Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Chair of the S-1024 Regional Project, called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM on March 11, 2007. He welcomed all participants to the meeting at his home institution, the Ohio State Universitys Wooster Campus. He announced that this years meeting is a joint meeting with National Turfgrass Entomologists Workshop with one joint session on Microbial Control of Landscape Pests: Progress and Challenges on March 12. He also announced that Dr David Boethel, SAES Administrative Advisor was unable to attend and sent his apologies. He also stated that Dr. Robert Nowierski, USDA/CSREES Adviser was unable to attend the meeting, but sent his presentation. Dr. Grewal also provided report on the local arrangements including the facilities and meals to be served. He also announced that there are 35 attendees. The registration was set at $125. In order to address last years concerns about not having any time for people working on the same pathogen group to meet and discuss projects of mutual interest, the lunch tables were reserved for different pathogen groups. Dr. Grewal made Dr. Nowierskis presentation and distributed the material related to impact statement development sent by Dr. Nowierski to all participants. Dr. Grewal announced that this year there is a special opportunity to view posters by the attendees throughout the meeting. Dr. David Shapiro-Illan briefly discussed the minutes of the 2006 meeting. We started with brief introductions of all the attendees with a few words on what research projects people were working on during the last year. We then initiated reports on individual subprojects started. Brief overviews of these reports and ensuing discussions are provided below. Subproject #1 Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for major acreage crops. Chair: Dr. Bob Behle Mark Boetel, NDSU is working with Stefan Jaronski and Bob Behle on integrated control of sugar beet root maggot, a pest of sugar beets. A test system using cover crops with Ma1200 (Metarhizhium anisopliae) has been tested for several years. The 2006 season was hot and dry and the fungus treatment showed little benefit. However, a seed treatment of a nicotinoid insecticide combined with application of Ma did result in a yield increase. An additional observation was the identification of Fusariaum salanium infecting sugar beet root maggot. Mary Barbercheck reported on the impact of transition from conventional cropping systems to organic cropping systems, specifically on use of cover crops for rotation and how this practice impacts soil and weed control. This practice increased organic matter in the soil and increased microbial activity. Movement of nematodes from infected cadavers placed in the field was also documented. Nematodes dispersed in all directions from the cadaver. An additional observation of white grub damage was noted for pastures. Jarrod Leland reported on the use of Beauveria bassiana for control of Lygus bugs infesting cotton in the Mississippi Delta region. This is a late season pest that causes boll drop. Lygus also infests strawberries and may provide an additional area for research on microbial control. There were no reports of safety concerns related to application of microbes as insecticides. Subproject #2 Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for ornamentals, vegetables, and fruit and nut crops. Co-Chairs: Drs. Robin Stuart and Patricia Stock Numerous microbial applications were reported on a variety of insects including use of entomopathogenic nematodes for control of fungus gnats, diaprepes root weevil, olive fruit fly, navel orangeworm, plum curculio, peachtree borer, codling moth western flower thrips, and grape root borer. Use of fungi was reported for suppression of hemlock wooly adelgid, and glassy-winged sharpshooter. A new microspora with high levels of virulence was reported from black vine weevil. Results of survey for entomopathogenic nematodes conducted in the vegetable growing region of Ohio were reported. Results were also reported on the progress made in Ohio on the establishment of entomopathogenic nematodes in nurseries and grapes. Subproject #3 Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for medicinal, veterinary, and structural pests. Co-Chairs: Drs. Jimmy Becnel and David Oi Bob Behle (ARS Peoria) reported on cooperative research between ARS-Peoria and ARS-New Orleans on foam injection of fungus formulations in live oak trees against Formosan subterranean termites. Studies were impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Jarrod Leland (Novozymes Biologicals) reported Novozymes are gathering registration data for Metarhizium anisopliae product (Tick-EX) against black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis and lone star ticks. Albert Pye (Biologic Co.) recalled he had worked on a bait station with nematodes against German cockroaches that was never developed. Jimmy Becnel (ARS Gainesville) reported that transmission of a cypovirus (CPV) from the mosquito Culex restuans was enhanced by the divalent cation, magnesium, while calcium inhibited transmission. David Oi (ARS Gainesville) reported on microbial control activity of the ARS Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Unit: The areawide fire ant IPM project that included sites in FL, OK, SC, and TX which utilizes the T. solenopsae fire ant pathogen will be ending 2008. A new nematode collected in red imported fire ants by S. Porter (ARS Gainesville) was identified as Allomeris solenopsii by G. Poinar and colleagues (CA). Life cycle studies are in progress by Porter. S. Valles (ARS Gainesville) determined seasonal prevalence of the SINV-1 and SINV-1A viruses and its presence throughout the southern U.S. and California, as well as in Argentina David Oi summarized submitted reports related to medical, veterinary, and structural pests from participants who did not attend meeting. Topics included cooperative work on mosquito baculoviruses (J. Becnel, ARS Gainesville, CT); microsporidia sequencing in mosquitoes from Siberia (CT); protein identification in NPV of Culex nigripalpus (ARS Gainesville); T. solenopsae distribution in LA and higher pathogen load in polygyne and major adult worker ants (J. Fuxa, LA); factors of M. anisopliae repellence and efficacy against Formosan termites (LA); and, control of termites with various species and strains of nematodes (D. Gouge AZ). Special Open Discussion Forum We devoted about 1.5 h specifically to allow all participants to participate in an open discussion to identify new collaborative projects of national significance. Several ideas were discussed. Dr. Shapiro-Illan proposed a project on weevils, Dr. Kaya proposed a project on Diabrotica in melons, Dr. Boetel suggested a project on Sugar beet pests, and Dr. Behle suggested the project on soybean aphids. All ideas were discussed and collaborations were solicited. However, the project that received the most support from the participants from many states with the development of a microbial control package for grapes. The idea was