: what alternate host food plant relationships tell us about agricultural landscapes. Biological Control. 37: 173- 85. Gardiner, M., C. DiFionzo, M. Brewer, T. Noma. 2006. Identifying natural enemies in field crops. MSU Extension Bulletin E-2949. 46pp. http://www.ipm.msu.edu/pubsnatural.htm Thesis/Dissertation Evans, J.A. 2006. Impacts of herbivores and plant communities on establishment and spread of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) in Michigan. MS. Thesis, Department of Entomology, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing. 204 pp. Fiedler, A.K. 2006. Evaluation of Michigan native plants to provide resources for natural enemy arthropods. MS. Thesis, Department of Entomology, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing. 155 pp. Costamagna, A.C. 2006. Do varying natural enemy assemblages impact Aphis glycines population dynamics? Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Entomology, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing. 189 pp. Peer reviewed Brewer, M.J., T. Noma, and N.C. Elliott. 2005. Hymenopteran parasitoids and dipteran predators of the invasive aphid Diuraphis noxia after enemy introductions: temporal variation and implication for future aphid invasions. Biol. Control, 33: 315-323. Costamagna, A.C., and D.A. Landis. 2006. Predators exert top-down control of soybean aphid across a gradient of agricultural management systems. Ecol. Applic. 16: 1619-28.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 01/11/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/12/2007 - 11/13/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2006 - 09/01/2007

Participants

Canas, Luis - Ohio State University;
Heimpel, George - University of Minnesota;
Lundgren, Jonathan - USDA-ARS;
Michaud, John Paul - Kansas State University;
Obrycki, John - University of Kentucky;
Ode, Paul - North Dakota State University;
O'Neal, Matthew - Iowa State University;
Post, Susan - Illinois Natural History Survey;
Tilmon, Kelley - South Dakota State University;
Yaninek, Steve - Purdue University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Milestones Insect and weed pests have significant negative impacts on natural and managed ecosystems in the North Central region. Conventional management tools including pesticides are frequently expensive and may have undesirable environmental or human health impacts. Biological control is a critical part of IPM aimed at safe and effective management of pests. The goal of NCERA-125 is to coordinate biological control research, education, and implementation in the North Central Region. Our specific objectives, and the associated Milestones for 2007, are as follows: 1. Advance the science of biological control through fundamental research on the biology of natural enemies and their application in pest management. 2007 Milestones: <blockquote>a. obtain external funding for biological control research b. publish several peer-reviewed journal articles on biological control-related research</blockquote> 2. Facilitate the implementation of biological control in production and natural systems. 2007 Milestones: <blockquote>a. obtain permits for, and coordinate the release of the soybean aphid biological control agent, Binodoxys communis b. provide threshold recommendations for insect pest management that help conserve natural enemies in agricultural systems</blockquote> 3. Educate stakeholders, students, extension personnel and the general public on the principles and practices of biological control. 2007 Milestones: <blockquote>a. organize a biological control-related symposium for the education of fellow scientists b. organize educational opportunities on biological control for producers, extension educators, and other agricultural stakeholders c. educate graduate students in the science of biological control d. conduct an educational workshop on biological control for the scientific community, including students e. provide information about biological control to various popular media outlets</blockquote> 4. Contribute to national dialog about regulatory issues of biological control. 2007 Milestone: <blockquote>a. conntribute to the International Organization for Biological Control effort to establish best practice guidelines for classical biological control</blockquote> Accomplishments 1. Advance the science of biological control through fundamental research on the biology of natural enemies and their application in pest management. <blockquote>a. Members of this group obtained regional grants for four group-funding projects that involve either conservation or classical biological control. These were "Biological Control of the Soybean Aphid" and "Management of Soybean Aphid in the North Central States" (North Central Soybean Research Program), "Releasing Binodoxys communis for suppression of soybean aphids: Delivering on the Promise" (Iowa Soybean Association), and "Soybean Aphid in the North Central US: Implementing IPM at the Landscape Scale" (USDA RAMP). The NCERA-125 meetings have provided a forum for discussion and the formation of collaborative relationships that helped make these group-funding grants possible. b. Members of this group contributed to 30 peer-reviewed research journal articles related to the subject of biological control.</blockquote> 2. Facilitate the implementation of biological control in production and natural systems. <blockquote>a. In 2007, NCERA-125 member George Heimpel (University of Minnesota) performed research in support of obtaining a permit for the release of the Asian parasitoid, Binodoxys communis. Other members of NCERA-125 helped in release efforts by obtaining transport and/or release permits in seven Midwestern states and by conducting preliminary releases in the summer of 2007. The NCERA-125 meetings have provided a forum to keep members apprised of progress on this project, and to plan for and coordinate release efforts in the North Central region. b. Members of NCERA-125 contributed to the dissemination of IPM treatment thresholds for the soybean aphid which help conserve natural enemies in the soybean system. In one state (South Dakota) this conservation-minded threshold was first adopted in 2007. It is estimated that adopting this threshold provides a cost-savings to producers in South Dakota alone of $32.4 million per year in years of moderate aphid pressure. </blockquote> 3. Educate stakeholders, students, extension personnel and the general public on the principles and practices of biological control. <blockquote>a. NCERA-125 members organized a symposium at the Entomological Society of America North Central Branch meeting for the continuing education of fellow scientists on advances in biological control. The symposium featured five talks by regional leaders in biological control research. Attendance at this symposium was estimated at 75 research professionals. In addition, a symposium associated with the abovementioned USDA grant, "Implementing IPM at the Landscape Scale" was being planned and organized for the 2007 annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America. b. NCERA-125 members contributed talks and information to the distance education shortcourse, "Managing Soybean Aphid in 2007: How Will Biological Control Contribute?" (organized by Kevin Steffey, University of Illinois). This distance education opportunity was available to extension educators and agricultural stakeholders in 124 sites in 16 states and provinces, and was delivered to 338 participants. This 3.5 hour shortcourse included eleven talks and a website service (including presentation podcasts for later viewing and reference). NCERA-125 members also contributed information the website "Soybean Aphid Biological Control," (http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/sabc/resources.htm) maintained by the University of Wisconsin. Website visitation statistics are only available for a four-month period from January to April 2007, but during this quarter the site received 29,425 page hits. Visitation was likely even higher during the growing season, as hits were on the increase by April. c. NCERA-125 members educated at least 20 graduate students and postdoctoral associated (just among members present at the meeting). d. NCERA-125 served as the planning forum for the 2007 Midwest Institute for Biological Control shortcourse "Insect Pathology," organized by Lee Solter (Illinois Natural History Survey). This week-long course instructed 25 students and biocontrol professionals in biological control by insect pathogens. e. NCERA-125 members were involved in a broad array of educational outreach activities through various public media. Highlights include a University of Minnesota media campaign highlighting biological control research which appeared in the New York Times among other outlets. The work of NCERA-125 members also appeared in broadcasts on Minnesota Public Radio (carried on many National Public Radio stations) and in a number of agricultural radio and newspaper reports.</blockquote> 4. Contribute to national dialog about regulatory issues of biological control. <blockquote>a. NCERA-125 served as a forum for discussion and communication which contributed to the International Organization for Biological Control's "Best Practices Certificate for Classical Biological Control of Arthropods," which has been put up for vote by the IOBC membership. This is a voluntary program to obtain a stamp of approval from the IOBC (Nearctic Region) that researchers are doing the best possible practices that are recognized by this organization in the research and release of biological control agents. This certification program was developed in response to a leadership vacuum and a lack of clarity in the biological control permitting process, and represents an act of leadership in codifying the recent paradigm shifts in the practice of arthropod biological control.</blockquote>

