SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report
Sections
Status: Approved
Basic Information
- Project No. and Title: W1185 : Biological Control in Pest Management Systems of Plants
- Period Covered: 01/01/2001 to 12/01/2001
- Date of Report: 09/01/2002
- Annual Meeting Dates: 10/10/2001 to 10/12/2001
Participants
Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Dept. of Entomology: M. Hunter, T. Dennehy, B. Tabashnik, L. Caqas, and P. Ellsworth; California Agric. Commissioners & Sealers Association; California Dept. Food & Agriculture, Sacramento, C. Pickett, M. Pitcairn, J. Ball, K. Godfrey, B. Roltsch, D. Joley, B. Villegas, D. Woods; California Agricultural Experiment Station, University of California, Berkeley: K. M. Daane, D. L. Dahlsten, N. J. Mills, Davis: L. E. Ehler, J. A. Rosenheim, Riverside: T. S. Bellows, R. D. Goeden, D. Gonzalez, R. F. Luck, and M. Hoddle; California Polytechnical University, San Luis Obispo: David Headrick; Guam Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Guam, Mangilao: R. Miller; Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Entomology: M. W. Johnson, V. P. Jones, R. H. Messing; Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Idaho, Moscow, Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences, J. P. McCaffrey, J. B. Johnson Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station; Kansas State University, Manhattan, Entomology: J. R. Nechols; Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, Montana State University, Bozeman, R. M. Nowierski, J. Story (Western Agricultural Research Center, Corvallis); New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, Entomology and Plant Pathology: J. J. Ellington, Kevin T. Gardner, David C. Thompson; New York: Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, Ithaca, Entomology: C. A. Tauber, M. J. Tauber; Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Entomology, M. T. P. B. McEvoy, S. Rao.; Oregon State Department of Agriculture: E. M. Coombs, D. L. Isaacson; Texas A&M University: R. Wharton; Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Biology: E. W. Evans; Washington Agricultural Experiment Station, Washington State University, Pullman, Entomology: G. L. Piper; Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Division of Plant Sciences, Entomology Section: D. J. Kazmer; United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Bozeman, Montana: R. Hansen, Mission, Texas, Phoenix, AZ: E. Andress, G. Simmons; United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Albany, California: J. Balciunas, Fresno, California: F. Ryan, Fredrick, Maryland, Hilo, Hawaii: E. Harris, P. Follett, R. Vargas, Phoenix, Arizona: T. J. Henneberry, S. E. Naranjo, C. G. Jackson, J. R. Hagler, Montpellier, France: R. Sobhian, K. Chen, K. Hoelmer, A. Kirk Reno, Nevada, Yakima, Washington: T. R. Unruh, L. Lacey, European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL), Montferrier-sur-Lez, France, European BIologial Control Laboratory, Thessaloniki, Greece; United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research and Extension Service, Washington, D. C.: R. Nowierski
Thursday morning, October 11, 2001: The meeting was held at the Stanford Sierra Camp Conference Center near South Lake Tahoe, Califonia. Charlie Pickett (California Department of Food and Agriculture, Sacremento) is the current chair. He opened the meeting by introducing our new administrative advisor, Dr. Don Cooksey, who is replacing Dr. Phil Roberts. Don opened somewhat apologetically, saying he has been on the job only 10 days and that his supporting staff position in the Deans office is vacant. Don has been with the University of California-Riverside for about 20 years where he is a Professor and Bacteriologist in the Department of Plant Pathology. He also serves as Chair of that Department. Dons primary research interest is biological control of plant pathogens and he has broader experience in biological control in other pest systems.
Charlie then initiated discussion of electing a new member-at-large. This discussion was finalized Friday morning with the election of Ted Evans (Utah State University). Ted will serve as member-at-large for 2002, secretary for 2003, and chair for 2004. Kent Daane (University of California-Berkeley) is the current member-at-large and will serve as secretary in 2002 and chair in 2003. Dave Kazmer (University of Wyoming) is the current secretary and will serve as chair for 2002.
Dave Kazmer then led a discussion on the location of the 2002 meeting. The members voted for a venue in or near the foothills outside of Denver, Colorado. The meeting location has since been finalized as the Millennium Hotel in Boulder, CO. Meeting dates will be October 1-3, 2002.
Ray Carruthers (USDA-ARS-Albany, CA) provided an update on USDA-ARS activities on behalf of Kevin Hackett (National Program Leader, Biological Control) and Del Delfosse (National Program Leader, Weed Management). Ray provided highlights from current projects on pests of interest in the western U.S. and noted the addition of some new target pests to ARS activities. ARS will be expanding its biological program with the planned addition of 20-25 new research positions in the next 2-3 years. These positions will mostly focus on biological control of both weed and arthropod pests and may include a position in mite systematics. Ray commented on reports of policy changes and difficulties in importing new agents, as well as handling of dead insects and other museum specimens, following the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Several participants reported on changes they encountered in international travel and shipment. Shippers and airlines have varying policies on international movement of biological specimens and it was advised that international shipment options be fully investigated before embarking on such adventures.
Charlie Pickett then led a discussion on the fate of NBCI and USDA-APHIS biological control programs in general. Neither Mike Oraze nor Erich Rudyj of NBCI were present. The fate of NBCI was uncertain at this time due to a proposed restructuring of many APHIS programs involving biological control. This includes a proposed closure of the biological control laboratory in Bozeman, Montana and transfer of the staff at Bozeman to either East Lansing, Michigan or Phoenix, Arizona. Charlie reported that projects currently funded by NBCI will continue to be funded and that canvassing activities will continue. NBCI was thanked for providing $2000 to this meeting for travel support of invited speakers.