proposed by Dr. Grewal who had submitted a proposal to the CAR program previously. There is also substantial preliminary data on several pests and diseases of grapes. This project was then discussed at length. Dr. Grewal proposed that we develop a RAMP proposal on this project and include participants from all the states with significant grape production. It was proposed to develop subprojects on various pests and also include microbial control of diseases and weeds. The idea is to develop and implement both inundative and inoculative approaches. Several companies showed high interest and promised to collaborate with the researchers. It was pointed out that we include extension specialists from major grape producing states. It was also proposed that Dr. Scott Costa will take a lead and Dr. Grewal will support him in this effort. Our Dinner speaker was Dr. Lambert Kanga who spoke on the developments in the microbial control of a honey bee parasite. This dinner banquet was a combined event with the National Turfgrass Entomologists who arrived just before the dinner. Subproject #4 Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for urban and natural landscapes. Chair: Dr. Parwinder Grewal Dr. Grewal opened this combined session with the National Turfgrass Entomologists meeting at 8:15 AM. He welcomed the participants and announced that there are over 75 participants. He announced that the main theme of this session is to briefly review the progress in developing and implementing microbial control methods for landscape pests, identify the hurdles including social, economic, and environmental factors, and discuss/develop ways to address these challenges. The session started with a brief overview of major landscape pests by Dr. David Shetlar. Dr. Koppenhoffer then presented the developments with entomopathogenic nematodes in turfgrass follwed by a paper on the mechanisms of differences in the susceptibility of white grubs to different nematode species. Dr. Ganpati Jagdale then presented data on the suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes and ants in turfgrass by the entomopathogenic nematodes. Ms. Andera Bixby presented field efficacy data on a new Bt product being developed by Valent Biosciences for the control of white grubs. Dr. Grewal then presented information of the utility of fungal endophytes (Neotyphodium spp.) to control above pests in turfgrass. He presented data on the strong influence of simple cultural practices including mowing height on the expression of endophyte mediated host plant resistance. He also presented information on urban soils. As most urban lawns are established on subsoils which are usually compacted and can suboptimal for the persistence and movement of nematodes and other microbial control agents, Dr. Grewal lab is comparing the ecology and hydrology of lawns established on subsoils. Dr. Redding presented data on the use of sub-surface application of nematodes in nurseries for the control of white grubs and black vine weevil. Dr. Costa presented data indicating that addition of sweet whey can improve sporulation of insect fungal pathogens. Dr. Leellan Solter presented her data on the control of gypsy moth and Emerald Ash Boerer. Dr. Oi presented information on the control of fire ants and Mr. Alfred Alumai presented progress with the development and implementation of IPM in turfgrass. This was followed by a survey of the attitudes and behaviors of lawn care professionals and homeowners in Ohio by Dr. Tom Blaine. These presentations were followed by a panel discussion session with questions from the audience. First the following panel members briefly presented their comments: Alec McClennan, who owns an organic lawn care company in Cleveland, Ohio. He uses nematodes for the control of major turfgrass pests. Dr. Bal Rao from Davey Tree Company outlined the need for practical microbial control products for tree pest control. Dr. Stuart Falk from Scotts Company shared his data on the low efficacy of a nematode product that he obtained from a small company. Dr. Dan Potter from University of Kentucky, raised the issue about the lack of efficacy of Mikly Spre product. Dr. Ramon Georgis stated that the problem with nematodes is the short shelf life. Dr. Jennifer Grant from the Cornell University Extension provided an overview of IPM implementation projects in New York. Vigorous exchange occurred after the panel comments as expected. Dr. Albert Pye, owner of the BioLogic Company responded that you can not paint all nematode products with a same brush if you did not find efficacy with one product that you bought. We know nematodes work and nematode quality can affect efficacy. Dr. Cyrille Verdun from Becker Underwood stated that the use of nematodes has been expanding in Europe despite the short shelf-life. In fact, their products do not even have a room temperature shelf-life. He said that the nematodes are even used in field crops in Europe. Dr. Grewal then challenged the insect nematologists in the room to defend the nematodes. Several nmatologists then shared their experiences about the efficacy of the nematodes and likely target insects against which the nematodes have high potential. Dr. Grewal also suggested that we need dosage rate data on the efficacy of different nematodes in the field against important target pests as there are a whole range of dosage rates recommended by the commercial producers for the same nematode and the target pest. Dr. Grewal pointed out that we need to have efficacy data on available microbial products just like the chemical products. These data are not available as microbial control companies can not afford the routine Extension type testing that the chemical companies can afford. He suggested it will be good if extension entomologists will include microbial products, free of charge, when they are putting out tests for chemical products. Overall, this session was very productive and accomplished its goal. The researchers went home with new questions and the stakeholders went back with a lot of new knowledge. Final Business meeting Dr. Grewal started the meeting by thanking all participants for their contributions to the cooperative project. He also thanked the sub-project chairs for preparing and submitting their reports. No elections were due this year. The members accepted the offer from Dr. Bob Behle to hold the next meeting in Peoria, Illinois. Theme of the next years meeting will be Implementing microbial controls in large acreage crops. With no other new business, the meeting was adjourned.