Publications

Butler, C. D., and R. J. O'Neil. 2007. Life history characteristics of Orius insidiosus (Say) fed diets of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura and soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach). Biol. Control. 40: 339-346. Butler, C. D., and R. J. O'Neil. 2007. Life history characteristics of Orius insidiosus (Say) fed Aphis glycines Matsumura. Biol. Control. 40: 333-338. Costamagna, A. C., W. van der Werf, F. J. J. Bianchi, and D. A. Landis. 2007. An exponential growth model with decreasing r captures bottom-up effects on the population growth of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 9: 297 305. Costamagna, A. C., and D. A. Landis. 2007. Quantifying predation on soybean aphid through direct field observations. Biological Control 42: 16 24. Costamagna, A. C., D. A. Landis, and C. D. DiFonzo. 2007. Suppression of A. glycines by generalist predators results in a trophic cascade in soybean. Ecological Applications 17: 441 - 451. De Boer, J.G., Ode, P.J., Vet, L.E.M., Whitfield, J.B. & Heimpel, G.E. 2007. Diploid males sire triploid daughters and sons in the parasitoid wasp Cotesia vestalis. Heredity 99, 288-294. Deol , Yadwinder S., Sukhbir K. Grewal, L. Cañas and Parwinder S. Grewal. 2007. An assessment of entomopathogenic nematode delivery through commercial potting media and garden soil. In Press, International Journal of Nematology. Deol , Yadwinder S., Sukhbir K. Grewal, L. Cañas and Parwinder S. Grewal. 2007. An assessment of entomopathogenic nematode delivery through commercial potting media and garden soil. In Press, International Journal of Nematology. Fuchsberg, J. R., T.-H. Yong, J. E. Losey, M. E. Carter, and M. P. Hoffmann. 2007. Evaluation of corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis; Homoptera: Aphididae) honeydew as a food source for the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Biological Control 40: 230-236. Ganpati B. Jagdale, Mildred L. Casey, Luis Cañas, Parwinder S. Grewal. 2007. Effect of entomopathogenic nematode species, split application and potting medium on the control of the fungus gnat, Bradysia difformis (Diptera: Sciaridae), in the greenhouse at alternating cold and warm temperatures. Biological Control 43: 2330. Gardner, J., M. P. Hoffmann, S. A. Cheever, A. J. Seaman, P. Westgate and R. V. Hazzard. 2007. Large-scale releases of Trichogramma ostriniae to suppress Ostrinia nubilalis in commercially grown processing and fresh market sweet corn. J. Appl. Entomol. 131:432-440. Harwood, J.D., N. Desneux, H.J.S. Yoo, D.L. Rowley, M.H. Greenstone, J.J. Obrycki, & R.J. O'Neil. 2007. Tracking the role of alternative prey in soybean aphid predation by Orius insidiosus: a molecular approach. Molecular Ecology 16:4390-4400. Harwood, J.D. & J.J. Obrycki. 2007. Temporal detection of Cry1Ab-endotoxins in coccinellid predators from fields of Bacillus thuringiensis corn. Bull. Entomol.Research 97: 643-648. Harwood, J.D., M.R. Bostrum, E.E. Hladilek, D.H. Wise & J.J. Obrycki. 2007. An Order-specific monoclonal antibody to Diptera reveals the impact of alternative prey on spider feeding behavior in a complex food web. Biological Control 41:397-407. Harwood, J.D. & J.J. Obrycki. 2007. Web-site selection strategies of linyphiid spiders in alfalfa: implications for biological control. BioControl 52: 451-467. Hodgson, E. W., B. P. McCornack, K. A. Koch, D. W. Ragsdale, K. D. Johnson, M. E. ONeal, E. M. Cullen, H. J. Kraiss, C. D. DiFonzo, M. Jewett, and L. M. Behnken. 2007. Field validation of Speed Scouting for soybean aphid. Online Journal. Crop Manag. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/cm/ Krischik, V.A., Landmark, A.L. & Heimpel, G.E. 2007. Soil-applied imidacloprid is translocated to nectar and kills nectar-feeding Anagyrus pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera : Encyrtidae). Environmental Entomology, 36, 1238-1245. Lee, J.C. & Heimpel, G.E. 2007. Sugar feeding reduces short-term activity of a parasitoid wasp. Physiological Entomology 32, 99-103. Matos, B. & J.J. Obrycki. 2007. Evaluation of mortality of Galerucella calmariensis L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) preimaginal life stages and pupal survival at two wetlands in Iowa. J. Kansas Entomol. Soc. 80: 16-26. Michaud, J.P. & J.L. Jyoti. 2007. Repellency of conspecific and heterospecific larval residues to ovipositing Hippodamia convergens Guerin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) foraging for greenbugs on sorghum plants. Eur. J. Entomol. 104: 399-405. Michaud, J.P. & J.L. Jyoti. 2007. Dietary complementation across life stages in a polyphagous lady beetle, Coleomegilla maculata. Entomol. Exp. Appl. (in press). Raghu, S., Dhileepan, K. and Scanlan, J.C. 2007. Predicting risk and benefit a priori in biological control of invasive plant species: a systems modelling approach. Ecological Modelling (in press). Raghu, S. and Walton, C. 2007. Understanding the ghost of Cactoblastis past: historical clarifications on a poster-child of classical biological control. BioScience 57: 699705. Ragsdale, D. W. B. P. McCornack, R. C. Venette, B. D. Potter, I. V. MacRae, E. W. Hodgson, M. E. ONeal, K. D. Johnson, R. J. ONeil, C. D. Difonzo, T. E. Hunt, P. Glogoza, and E. M. Cullen. 2007. Economic Threshold for Soybean Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) J. Econ. Entomol. 100(4): 1258-1267. Wu, Z. & Heimpel, G.E. 2007. Dynamic egg maturation strategies in an aphid parasitoid. Physiological Entomology, 32, 143-149. Wyckhuys, K. and R. J. ONeil. 2007. Extra-field contribution to abundance of natural enemies of Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Central American subsistence maize production. International Journal of Pest Management. (In press). Wyckhuys, K.A.G. & Heimpel, G.E. 2007. Response of the soybean aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis to olfactory cues from target and non-target host-plant complexes. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 123, 159-158. Wyckhuys, K.A.G., Koch, R.L., & Heimpel, G.E. 2007. Physical and ant-mediated refuges from parasitism: implications for non-target effects in biological control. Wyckhuys, K. A. G., Hopper, K. R., Wu, K. M., Straub, C., Gratton, C. & Heimpel, G. E. 2007. Predicting Potential Ecological Impact of Soybean Aphid Biological Control Introductions. Biocontrol News Inform. 28, 3034. Yong, T.-H., S. Pitcher, J. Gardner, and M. P. Hoffmann. 2007. Odor specificity testing in the assessment of efficacy and non-target risk for Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 17: 135-153.