Bob Nowierski was then introduced as the new National Program Leader for the Biologically-based Pest Management Program in USDA-CSREES. Bob, currently a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Montana State University, will assume his new duties on January 15, 2002. After briefly discussing the proposed (and pre-9/11/2001) budget for biological control activities in CSREES, Bob preceded to discuss the hot topics he wishes to address in his new position. These include strengthening the role of the Biological Control Coordinating Committee (BCCC), regulatory oversight of entomophages, USFWS obstacles to the introduction of new agents, developing criteria for Biological Assessments (newly required) for biological control programs, and more funding for evaluation, implementation and education relating to biological control.
Charlie next led a discussion on the target pest list for the W-185 project. The group decided on the following target pest groups: sessile homoptera, non-sessile homoptera (including mealybugs, whiteflies and aphids), true bugs, Lepidoptera, knapweeds, thistles, spurges, pruple loosestrife, tephritids, saltcedar, giant reed, cereal leaf beetle, toadflax, other weeds, and other arthropods. Gorse, which had been listed separately, was moved to the other weeds group.
Don Cooksey and Ron Pardini (Associate Director, University of Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station) followed with an overview of the process for renewing the W-185 project for the next five years (2002-2007). The deadline for submitting the new proposal is January 15 or May 15. It was suggested that the group meet the January 15 deadline so that any significant concerns could be addressed in a revised proposal that would be resubmitted for the May 15 deadline. The guidelines for Western Region project proposals have been revised and can be found at http://www.colostate.edu/Orgs/WAAESD/. The new guidelines address many of the desired elements of proposals well but some key elements are missing. These include evidence or likelihood of co-publishing and co-grant-writing among project participants, special workshops and meetings resulting from project activities, and impact statements demonstrating the products and benefits of project activities. The structure of the committees responsible for reviewing proposals has been broadened to ensure representation from the extension, research and stakeholder sectors. Most phases of project administration, including proposal submission, addition and renewal of project participants, and annual report submission will now be done online.
The business meeting concluded at 11:15 A.M. Thursday morning. The agenda of scientific portion of the meetings was as follows.
Thursday Morning
How Leaky Are Biological Control Projects? Brad Hawkins, University of California-Irvine.
Thursday Afternoon
Panel Discussion I: Role of Molecular Genetics in Biological Control. Organized by Richard Stouthamer, University of California-Riverside.
Introduction. Richard Stouthamer.
Phylogeographical relationships and population studies to elucidate origins of variation and potential for upsurgence of the Bemisia tabaci complex. Judy Brown, University of Arizona.
Morphological, molecular and taxonomic perspectives on Encarsia attacking whiteflies. John Heraty, University of California-Riverside.
Genetic variation and origins of Salsola tragus (Russian thistle) in California determined by RAPD and ISSR analysis. Fred Ryan, USDA-ARS-Fresno.
Molecular identification of Trichogramma species. Richard Stouthamer.
Friday Morning
Panel Discussion II: Augementative Biological Control and the Insectary Industry. Organized by Marshall Johnson (University of Hawaii) and Karen Klonsky (University of California-Davis).
Beyond the greenhouse: Potential for inundative biological control of the greenhouse whitefly with Encarsia formosa in the field. Sujaya Rao, Oregon State University.
Practical aspects of commercial releases of beneficial insects. Kent Daane, University of California-Berkeley.
Farmers management styles and the adoption of augmentation practices in winegrape and almond production in California. Karen Klonsky.
Industry perspective. Dan Cahn, Novartis BCM North America, Oxnard, California.
Marshall Johnson.
Charlie then initiated discussion of electing a new member-at-large. This discussion was finalized Friday morning with the election of Ted Evans (Utah State University). Ted will serve as member-at-large for 2002, secretary for 2003, and chair for 2004. Kent Daane (University of California-Berkeley) is the current member-at-large and will serve as secretary in 2002 and chair in 2003. Dave Kazmer (University of Wyoming) is the current secretary and will serve as chair for 2002.
Dave Kazmer then led a discussion on the location of the 2002 meeting. The members voted for a venue in or near the foothills outside of Denver, Colorado. The meeting location has since been finalized as the Millennium Hotel in Boulder, CO. Meeting dates will be October 1-3, 2002.
Ray Carruthers (USDA-ARS-Albany, CA) provided an update on USDA-ARS activities on behalf of Kevin Hackett (National Program Leader, Biological Control) and Del Delfosse (National Program Leader, Weed Management). Ray provided highlights from current projects on pests of interest in the western U.S. and noted the addition of some new target pests to ARS activities. ARS will be expanding its biological program with the planned addition of 20-25 new research positions in the next 2-3 years. These positions will mostly focus on biological control of both weed and arthropod pests and may include a position in mite systematics. Ray commented on reports of policy changes and difficulties in importing new agents, as well as handling of dead insects and other museum specimens, following the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Several participants reported on changes they encountered in international travel and shipment. Shippers and airlines have varying policies on international movement of biological specimens and it was advised that international shipment options be fully investigated before embarking on such adventures.
Charlie Pickett then led a discussion on the fate of NBCI and USDA-APHIS biological control programs in general. Neither Mike Oraze nor Erich Rudyj of NBCI were present. The fate of NBCI was uncertain at this time due to a proposed restructuring of many APHIS programs involving biological control. This includes a proposed closure of the biological control laboratory in Bozeman, Montana and transfer of the staff at Bozeman to either East Lansing, Michigan or Phoenix, Arizona. Charlie reported that projects currently funded by NBCI will continue to be funded and that canvassing activities will continue. NBCI was thanked for providing $2000 to this meeting for travel support of invited speakers.