Microbial efficacy was evaluated against various insect pests in diverse cropping systems. Experiments involved testing of novel pathogen species or strains, and new formulations or application technology. Entomopathogenic fungi were the subject of several studies, and research on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and an insect virus was also conducted. Trunk applications of Beauveria bassiana in a novel UV-protecting formulation and trunk-bands of Metarhizium anisopliae caused 80% suppression of adult pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (GA, TX, USDA-ARS Byron, Peoria, Stoneville). In research directed toward developing fungal bands for control of the Asian longhorned beetle, LC50 studies were conducted using M. anisopliae F-52 and it was demonstrated that a female beetle walking across a fungal band will survive for at least a week but produce virtually no subsequent offspring regardless of the females age when contacting the fungal band (USDA-ARS Ithaca, Stoneville, Newark). Studies of M. anisopliae in soilless potting media components indicated that the fungus persisted well and remained pathogenic to black vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus larvae for up to 133 days post application (USDA-ARS Corvallis). Research indicates a significant attraction of black vine weevil larvae to M. anisopliae treated media over untreated media when plants are included but no preference in the absence of plants (USDA-ARS Corvallis). Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, Cry3Ca1, Cry7Aa1, and Cry1Ba1 were found to be toxic below 1 ppm against sweetpotato weevils (Cylas formicarius, C. puncticollis, and C. brunneus) and the genes encoding these proteins are being constructed for sweetpotato expression. (AL). Studies directed toward control of the codling moth and related species in orchards found that a pear ester added to the codling moth virus (CpGV) resulted in a moderate reduction of fruit injury in apple during the second but not first generation, and also in Bartlett pear at harvest with a moderate increase in larval mortality and the percentage of shallow stings in pears at harvest. The mixing of CpGV in a kaolin clay particle film (Surround® WP) or a water soluble lignin reduced overall fruit injury, increased larval mortality and reduced deep entries in fruit that was irradiated with harmful sunlight compared with CpGV alone (AZ, CA, OR, WA, USDA-ARS, Parlier, Peoria, Wapato). A number of microbial control efficacy studies involved entomopathogenic nematodes. Applications of Steinernema carpocapsae caused 100% suppression of damage by the peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes, in peach orchards whereas applications of S. riobrave caused >97% suppression of plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) larvae in wild plum (FL, GA, USDA-ARS Byron). Studies directed toward control of the codling moth and related species in orchards revealed moderate activity of Heterorhabditis species against cocooned codling moth in laboratory screenings but spring and fall field trials showed that Steinernema species out performed Heterorhabditis species and that oriental fruit moth was less susceptible than codling moth to S. feltiae in the field although moderate control was obtained against this species in cardboard strips on bare ground. Surveys for native insect-specific nematodes in Washington State yielded several isolates but no significant mortality of sentinel cocooned codling moth larvae was found in field trials (AZ, OR, WA, USDA-ARS Parlier, Peoria, Wapato). H. marelatus kills but seldom reproduces in the Colorado potato beetle and it appears that the growth of the nematodes symbiotic bacteria, Photorhabdus temperata, is abnormal in this insect (USDA-ARS Beltsville). An undescribed Heterorhabditis sp. (Alcazar-1) isolated from the potato weevil, Premnotrypes suturicallus, in the high Andes was effective against this insect in laboratory assays with an LC50 of 5.9 infective juveniles for pre-pupae and a mortality rate of 65% for pupae and 52% for teneral adults at this rate (CA). Growth chamber studies with citrus seedlings indicate that several commercially-available and Arizona-native Steinernema and Heterorhabditis spp show promise for control of the citrus nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans (AZ). Formal species descriptions are being developed for more than 20 new entomopathogenic nematode species isolated from the Sonoran desert (Arizona and Mexico), Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia (AZ). In collaborative studies between Ohio and Florida, it was found that the applications of entomopathogenic nematodes reduce populations of plant-parasitic nematodes more effectively in Ohio than in the sandy soils of Florida. A number of studies focused on elucidating entomopathogen ecology and safety. production technology. Sampling of long-term plots in central New York indicate that the fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga continues to cause infection in very low density gypsy moth populations although its been 14 years since the last epizootic in that area (NY). Studies of fungal and viral pathogens in newly established gypsy moth populations in central Wisconsin indicate that both types of pathogens are present as soon as gypsy moth populations are sufficiently abundant that larvae can be collected (WI, NY, USDA Forest Service, Wisconsin Dept. Natl. Res.). A study of the spatial and temporal dynamics of E. maimaiga has begun with the development of a real-time PCR method for quantifying resting spores in soil (USDA Forest Service, Ithaca, USDA-ARS, Ithaca). In Ohio, studies on the ecology of fungal endophytes, Neotyphodium spp) of grasses, revealed that enodophytes can strongly influence the outcome of the triprophic interactions and thus affect the success of microbial control. Studies indicated that there was no influence of the endophyte on weed infestation in turfgrass lawns. In Florida citrus groves, species diversity and abundance of entomopathogenic nematodes was positively related to the size and amount of sand particles in the soil, whereas the abundance of the root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, was inversely related to sand content and EPN prevalence. In a citrus grove on fine textured soil in which trees were planted in holes filled with coarse sandy soil and inoculated three years after planting with EPN species from a grove on sandy soil, mortality of sentinel D. abbreviatus larvae five months after inoculation was significantly greater in plots treated with S. diaprepesi (54% week-1) or exotic H. indica (50%) than in plots containing only the endemic H. indica (26%) (FL). In Ohio, two separate field surveys were conducted to identify factors affecting entomopathogenic nematode presence or absence in turfgrass and vegetable crops. In another study, non-target effects of entomopathogenic nematodes on microbial community revealed no adverse effect on the soil processes. Studies conducted in Ohio indicated that culture filtrates of Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus bacteria possess miticidal activity against the mushroom mite. Studies were also conducted to identify genetic variation in entomopathogenic nematode strains in Ohio. With the use of isozyme markers, it was found that Heterorhabditis bacteriophora field populations possess a large genetic diversity which can be potentially exploited for improving various traits of entomopathogenic nematodes. In studies of the stability of traits of entomopathogenic nematodes, it was found that subculturing for 20 