Impact Statements

The goal of NCERA-125 is to coordinate biological control research, education, and implementation in the North Central Region. Our stakeholders - the benefactors of our collaborative work on biological control - include farmers, land managers, homeowners, green industries, regulatory agencies, commodity groups, and the broader scientific community.
In 2007, the membership of NCERA-125 engaged in collaborations producing significant outcomes in research, education and outreach, as described above. These accomplishments help ensure continued impacts on biological control in the Region. Our objectives, accomplishments, and their associated impacts are in keeping with several of the strategic goals of the USDA Strategic Plan for FY 2005 - 2010. In particular, promoting biological control contributes to:
Strategic Goal 2: Enhance the Competitiveness and Sustainability of Rural Farm Economics. Biological control reduces input costs by reducing insecticide use, improving producers‘ bottom lines thus enhancing farm economies.
Strategic Goal 4: Enhance Protection and Safety of the Nation‘s Agricultural and Food Supply. Biological control is a cost-effective method to help control the pests that threaten our agricultural production. Furthermore, it contributes to the safety of our food supply by reducing farm-worker and consumer insecticide exposure.
Strategic Goal 6: Protect and Enhance the Nations Natural Resource Base and Environment. Biological control is an environmentally sound alternative to chemical pesticide use. Reducing the pesticide load in the environment helps enhance water and soil quality and protect natural resources.
While quantitative statistics are not available for all the accomplishments reported for 2007, we have specific impact indicators for one of the programs to which we contributed heavily: the distance education shortcourse "Managing Soybean Aphids in 2007 - How Will Biological Control Contribute?" This 3.5 hour course was delivered at 124 sites in 16 states and provinces, to 338 stakeholders.
In the after-program survey (196 respondents), 92% indicated that their knowledge about the role of natural enemies and their interactions with soybean aphids improved as a result of attending the course.
90% of respondents agreed that "Because I participated in this short course, I recognize the need to assess the impact of natural enemies before using an insecticide to control soybean aphids."
83% indicated that they would like to see biological control information incorporated into IPM guidelines.
A few of the comments about the shortcourse follow:
"This was an excellent workshop, an excellent method for delivery, and an excellent group of researchers to discuss the subject. I would like to participate (listen) to any entomological update on field crop pest control such as Asian soybean aphids using this method of delivery. Thanks again for a splendid program."
"I thought the program was very valuable. I enjoyed hearing the team that was pulled together and learning the information shared. I was also impressed with the supporting materials that were provided. Great resources for my agronomy team."
"Thank you for sharing this very interesting research. It‘s great that we can take part in this type of work to help our area producers better understand why we choose certain control measures!!"
"The teleconference provided an opportunity for an excellent update on new development in the area of biological control and management of soybean aphids. We have conducted a number of on-farm trials over the last 3 years looking at economic thresholds and economic injury thresholds with comparable results to the research data presented today - always reassuring when dealing with a new pest."
"The response of those that I had or heard from were quite positive. A bit‘academic‘ in some spots for some, but they said they gained an appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes with respect to introducing exotic natural enemies. Thanks to you and everyone else for organizing, developing, and presenting this short course."

Date of Annual Report: 11/13/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/21/2008 - 10/22/2008
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 09/01/2008

Participants

Luis Cañas;
George Heimpel;
David Hogg;
Louis Hesler;
Richard Lankau;
Jonathan Lundgren;
J.P. Michaud;
Matt ONeil;
Deirdra Prischmann-Voldseth;
Mike Seagraves;
Kelley Tillman;
Jen White;
Robert Wright;
Steve Yaninek (AA)

Brief Summary of Minutes

NCERA 125 Meeting Minutes
October 21-22, 2008

In attendance: Luis Cañas, George Heimpel, David Hogg, Louis Hesler, Richard Lankau, Jonathan Lundgren, J.P. Michaud, Matt ONeil, Deirdra Prischmann-Voldseth, Mike Seagraves, Kelley Tillman, Jen White, Robert Wright, Steve Yaninek (AA).

I. Next meeting to be held in Manhattan, KS, Oct. 20-21, 2009.

II. Election of new officers.
Chair: J.P. Michaud
Secretary: Jen White

III. Discussion of reporting format, objectives, responsibilities of secretary.

IV. Administrative Report, Steve Yaninek
a. State of federal budget - outlook for 2009 (everything on hold until March)
b. AFRI to replace NRI, NIFA to replace CSREES
c. structure and distribution of regional IPM 3(d) funding to change, opportunity for public input. General consensus reached that a fully competitive formula would negatively affect continuity in IPM programs regionally.
d. Bob Nowierskis (in absentia) presentation on changes to CSREES programs.
e. Requirements for NCERA 125 program review include submission of updated Impact Statement (deadline Nov. 15, 3 completed annual reports, all required materials submitted by Sept. 15). Annual report due before Christmas.

V. Miscellaneous Reports
a. IOBC update (Jonathan L.) Education Development Program (ARS) funding for biocontrol-related short courses, educational opportunities.
b. IOBC symposiom at ESA national meeting (Tuesday evening) will honor Bob ONeil. 3rd IOBC symposium on arthropod biological control in New Zealand.
c. First international Entomophagous Insects Conference will be held in Minneapolis, July 28-31, 2008). Aphidophaga 11 (IOBC international working group) will be held in Perugia, Italy, September 2010. Opportunities for organizing symposia relating aphid biocontrol (J.P. Michaud chair and contact).
d. Midwest Biological Control Institute. Carabid short course held June 22-25, Oak Lake Field Station, SD (Instructors: Kirk Larsen, Jonathan Lundgren, Foster Purrington, Don Weber, Kip Will). 12 students from 9 states attended. Cost was $5000 ($350 per student). Impacts: provided students with new research tools, increased student awareness of carabid importance and diversity. Luis Canas offered to coordinate with Joy Landis to revamp the ENCERA Biological Control website to contain a listing of periodic course offerings and other current information.

