Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

All in attendance were asked to introduce themselves and very briefly present any new results of their programs that they felt would be of general interest to the group. About half presented some results and these are included under accomplishments (below). The group decided to hold its next meeting in conjunction with the US Forest Services annual Invasive Species meeting in Annapolis in January of 2012. (We have already cleared this with the 2012 program organizers.) The group decided to retain Richard Casagrande as chair for another year. Robert Nowierski, in his capacity as NE1032 NIFA representative, provided some updates and insights from Washington DC.

Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) Objective 1. To conserve natural enemies. A long-term (10 year) time series of blueberry maggot fly population abundance and the abundance of its primary native braconid parasitoid (Utetes richmondi (Gahan)) were analyzed to determine if this parasitoid regulates population fluctuations of this pest. A significant relationship was found between the intrinsic rate of growth of the blueberry fly in preceeding and subsequent years (1 year time lag) suggesting density dependence. Linear and non-linear time series did not suggest that this parasitoid was responsible for regulation, although a 10 year time-series is not a long enough time frame to provide adequate power for this type of statistical modeling. Several more years of data collection are anticipated to determine if this parasitoid affects the long-term population dynamics of blueberry fly. (Frank Drummond, U. Maine.) Objective 2. To determine the distribution and impact of Cotesia rubecula. In fall 2009, a survey of parasitoids attacking Pieris rapae on vegetable farms in MA was done to determine if the displacement of Cotesia glomerata by Cotesia rubecula, as seen in 2007 in a spring survey would also be the case in the fall. We hypothesized that C. glomerata might become relatively more abundant by the end of the growing season. For 21 sites (19 in MA, 1 in RI and 1 in VT), parasitism of P. rapae averaged 75% in the September-October, 2009 compared to 70% for 20 sites in MA in June 2007. Cotesia rubecula accounted for 87.4% of all parasitism in fall of 2009 compared to 99.7% in June of 2007, showing continued high levels of suppression of the pest by introduced parasitoids and a moderate increase in the proportion of the impact attributable to C. glomerata (from less that 1% in spring 2007 to 13% in fall 2009). Cotesia glomerata was detected at 59% of the 21 sample sites in fall of 2009, showing wide distribution, but low density. (Roy Van Driesche, U. Mass. Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 4. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. Macrocyclops albidus, the native copepod that is being produced at Philip Alampi Beneficial Insects Laboratory (PABIL) for control of mosquitoes, was released in small woodland pools containing mosquito larvae throughout New Jersey. In cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, PABIL distributed 18,800 copepods during the 2010 rearing season. (Mark Mayer, PABIL) 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 parasitized egg, suggesting the potential for biological control of western bean cutworm using Trichogrammatids. Studies were conducted to facilitate commercial production of Trichogramma through post- parasitism cleaning of host eggs by an acoustic vibratory apparatus 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. Ongoing diapause studies confirmed that Trichogramma ostriniae can survive NY winters in some host eggs. This further indicates its potential for perenniation and establishment as a classical biological control agent. 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 behavior response by Trichogramma ostriniae. Economic studies of T. ostriniae, alone or integrated with insecticidal sprays in fresh market sweet corn, demonstrated that additional profitability is likely. Using T. ostriniae consistently improved profitability when compared to untreated corn. In the lowest price-yield combination, the change in profit is T. ostriniae 3X > Integrated > Insecticide > T. ostriniae 1X e Untreated Check. At high prices and high yields, the differences between the management options when compared to Untreated Check are considerable. In the highest price-yield combination, the change in profit is T. ostriniae 3X > Integrated >> Insecticide > T. ostriniae 1X >> Untreated Check. (Reported by Mike Hoffman.) 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. In February, 2010 we received eggs of two species of shoot boring moths from collaborators at CABI Switzerland: 500 Archanara neurica and 500 Archanara geminipuncta. This season we changed our testing protocol; instead of forcing egg hatch to match plant phenology, we brought potted test plants into the greenhouse and let the eggs hatch in April as they normally would in Europe. This resulted in improved results from previous years: 87% feeding with A. geminipuncta, and 56% with A. neurica. In 2010 we tested 27 nontarget species, three native Phragmites australis haplotypes, and the exotic Phragmites controls. (Reported by Bernd Blossey and Richard Casagrande.) Objective 6. To develop a biological control program for swallow-worts in North America. We have a TAG test plant list with 86 species including three target hosts. With H. opulenta the 72 non-target species tested to date do not support larval development. Similarly, with A. asclepiadis we have found consistent high larval development on the 3 target species but no successful development on 34 non-target species. We will test the remaining plants on the TAG list with both moths, but based upon results obtained to date; both species appear to be completely specific to the genus Vincetoxicum which is represented in North America by only the target weeds. (Reported by R.A. Casgrande) USDA/ARS research on this target has 3 aspects: 1) Identification and host range testing of potential biocontrol agents. Foreign surveys (9 insect species, 1 pathogen from Europe, Siberia and Russian Far East) and preliminary overseas host-range testing (6 species). Also, literature review in China. U.S. quarantine - currently Abrostola clarissa (Noctuidae). 