Bob Nowierski was then introduced as the new National Program Leader for the Biologically-based Pest Management Program in USDA-CSREES. Bob, currently a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Montana State University, will assume his new duties on January 15, 2002. After briefly discussing the proposed (and pre-9/11/2001) budget for biological control activities in CSREES, Bob preceded to discuss the hot topics he wishes to address in his new position. These include strengthening the role of the Biological Control Coordinating Committee (BCCC), regulatory oversight of entomophages, USFWS obstacles to the introduction of new agents, developing criteria for Biological Assessments (newly required) for biological control programs, and more funding for evaluation, implementation and education relating to biological control.
Charlie next led a discussion on the target pest list for the W-185 project. The group decided on the following target pest groups: sessile homoptera, non-sessile homoptera (including mealybugs, whiteflies and aphids), true bugs, Lepidoptera, knapweeds, thistles, spurges, pruple loosestrife, tephritids, saltcedar, giant reed, cereal leaf beetle, toadflax, other weeds, and other arthropods. Gorse, which had been listed separately, was moved to the other weeds group.
Don Cooksey and Ron Pardini (Associate Director, University of Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station) followed with an overview of the process for renewing the W-185 project for the next five years (2002-2007). The deadline for submitting the new proposal is January 15 or May 15. It was suggested that the group meet the January 15 deadline so that any significant concerns could be addressed in a revised proposal that would be resubmitted for the May 15 deadline. The guidelines for Western Region project proposals have been revised and can be found at http://www.colostate.edu/Orgs/WAAESD/. The new guidelines address many of the desired elements of proposals well but some key elements are missing. These include evidence or likelihood of co-publishing and co-grant-writing among project participants, special workshops and meetings resulting from project activities, and impact statements demonstrating the products and benefits of project activities. The structure of the committees responsible for reviewing proposals has been broadened to ensure representation from the extension, research and stakeholder sectors. Most phases of project administration, including proposal submission, addition and renewal of project participants, and annual report submission will now be done online.
The business meeting concluded at 11:15 A.M. Thursday morning. The agenda of scientific portion of the meetings was as follows.
Thursday Morning
How Leaky Are Biological Control Projects? Brad Hawkins, University of California-Irvine.
Thursday Afternoon
Panel Discussion I: Role of Molecular Genetics in Biological Control. Organized by Richard Stouthamer, University of California-Riverside.
Introduction. Richard Stouthamer.
Phylogeographical relationships and population studies to elucidate origins of variation and potential for upsurgence of the Bemisia tabaci complex. Judy Brown, University of Arizona.
Morphological, molecular and taxonomic perspectives on Encarsia attacking whiteflies. John Heraty, University of California-Riverside.
Genetic variation and origins of Salsola tragus (Russian thistle) in California determined by RAPD and ISSR analysis. Fred Ryan, USDA-ARS-Fresno.
Molecular identification of Trichogramma species. Richard Stouthamer.
Friday Morning
Panel Discussion II: Augementative Biological Control and the Insectary Industry. Organized by Marshall Johnson (University of Hawaii) and Karen Klonsky (University of California-Davis).
Beyond the greenhouse: Potential for inundative biological control of the greenhouse whitefly with Encarsia formosa in the field. Sujaya Rao, Oregon State University.
Practical aspects of commercial releases of beneficial insects. Kent Daane, University of California-Berkeley.
Farmers management styles and the adoption of augmentation practices in winegrape and almond production in California. Karen Klonsky.
Industry perspective. Dan Cahn, Novartis BCM North America, Oxnard, California.
Marshall Johnson.
Accomplishments
GOAL A: Import and Establish Effective Natural Enemies
Objective 1. Survey indigenous natural enemies
Surveys have been conducted for natural enemies of several new invasive arthropod and weed pests. Surveys were conducted either in the native home of the pest or in the country of invasion. Listed are those pests for which surveys were conducted over the last year: citrus peelminer in California; the planthopper Kallitaxila granulata in the Hawaii islands; and Cape ivy at two sites near Monterey.
Objective 2. Undertake foreign exploration
Foreign exploration and importation of natural enemies for several new and old arthropod and weed pests in California and other western states is underway by several agencies. Listed are the pests for which exploration was conducted over the last year: Lygus spp in Europe; pink hibiscus mealybug in Australia; olive fruit fly in Africa; glassy-winged sharpshooter in North and South America; the tortricid leafroller complex in France and Central Asia; Sophonia leafhoppers in China; Arundo; and Tamarix, Russian thistle, Cape ivy, yellow starthistle Formosan Subterrannean Termite, and Greenhouse Whitefly in various parts of the world.
Objective 3. Determine systematics and biogeography of pest and natural enemies
The phylogenetic relationships of Encarsia were studied using molecular information from the 28S-D2 region and morphological characteristics. The citrus peelminer was determined through morphological, biological (crossing) and genetic studies. The generic relationships of opiine braconid parasites of tephritid fruit flies were revised. One new species was described from Kenya (Fopius ceratitivorous), and the synonymy of Psyttalia concolor and P. humilis was confirmed. We compiled maps of the distribution of Cape ivy in South Africa and California. Seeds of yellow starthistle were collected for DNA. An illustrated taxonomic key of apionid weevils associated with YST is ready for publication.Work on the genetic variation in Russian thistle continued in 2001.