VI. North Central Branch Symposium.
NCB meeting will be held in St. Louis, MO, March 15-18, 2009. Taking biocontrol to the people. Kelley volunteered to organize. Matt to assist. Suggestions for talks included examples of using biological control as an outreach tool for public education (various levels, kids to adults), Binodoxys releases, Monarch mark-and-release program, natural enemy enhancement through use of native plants and non-crop vegetation, biological control in conservatories and zoos, purple loosestrife natural enemy rearing and release program. Sue suggested possibility of organizing a biocontrol symposium at an Ecological Society of America meeting. Steve suggested a special program for free public access (one whole day) that includes the symposium to attract students and lay-people outside of entomology. Matt suggested we might use the branch meeting to recruit local educators or students to the cause of biocontrol. Discussion followed on challenges w/r/t how to effectively use biocontrol research projects in educational contexts.

VII. International IPM Achievement Award.
Aimed at individuals and/or teams that have made significant contributions toward implementing IPM, including growers and commodity groups. Kelley suggested that the group might annually nominate someone involved in supporting or conducting biocontrol. Suggested the NCSRP (soybean producers group) that contributed more than $1,000,000 for the Binodoxys release program. Proposal to nominate NCSRP for this award passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 12:40 p.m., Oct. 22, 2008

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Please open the attached Summary of Minutes file for NCERA125's full 2008 report.

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 12/26/2009

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/27/2009 - 10/28/2009
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2008 - 09/01/2009

Participants

ONeal, Matt(oneal@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Yaninek, Steve (yaninek@purdue.edu)-Purdue University; Michaud, J.P. (jpmi@ksu.edu) - Kansas State University; Nechols, Jim (jnechols@ksu.edu) - Kansas State University; White, Jen (jenawhite@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Wright, Bob (rwright@unlnotes.unl.edu) - University of Nebraska; Canas, Luis (canas.4@osu.edu)- The Ohio State University; Puttler, Ben (puttlerbe@missouri.edu) - University of Missouri; Tilmon, Kelly (Kelley.Tilmon@sdstate.edu) - South Dakota State University; Lundgren, Jonathan (Jonathan.Lundgren@ars.usda.gov) - USDA-Brookings; Louis Hesler (louis.hesler@ars.usda.gov) - USDA-Brookings

Brief Summary of Minutes

Manhattan, KS
October 26-27, 2009
In attendance: Matt ONeal (Iowa State University), Steve Yaninek (Purdue University), J. P. Michaud (Kansas State University), Jim Nechols (Kansas State University), Jen White (University of Kentucky), Bob Wright (University of Nebraska), Luis Canas (The Ohio State University), Ben Puttler (University of Missouri), Kelley Tilmon (South Dakota State University), Jonathan Lundgren (USDA- Brookings), Louis Hesler (USDA-Brookings)
Chair: J.P. Michaud, Secretary: Jen White

Oct 26, AM
USDA update (Steve Yaninek)
NIFA in transition somewhat chaotic.
AFRI rfa for 406 IPM programs to be delayed for some time...
Secretary Vilsack speech Oct. 8, introduced new director of NIFA, Roger Beachey.
APHIS received a big chunk of money from farm bill new tools and techniques for pest detection, training and outreach. Funding opportunities? Need a contact in APHIS.
NIPHA mission areas. 5 institutes, each separate director. 30% budget increase for AFRI, 10% increase for NIFA.
Federal budget 3.8% increase.

Project approved through Sept. 11, 2011 next year we will need to revise project.

Annual report is due 60 days after meeting.

Royal Society of London Summit on Foundations of Biodiversity. Steve invited to speak on biocontrol.

Oct 26, PM
State Reports: see Final Report document

Oct 27, AM
Logistics for upcoming meetings
New Secretary nomination: Dierdre Prischmann, NDSU
Kelley Tilmon will ask if she accepts
Chair next year: Jen White would normally mean meeting in Lexington KY next year
Not ideal - World Equestrian Games in Lexington in Oct, NCB meeting in Louisville in March
Alternate Plan 2010 meeting in Fargo, 2011 meeting in Lexington
Date of 2010 meeting TBD

Discussion of future of NCERA-125
Project approved through Sept 2011
Attendance declining why?
Cost/value of meeting
Conflicts
Coordination with other groups (W-2185, North Central Branch) discussed, no action taken
Potential new member involvement
Overall feeling that group in transition - perhaps time to revisit mission?

Use Branch meeting to reinvigorate
Find out what would interest others in meeting

Other ideas
Find topics where everyone has ownership
Reviving/revamping web site so that all could share resources
Integrated multi-state proposal, research and outreach
Make the meeting an opportunity to share their diversity, expertise
more of a learning approach
invite speakers
Midwest institute summer programs
Fill in gaps specialized training on topics not available in home institution
Share with broader audience
Gives students opportunity to work with leaders in field
Extension newsletter biological control news
Establishing collaborations
Publications Journal of Integrated Pest Management?

North Central Branch Symposium
Have symposium earlier during meeting followed by NCERA-125 follow-up meeting
Jen will talk with NCB organizers to see if this can be arranged
Much discussion of symposium format final consensus
Topic: What do we need to do to advance biological control?
3 formal presentations + guided discussions
Teaching, outreach, research&How did each advance biological control (Case studies)
Possible speakers
Extension/Outreach Peter Ellsworth
Education Jon Lundgren
Research George Heimpel
Guided discussion (prospective where should we go from here?)
Survey results
SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, opportunities, threats)
Interactive Clicker feedback during discussion
Leaders - bring provocative questions to stimulate discussion
Extension Kelley and Luis
Research Matt and Jen
Education Jonathan
Overall point identify needs that we could address, recruit new members
Critical points
Start communication before meeting
Put out an announcement well in advance
Student oriented
Discussion sections could feature results from survey of membership
Would John Obrycki be willing to send out to membership?
Luis would construct survey with Survey Monkey

Preliminary proposal to NCB due Dec 1, 2009
Record presentations and put on website?
Possibility of North Central Regional IPM mini-grants for invited speaker

Phone call to Larry Olson or Sue Ratcliff (do have funds for mini-grants)
Developing strategic plan for coordinating biological control in the north central region
Would John Obrycki be willing to make introduction?