2) Discover biological attributes of swallow-worts that contribute to their invasiveness and identify points of attack for enhancing biological control efficacy. Both species have much lower cpDNA haplotype and ISSR loci diversities in the introduced range relative to the native range. Only one major genotype is present in North America for both species - invasive genotype of PSW from Ukraine; BSW origin still unknown. BSW is tetraploid; PSW is diploid. -(-) antofine identified as phytotoxin present in roots, leaves, and seeds of PSW and BSW. Highest concentrations in SW seeds; antofine oxide also present in seeds. Active against seedlings of related native species and had antifungal and antibacterial activity. Lab assays and field soil sampling to confirm active release and relevant concentrations; greenhouse assays to follow. Few insects/mites attack introduced SW. GH study: multiple artificial defoliation events needed in fields, or a single event with heavy shading, to affect SW seedlings or mature plants. Field study in progress. Both species have colonized, and can establish in, soils with pH ranging from 4.7 to 8.0. Seedlings can establish and populations persist under a range of disturbance regimens and shading; survival rates of 75% for seedlings and ~100% for mature plants Clonal expansion (annual increase in stem number) can be high in fields; less so in forests. PSW invests in an extensive root-storage system, whereas BSW invests more in shoot growth and early flowering. Life history diagram developed; matrix model study in progress. Additional seed bank and seedling studies ongoing or planned. 3) Release and evaluate establishment and initial impact of biological control agents of swallow-worts. Three years of pre-release PSW density data and 2 years of plant community data collected as part of the ongoing long-term monitoring protocol. (Reported by Lindsey Milbrath.) Objective 7. To establish and evaluate herbivores released against mile-a-minute weed. The weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes, first released in 2004 for control of Persicaria perfoliata, is now well-established in the mid-Atlantic region, and substantial reductions in mile-a-minute weed populations have occurred at some sites. Intensive long-term monitoring continued during 2009 and 2010 at three sites in Southeastern PA, and less intensive monitoring continued at other release sites. Weevils continue to be mass-reared by the NJ Dept. Ag. Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Lab, and were sent to cooperators in four new states in 2009 (NY, CT, RI, and VA), in addition to states where releases had been made in previous years (MD, PA, WV, and NJ). These same states plus MA received weevils for release in 2010. Research combining restoration planting with weevils was initiated in 2008, to address the issue of the invasives treadmill, where reductions in the target weed can lead to increased populations of other alien invasive weeds. Finally, in 2009 a field study was conducted that verified the host specificity of the weevil, which did not feed on closely related non-target plants even when the target host was killed. (Reported by Judy Hough-Goldstein) As part of an agreement with The US Forest Service and APHIS, the mile-a-minute predator, Rhinoncomimus latipes was reared at the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory to provide weevils for New Jersey and cooperators in the northeastern United States. A total of 14,050 phtyophagous weevils were released in New Jersey, and 62,050 were distributed to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The total number of weevils that were produced and distributed by PABIL in 2010 was 76,100. (Reported by Mark Mayer) In July of 2009 we made the first release of Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils in Cranston, RI (2,000 adults). We also took photographs and collected data from permanent quadrats according to the protocol established by Judy Hough-Goldstein from the University of Delaware. In 2010 we released an additional 2,000 weevils at the first release site, and 4,000 weevils at a new site, also in Cranston, RI (approximately 2 miles from the first release site) and we sampled both sites throughout the season as specified in the protocol. (Reported by Lisa Tewksbury) Objective 8. To develop an effective biological control program for the emerald ash borer. Three parasitoids (Tetrastichus planipennisi, Oobius agrili, and Spathius agrili) were imported from China, screened by Gould or Bauer for their safety and released, starting in 2007. To evaluate parasitoid impacts on EAB, three release and three control plots were established near Lansing, MI in 2008 and methods developed to create cohorts of EAB eggs or larvae, and use these cohorts to assess the impacts of parasitoids (released and native) and other mortality factors. All three parasitoids were released in the release plots in 2009 and recoveries there in 2010 confirmed the establishment of all three imported species. Impacts of released and native parasitoids (especially the native genus Atanycolus) had increased significantly by fall 2010. Rates for morality factors affecting EAB cohorts or wild EAB immature stages in the same trees are summarized in several publications. (Reported by Roy Van Driesche) Objective 9. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the hemlock woolly adelgid and other hemlock pests. During 2009 and 2010, 2,450 L. nigrinus adults were collected near Coeur dAlene, Idaho. These collections were used for releases in the northeastern USA and for mass rearing (850 adults) at the New Jersey PABIL. Research plots have now been established at 42 sites in five states and baseline tree and other vegetation data have been collected. Hemispherical photographs to document baseline hemlock canopy health were taken at all plots and hemlock canopy foliage was collected to document baseline adelgid and scale density. Samples were taken via beating sheeting to recover adults of L. nigrinus and via foliage clipping (spring only) to detect L. nigrinus eggs or larvae. Individual adults were collected at three sites. Larvae were reared from HWA from 11 sites, but await DNA confirmation. Sampling is expected to continue every 2 years for forest change, pest and predator densities. (Reported by Dave Mausel) Molecular diagnostics using DNA barcodes were used to differentiate between