Objective 4. Quarantine exotics and conduct pre-release studies
Natural enemies of several new pests are being studied under quarantine for host testing or other biological information needed to obtain permits for field released. These parasitoids include a eulophid parasitoid of the citrus peelminer; two species of medfly parasitoids (F. caudatus and F. ceratitivorous) from Africa ; a third medfly parasite (Diachasmimorpha kraussii) from Australia; host-specificity tests on a root moth and initiated studies on two cynipid gall wasps and an unidentified gall midge for biocontrol of sulfur cinquefoil, Potentilla recta; host-specificity tests for a seed weevil; a stem weevil; and a root fly. Three natural enemies of saltcedar are being investigated in quarantine: the leaf-feeding beetle (Diorhabda elongata) from Xinjiang Province, PR of China and Crete, Greece, a gall midge (Psectrosema spp.) and a seed weevil (Corimalia spp.) and D. elongate.
Insect quarantine facility designed primarily for research in the Biological Control of Weeds and Insects Programs at New Mexico State University, was inspected by APHIS during the summer of 2001 and should be officially certified and open for experimentation in October 2001. The laboratory consists of a main 3200 ft2 quarantine laboratory and an 800 ft2 quarantine greenhouse and headhouse (New Mexico State Univ., Thompson & Gardner).
Objective 5. Release, establish and redistribute natural enemies
Several arthropod and weed natural enemies were imported into quarantine for biological and rearing studies or released this last year. They include: Aphelinus near paramali and Aphelinus gossypii, Aphidius colemani, and Neozygites fresenii against the cotton aphid; Peristenus stygicus and P. digoneutis against Lygus hesperus, Gonatocerus triguttatus against the glassy-winged sharpshooter; Cirrospilus coachellae, for control of citrus peelminer; Parafreutreta regalis, a gall forming fly, and Acrolepia species, a leaf mining and stem boring moth, both collected for release against Cape ivey; Acrolepia, Parafreutreta, Diota rostrata, and Galerucine leaf beetles, Aceria salsolae for release against Russian thistle from northern Greece and from central Turkey; releases of A. zoegana, C. achates, Centaurea maculosa; the root moth Agapeta zoegana, the root weevil Cyphocleonus achates, and the root moth Pelochrista medullana. Field collections/redistribution of the seed head weevils, Larinus minutus, and L. obtusus were made. Rearing and/or redistribution efforts were continued for the stem-boring weevil, Mecinus janthinus against Dalmatian and yellow toadflax. Collection and redistribution efforts were continued for the flea beetles against leafy spurge; L. curtus , Eustenopus villosus B. fausti Bangasternus fausti, and Larinus minutus Urophora quadrifasciata, U. affinis, B. fausti, and L. minutus. Hylobius transversovittatus weevils were released on purple loosestrife.
Objective 6. Evaluate efficacy and study ecological/physiological basis for interactions
A wide range of studies have been conducted to better understand the potential efficacy of imported natural enemies as well as indigenous ones. These studies include: host suitability, a mass production and augmentative release programs (citricola and black scale); role of bacterial symbionts, impact of Mastrus ridibundus and nematodes have both been tested against codling moth, predation rates on pear psylla using PCR primers, preferred floral odors in olfactometer studies, analysis of distribution patterns of weed biocontrol agents, overwintering mortality, impact, host race studies with molecular genetic approaches and behavioral ecology studies, habitat associations, evaluation studies on plant species richness, abundance, and plant community, life table study documenting the survivorship of target weed pests.
GOAL B: Conserve Natural Enemies to Increase Biological Control of Target Pests
Objective 7. Identify potential predator/prey and parasite/host associations
A wide range of studies was conducted to determine the role of natural enemies using new techniques. Studies include: immunological techniques to study prey choice of predators exposed to the various whitefly life stages; quantifying the factors governing the year-round population dynamics of Bemisia tabaci within a complex agricultural system using life table studies; using cotton treated with methyl jasmonate can directly and systemically induce the emission of volatiles that may serve as odor cues in the host-search behavior of natural enemies; sentinel host plants to determine role of native parasites.
Objective 8. Identify and assess factors potentially disruptive to biological control
Studies showed that natural enemy conservation may be enhanced by using higher action thresholds for managing Bemisia tabaci; non-target effects of transgenic Bt cotton in central Arizona suggests that Bt cotton has no consistent measurable effect on natural enemy abundance or function compared with conventional non-Bt cotton; host-reservoir plants in or near orchards increase native natural enemies; role of biorational products to control orchard pests, and impact on native natural enemies.
Objective 9. Implement and evaluate habitat modification, horticultural practices and pest suppression tactics to conserve natural enemy activity
Ground covers were tested to determine if populations of beneficial insects in pecans could be increased for control of pecan nut casebearer and the aphid complex. Preliminary results indicate that the beneficial complex can be increased by choosing the appropriate ground cover.
GOAL C: Augment Natural Enemies to Increase Biological Control
Objective 10. Assess biological characteristics of natural enemies
A number of commercially reared natural enemies have been studied to improve their diets and select for optimal strains for mass rearing. These include: Chrysoperla and Trichogramma spp . Efficacy and field tests were conducted on Trichogramma platneri and T. pretiosum.
Objective 11. Conduct experimental releases to assess feasibility
Releases of G. legneri were conducted to measure parasitism of pecan nut casebearer. Sentinel bollworm and pink bollworm eggs were placed in pecan trees in Dallas, Texas to recover native Trichogramma. Several individuals were recovered and colonies were started at the Biological Control Insectary at NMSU. A study evaluating the effects of host moth pheromone and karimones on Trichogramma parasitism was evaluated in pecans.
Objective 12. Develop procedures for rearing, storing, quality control and release of natural enemies
Studies were conducted on storage of Trichogramma and its hosts Sitatroga. Mini-insectaries to maintain a constant population of Trichogramma throughout the summer in the field were tested. Flea beetles were released at densities of 160 / m2 resulted in greater than 98% reductions in biomass of leafy spurge within 2 years. Reductions are slower and more variable in riparian sites, however, beetles have established high densities within the two years.