Symposium outline
Introduction (20 minutes)
Survey? Students, Faculty (10 min)
Through Extension?
Keynote (20 min)
facilitated discussion (40 min)
Break
Through Education?
Keynote (20 min)
facilitated discussion (40 min)
Through Research?
Keynote (20 min)
facilitated discussion (40 min)
Conclusion

Follow-up NCERA-125 meeting (possibly including social)

Possible questions for survey
Should we pursue/promote/advance biological control?
Do you accept BC as a component of IPM?
What does biological control mean to you?
How should we advance BC?
What is your area of entomological endeavor/expertise?
Is your research relevant to biological control?
Is biological control relevant to your area of research?
Housekeeping questions
Gender education, professional standing
Do you do E, R, E, in BC IPM
Are natural enemies important in your IPM program?
Do you use BC in their research/education/extension programs?
Targets for biological control? Options, plus blank, class of pest

Proximal Goals of survey (NCB of ESA)
1) Population perception of biological control
2) ID deficiencies in current BC
3) Advertise NCERA-125
4) Discovery their ideas of things that could be addressed by this group, opportunity

Ultimate goals of survey
1) How do we advance the implementation of biological control?
2) How to make BC a stronger player in IPM?
3) Develop a strategic plan

Timeline
Send goals to attending NCERA-125 (Dec 16)
Create draft survey send to entire 125 membership (Jan 10)
Add changes send to Obrycki for advertising the NCB branch (mid-January)
Summarize results and present to branch at meeting

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 11/23/2010

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/12/2010 - 10/13/2010
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2009 - 09/01/2010

Participants

Gardiner, Mary (gardiner.29@osu.edu), The Ohio State University; Heimpel, George (heimp001@umn.edu), University of Minnesota; Heinz, Kevin (kmheinz@neo.tamu.edu), Texas A&M; Prischmann-Voldseth, Deirdre (Deirdre.Prischmann@ndsu.edu), North Dakota State University; White, Jen (jawh222@uky.edu), University of Kentucky; Wright, Bob (rwright@unlnotes.unl.edu), University of Nebraska; Yaninek, Steve (yaninek@purdue.edu), Purdue University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