larvae of the endemic species of Laricobius rubidus and Laricobius nigrinus, a biological control agent of HWA introduced into the eastern U.S. The larvae of both species are morphologically indistinguishable. Diagnostic nucleotide differences to distinguish species were determined using 157 L. nigrinus and 205 L. rubidus cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcode sequences. Two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed: PCR followed by restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) and real-time PCR (qPCR) based on hydrolysis probes. The qPCR assay had limited success when applied to L. nigrinus originating from inland vs. coastal populations in the western United States. PCR-RFLP was successful, regardless of sample origin. These two species-specific assays provide a choice of diagnostic tools to best match the available lab equipment and management objectives for those using L. nigrinus as a biological control agent. Following their release into HWA-infested hemlock stands, vertical dispersal of F1 and F2 L. nigrinus on release trees was assessed from within three crown strata (< 7, 7-15, and >15 m) at four forested release sites. Horizontal dispersal was sampled for L. nigrinus at different distances in two separate studies: (1) release and monitor to capture F1 and F2; and (2) assessment of F3 - F6 generational distributions at release sites where beetles were previously determined to be established. L. nigrinus released on the lower crown branches oviposited in the upper crown strata, while the F1 generation was rarely detected on a non-release hemlock. Predator distributions were detectable close to the release areas from F1  F3. F5  F6 generations were often recovered up to 300 m from the release areas. Results were limited to distances sampled and a function of prey availability to detect small, building L. nigrinus populations in a heterogeneous forest. These data contribute to the development of optimal release protocols for this biological control agent. (Reported by Scott Salom) Objective 10. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth. We have achieved an important milestone this year in our effort to establish Cyzenis albicans as a biological control of winter moths. For the first time in six years we have concrete evidence that we have successfully established C. albicans at three of six release sites. We have recovered winter moth larvae parasitized by these flies at sites in the Massachusetts towns of Seekonk, Hingham and Falmouth, where we have not released C. albicans for the past two or three years. Thus the flies we recovered there must have successfully over-wintered and reproduced. We also recovered parasitized larvae at Wellesley, but we released flies at that site again in 2010, so we cannot prove that the flies were not from this-years release. To demonstrate establishment requires that we must show that the fly has survived the winter and reproduced. We have extracted DNA from these recovered flies and have sequenced the CO1 gene. The 585 bp nucleotide sequences of the recovered flies are completely identical with those we released, which indicates they are definitely C. albicans and almost certainly from the same population source Our experience now matches closely the Nova Scotia project wherein the yearly releases began in 1954, but no recoveries at all were made until 1959. Previous experience in Nova Scotia or British Columbia suggests that the levels of parasitism should now build rapidly over the next few years. (Reported by Joseph Elkinton.) Objective 11. To distribute and evaluate Peristenus relictus, a parasitoid of the tarnished plant bug. A total of 4,700 Peristenus relictus parasitoids were released on tarnished plant bug in 2010, predominately in Cape May and Cumberland Counties, NJ. (Reported by Mark Mayer, PABIL) Objective 12. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Objective 13. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast. Lily Leaf Beetle. In 2010 we collected lily leaf beetle larvae from the areas surrounding our initial release sites for three parasitoids in RI, MA, and ME. The parasitoid Tetrastichus setifer continues to be found established in all three states. We are finding greater than 75% parasitism from most of our collections near the Cumberland, RI release site, and we have found the parasitoid up to 8 miles away from this initial release site. Tetrastichus setifer has also dispersed over 12 miles from the initial release site near Boston, MA. Lemophagus errabundus is established in both RI and MA, and has dispersed over 20 miles from the initial release site in Cumberland, RI. A third parasitoid, Diaparsis jucunda was only recovered in Rhode Island in 2010, and within approximately 2 miles of the release site. . (Reported by Lisa Tewksbury and Richard Casagrande.) Biological Control of Knotweeds. Knotweeds are a complex of closely related plants in the genus Fallopia (family Polygonaceae). Potential biological control agents from Japan are being tested in a quarantine at Oregon State University. Three candidates were ruled out due to insufficient host specificity: a leaf beetle, Galerucida bifasciata, and two moths in the genus Ostrinia. However, the psyllid, Aphalara itadori, remains promising as the testing process nears completion. Two strains of this insect are being considered. A northern strain is effective against giant knotweed and a southern strain is effective against Japanese and hybrid knotweed. The southern strain has been released by CABI-Bioscience in the UK. Cooperators in the Northeast USA are providing Fallopia and other test plants. (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. Objective 15. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs The Cornell web site on Natural Enemies in North America http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/index.php was updated with a totally new look and organization and now includes a new section on Habitat for Natural Enemies and another on Successes in Biological Control and For Students. Many new units on biological control agents were added. The site was unveiled on Oct. 21. 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. (Reported by Mike Raupp.) Objective 16. To publish the results of biological control research in refereed journals, books, and proceedings. See Publication List