Objective 13. Implement augmentation programs and evaluate efficacy of natural enemies
Transplants that have been inoculated with whiteflies and their parasitoids, then placed into fields along with conventional transplants provided equal or better control than when equal number of parasitoids are released by hand. Work continues on applying immunological techniques to field studies of dispersal for Bemisia and Lygus parasitoids and predators. We continue to evaluate the efficacy of Metaphycus species near flavus as a biological control agent against citricola scale, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum in citrus and black scale and use of Aphytis melinus augmentatively in citrus groves for red scale control. We are in the second year of a demonstration project using Aphthona flea beetles against leafy spurge.
WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR: In 2001, research addressed all fifteen objectives. Research will continue on all goals and objectives for a variety of target arthropod and weed pests throughout the Western United States and affiliated areas. Exploration for new biological control agents will continue, as will release, redistribution, and evaluation of establishment and efficacy. Improvements in conservation and augmentation methods and technologies will continue; these will provide better opportunities for incorporating biological control into integrated pest management programs. Increased emphasis will be placed on evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of biological control. Strong collaboration and communication among researchers in the regional project will continue to lead to significant advances in biological pest control technology. This will result in more environmentally and economically sound solutions to regional pest problems.
Objective 1. Survey indigenous natural enemies
Surveys have been conducted for natural enemies of several new invasive arthropod and weed pests. Surveys were conducted either in the native home of the pest or in the country of invasion. Listed are those pests for which surveys were conducted over the last year: citrus peelminer in California; the planthopper Kallitaxila granulata in the Hawaii islands; and Cape ivy at two sites near Monterey.
Objective 2. Undertake foreign exploration
Foreign exploration and importation of natural enemies for several new and old arthropod and weed pests in California and other western states is underway by several agencies. Listed are the pests for which exploration was conducted over the last year: Lygus spp in Europe; pink hibiscus mealybug in Australia; olive fruit fly in Africa; glassy-winged sharpshooter in North and South America; the tortricid leafroller complex in France and Central Asia; Sophonia leafhoppers in China; Arundo; and Tamarix, Russian thistle, Cape ivy, yellow starthistle Formosan Subterrannean Termite, and Greenhouse Whitefly in various parts of the world.
Objective 3. Determine systematics and biogeography of pest and natural enemies
The phylogenetic relationships of Encarsia were studied using molecular information from the 28S-D2 region and morphological characteristics. The citrus peelminer was determined through morphological, biological (crossing) and genetic studies. The generic relationships of opiine braconid parasites of tephritid fruit flies were revised. One new species was described from Kenya (Fopius ceratitivorous), and the synonymy of Psyttalia concolor and P. humilis was confirmed. We compiled maps of the distribution of Cape ivy in South Africa and California. Seeds of yellow starthistle were collected for DNA. An illustrated taxonomic key of apionid weevils associated with YST is ready for publication.Work on the genetic variation in Russian thistle continued in 2001.
Objective 4. Quarantine exotics and conduct pre-release studies
Natural enemies of several new pests are being studied under quarantine for host testing or other biological information needed to obtain permits for field released. These parasitoids include a eulophid parasitoid of the citrus peelminer; two species of medfly parasitoids (F. caudatus and F. ceratitivorous) from Africa ; a third medfly parasite (Diachasmimorpha kraussii) from Australia; host-specificity tests on a root moth and initiated studies on two cynipid gall wasps and an unidentified gall midge for biocontrol of sulfur cinquefoil, Potentilla recta; host-specificity tests for a seed weevil; a stem weevil; and a root fly. Three natural enemies of saltcedar are being investigated in quarantine: the leaf-feeding beetle (Diorhabda elongata) from Xinjiang Province, PR of China and Crete, Greece, a gall midge (Psectrosema spp.) and a seed weevil (Corimalia spp.) and D. elongate.
Insect quarantine facility designed primarily for research in the Biological Control of Weeds and Insects Programs at New Mexico State University, was inspected by APHIS during the summer of 2001 and should be officially certified and open for experimentation in October 2001. The laboratory consists of a main 3200 ft2 quarantine laboratory and an 800 ft2 quarantine greenhouse and headhouse (New Mexico State Univ., Thompson & Gardner).
Objective 5. Release, establish and redistribute natural enemies
Several arthropod and weed natural enemies were imported into quarantine for biological and rearing studies or released this last year. They include: Aphelinus near paramali and Aphelinus gossypii, Aphidius colemani, and Neozygites fresenii against the cotton aphid; Peristenus stygicus and P. digoneutis against Lygus hesperus, Gonatocerus triguttatus against the glassy-winged sharpshooter; Cirrospilus coachellae, for control of citrus peelminer; Parafreutreta regalis, a gall forming fly, and Acrolepia species, a leaf mining and stem boring moth, both collected for release against Cape ivey; Acrolepia, Parafreutreta, Diota rostrata, and Galerucine leaf beetles, Aceria salsolae for release against Russian thistle from northern Greece and from central Turkey; releases of A. zoegana, C. achates, Centaurea maculosa; the root moth Agapeta zoegana, the root weevil Cyphocleonus achates, and the root moth Pelochrista medullana. Field collections/redistribution of the seed head weevils, Larinus minutus, and L. obtusus were made. Rearing and/or redistribution efforts were continued for the stem-boring weevil, Mecinus janthinus against Dalmatian and yellow toadflax. Collection and redistribution efforts were continued for the flea beetles against leafy spurge; L. curtus , Eustenopus villosus B. fausti Bangasternus fausti, and Larinus minutus Urophora quadrifasciata, U. affinis, B. fausti, and L. minutus. Hylobius transversovittatus weevils were released on purple loosestrife.