serial passages in Galleria mellonella larvae tended to impair virulence, heat tolerance, fecundity and host-finding (or nictation) in H. bacteriophora and S. carpocapsae. The source of the deterioration (nematode, bacteria, or both) varied according to trait but the bacteria played a role for every trait in both species whereas the nematode was the main source only for S. carpocapsae nictation (NJ, USDA-ARS Byron). In research directed toward developing methods for applying entomopathogenic nematodes inside their cadavers, it was found that cadavers of G. mellonella infected with H. bacteriophora could be desiccated to 40% of their original wet weight with no appreciable loss in infective juvenile production or quality (CA). In Ohio, studies revealed that infected cadavers can enhance nematode survival in potting mix and garden soil bags as opposed to aqueous suspensions of nematodes. In a series of collaborative studies between nematologists and agricultural engineers at the Ohio State University, the effects of application equipment on viability and efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes was evaluated. Studies reveal differences in the sensitivity of nematode species to the hydraulic agitation in the pumps. Entomopathogens evaluated against veterinary pest included viruses and microsporidia. The infectivity and pathogenicity of baculoviruses were evaluated in laboratory bioassays demonstrating activity against a variety of important mosquito vectors and pests. New information on structural proteins of a baculovirus that kills Culex mosquitoes open up new possibilities for understanding host-viral interactions.Various species of microsporidia have been sequenced to study relationships among the Microsporidia. For structural arthropod pests, several species of nematodes and a fungus were evaluated on various termite species. The geographic distribution of microsporidian and viral pathogens of fire ants in the U.S. is widespread, with adverse effects on fire ant populations reported for the microsporidian T. solenopsae. A new species of nematode was described from red imported fire ants collected in Argentina and its suitability as a biocontrol agent will be assessed. Associations were found between several species of nematodes and bacteria. The infectivity and pathogenicity of the baculovirus OscoNPV (originally isolated from the mosquito, Oc. sollicitans in Florida) were evaluated in laboratory bioassays against sixteen species and four genera of larval mosquitoes. Five or ten larval equivalents of purified virus with 5 mM Mg2+ added were used as a dosage rate in exposures with second and third instars at 20-24 0C. Overall infection rates were as follows: Aedes aegypti (12.0%), Ae. vexans (7.1%), Ae. cinereus (4.3%); Culex salinarius (13.3%), Cx. pipiens (2.0%); Culiseta melanura (66.0%); Ochlerotatus atropalpus (74.0%), Oc. triseriatus (45.6%), Oc. japonicus (35.0%), Oc. cantator (12.0%), Oc. stimulans (10.8%), Oc. canadensis (9.2%), Oc. excrucians (8.7%), and Oc.communis (3.3%). No infections were achieved in Cx. restuans or Cx. territans nor were infections found in any species in the absence of Mg2+. Development of the virus was observed in the nuclei of the midgut epithelial cells in the gastric caeca and posterior region of the stomach. Extensive infections and high mortality were typically observed in most species of Ochlerotaus, while comparatively light infections occurred in Aedes, Culex and Culiseta species. The host range of OscoNPV has now been extended to 9 species of Ochlerotatus, 3 species of Aedes, 2 species of Culex and one species of Culiseta. The high infectivity, pathogenicity and broad host range of the virus make it an attractive candidate for future development as a biopesticide that could potentially recycle in the aquatic environment provided a formulation that incorporates Mg2+ can be devised (CT, ARS-Gainesville). Work is continuing with sequencing of the small subunit rDNA of microsporidia from mosquitoes. In cooperation with colleagues from Russia we have sequenced 8 distinct species of Amblyospora from Ochlerotatus and Aedes mosquitoes and Parathelohania tomski from Anopheles messeae collected from temporary and permanent bodies of water in Siberia. At least 2 species of Amblyospora have been identified from different co-habiting species of mosquitoes and thus do not appear to be host specific as are almost all other members of the group (CT). Occlusion derived virions (ODVs) of the nucleopolyhedrovirus of Culex nigripalpus (CuniNPV) were purified by Ludox® density gradient ultracentrifugation and the proteins were separated via 1D SDS-PAGE. Proteins were identified using Edman sequencing, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, nano-electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GeLC-MS/MS), or a combination of these methods. Half of the 44 polypeptide sequences identified in this analysis were unique orfs encoded by the CuniNPV genome and did not show similarity to any other sequences present in protein databases. Of the 22 polypeptides that showed similarities to other baculovirus encoded proteins, only 17 sequences have previously been identified as structural proteins. Three proteins crucial for per os infectivity (pif 1, pif 2 and pif 3) have been determined which can lead to a better understanding viral-host interactions. It is now possible to investigate these and other viral proteins at the molecular level and understand how they exploit essential metabolic processes of the mosquito host (ARS-Gainesville). Analyses were completed for a survey for Thelohania solenopsae in red imported fire ant (RIFA) throughout the entire state of Louisiana. RIFA social form, precipitation, type of habitat, soil characteristics, and proximity to commercial waterways affected prevalence of the microsporidium. The pathogen adversely affected RIFA brood, mound size, and mass of workers. In other work, pathogen load of T. solenopsae was greater in polygyne than in monogyne ants and in major than in minor workers, even when adjusted for ant weight. Studies combining microscopy and PCR indicate that the microsporidium may produce latent infections in eggs and first-to-third instars, with overt development beginning in the fourth instar (LA). The multi-state IPM project for fire ant suppression in pastures involving T. solenopsae continues in 5 states (FL, MS, OK, SC, and TX). T. solenopsae is well established in all sites except the MS site where the black imported fire ant predominates instead of RIFA. Project was expanded to include higher value demonstration sites such as quail habitat, schools, and recreational parks. (ARS-Gainesville). A new species of mermithid nematode (Mermithidae: Nematoda: Allomermis) was described from the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta in Argentina. This is the first record of Allomermis from South America and the first host record for members of this genus. Placement in the genus Allomermis was confirmed by molecular analysis based on nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA sequences. The