Burns, M. and M. J. Raupp. 2010. Myths from the Undergrowth: Four urban legends about arthropods and the truths behind them! Groundwork.

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.

Davidson, J. A. and M. J. Raupp. 2010. Managing insects and mites on woody plants: An IPM approach. Tree Care Industry. Londonderry, NH. 177 pp.

Duan, J. J., M. D. Ulyshen, L. S. Bauer, J. Gould, R.G. Van Driesche. 2010. Measuring the impact of biotic factors on populations of immature emerald ash borers (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Environmental Entomology: 39:1513-1522.

Duan, J. J., L. S Bauer, M. D, Ulyshen, J. R. Gould, R. G Van Driesche. Development of methods for the field evaluation of Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in North America, a newly introduced egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Biological Control- in press.

Eisenback, B. M., Mullins, D. E., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2009. Evaluation of ELISA for imidacloprid detection in eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) wood and needle tissues. Pest Management Science. 65:122-128.

Eisenback, B. M., S. M. Salom, L. T. Kok and A. F. Lagalante. 2010. Lethal and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae, Hemiptera: Adelgidae) and two introduced predator species in the laboratory. J. Econ. Entomol. 103: 1222-1234.

Frank, J. H., Van Driesche, R. G., Hoddle, M. S., and McCoy, E.D. 2010. Biological control of animals. In D. Simberloff and M. Rejamanek (eds.) Encyclopedia of Invasive Introduced Species. University of California Press.