Objective 6. Evaluate efficacy and study ecological/physiological basis for interactions
A wide range of studies have been conducted to better understand the potential efficacy of imported natural enemies as well as indigenous ones. These studies include: host suitability, a mass production and augmentative release programs (citricola and black scale); role of bacterial symbionts, impact of Mastrus ridibundus and nematodes have both been tested against codling moth, predation rates on pear psylla using PCR primers, preferred floral odors in olfactometer studies, analysis of distribution patterns of weed biocontrol agents, overwintering mortality, impact, host race studies with molecular genetic approaches and behavioral ecology studies, habitat associations, evaluation studies on plant species richness, abundance, and plant community, life table study documenting the survivorship of target weed pests.
GOAL B: Conserve Natural Enemies to Increase Biological Control of Target Pests
Objective 7. Identify potential predator/prey and parasite/host associations
A wide range of studies was conducted to determine the role of natural enemies using new techniques. Studies include: immunological techniques to study prey choice of predators exposed to the various whitefly life stages; quantifying the factors governing the year-round population dynamics of Bemisia tabaci within a complex agricultural system using life table studies; using cotton treated with methyl jasmonate can directly and systemically induce the emission of volatiles that may serve as odor cues in the host-search behavior of natural enemies; sentinel host plants to determine role of native parasites.
Objective 8. Identify and assess factors potentially disruptive to biological control
Studies showed that natural enemy conservation may be enhanced by using higher action thresholds for managing Bemisia tabaci; non-target effects of transgenic Bt cotton in central Arizona suggests that Bt cotton has no consistent measurable effect on natural enemy abundance or function compared with conventional non-Bt cotton; host-reservoir plants in or near orchards increase native natural enemies; role of biorational products to control orchard pests, and impact on native natural enemies.
Objective 9. Implement and evaluate habitat modification, horticultural practices and pest suppression tactics to conserve natural enemy activity
Ground covers were tested to determine if populations of beneficial insects in pecans could be increased for control of pecan nut casebearer and the aphid complex. Preliminary results indicate that the beneficial complex can be increased by choosing the appropriate ground cover.
GOAL C: Augment Natural Enemies to Increase Biological Control
Objective 10. Assess biological characteristics of natural enemies
A number of commercially reared natural enemies have been studied to improve their diets and select for optimal strains for mass rearing. These include: Chrysoperla and Trichogramma spp . Efficacy and field tests were conducted on Trichogramma platneri and T. pretiosum.
Objective 11. Conduct experimental releases to assess feasibility
Releases of G. legneri were conducted to measure parasitism of pecan nut casebearer. Sentinel bollworm and pink bollworm eggs were placed in pecan trees in Dallas, Texas to recover native Trichogramma. Several individuals were recovered and colonies were started at the Biological Control Insectary at NMSU. A study evaluating the effects of host moth pheromone and karimones on Trichogramma parasitism was evaluated in pecans.
Objective 12. Develop procedures for rearing, storing, quality control and release of natural enemies
Studies were conducted on storage of Trichogramma and its hosts Sitatroga. Mini-insectaries to maintain a constant population of Trichogramma throughout the summer in the field were tested. Flea beetles were released at densities of 160 / m2 resulted in greater than 98% reductions in biomass of leafy spurge within 2 years. Reductions are slower and more variable in riparian sites, however, beetles have established high densities within the two years.
Objective 13. Implement augmentation programs and evaluate efficacy of natural enemies
Transplants that have been inoculated with whiteflies and their parasitoids, then placed into fields along with conventional transplants provided equal or better control than when equal number of parasitoids are released by hand. Work continues on applying immunological techniques to field studies of dispersal for Bemisia and Lygus parasitoids and predators. We continue to evaluate the efficacy of Metaphycus species near flavus as a biological control agent against citricola scale, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum in citrus and black scale and use of Aphytis melinus augmentatively in citrus groves for red scale control. We are in the second year of a demonstration project using Aphthona flea beetles against leafy spurge.
WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR: In 2001, research addressed all fifteen objectives. Research will continue on all goals and objectives for a variety of target arthropod and weed pests throughout the Western United States and affiliated areas. Exploration for new biological control agents will continue, as will release, redistribution, and evaluation of establishment and efficacy. Improvements in conservation and augmentation methods and technologies will continue; these will provide better opportunities for incorporating biological control into integrated pest management programs. Increased emphasis will be placed on evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of biological control. Strong collaboration and communication among researchers in the regional project will continue to lead to significant advances in biological pest control technology. This will result in more environmentally and economically sound solutions to regional pest problems.
Impacts
- Work carried out in 2001 as part of the Western Regional Research Project, W-185, provide valuable theoretical and applied knowledge to help incorporate biological control into integrated pest management systems in agricultural, urban and natural settings throughout the western United States and affiliated areas.
- New predators, parasitoids and pathogens were discovered, both in indigenous and foreign ecosystems, and their biology, classification, and potential usefulness in pest management were documented. New natural enemy strains and species were imported into the United States, and incorporated into the guilds attacking some of the most severe insect and seed pests of American agriculture.
- Previously established natural enemies were distributed throughout the western region through cooperation among project leaders and others. Improved methods of mass-rearing, augmenting, and conserving natural enemies were devised. Experimental research assessed the efficacy and impact of released and indigenous natural enemies on major arthropod pests and on weeds.
- Research led to a deeper understanding of the roles and interactions of a wide array of beneficial and pest organisms in a variety of ecosystems. Unraveling complex ecological relationships is central to understanding pest management systems and implementing biological control as a component part of those systems.