1. Advance the science of biological control through fundamental research on the biology of natural enemies and their application in pest management. a. Titles, participants, and funding sources of externally-funded biological control research Title: The suitability of buckthorn-associated stages of the soybean aphid as hosts for the parasitoid Binodoxys communis. P.I.s: George E. Heimpel & Mark K. Asplen North Central Soybean Research Program, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council Title: Specificity of Binodoxys communis under field conditions P.I.s: George E. Heimpel & Christine Dieckhoff USDA NRI Title: Dispersal of Binodoxys communis from release sites P.I.s: George E. Heimpel & Mark K. Asplen North Central Soybean Research Program, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council Title: The influence of genetic diversity on suppression of soybean aphid by Binodoxys communis P.I.s: George E. Heimpel, Virginia Howick & Mark K. Asplen North Central Soybean Research Program, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council Title: Assessment of Asian aphidiine braconids other than Binodoxys communis as biological control agents of soybean aphid P.I.s: George E. Heimpel & Jonathan Dregni North Central Soybean Research Program, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council Title: Assessment of Lysiphlebus orientalis as a biological control agent of the soybean aphid P.I.s: George E. Heimpel & Matthew Kaiser North Central Soybean Research Program, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, NSF graduate student training grant. Title: Importance of the defensive endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa in protecting the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, from parasitism. P.I.s: George E. Heimpel, Mark K. Asplen, Kerry Oliver, Jennifer White & Keith R. Hopper. Title: An Investigation of Wild Bee Diversity and Abundance in Plots Managed by The Nature Conservancy in South-Central Nebraska and of Beneficial Arthropods Associated with Native Nebraska Flora M. S. thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, August 2010. Investigators: Porter, DA, Wright RJ, Ellis MD. 2010. Funding Source: Nebraska state funded assistantship. Title: Impact of nitrogen on soybean aphid densities and parasitization by Binodoxys communis. Investigators: Prischmann-Voldseth DA, RJ Goos. Funding Source: North Dakota SBARE, North Dakota Soybean Council Title: Integrating plant resistance and natural enemies for soybean aphid control Investigators: Prischmann-Voldseth DA, Harmon J, Knodel J Funding Source: North Dakota Soybean Council Title: Soybean Aphid: Management, Biocontrol, and Host Plant Resistance Investigators/Institutions: David Ragsdale (Project Manager) and George Heimpel (University of Minnesota), Matt ONeal and Silvia Cianzio (Iowa State University), Chris DiFonzo and Dechun Wang (Michigan State University), Christian Krupke (Purdue University), Mike Gray, Brian Diers and David Voegtlin (University of Illinois), Kelley Tilmon (South Dakota State University), John Reese, Brian McCornack and Bill Schapaugh (Kansas State University), Tom Hunt and Tiffany Heng-Moss (University of Nebraska Lincoln), Dave Hogg and Eileen Cullen (University of Wisconsin), Deirdre Prischmann and Janet Knodel (North Dakota State University), Andy Michel and Rouf Mian (The Ohio State University), and Keith Hopper and Kim Hoelmer (USDA/ARS/Newark, DE). Organization: North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) Title: Efficacy of Ceutorhynchus litura for biological control of Canada thistles. Investigators: Prischmann-Voldseth DA, Gramig G Funding Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Project title: Molecular characterization of the microbial symbiont community of invasive arthropods PI: Jennifer White Funding: Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation Project title: Ecological ramifications of defensive symbiosis in an invasive aphid pest PI: George Heimpel, University of Minnesota Co-PIs: Mark Asplen, University of Minnesota; Kerry Oliver, University of Georgia; Keith Hopper, USDA-ARS, Newark DE; Jennifer White, University of Kentucky Funding: USDA AFRI Project title: Taxonomy, biology and release of lymantriid microsporidia for control of gypsy moth PI: Leellen F. Solter, University of Illinois/Illinois Natural History Survey Co-PIs: M. L. McManus and Vince DAmico, USDA Forest Service, Hamden, CT; D. K. Pilarska, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; A. Linde, Fachhochschule Eberswalde, Eberswalde, Germany; W.F. Huang, Illinois Natural History Survey Funding Sources: USDA Agricultural Experiment Station; USDA Forest Service Project title: Role of Pathogenic Microsporidia in the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Natural Enemy Complex PI: Leellen F. Solter, University of Illinois/Illinois Natural History Survey Co-PIs: B. Onken, USDA Forest Service NA, Morgantown, West Virginia; R. Reardon, USDA Forest Service FHTET, Morgantown West Virginia; S. Salom, Virginia Polytechnic State University; M. Montgomery, USDA Forest Service NERS, Hamden, CT; C. Cheah, CT Agriculture Experiment Station, Hamden, CT; W.F. Huang, Illinois Natural History Survey Funding Sources: USDA Agricultural Experiment Station; USDA Forest Service Project title: A microsporidium of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus Investigators: D. Bruck, USDA Forest Service, Corvallis, OR; L. Solter and W.F. Huang, Illinois Natural History Survey Funding sources: USDA Agricultural Experiment Station Project title: Whitefly preference for poinsettia cultivars: impact of plant host traits on whitefly development, survival and fecundity. PI: L. A. Cañas, The Ohio State University / OARDC American Flower Endowment Project title: Ohio State University Insect Pest Diagnostics short course PI: S. Miller, L. A. Cañas, The Ohio State University / OARDC Funding source: SDA-FAS Project title: Biopesticide rotations for management of thrips and whiteflies on greenhouse vegetables PI: L. A. Cañas, The Ohio State University / OARDC Funding source: USDA-IR4 Project: Monitoring Biological Control Organisms (Puttler, MS) Pest: Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines). Summary: The fungus epizootic that decimated the soybean aphid population at the buckthorn study sites in central Missouri during the fall of 2009 apparently eliminated the overwintering population of the aphid. No aphids or eggs were detected the following spring (2010). As a result migration to soybeans was no doubt minimal. Aphids were first detected in soybeans in mid-August and during the ensuing period until harvest; no economic aphid populations materialized. A similar situation occurred throughout most of the state. Migration of the aphids back to buckthorn as of the end of September has yet to be observed (with W. Bailey, baileyw@missouri.edu). Pest: Milky Disease (Paenibacillus lentimorbus) Summary: The total number of milky disease grubs collected in 2009 from the turfgrass surface of the golf courses 11th fairway was 9: 6 masked chafers and 3 Phyllophaga. From other fairways, 11Phyllophaga and 3 green June beetles were collected. As of September 2010, no infected grubs were observed. Pest: St. Johns Wort (Hyericum sp.) Aphid (Aphis hyperici) Summary: The coccinellid, Diomus terminates, was observed for the first time feeding on Aphis hyperici. Also a Megaspilidae, Dendrocerus sp, was reared as a hyper parasite of Aphelinus sp and Binodoxys carolinensis primary parasites of the aphid. Pest: Pathogens (Miscellaneous) Summary: The alfalfa weevil larval fungus (Zoophthora phytonomi) was active in most alfalfa fields in central Missouri. The same fungus, or one closely related, infected clover leaf weevil larvae. Corn ear worm larvae in alfalfa succumbed to infection by Nomuraea ri- leyi as did the same species (podworm) on soybeans. 2. Facilitate the implementation of biological control in production and natural systems. a. Accomplishments that helped facilitate the implementation of biological control Solter (IL). I released microsporidian pathogens in selected sites in northern Illinois as classical biological control agents of gypsy moth. Monitoring will continue in 2011. Solter (IL). I characterized 3 species of microsporidia in predators being reared for release as biological control programs against hemlock woolly adelgid. These microsporidia are being studied and identified using microscopy and molecular techniques. I am advising rearing facilities on elimination of the pathogen from breeding stocks. Solter (IL). I completed taxonomic studies on a virulent microsporidium pathogen of the black vine weevil. A species description will be submitted for publication in 2011. Solter (IL). Releases of Nosema lymantriae and Vairimorpha disparis, both pathogens of the gypsy moth, were conducted in May 2008 and again in June 2010 against gypsy moth in Northern Illinois. Monitoring collections in 2008, 2009 and 2010 found high mortality rates due to the fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga (originating from Japan and moving west in gypsy moth populations). Laboratory examinations of collected larvae in the release sites produced no infections in 2008 and 2009, and few in 2010, suggesting that E. maimaiga may be outcompeting the microsporidia. The microsporidia release study is also being carried out in Bulgaria with the same two species of microsporidia in naïve sites. 2009 and 2010 monitoring in these sites shows persistence of the microsporidian pathogens. Heimpel (MN). My lab assessed the laboratory host range of various Asian parasitoids of the soybean aphid. Prischmann (ND). I conducted field releases of Binodoxys communis for soybean aphid suppression. Hoffman (NY). Western bean cutworm eggs were exposed in the laboratory to Trichogramma ostriniae. High levels of egg parasitism occurred and 3 to 6 T. ostriniae emerged from each egg that was parasitized. This suggests the potential for biological control of western bean cutworm using Trichogrammatids. Hoffman (NY). Studies were conducted to facilitate commercial production of Trichogramma. Post parasitism cleaning of host eggs was accomplished by an acoustic vibratory apparatus. This will allow packaging of host eggs with > 95% parasitism, so that quality control can be maintained and so that accurate measurement of percentage parasitism would no longer be required for each batch of product. Other experiments tested spatial arrangements of host eggs for commercial production of Trichogramma. There was no difference in parasitism whether eggs were presented as clusters or singly. Functional response studies conducted in vials showed that percent parasitism decreased with increasing parasitoid density, suggesting that optimal parasitism in commercial rearing can be adjusted by reducing the number of parasitizing females. Hoffman (NY). Ongoing diapause studies confirmed that T. ostriniae can survive NY winters in some host eggs. This further indicates its potential for perenniation and establishment as a classical biological control agent. Hoffman (NY). Behavioral studies were conducted with an olfactometer to determine whether an induced plant response could facilitate host-finding. Results indicate the presence of induced-plant volatiles that elicited a behavioral response by Trichogramma ostriniae. Cañas, L.A (OH). I developed a collaborative project with a greenhouse tomato grower (OH) to implement the use of natural enemies for control of pests in her greenhouse. This project will be used to exemplify the different elements that need to be considered when implementing a biological control program. Cañas, L.A (OH). I coordinated the development of a bilingual (English-Spanish) workshop that introduced IPM concepts to pest management operators. Biological control was an important element in this workshop. Cañas, L.A (OH). I developed a collaborative project with Smithers-Oasis (Ohio) to improve the delivery of entomopathogenic nematodes through plant growing media. Cañas, L.A (OH). I served as co PI in the development of an international short course to identify pest important for food security. Cañas, L.A (OH). I developed a project about the use of biopesticides, including fungi and bacteria that can be used to manage insects in greenhouse vegetables. 3. Educate stakeholders, students, extension personnel and the general public on the principles and practices of biological control. a. Biological control-related talks, symposia, workshops, etc. given or organized for the education of other scientists Brady, C. M. and J. A. White. (student presentation) Everyones a loser: late instar parasitism of whitefly hosts by Encarsia inaron has negative consequences for both parasitoid and host. North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America, Louisville, KY, March 14-17, 2010. 3rd Place, M.S. paper competition. Brady, C. M. and J. A. White. Everyones a loser: late instar parasitism of whitefly hosts by Encarsia inaron has negative consequences for both parasitoid and host. Entomological Society of America, Indianapolis, IN, Dec 12-16, 2009, Runner-up, Presidents Prize. Brunner SM, Prischmann-Voldseth DA, Goos RJ. 2010. Impact of nitrogen on the population density of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines). Poster at the 2010 North Central branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Brunner SM, Prischmann-Voldseth DA, Goos RJ. 2010. Impact of nitrogen and a soil inoculant on soybean aphid density (Aphis glycines). Talk at the 2010 National Entomological Society of America Meeting. Heimpel. Seminar: Department of Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota: Classical Biological Control of the Soybean Aphid Heimpel. Seminar: Department of Entomology, University of Naples, Portici: Multi-faceted determinants of host range in aphid parasitoids Heimpel GE, Mason P. Symposium presentation at IOBC Conference in Niagara Falls: Relationship between safety and efficacy in classical biological control of arthropods. Heimpel. Symposium presentation at Ecology of Aphidophaga Conference in Perugia, Italy: A goldilocks hypothesis for dispersal of biological control agents. Heimpel. Organized 2 symposia: (1) Risks and benefits of biological control IOBC meeting in Niagara Falls, Canada; (2) Biological control of soybean aphid Ecology of Aphidophaga in Perugia, Italy. Pilarska, D.K., Linde, A., Pilarski, P., Takov, D., Georgiev, G., Solter, L.F. 2010. Release of Nosema lymantriae, Vairimorpha disparis and Entomophaga maimaiga for classical and augmentative biological control of gypsy moth in Bulgaria and the United States. Soc. Invertebrate Pathology, Trabzon, Turkey. Pilarska, D., Linde, A., Pilarski, P., Georgiev, G., McManus, M., Solter, L. 2010. Release of entomophthoralean and microsporidian fungal pathogens for biological control of gypsy moth in Bulgaria and the United States. International Union of Forest Research Organizations 7.03.13, Eberswalde, Germany Prischmann-Voldseth DA. 2010. Impact of Binodoxys communis on soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) in an organic field. Poster at the 2010 National Entomological Society of America Meeting. Solter, L.F. 2010. Broad picture of 20 years of research heading to classical biological control introductions against gypsy moth. University of Sao Paulo, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia. ESALQ-USP, Piracicaba, Brazil Solter, L.F., Pilarska, D.K., Huang, W.F., Solter, P.F., Goertz, D., Hoch, G,, Vavra, J., Linde, A. 2010. Morphological and molecular variability in the Nosema-Vairimorpha species complex infecting Lymantria dispar. Soc. Invertebrate Pathology, Trabzon, Turkey Solter, LF. 2010. Microsporidia as Classical Biological Control Agents of the Gypsy Moth: Research, Regulations and Release. University of Arkansas, Entomology Dept. Seminar Solter, LF. 2009. Gipsy Moth Circles the World©: An International Program on Gypsy Moth Microsporidia. University of Illinois, Dept. of Entomology. Alumni Seminar Speaker. White, J.A. 2010. (Invited presentation) The relevance of bacterial symbionts to biological control. Department of Entomology seminar, North Dakota State University. White, J. A., S. Kelly, S.J. Perlman, S.N. Cockburn, B. Cass, M.S. Hunter. 2010. Endosymbiont costs and benefits in a parasitoid infected with both Wolbachia and Cardinium. 6th International Wolbachia conference, June 9-14, Asilomar, CA. White J. A. 2010. (Invited presentation) Do bacterial symbionts influence egg deposition behavior in a parasitoid wasp? North Central Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Louisville, KY White, J. A. 2010 (Symposium organizer) Habitat management for the promotion of biological control and other ecosystem services. NCERA-125 symposium at the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America, Louisville, KY White, J.A. 2010. (Invited presentation) The relevance of bacterial symbionts to biological control. Department of Entomology seminar, University of Arkansas. Wulff, J. A. and J. A. White. (Invited student presentation) The defensive potential of the bacterial endosymbiont Arsenophonusin the soybean aphid. 11th International Ecology of Aphidophaga Conference, Sept 19-24, Perugia Italy. Wulff, J. A. and J. A. White. (student poster) Does Arsenophonus defend the soybean aphid against parasitism? 6th International Wolbachia conference, June 9-14, 2010 Asilomar, CA. (poster) Wulff, J. A. and J. A. White. Do facultative symbionts influence the outcome of superparasitism in a solitary endoparasitoid? Entomological Society of America, Indianapolis, IN, Dec 12-16, 2009. b. Presentations or other educational opportunities on biological control provided for producers, extension educators, and other stakeholders (e.g., extension publications or talks, biological control workshops or training sessions, etc.) Burns E, Gramig G, Prischmann-Voldseth DA. Integrated pest management of Canada thistle. Jun 22 and 29 2010. ND Department of Agriculture Thistle Control Workshop. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in greenhouses. Dayton, OH. 1/13/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in interioscapes. Dayton, OH. 1/13/2010. Cañas, L.A. Managing insect pests on greenhouses and interiorscapes: integration of control methods." Cincinnati, OH. 2/3/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in greenhouses. Sandusky, OH. 2/17/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in interioscapes. Sandusky, OH. 2/17/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current insect management practices in greenhouses. Akron, OH. 3/13/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in interioscapes. Akron, OH. 3/13/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in greenhouses. Columbus, OH. 3/9/2010. Cañas, L.A. Current advances in insect management in interioscapes. Columbus, OH. 3/9/2010. Cañas, L.A. I organized the shortcourse Management of Insects in Greenhouses. This 1 hour course was delivered at 4 sites in Ohio. Cañas, L.A. Insect Science Workshop. Credits: 5, Enrollment: 14. Guest Lecture: Greenhouse Insects Mount Union College. 89% of the students in class were able to recognize the major greenhouse insect pests by the end of the lecture and learned about biological controls (0% were able to do so at the beginning of the lecture). 5/24/2010. Cañas, L.A. Extension Reloaded: insect management using IPM. Cincinnati Flower Growers Association Coordinated by Dave Dyke. Approximate number of participants = 49 people. Presented information about problems observed during the onsite visit and discussed options for control. Oral presentation, Cincinnati, OH. 6/2/2010. Cañas, L.A. Extension Reloaded: insect management using IPM. OFA Short Course Coordinated by Claudio Pasian and Steve Carver. Approximate number of participants = 81 people. Presented information about problems observed during the onsite visit and discussed options for control. Oral presentation, Columbus, OH. 7/10/2010. Solter. I organized and co-taught a 1-wk Insect Pathology short-course on the University of Illinois campus with Drs. L. Lacey and R. Humber as co-instructors. Graduate students at 7 universities, USDA research scientists, industry scientists and state scientists attended, a total of 20 participants. The course summarized the infectious diseases of insects including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoans, and viruses. The morphological, biological and pathological features of these organisms were addressed, as well as their use and potential for use in biological control/IPM programs. White, J. A. Extension presentation. Greenhouse Pests. Greenhouse 101 Workshop, October 15, 2010, Elizabethtown, KY. ~25 Extension Agents. White, J. A. Extension presentation. Whats New in Greenhouse Pest Management. Jan 11, 2010. Kentucky Landscape Industry Winter Conference. ~25 attendees. White, J. A. Extension presentation. The Basics of Greenhouse IPM. Greenhouse Production Meeting, Dec 2, 2009, Fairview Produce Auction, Hopkinsville, KY. ~50 growers. White, J. A. Extension presentation. Greenhouse Pests. Greenhouse 101 Workshop, October 16, 2009, Lexington, KY. ~25 Extension Agents. c. Number of graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduate researchers trained in the science of biological control. Graduate students (lab): 11; Graduate students (short course): 13 ; Post-docs: 2; Undergraduate researchers: 1 2010. Ronald Batallas. Ecuador. Panamerican College of Agriculture, Honduras. February 14 December 14, 2009. Undergraduate student intern. 2010. Theodore Derksen, SU Quarter 2010, senior high school student. Awards: Awarded OARDC Research Internship Program scholarship. June 9 to September 12, 2010. Undergraduate student intern. Winner ORIP oral presentation award. 2009. David Abud, SU Quarter 2010, senior high school student. Awards: Awarded OARDC Research Internship Program scholarship. June 9 to September 12, 2010. Undergraduate student intern. 2010. The Ohio State University. ENT 460. Economic Entomology and Insect Pest Management. Credits: 5, Enrollment: 31. Team taught with Professor Celeste Welty. Winter Quarter, 6 January 2010 to March 14, 2010. Discussed principles of pest management and explained major tactics. The class was transformed to a computer assisted course as a stepping stone into converting it to a distance education class. 4. Contribute to national dialog about regulatory issues of biological control. Heimpel. I Initiated, along with Peter Mason, a new working group on Exotic Biological Control Agents. Compiled initial list of participants at the IOBC meeting in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Publications

