Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments During 2008 Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) Objective 1. To conserve natural enemies. Blueberry production. Eight species of harvestmen (Opiliones) representing five genera, four subfamilies, and two families of harvestmen were found inhabiting Maine blueberry fields. The harvestmen community is dominated by Phalangium opilio. Pruned fields have higher relative abundance than fruit-bearing fields and organic fields also have more harvestmen than conventionally managed fields. Insecticide trials showed that phosmet and esfenvalerate are detrimental to P. opilio adults but spinosad showed no negative effects. (Reported by Frank Drummond.) Bt Toxins. Research focused on assessing the risk to non-target organisms from toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis relative to risks posed by conventional insecticides using Bt expressing plants as well as purified and formulated Bt products. It was demonstrated that a Bt protein, expressed in a plant, did not harm a parasitoid within a caterpillar that fed on a Bt plant, as compared to a parasitoid within a caterpillar that fed on a conventional or organic insecticide. (Reported by Tony Shelton) Objective 2. To determine the distribution and impact of Cotesia rubecula. A Chinese strain of Cotesia rubecula released in 1988 has become the dominant parasitoid of the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, in central and western Massachusetts, averaging 75% parasitism. It has displaced C. glomerata which is now present only at trace levels. Cotesia rubecula also predominates in NY, but both Cotesia species remain common in RI (Reported by Roy Van Driesche.) Objective 3. To examine the effects of exotic plants on ecosystem function. We found a trend for increased abundance of herbivore and natural enemy insect families in urban landscapes of native plants relative to landscapes of alien plants. However, no difference was found in predation of herbivores, natural enemy abundance, or plant damage between native and alien treatments. Therefore, no definitive recommendation on the use of natives over alien plants can be made yet. (Reported by Mike Raupp and Paula Shrewsbury) Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 4. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. Mexican Bean Beetle. In 2008 a total of 388,000 Pediobius foveolatus adults were released into nurse plots and soybean, snap bean, and lima bean fields throughout central and southern New Jersey against the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis. As a result of these continuing releases, E. varivestis populations are roughly 12-13% of what they were in the 1980s and no grower in NJ has had to treat for Mexican bean beetle since 1987. (Reported by the NJ Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insects Laboratory.) Trichogramma ostriniae. This parasitoid of the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis, does not overwinter in New York; however it is a candidate for augmentative biological control. In 2008 T. ostriniae was very economical compared to doing nothing to control ECB. When integrated with insecticides, farm profits were improved in two of the past three years. Releases of T. ostriniae in commercial fields of snap beans resulted in substantial parasitism of European corn borer sentinel eggs indicating that this parasitoid holds potential in this non-corn system. Periodic warming of immature T. ostriniae in cold storage can increase overall shelf life (survival). (Reported by Mike Hoffmann) Goal 3 (Classical Biological Control) Objective 5. To develop a biological control program for exotic Phragmites australis. A Proposed Plant List for Host Specificity Testing of Potential Biological Control Agents of Introduced Phragmites australis Haplotypes was prepared by Cornell and URI scientists and submitted to the USDA for TAG approval in January, 2009. This list includes proposed biological control agents: Arenostola phragmitidis, Archanara neurica, Archanara dissoluta, and Archanara geminipuncta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Host specificity testing is underway at URI and CABI Europe  Switzerland. (Reported by Bernd Blossey and Richard Casagrande.) Objective 6. To develop a biological control program for swallow-worts in North America. Two swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum nigrum and V. rossicum), originating from Europe, have become important weeds in the eastern United States and Canada. In 2006, we collected five insect species on swallow-worts in Central and Eastern Europe. From two seasons of host specificity studies it appears that the leaf-feeding larvae of the noctuids Abrostola asclepiadis and Hypena opulenta are specific to Vincetoxicum, while the larvae of chrysomelids Chrysolina a. asclepiadis (leaf-feeder) and Eumolpus asclepiadeus (root-feeder) can develop on additional plant genera. We also confirmed acceptance and development of the seed predator Euphranta connexa on the target weeds. In 2008, we initiated impact studies with A. asclepiadis, E. asclepiadeus, and H. opulenta. (Reported by Aaron Weed and R.A. Casgrande.) Objective 7. To establish and evaluate herbivores released against mile-a-minute weed. Mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross, an invasive annual vine of Asian origin, has developed extensive monocultures, throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A host-specific Asian weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev, was released and established in three sites in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2005. The weevil produces at least three field generations per year. Weevil feeding delays and suppresses seed production, and can cause plant mortality in the presence of competing plants. Since 2004 the NJ Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insects Laboratory has reared more than 137,000 weevils which were released, in NJ, DE, MD, PA, and WV. The beetles established populations at 54 of 56 release sites. Monitored release sites in PA, DE, and NJ showed large increases in weevil populations and reductions in mile-a-minute weed populations. (Reported by Judith Hough-Goldstein.) Objective 8. To develop an effective biological control program for the emerald ash borer. Emerald ash borer, native to the Far East, was found in Michigan in 2002 and has already spread into 10 states and Canada. Three parasitoids were approved by USDA for environmental release in 2007. Tetrastichus planipennisi was released in MI in 2007. It was not confirmed to be established in 2008 and it was released at additional sites. Oobius agrili was released in two sites in MI in 2007. Establishment was confirmed at both sites in 2008 and the parasitoid was also released in Ohio. Spathius agrili was also released in MI in 2007 and establishment was confirmed in 2008. (Reported by Leah Bauer.) Objective 9. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the hemlock woolly adelgid and other hemlock pests. Since 1998, a total of 288,675 Sasajiscymnus tsugae have been released into 64 New Jersey hemlock sites. Overwintering recoveries of S. tsugae have been made at 12 sites since 1999 including one in 2008 in Colts Neck, NJ. Overwintering Laricobius nigrinus beetles were recovered from three of four pre-2007 release sites in October; one recovery was from the 2005 release site in Worthington State Forest which is three consecutive years of recovery for that site. A total of 2,033 L. nigrinus were released in New Jersey in 2008. No Scymnus sinuanodulus were recovered in 2008. (Reported by N.J. Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory.) Beginning in fall 2007, a total of 1,577 Laricobius nigrinus from the inland northwestern United States (i.e. Idaho, Montana, northeastern Washington) have been released at 11 sites in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. Paired with each inland L. nigrinus release site are 11 control sites and 11 releases of L. nigrinus from the coastal northwest (i.e. Seattle, WA), adding another 1,550 adults released. Sampling for L. nigrinus establishment will begin in May 2009. A system of permanent plots has been set up in each release and control site where baseline tree health, tree mortality, and vegetation data are currently being collected. (Reported by Dave Mausel, U.Mass.) Cybocephalus nipponicus on Elongate Hemlock Scale. From 2000 to 2008, 339,050 Cybocephalus nipponicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) were released into elongate hemlock scale-infested hemlock sites throughout NJ. In 2008 C. nipponicus was recovered at 58.5% of the hemlock sites surveyed compared to 20% of the sites surveyed in 2006. This predator is expanding its range and increasing its population throughout NJ hemlock stands. (Reported by the NJ Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insects Laboratory.) Objective 10. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth. The winter moth, Operophtera brumata, a leaf-feeding geometrid native to Europe, has recently invaded eastern New England and is causing widespread defoliation. Over the past four years we have introduced Cyzenis albicans at six locations in Massachusetts and in 2007 we recovered the first parasitized larvae at our release site in Falmouth MA. A pheromone trap survey initiated in 2005 has to date, recovered winter moths from eastern Long Island, southeastern Connecticut, all of Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts, coastal New Hampshire, and southern coastal Maine. The survey shows that winter moth occurs in Nova Scotia but not interior areas of Maine or New Brunswick. Winter temperatures may prevent winter moth from invading these regions. (Reported by Joseph Elkinton.) Objective 11. To distribute and evaluate Peristenus relictus, a parasitoid of the tarnished plant bug. In a cooperative project with USDA and university scientists, the NJ Philip Alampe Biological Control Laboratory reared and released 51,000 Peristenus relictus NJ during 2008. No overwintering recoveries of P. relictus were made although there was one same- season recovery. Of interest, 14 Peristenus digoneutis were recovered from the release sites in South Jersey which is the largest number of this species of parasitoid ever recovered that far south. It took some years before P. digoneutis was recovered in any quantity in North Jersey so it is expected that recovery of P. relictus would follow that same pattern. One overwintering recovery of P. relictus was made in 2006. (Reported by N.J. Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory.) Objective 12. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), a biennial herb of European origin, invades forest communities in the United States and southeastern Canada. Through research centered at CABI Europe- Switzerland, four insect species have been prioritized as potential biocontrol agents including: the stem-mining weevils Ceutorhynchus alliariae and C. roberti, the seed-feeding weevil C. constrictus and the root-crown mining weevil C. scrobicollis. A petition for field release for C. scrobicollis was submitted to TAG (USDA-APHIS Technical Advisory Group) in 2008 while host specificity trials continue with the other species. (Reported by Esther Gerber and Hariet L. Hinz CABI Europe  Switzerland.) Objective 13. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast. Tree of Heaven. The tree of heaven (TOH), Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, native to Asia, is an invasive tree distributed throughout most of the continental U.S. Two weevil herbivores from China are under investigation as potential biological control agents: Euchryptorrhynchus brandti (Harold) and E. chinensis (Olivier). Both species are considered tree killers and major pests of TOH in China and neither is known to feed on other plants in their native habitat. E. brandti, is nearing completion of host-range testing in quarantine at Virginia Tech which may petition USDA APHIS for release of this insect in 2010. Field work in 2008 indicates that in China, these herbivores may only complete development in stressed trees. Hence, new research is investigating the potential of these herbivores to transmit the pathogen Verticillium albo-atrum which is capable of killing TOH in the field in North America. (Reported by Scott Salom.) Asian Longhorned Beetle. The Hatch project entitled Biological Control of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB): Drawing from Indigenous Sources (VT-H01209) was initiated by UVM scientists and linked to multi-state project NE 1032. Study plots were established in a sugar maple site to evaluate methods of attracting native longhorned beetles. Studies conducted in Delaware show that our method of felling multiple trees in one location netted more longhorned beetles than felling individual trees. This research will provide valuable insights into how best to attract maple-feeding longhorned beetles to allow the study of their native natural enemies. (Reported by Bruce Parker.) Lily Leaf Beetle. Two parasitoids of the lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii, are well established in New England. Tetrastichus setifer is established in four states (RI, MA, NH, ME). It has dispersed at least 12 miles near Boston, MA and 8 miles in Cumberland, RI and beetle populations are suppressed near release sites. Lemophagus errabundus is also established in two states (RI, MA) and it has spread over a mile from a release site. (Reported by Lisa Tewksbury and Richard Casagrande.) Purple Loosestrife. The NJ Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insects Laboratory continues to provide Galerucella spp. beetles for New Jersey other states. Due to widespread beetle dispersal and establishment, only 36,500 beetles were released in seven sites within NJ on either state or private lands in 2008. Since the inception of this program in 1997, 1,718,202 beetles have been released at 102 sites in 17 of the 21 counties throughout NJ. The beetles have established at 98% of the sites. The overall percent coverage of loosestrife, flowering, and seed production have all declined substantially at the three original release sites where data collection is ongoing. The beetles have been recovered over 30 miles from the closest release site. Biological Control of Knotweeds. Knotweeds are a complex of closely related plants in the genus Fallopia (family Polygonaceae). Introduced into North America from Japan, these large herbaceous perennials form dense thickets that crowd out native plants, impede recreation, increase erosion, and reduce the quality of habitat for wildlife. Two Japanese insects, a sap-feeding psyllid, Aphalara itadori, and a leaf and stem-feeding moth, Ostrinia ovalipennis, are undergoing host specificity testing at Oregon State University and a southern strain of the psyllid is being tested by CABI-Bioscience in the UK. Cooperators in the Northeast USA are providing Fallopia and other test plants. Testing of the psyllid is near completion with promising results. These results will be submitted for TAG review by for a possible release in 2010. Testing of the moth will take at least two more years. (Reported by Fritzi Grevstad.) Goal 4 (Evaluation and Education) Objective 14. To distribute information on the successful biological control of the birch leafminer throughout the northeastern states. On January 14, 2009 Roger Fuester gave a presentation entitled Birch Leafminer: A Success. at the USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species in Annapolis, MD to an audience of 297. He reported that the birch leafminer has declined dramatically to barely detectable levels in five states (MA, CT, RI, NY, PA) but the pest remains fairly abundant (up to 50% leaves mined) in Delaware and southern NJ. Survey results, in context with previous evaluations made when populations were still declining, show that Lathrolestes nigricollis has completely suppressed this pest in much of the northeastern USA, but that there is a limit to efficacy along the pests southern distribution. Survey results illustrate the importance of continued monitoring of a classical biological control project for an extended period, in this case 34 years since the first releases. Evaluations on short time scales (3-6 years), typical of many research projects, may be premature and underestimate ultimate impacts of new biocontrol agents, especially when monitoring is done over very wide geographic areas. (Reported by Roger Fuester.) Objective 15. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs. The University of Maryland produces an electronic newsletter throughout the growing season to provide timely information on pest identification and management tactics  particularly emphasizing biological controls. This collaborative project involves Extension personnel and Master Gardeners, landscapers, nursery producers, and government agency staff. The newsletter is emailed to over 1,400 stakeholders weekly. Bug of the Week is a web site that explores the lives of insects found primarily in and around homes in suburban Maryland with the goal of introducing adults and children to the wonders of biology using examples from the insect world. Since May, 2005, more than 180 episodes have been produced. The site gets 6,000 to 18,000 visits per week and is used by educators, members of the green industry, and private citizens in this country and abroad. Bug of the Week can be found at http://www.entm.umd.edu/. In addition to the Bug of the Week web site, outreach efforts through television and radio have helped educated consumers on the ecology and management including biological control of insects in and around homes. More than a million viewers received information during interviews with CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, Weather Channel, Tyra Banks, and NPR. The Cornell web site on Natural Enemies in North America continues to be a premier source of information on biological control to the general public. Objective 16. To publish the results of biological control research in refereed journals, books, and proceedings. See Publication List