adult parasite is aquatic, but it is not known how the adult gets into the water or how the immatures get back into the ant. The complete life history of this nematode will need to be worked out before its suitability as a biological control agent of fire ants in the United States can be determined. (ARS-Gainesville). Two genotypes of the Solenopsis invicta virus SINV-1 and -1A, exhibited similar seasonal prevalence patterns. Infection rates among colonies of red imported fire ants, S. invicta, colonies were lowest from early winter (December) to early spring (April) increasing rapidly in late spring (May) and remaining high during the summer (June to August). SINV was detected in S. invicta from Argentina and from all fire ant infested states in the U.S. with the exception of New Mexico. SINV-1 was detected in Solenopsis richteri, the S. invicta/richteri hybrid, and Solenopsis geminata. SINV-1A was detected in S. geminata, Solenopsis carolinensis, and the S. invicta/richteri hybrid. Of the 1,989 arthropods collected from 6 pitfall trap experiments in Florida, none except for S. invicta tested positive for SINV-1 or SINV-1A. SINV did not appear to infect or replicate within Sf9 or Dm-2 cells in vitro. Phylogenetic analyses of SINV nucleotide sequences indicated significant divergence between viruses collected from Argentina and the U.S. (ARS-Gainesville). In an ongoing experiment, data analyses of two replications indicated that mulches and concentration of Metarhizium anisopliae affected repellence of the fungus and mortality caused by the fungus in the Formosan subterranean termite. Unidentified microsporidia were discovered in two colonies of Reticulitermes virginicus. (LA). In laboratory bioassays Steinernema riobrave (DS strain), S. carpocapsae (Mexican 33 strain), S. feltiae (UK76 strain), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HP88 strain) were all capable of infecting and killing three termite species, Heterotermes aureus, Gnathamitermes perplexus, and Reticulitermes flavipes in lab sand assays. At 22oC, significant mortality (e80%) of worker H. aureus and G. perplexus was caused by S. riobrave, in sand assays, indicating the need for further study (AZ). Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with three species (seven strains) of Steinernema spp. or three species (three strains) of Heterorhabditis spp. Several non-symbiotic bacterial species were identified from infected insect cadavers: Enterobacter gergoviae, Vibrio spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens type C, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter freundii, and Serratia proteomaculans. At 18-24-hours incubation, the nematode-associated symbiont occurred almost exclusively. Bacterial associates generally appeared outside the 18-24 hour window. Infective juveniles of S. feltiae (Cowles), S. carpocapsae (Cowles), and H. bacteriophora (Cowles) were isolated from field samples. Nematodes were surface-sterilized and only the relevant symbionts were isolated from the limited number of samples available. The nematodes were then cultured in the laboratory for 14 months (sub-cultured in G. mellonella 7-times). Other Enterobacteriaceae could then be isolated from the steinernematid nematodes including Serratia marcescens, Salmonella sp. and Enterobacter gergoviae, indicating the ability of the nematodes to associate with other bacteria in laboratory culture (AZ). The analyses of protein profiles of twelve isolates of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), microsporidia were completed and will be used to evaluate the variable morphological and other biological characteristics of closely related isolates in the genera Nosema and Vairimoprha. An extension of this study is underway to identify proteins that differ between a species that produces sexual spores (Vairimorpha disparis) and a closely related species that does not (Nosema lymantriae). An attempt is currently being made to isolate the sexual spores of V. disparis to test for infectivity to the host. (INHS-IL; Univ. IL; USDA FS Hamden; Bulg. Acad. Sci., Charles Univ. Prague; CT Ag. Expt. Stn.; Fachhochscule Eberswalde, Germany). Studies on transmission of the microsporidium Nosema lymantriae in the gypsy moth host in simulated natural environments (caged plantation trees) were completed in Slovakia. The ratio of treated to untreated larvae was varied among cages for the first 2 trials (2004 and 2005 seasons). An additional trial was added in 2006 to investigate time of exposure as a factor. Transmission occurred at all initial densities of inoculated insects, and after 15 days post inoculation of the treated individuals. (USDA FS Hamden; BOKU, Vienna; Forestry Inst., Slovakia; INHS). A North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) proposal to release three species of gypsy moth microsporidia on small (<10 acre) plots in Illinois was approved by USDA-APHIS-PPQ, EPA, and the State of Illinois. A release of the microsporidia will be conducted in May, 2007 pending selection of appropriate sites. (INHS; USDA FS, Hamden; Illinois DNR and DOA). A microsporidium from the black vine weevil, Otiorynchus sulcatus, is being evaluated as a potential new species with biological control potential. The microsporidium is relatively virulent, producing profound deleterious effects in late instar larvae. Drenching the root balls of nursery plants in containers with spores in water suspension killed the weevils. The rDNA for this pathogen has been sequenced and the isolate was found to be an unusual basal member of the Nosema/Vairimorpha group, possessing one nucleus rather than the diplokaryotic nucleus of all other members of the taxon (USDA-ARS Corvallis; INHS; Iowa State Univ.) Two microsporidian isolates, one recovered from Sasajiscymnus tsugae, a predator of the woolly hemlock adelgid, and one from Laricobius nigrinus, a predator of Western woolly hemlock adelgid, are being studied with a goal of determining impacts on colony rearing and field release of the hosts as biological control agents of the adelgid pest in eastern forests. The S. tsugae pathogen was sequenced and found to be related to microsporidia isolated from Drosophila and from grasshoppers, all in the genus Tubilinosema. Sequencing of the L. nigrinus isolate is in progress. (NJ Dept. of Agric., USDA-FS-Morgantown; Oregon State Univ.; INHS; Iowa State Univ.; CT Ag. Expt. Stn.). The first comprehensive pathogen studies are underway for U.S. bumble bee, Bombus spp., populations. Bombus spp. populations in Illinois were surveyed during the summers of 2005 and 2006, and preserved collections from California, Alaska, Arkansas and Canada were also evaluated. The protozoan Crithidia sp., and microsporidia, identified by rDNA sequencing as Nosema bombi, were recovered from several populations, as were nest mites, nematodes (Sphaerularia bombi) and several undetermined fungus species. (Univ. of IL; INHS; US F&W; Corvallis, OR; UC Davis).