Chacon, J., and G. E. Heimpel. 2010. Density-dependent intraguild predation of an aphid parasitoid. Oecologia 164:213-220. Crampton, L. A. G. M. Loeb, K. A. Hoelmer, and M. P. Hoffmann. 2010. Effect of insecticide regimens on biological control of tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, by Peristenus spp., in New York State apple orchards. J. Insect Science 10:36 Dieckhoff, C., and G. E. Heimpel. 2010. Determinants of egg load in the soybean aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 136:254-261. Gardiner, M., D. A. Landis, C. Gratton, N. Schmidt, M. O'Neal, E. Mueller, J. Chacon and G.E. Heimpel. 2010. Landscape composition influences the activity density of Carabidae and Arachnida in soybean fields. Biological Control 55:11-19. Gardner, J., M. P. Hoffmann, S. A. Pitcher and J. K. Harper. Integrating insecticides and Trichogramma ostriniae to control European corn borer in sweet corn: economic analysis. Biological control (in press) Heimpel, G. E., L. E. Frelich, D. A. Landis, K. R. Hopper, K. A. Hoelmer, Z. Sezen, M. K. Asplen and K. Wu. 2010. European buckthorn and Asian soybean aphid as components of an extensive invasional meltdown in North America. Biological Invasions 12:2913-2931. Heimpel, G. E. 2010. BioControl Musings: Leo's interpretation. IOBC-NRS Newsletter (Spring 2010):4. Heimpel, G. E. 2010. BioControl Musings: Where's the Toids? IOBC-NRS Newsletter (Summer 2009):4. Hoffman. Integrating insecticides and Trichogramma ostriniae to control European corn borer in sweet corn: Economic analysis. Accepted for publication. Noma, T., C. Gratton, M. Colunga-Garcia, M. J. Brewer, E. E. Mueller, K. A. G. Wyckhuys, G. E. Heimpel and M.E. ONeal. 2010. Relationship of soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to soybean plant nutrients, landscape structure, and natural enemies Environmental Entomology 39:31-41. Shenge, K. C., P. M. Diedhiou, M. J. Boehm, S. D. Ellis, A. Stone, S. A. Miller, and L. A. Cañas. 2009. Sanitation and Phytosanitation (SPS): The Importance of SPS in Global Movement of Plant Materials, Ohioline. The Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, OH. Smyth, R. R., and M. P. Hoffmann. 2010. Seasonal incidence of two co-occurring adult parasitoids of Acalymma vittatum in New York State: Centistes (Syrrhizus) diabroticae and Celatoria setosa. BioControl. 55: 219-228. Solter, L.F., Pilarska, D.K., McManus, M.L., Zubrik, M., Patocka, J., Huang, W.-H., Novotny, J. 2010. Host Specificity of Microsporidia Pathogenic to the Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar (L.): Field Studies In Slovakia. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 105, 1-10. Stary, P., E. Rakhshani, Z. Tomanovic, K. Hoelmer, N. G. Kavallieratos, J. Yu, M. Wang and G.E. Heimpel. 2010. A new species of Lysiphlebus Forster 1862 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) attacking soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hem., Aphididae) from China. Journal of Hymenoptera Research 19:184-191. White, J.A., S. E. Kelly, S. N. Cockburn, S. J. Perlman, M. S. Hunter. 2010. Costs and benefits of endosymbiont infection in a doubly-infected parasitoid. Heredity doi:10.1038/hdy.2010.89 White, J. and D. Johnson. 2010. Vendors of Beneficial Organisms in North America. UK Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin. Ent-Fact 125.