Frye, M.J., E.C. Lake, and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2010. Field host specificity of the mile-a-minute weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Biological Control 55: 234-240.

Frye, M.J., E.C. Lake, and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2010. Field host specificity of the mile-a-minute weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Biological Control 55: 234-240.

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).

Gatton, H., Zilahi-Balogh, G. M., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2009. Biology and temperature-dependent development of Laricobius kangdingensis sp. n., a newly discovered predator of Adelges tsugae. BioControl. 54: 219-228.

Hough-Goldstein, J., M. A. Mayer, W. Hudson, G. Robbins, P. Morrison, and R. Reardon. 2009. Monitored releases of Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control agent of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata), 2004-2008. Biological Control 51: 450-457.

Hough-Goldstein, J., M. A. Mayer, W. Hudson, G. Robbins, P. Morrison, and R. Reardon. 2009. Monitored releases of Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a biological control agent of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata), 20042008. Biological Control 51: 450-457.

Mausel, D. L., S. M. Salom, L. T., Kok, and G. Davis. 2010. Establishment of the hemlock woolly adelgid predator, Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), in the eastern United States. Environ. Entomol. 39: 440-448.

Mausel, D.L., R.G. Van Driesche and J.S. Elkinton Comparative cold tolerance and climate matching of coastal and inland Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) for biological control of hemlock woolly adelgid. Biological Control -in review.

OReilly, A. and R. G. Van Driesche. 2009. Status of Coccobius nr. fulvus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), parasitoid of euonymus scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), 12-16 years after its release in Massachusetts. Florida Entomologist 92: 645-647.

Raupp, M.J., P.M. Shrewsbury, and D.H. Herms. 2010. Ecology of herbivorous arthropods in urban landscapes. Annual Review of Entomology. 55:19-38.

Raupp, M.J., P. M. Shrewsbury, and D. Herms. 2010. The what and why of insects and mite outbreaks in cities and suburbs. Tree Care Industry. 21: 12-16.

Raupp, M.J. 2010. Toward IPM for Emerald Ash Borer. Tree Care Industry. 21(2) 8-14.

Reshchikov, A. V., A. Soper and R. G. Van Driesche. Revision of the Nearctic species of Lathrolestes (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), with special reference to species attacking Betula leaf mining Tenthredinidae (Hymenoptera). Zootaxa in press.

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.

Ulshen, M. D., J. J. Duan, L. S. Bauer, J. Gould, P. Tayler, D. Bean, . Holko, and R. Van Driesche. Field cage evaluation of parasitism, development, and overwintering of two recently introduced biological control agents of the emerald ash borer. BioControl in review.

Van Driesche, R.G., R.I. Carruthers, T. Center, M.S. Hoddle, J. Hough-Goldstein, L. Morin, L. Smith, D.L. Wagner, et al. 2010. Classical biological control for the protection of natural ecosystems. Biological Control 54: S2 S33.

Wagner, D. L. and Van Driesche, R. G. 2010. Threats posed to rare or endangered insects by invasions of nonnative species. Annual Review of Entomology 55: 547-568.

Weed, A.S. 2010. Benefits of larval group feeding by Chrysolina a. asclepiadis on Vincetoxicum: improved host location or feeding facilitation? Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 137 (3): 220 to 228.

Weed, A.S. 2010. Biology and Ecology of European Natural Enemies of Swallow-Worts (Vincetoxicum) and the Potential for Biological Control. PhD dissertation, Dept. Plant Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 196 pp.

Weed, A.S., Casagrande, R.A. 2010. Biology and larval feeding impact of Hypena opulenta (Christoph) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): a potential biological control agent for Vincetoxicum nigrum and V. rossicum. Biological Control 53: 214 to 222.

Weed, A.S., Casagrande, R.A. 2010. Effects of leaf and root herbivory by potential insect biological control agents on the performance of invasive Vincetoxicum spp. Biological Control. 56(1):50 to 58.

Weed, A.S., Casagrande, R.A., A. Gassmann, and A. Leroux. 2010. Performance of potential European biological control agents of Vincetoxicum spp. with notes on their distribution. Journal of Applied Entomology: In press.