- Finally, research continues to address both the economic feasibility and environmental impact of biological control. Economic and environmental data will continue to be essential to produce realistic biologically-based pest management programs that incorporate both target and nontarget organisms.
Publications
Alyokhin, A. V., R. H. Messing, and J. J. Duan. 2001. Utilization of the exotic weed Pluchea odorata (Asteraceae) and related plants by the introduced biological control agent Acinia picturata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii. Biocontrol Science and Technology 11: 711-718.
Balciunas, J. and B. Villegas. 2001. Chaetorellia succinea - Is this unintentionally released natural enemy of yellow starthistle safe? Proceedings of the First International Knapweed Symposium of the Twenty-First Century. p. 94-95.
Balciunas, J. K. and B. Villegas. 2001. Unintentionally released Chaetorellia succinea (Diptera: Tephritidae): is this natural enemy of yellow starthistle a threat to safflower growers? Environmental Entomology 30(5):953-963.
Balciunas, J. and B. Villegas. (In Press). The Unintentionally-released yellow starthistle seed-head fly, Chaetorellia succinea (Diptera: Tephritidae): Is this natural enemy of yellow starthistle a threat to safflower growers? Environmental Entomology. 30(4): xxx-xxx.
Bernal, J. S., R. F. Luck, J. G. Morse, and M. S. Drury. 2001. Seasonal and scale size relationships between citricola scale (Homoptera: Coccidae) and its parasitoid complex (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) on San Joaquin Valley citrus. Biological Control 20: 210-221.
Collier, T. R. and M.S. Hunter. 2001. Interference competition between whitefly parasitoids, Eretmocerus eremicus, and Encarsia transvena. Oecologia 129: 147-154.
Dudley, T., C. J. DeLoach, J. E. Lovich, and R. I. Carruthers. 2000. Saltcedar invasion of western riparian areas: impacts and now prospects. Pp. 345-381, in R. E. McCabe and S. E. Loos, eds. Control. Trans. 65th N. Amer. Wildlife and Nat. Res. Conf. Chicago, pp. 345-381.
Ellington, J., T. Carrillo and C. Sutherland. 2001. Biological control option in New Mexico Pecans. XXIV Congreso Nacional de Control Biologico Memoirs. Pp. 219-225.
Evans, E.W. 2001. Expanding predator-prey theory for insects (Book review of A.F.G. Dixon, Insect predator-prey dynamics: ladybird beetles and biological control). Ecology 82: 905-906.
Evans, E.W. 2000. Morphology of invasion: body size patterns associated with establishment of Coccinella septemptunctata in western North America. European Journal of Entomology 97: 469-474.
Evans, E.W. 2000. Egg production in response to combined alternative foods by the predator Coccinella transversalis. Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 94: 141-147
Jacob, H.S. and E.W. Evans. 2000. Influence of carbohydrate foods and mating on longevity of the parasitoid Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Environmental Entomology 29: 1088-1095
Jacob, H.S. and E.W. Evans. 2000. Influence of experience on the response of Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a non-aphidophagous parasitoid, to aphid odor. Biological Control 19: 237-244
Kalaskar, A. and E.W. Evans. 2001. Larval responses of aphidophagous lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to weevil larvae versus aphids as prey. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 94: 76-81
Glenn, D. M, G. Puterka, S. Drake, T. Unruh, A. Knight, P. Bahere, E. Prado, and T. Baugher. 2001. Effect of particle film of apple yield and productivity. J. Amer. Hort. Soc. 126:175-1815.
Guillen, M., D. Davis, and J. M. Heraty. 2001. A new species of Marmara (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) infesting citrus in the southwestern United States. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 103: 636
Hagler, J.R. and C.G. Jackson. 2001. Methods for marking insects: Current techniques and future prospects. Annu.. Rev. Entomol. 46: 511-543.
Honda, J. Y. and R. F. Luck. 2001. A Laboratory Evaluation of Trichogramma platneri as an Augmentative Biological Control Agent for Two Avocado Pests: Amorbia cuneana and Sabulodes aegrotata. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 100: 1-13.
Jacob, H.S. and E.W. Evans. 2001. The influence of food deprivation on foraging decisions of the parasitoid Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 94: 605-611
Knight, A. L., T. R. Unruh, B. A. Christianson, G. J. Puterka and D. M. Glenn. 2001. Impacts of seasonal Kaolin particle films on apple pest management. Canadian Entomol., 133:413-428.
Unruh, T. R. and L. A. Lacey. 2001. Control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with Stienernema carpocapsae: Effects of supplemental wetting and pupation site on infection rate. Biological Control.20: 48-56. 2001.
Larking, T. S., R. I. Carruthers and B. C. Legaspi. 2000. A computational method for simulating insect pathogenesis. Trans. SCS. 17: 25-33.
Luck, R. F. J. A. M. Jenssen, J.D. Pinto and E. R. Oatman. 2000. Precise sex allocation and sex ratio shifts by the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum. Behaviour Ecology and Sociobiology 49: 311-321.
Messing, R. H. & M. F. Purcell. 2001. Regulatory constraints to the practice of biological control in Hawaii. in: Balancing Nature: Assessing the Impact of Importing Non-Native Biological Control Agents. J. Lockwood, F. Howarth, M. Purcell, eds. Thomas Say Publications, Entom. Soc. Am., Lanham, MD.
Naranjo, S. E. and J. R. Hagler. 2001. Towards the quantification of predation with predator gut immunoassays: A new approach integrating functional response behavior. Biol. Control. 20: 175-189.
Nowierski, R. M., B. C. FitzGerald, G. J. McDermott, and J. M. Story. 2000. Overwintering mortality of Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Effects of larval competition versus exposure to subzero temperatures. Environ. Entomol. 29: 403?412.