Impact Statements

1.Advance the science of biological control through fundamental research on the biology of natural enemies and their application in pest management. NCERA-125 members are participating in 21 externally-funded research projects on biological control that are supported by 18 different entities. Members are authors on 12 peer-reviewed publications.
2. Facilitate the implementation of biological control in production and natural systems. At least five biocontrol agents were field-released and/or their efficacy monitored. Biological control agents were also studied in lab settings, where researchers investigated factors that would lead to enhanced pest suppression, increase biological control establishment in the field, and improve delivery and implementation of natural enemies.
3. Educate people on the principles and practices of biological control. Four undergraduate students, 11 graduate students, and 2 post-doctoral researchers were trained in the science of biological control.Twenty-three talks and two symposia about biological control were given or organized at scientific venues, including 12 at international conferences. Thirteen extension presentations were given to over 125 people. Four extension publications were written.
3. Educate people on the principles and practices of biological control. Approximately 200 people attended five short-courses/workshops that were organized and/or supported by NCERA-125 members. Participants included graduate students and faculty at multiple universities, USDA research scientists, industry scientists, state scientists and pest management operators.
4. Contribute to national dialog about regulatory issues of biological control. A new working group on Exotic Biological Control Agents was initiated.

Date of Annual Report: 03/13/2011

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/13/2011 - 03/13/2011
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2010 - 03/01/2011

Participants

Heimpel, George (heimp001@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; Prischmann-Voldseth, Deirdre (Deirdre.Prischmann@ndsu.edu)- North Dakota State University; Yaninek, Steve (yaninek@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; Nowierski, Bob (rnowierski@csrees.usda.gov)- National Program Leader; Gardiner, Mary (gardiner.29@osu.edu)- The Ohio State University; White, Jen (jawh222@uky.edu)- University of Kentucky; Wright, Bob (rwright@unlnotes.unl.edu)- University of Nebraska; Asplen, Mark (asple001@umn.edu)- University of Minnesota; Matt ONeal (oneal@iastate.edu), Iowa State University; McCornack, Brian (mccornac@ksu.edu)- Kansas State University; Tilmon, Kelley (Kelley.Tilmon@sdstate.edu)- South Dakota State University; Hogg, Dave (hogg@entomology.wisc.edu)- University of Wisconsin; Puttler, Ben (puttlerbe@missouri.edu)- University of Missouri.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

We have changed our meeting cycle, from meeting in the fall to meeting in conjunction with the NCB-ESA meeting in the spring/summer. No new data has been generated since our last meeting (fall 2010). Therefore, the 2011 meeting minutes will serve as the 2011 written state report.

Publications

See note above.

Impact Statements

See note above.