Alumai, A., Grewal, P. S., Hoy, C. W. & Willoughby, D. 2006. Factors affecting the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes in turfgrass. Biol. Contr. 36, 368-374. Anderson, J. F., Andreadis, T. G., Main, A. J., Ferrandino, F. J., and Vossbrinck, C. R. 2006. West Nile virus from female and male mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in subterranean, ground, and canopy habitats in Connecticut. J. Med. Entomol. 43: 1010-1019. Andreadis T. G. and Armstrong P. M. 2007. A 2-yr evaluation of elevated canopy trapping for Culex mosquitoes and West Nile virus in an operational surveillance program in the northeastern United States. J. Am. Mosq. Control Assoc. (in press) Andreadis, T. G. 2007. Microsporidian parasites of mosquitoes. In: T. Floore (ed.), Biorational Control of Mosquitoes. Am. Mosq. Control Assoc. (in press). Armstrong, P. M. and Andreadis, T. G. 2006. A new genetic variant of La Crosse virus (Bunyaviridae) isolated from New England. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 75:491-496. Arthurs, S. P., L. A. Lacey, and R.W. Behle. 2006. Evaluation of spray-dried lignin-based formulations and adjuvants as ultraviolet light protectants for the granulovirus of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L). J. Invertebr. Pathol. 93: 8895. Blaeske-Lietze, V. U., Shapiro, A. M., Denton, J. S. Botts, M., Becnel, J.J. and D. G. Boucias. 2006. Development of the Insect Pathogenic Alga Helicosporidium. J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 53 (3), 165-176. Bilgrami, A. L, R. Gaugler, D. I. Shapiro-Ilan., & B. J. Adams. 2006. Source of trait deterioration in entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae during in vivo culture. Nematology 8: 397-409. Blackburn, M. B., R. R. Farrar, N. G. Novak and S. D. Lawrence. 2006. Remarkable susceptibility of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) to ingestion of Pir toxins from Photorhabdus luminescens. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 121: 31- 37. Brown, I. M., D. I. Shapiro-Ilan & R. Gaugler. 2006. Entomopathogenic nematode infectivity enhancement using physical and chemical stressors. Biol. Control 39: 147-153. Bruck, D.J. 2006. Effect of potting media components on the infectivity of Metarhizium anisopliae against the black vine weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). J. Environ. Hort. 24: 91-94. Bussaman, P., Sermswan, R. W. & Grewal, P. S. 2006. Oral toxicity of the supernatants of the entomopathogenic bactera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus to the mushroom mite (Luciaphorus sp.: Acari: Pygmephoridae). Biocontr. Sci. Technol. 16, 245-256. Castrillo, L.A., L. Thomsen, P. Juneja, A.E. Hajek. 2007. Detection and quantification of Entomophaga maimaiga resting spores in forest soil using real-time PCR. Mycol. Res. (in press). Christen, J.M., J.F. Campbell, E.E. Lewis, D.I. Shapiro-Ilan and S.B. Ramaswamy. Responses of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema riobrave to its insect hosts, Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor. Parasitology. In press. Cottrell, T. E. & D. I. Shapiro-Ilan. Susceptibility of the Peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa, to Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema riobrave in laboratory and field trials. J.Invertebr. Pathol. 92: 85-88. Crow, W.T. Porazinska, D. L., Giblin-Davis, R. M. & Grewal, P. S. 2006. Entomopathogenic nematodes are not an alternative to fenamiphos for management of plant-parasitic nematodes on golf courses in Florida. J. Nematol. 38, 52-58. Deol, Y. S., Grewal, S. K., Canas, L., Yenik, M. & Grewal, P. S. 2006. An assessment of entomopathogenic nematode delivery through a commercial potting medium and a garden soil. Int. J. Nematol. 16, 186-193. Delhon G, Lu Z, Afonso CL, Tulman ER, Becnel JJ, Moser BA, Kutish GF, Rock DL. 2006. Genome of Invertebrate iridescent virus type 3 (Mosquito Iridescent Virus). J. Virol. 80:8439-8449. DeNardo, E.A.B., Grewal, S. K., McCartney, D. & Stinner, B. R. 2006. Non-target effects of entomopathogenic nematodes on the soil microbial community and processes. Appl. Soil. Ecol. 34, 250-257. Diuk-Wasser, M. A., Brown, H. E., Andreadis, T. G. and Fish, D. 2006. Modeling the spatial distribution of mosquito vectors for West Nile virus in Connecticut, USA. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Dis. 6:283-295. Duncan, L. W., J. H. Graham, J. Zellers, D. Bright, D. C. Dunn, and F.E. El-Borai (submitted). Food web responses to augmentation biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes in bare and composted-manure amended soil. Journal of Nematology. El-Borai, F.E., C.F. Brentu, and L.W. Duncan (submitted). Trophic Cascades and Non-Target Effects of Augmenting Entomopathogenic Nematodes in soil from a Florida Citrus Orchard. Journal of Nematology. El-Borai, F.E., and L.W. Duncan (in press). Suppression of Diaprepes abbreviatus in Potted Citrus by Combinations of Entomopathogenic Nematodes with Different Lifespans. Nematropica. El-Borai, F. E., L. W. Duncan, and J. F. Preston. 2005. Bionomics of a phoretic association between Paenibacillus sp. and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema diaprepesi. Journal of Nematology 37:18-25. 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 Farajollahi, A., Crans, W. J., Nickerson, D., Bryant, P., Wolf, B., Glaser, A. and Andreadis, T. G. 2005. Detection of West Nile virus RNA from the louse fly Icosta americana (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). J. Am. Mosq. Control Assoc. 21:474-476. Fife, J.P., Ozkan, H.E., Derksen, R.E. & Grewal, P.S. 2006. Effects of Hydraulic Agitation of Biopesticide Viability and Temperature Increase within a Spray System. Appl. Eng. Agric. In press. Fife, J.P., Ozkan, H. E., Derksen, R. C. & Grewal, P. S. 2006. Using computational fluid dynamics to predict damage of a biological pesticide during passage through a hydraulic nozzle. Biosys. Eng. 94, 387-396. Filotas, M. J., J. D. Vandenberg, and A. E. Hajek. 2006. Concentration-response and temperature-related susceptibility of the forest tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) to the entomopathogenic fungus Furia gastropachae (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales). Biol. Control 39: 218-224. Fuxa, J. R., and A. R. Richter. 2006. Effect of nucleopolyhedrovirus concentration in soil on viral transport to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants. BioControl 49: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10526-006-9051-3 (e-publication in advance of printed journal). Gouge, D. H. and J. L. Snyder. 2006. Temporal association of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) and bacteria. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 91: 147-157. Georgis, R., A. M. Koppenhöfer, L. A. Lacey, G. Bélair, L.W. Duncan, P. S. Grewal, M. Samish, L. Tan, P. Torr and R.W.H.M. van Tol. 2006. Successes and failures in the use of parasitic nematodes for pest control. Biol. Control 38: 103-123. Green, T. B., Shapiro, A. M., White, S. E., Rao, R., Mertens, P. P. C., Carner, G. and James J. Becnel. 2006. Molecular and Genomic Characterization of Culex restuans Cypovirus. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 91, 27-34. Green, T. B., White, S. E., Rao, R., Mertens, P. P. C., Adler, P. H. and Becnel. J. J. 2006. Biological and Molecular Studies of a Cypovirus from the Blackfly Simulium ubiquitum. J. Invertebr. Pathol. In Press. Grewal, P. S., Bornstein-Forst, S., Burnell, A., Glazer, I. Jagdale, G. B. 2006. Physiological, genetic, and molecular mechanisms of chemoreception, thermobiosis, and anhydrobiosis in entomopathogenic nematodes. Biol. Contr. 38, 54-65. Hajek, A.E., B. Huang, T. Dubois, M. T. Smith , and Z. Li. 2006. Field studies of control of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) using fiber bands containing the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria brongniartii. Biocontr. Sci. Technol. 16: 329-343. Hashimoto, Y., S. M. Valles, and C. A. Strong. 2007. Detection and quantitation of Solenopsis invicta virus in fire ants by real-time PCR. J. Virological Methods 140: 132139. 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. Jagdale, G. B., Saeb, A. T. M., Somasekhar, S. & Grewal, P. S. 2006. Genetic variation and relationship between isolates and species of the entomopathogenic nematode genus Heterorhabditis deciphered through isozyme profiles. J. Parasitol. 92, 509-516. Kaya, H. K., Lewis, E. E. 2006. Third International Symposium on Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Symbiotic Bacteria. Biological Control 38:1-3. Kaya, H. K., M.M. Aguillera, A. Alumai, H. Y. Choo, M. de la Torre, A. Fodor, S. Ganguly, S. Haz1r, T. Lakatos, A. Pye, M. Wilson, S. Yamanaka, H. Yang, and R.-U. Ehlers. 2006. Status of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria from selected countries or regions of the world. Biological Control 38: 134-155. Kepler, R.M. and D.J. Bruck. 2006. Examination of the interaction between the black vine weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and an entomopathogenic fungus reveals a new tritrophic interaction. Environ. Entomol. 35: 1021-1029. Kunkel, B. A., D. I. Shapiro-Ilan, J. F. Campbell & E. E. Lewis. 2006. Effect of Steinernema glaseri-infected host exudates on movement of conspecific infective juveniles. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 93: 4249. Lacey, L. A., S. P. Arthurs, T..R. Unruh, H. Headrick and R. Fritts, Jr. 2006. Entomopathogenic nematodes for control of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple and pear orchards: effect of nematode species and seasonal temperatures, adjuvants, application equipment and post-application irrigation. Biol. Control 37: 214223. Lacey, L. A., D. Granatstein, S. P. Arthurs, H. Headrick and R. Fritts, Jr. 2006. Use of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae) in conjunction with mulches for control of overwintering codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). J. Entomol. Sci. 41: 107-119. Lacey, L. A. and T. R. Unruh. 2005. Biological control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella, Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) and its role in integrated pest management, with emphasis on entomopathogens. Vedalia 12: 33-60. (despite the 2005 publication date, this was actually published Jan. 2007) Lawrence, J.L., Hoy, C. W. & Grewal, P. S. 2006. Spatial and temporal distribution of endemic entomopathogenic nematodes in a heterogeneous vegetable production landscape. Biol. Contr. 37, 247-255. Lewis, E. E., J. Campbell, C. Griffin, H. Kaya, and A. Peters. 2006. Behavioral ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes. Biological Control 38: 66-79. McCoy, C.W., R. J. Stuart, D. I. Shapiro-Ilan and L.W. Duncan (in press). Application and evaluation of entomopathogens for citrus pest control. In: Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology: Application and Evaluation of Pathogens for Control of Insects and other Invertebrate Pests, 2nd Edition (L. A. Lacey and H. K. Kaya, eds.). Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, Netherlands. McCoy, C. W., R. Stuart, D. Shapiro-Ilan, and L. Duncan. 2007. Application and evaluation of entomopathogens for citrus pest control. Pp. XX-XX in L. Lacey and H. K. Kaya (eds.) Field Manual of techniques in insect pathology, Vol II. Springer (In Press). Mitchell, F. L., K. Snowden, J. R. Fuxa, and S. B. Vinson. 2006. Distribution of Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporida: Thelohaniidae) infecting red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Texas. Southwestern Entomol. 31: 297-306. Moar, William J. & R. C. McCollum. 2006. Bt formulated products: should there be more concern about resistance development with the introduction of Bt transgenic plants? GMOs in Integrated Plant Production. Ecological Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms. IOBC wprs Bulletin Vol. 29: 99-102. Molaei, G. and Andreadis, T. G. 2006. Identification of avian- and mammalian-derived blood meals in Aedes vexans and Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) and its implication for West Nile virus transmission in Connecticut, USA. J. Med. Entomol. 43:1088-1093. Molaei, G., Andreadis, T. G., Armstrong, P. M., Anderson, J. F. and Vossbrinck, C. R. 2006. Host feeding patterns of Culex mosquitoes and West Nile virus transmission, northeastern United States. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 12:468-474. Molaei, G., Oliver, J., Andreadis, T. G., Armstrong, P. M., and Howard, J. J. 2006. Molecular identification of blood meal sources in Culiseta melanura and Culiseta morsitans from an endemic focus of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in New York, USA. Am. J. Trop. Med Hyg. 75:1140-1147. Nguyen, K. B., D. I. Shapiro-Ilan, B. J. Adams, J. R. Fuxa, B. W. Wood., and M. A. Bertolotti. 2006. Taxonomic and biological characterization of Steinernema rarum found in the southeastern United States. J. Nematol. 38: 28-40. Nielsen, C., and A.E. Hajek. 2006. Diurnal pattern of death and sporulation of Entomophaga maimaiga-infected Lymantria dispar. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 118: 237-243. Oi, D. H. 2006. Effect of mono- and polygyne social forms on transmission and spread of a microsporidium in fire ant populations. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 92: 146-151. Onstad, D. W., Fuxa, J. R., Humber, R. A., Oestergaard, J., Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., Gouli, V. V., Anderson, R. S., Andreadis, T. G. and Lacey, L. A. 2006. An abridged glossary of terms used in invertebrate pathology. 3rd Ed. Society for Invertebrate Pathology, http://www.sipweb.org/glossary, 71p Onstad, D. W., J. R. Fuxa, R. A. Humber, J. Oestergaard, D. I. Shapiro-Ilan, V. V. Gouli, R. S. Anderson, T. G. Andreadis, and L. A. Lacey. 2006. An Abridged Glossary of Terms Used in Invertebrate Pathology, 3rd Edition. Soc. Invertebr. Pathol., http://www.sipweb.org/glossary Parsa, S., J. Alcazar, J. Salazar, and H. K. Kaya. 2006. An indigenous Peruvian entomopathogenic nematode for suppression of the Andean potato weevil. Biological Control 39: 171-178. Patel, D. T., J. R. Fuxa, and M. J. Stout. 2006. Evaluation of Beauveria bassiana for control of Oebalus pugnax (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in rice. J. Entomol. Sci. 41: 126-146. Patel, D. T., M. J. Stout, and J. R. Fuxa. 2006. Effects of rice panicle age on quantitative and qualitative injury by the rice stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Flor. Entomol. 89: 321-327. Perera, O.P., Valles, S., Green, T.B., White, S., Strong, C., and Becnel, J.J. 2006. Molecular Analysis of an Occlusion Body Protein from Culex nigripalpus nucleopolyhedrovirus (CuniNPV). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 91(1):35-42. Pilarska, D.K., Solter, L.F., Kereselidze, M., Linde, A., and Hoch, G. 2006. Microsporidian infections in Lymantria dispar larvae: interactions and effects of multiple species infections on pathogen horizontal transmission. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 93: 105-113 Poinar, G., Porter, S.D., Hyman, B.C. and Tang, S. 2007. Allomermis solenopsii sp. new. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) parasitizing the fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Argentina. Systematic Parasitology (in press). Ramos-Rodriguez, O., J. F. Campbell, E. E. Lewis, D. I. Shapiro-Ilan & S. B. Ramaswamy. 2006. Dynamics of carbon dioxide release from insects infected with entomopathogenic nematodes. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 94: 64-69. Ramos-Rodriguez, O., J.F. Campbell, J.M. Christen, D.I. Shapiro-Ilan, E.E. Lewis and S.B. Ramaswamy. Attraction behavior of three entomopathogenic nematode species towards infected and uninfected hosts. Parasitology. In press. Richmond, D., Grewal, P. S. & Cardina, J. 2006. Defensive mutualism between grasses and fungi: plant competition as a function of interactions between trophic levels. Basic and Applied Ecology (in press) Richmond, D., Grewal, P. S. & Cardina, J. 2006. Influence of grass species and endophyte infection on weed populations during establishment of low maintenance lawns. Agric. Ecosys. Environ. 115, 27-33. Riga, K., L. A. Lacey, N. Guerra, and H. L. Headrick. 2006. Control of the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, using entomopathogenic nematodes in laboratory and bin assays. J. Nematol. 38: 168-171. Roy, H.E., D.C. Steinkraus, J. Eilenberg, A.E. Hajek, and J.K. Pell. 2006. Bizarre interactions and endgames: Entomopathogenic fungi and their arthropod hosts. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 51: 331-357. Shapiro-Ilan, D. I., D. H. Gouge, S. J. Piggott, and J. Patterson Fife. 2006. Application technology and environmental considerations for the use of entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control. Biological Control. 38:124-133. Shepard, J. J., Andreadis, T. G. and Vossbrinck, C. R. 2006. Molecular phylogeny and evolutionary relationships among mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from the northeastern United States based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) sequences. J. Med Entomol. 43:443-454. Siegel, J., L. A. Lacey, B. S. Higbee, P. Noble and R. Fritts, Jr. 2006. Effect of application rates and abiotic factors on Steinernema carpocapsae for control of overwintering navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Amyelois transitella) in fallen pistachios. Biol. Control 36: 324-330. Sokolova, Y. Y., C. E. Lange, and J. R. Fuxa. 2006. Development, ultrastructure, natural occurrence, and molecular characterization of Liebermannia patagonica n. g., n. sp., a microsporidian parasite of the grasshopper Tristira magellanica (Orthoptera: Tristiridae). J. Invertebr. Pathol. 91: 168-182. Sokolova, Y. Y., N. A. A. Kryukova, V. V. Glupov, and J. R. Fuxa. 2006. Systenostrema alba Larsson 1988 (Microsporidia, Thelohaniidae) in dragonflies, Aeshna viridis (Odonata, Aeshnidae), from South Siberia: morphology and molecular characterization. J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 53: 49-57. Sokolova, Y., Issi, I. V., Morzhina, E. V., Tokarev, Y. S. and Vossbrinck, C. R. 2005. Ultrastructural analysis supports transferring Nosema whitei Weiser 1953 to the genus Paranosema and creation a new combination, Paranosema whitei . J. Invertbr. Pathol. 90:122-126. 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. Solter, L. F, Maddox, J. V. and Vossbrinck, C. R. 2005. Physiological host specificity: a model using the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and microsporidia of row crop and other stalk-boring hosts. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 90: 127-130. Stefanovska, T. R., V. V. Pidlisnyuk, and H. K. Kaya. 2006. Biological control of pests in Ukraine: legacy from the past and challenges for the future. Biocontrol News and Information 15 pp. http://www.cababstractsplus.org/cabreviews Stuart, R. J., M. E. Barbercheck, P. S. Grewal, R. A. J. Taylor, and C. W. Hoy. 2006. Population biology of entomopathogenic nematodes: concepts, issues and models. Biological Control 38: 80-102. Stuart, R. J., D. I. Shapiro-Ilan, R. R. James, K. B. Nguyen, and C. W. McCoy (in press). Entomopathogenic nematodes and biological control of the root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus in Florida citrus: Virulence of new strains of Steinernema riobrave. Proceedings of the International Society of Citriculture X Congress. 2004. Stuart, R. J., & M. E. Rogers. 2006. Battling the evil weevil: recent advances in the war on Diaprepes abbreviatus. Citrus Industry 87: 7-11. Tarver, M. R., R. E. Shade, R. H. Shukle, W. J. Moar, W. M. Muir, L. M. Murdock, and B. R. Pittendrigh. 2007. Pyramiding of insecticidal proteins for control of the cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculates F.). Pest Management Science. In Press. Valles, S. M. and R. M. Pereira. 2005. Developmental expression of a transferrin in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Fla. Entomol. 88: 541-543. Valles, S. M., C. A. Strong, D. H. Oi, S. D. Porter, R. M. Pereira, R. K. Vander Meer, Y. Hashimoto, L. M. Hooper-Bui, H. Sánchez-Arroyo, T. Davis, V. Karpakakunjarum, K. M. Vail, L. C. Graham, J. A. Briano, L. A. Calcaterra, L. E. Gilbert, R. Ward, K. Ward, J. B. Oliver, G. Taniguchi, and D. C. Thompson. 2007 Phenology, Distribution, and Host Specificity of Solenopsis invicta Virus. J. Invertebrate Pathol. (in press) 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. Wang, Y., A. L. Bilgrami, D. Shapiro-Ilan & R. Gaugler. 2006. Stability of entomopathogenic bacteria, Xenorhabdus nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens, during In Vitro culture. J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotech. 34:7381. White, S. E. Tipping, P. W. and J. J. Becnel. 2007. First Isolation of a Helicosporidium sp. (Chlorophyta: Trebouxiophyceae) from a biological control agent Crytobagus salviniae(Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Biological Control 40: 243-245. Yu, H., D. H. Gouge, and P. Baker. 2006. Parasitism of subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae; Termitidae) by entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae; Heterorhabditidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 99: 1112-1119.