Nowierski, R. M., B. C. FitzGerald, and Z. Zeng. 2001. Supercooling capacity of Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on spotted knapweed: Comparisons among plants, sites, time of season, and gall densities. J. Thermal Biol. 26: 143-153.
Petersen, M. K. and M. S. Hunter. 2001. Variation in the outcome of competition between two aphid species on pecan: Plants matter more than predators. Oikos 92: 107-118.
Ramirez, J., J. Ellington, M. Remmenga and T. Carrillo. 2001. Relacion entre capturas de gusano rosario Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), e infestacion en cuadros y bellotas en el valle de Mesilla, New Mexico. Memoirs XXXVI Congreso Nacional de Entomologia Memoirs Pp. 111-112.
Rieder, J.P., E.W. Evans, and S.L. Durham. 2001. Distribution of insect attacks in the biological control of weed: infestation of Centaurea virgata flowerheads by a gall fly. Biological Control 20: 254-260.
Rodriguez-Saona, C., S. J. Crafts-Brandner, P. W. Pari, and T. J. Henneberry. 2001. Exogenous methyl jasmonate induces volatile emissions in cotton plants. J. Chem. Ecol. 27: 679-695.
Sforza, R., J. Story, R. Hufbauer, J. Kashefi and P. C. Quimby. 2001. New Foreign Explorations for Classical Biocontrol of Spotted Knapweed. In L. Smith (ed.), Proceedings of the First International Knapweed Symposium of the Twenty-First Century, March 15-16, 2001, Coeur d‘Alene, Idaho.
Thompson, D.C. and K.T. Gardner. 2001. The Future of Biological Control of Weeds on Rangelands: An Entomologists Viewpoint. (In press). In: Rangeland weed and brush management the next millennium. Texas A&M University Press, College Station.
van der Werf, W., E.W. Evans, and J. Powell. 2000. Measuring and modeling dispersal of Coccinella septempunctata in alfalfa fields. European Journal of Entomology 97: 487-493
Vargas, R. I., S. L. Peck, G. T. McQuate, C. G. Jackson, J. D. Stark and J. W. Armstrong. 2001. Potential for areawide management of Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) with a parasitoid and novel bait spray. J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 817-825.
Wraight, S. P., R. I. Carruthers, S. T. Jaronski, C. A. Bradley, C. J. Garza, and S. Galaini-Wraight. 2000. Evaluations of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus for microbial control of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentigolii. Biological Control. 17: 203-217.
Balciunas, J. and B. Villegas. 2001. Chaetorellia succinea - Is this unintentionally released natural enemy of yellow starthistle safe? Proceedings of the First International Knapweed Symposium of the Twenty-First Century. p. 94-95.
Balciunas, J. K. and B. Villegas. 2001. Unintentionally released Chaetorellia succinea (Diptera: Tephritidae): is this natural enemy of yellow starthistle a threat to safflower growers? Environmental Entomology 30(5):953-963.
Balciunas, J. and B. Villegas. (In Press). The Unintentionally-released yellow starthistle seed-head fly, Chaetorellia succinea (Diptera: Tephritidae): Is this natural enemy of yellow starthistle a threat to safflower growers? Environmental Entomology. 30(4): xxx-xxx.
Bernal, J. S., R. F. Luck, J. G. Morse, and M. S. Drury. 2001. Seasonal and scale size relationships between citricola scale (Homoptera: Coccidae) and its parasitoid complex (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) on San Joaquin Valley citrus. Biological Control 20: 210-221.
Collier, T. R. and M.S. Hunter. 2001. Interference competition between whitefly parasitoids, Eretmocerus eremicus, and Encarsia transvena. Oecologia 129: 147-154.
Dudley, T., C. J. DeLoach, J. E. Lovich, and R. I. Carruthers. 2000. Saltcedar invasion of western riparian areas: impacts and now prospects. Pp. 345-381, in R. E. McCabe and S. E. Loos, eds. Control. Trans. 65th N. Amer. Wildlife and Nat. Res. Conf. Chicago, pp. 345-381.
Ellington, J., T. Carrillo and C. Sutherland. 2001. Biological control option in New Mexico Pecans. XXIV Congreso Nacional de Control Biologico Memoirs. Pp. 219-225.
Evans, E.W. 2001. Expanding predator-prey theory for insects (Book review of A.F.G. Dixon, Insect predator-prey dynamics: ladybird beetles and biological control). Ecology 82: 905-906.
Evans, E.W. 2000. Morphology of invasion: body size patterns associated with establishment of Coccinella septemptunctata in western North America. European Journal of Entomology 97: 469-474.
Evans, E.W. 2000. Egg production in response to combined alternative foods by the predator Coccinella transversalis. Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 94: 141-147
Jacob, H.S. and E.W. Evans. 2000. Influence of carbohydrate foods and mating on longevity of the parasitoid Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Environmental Entomology 29: 1088-1095
Jacob, H.S. and E.W. Evans. 2000. Influence of experience on the response of Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a non-aphidophagous parasitoid, to aphid odor. Biological Control 19: 237-244
Kalaskar, A. and E.W. Evans. 2001. Larval responses of aphidophagous lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to weevil larvae versus aphids as prey. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 94: 76-81
Glenn, D. M, G. Puterka, S. Drake, T. Unruh, A. Knight, P. Bahere, E. Prado, and T. Baugher. 2001. Effect of particle film of apple yield and productivity. J. Amer. Hort. Soc. 126:175-1815.
Guillen, M., D. Davis, and J. M. Heraty. 2001. A new species of Marmara (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) infesting citrus in the southwestern United States. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 103: 636
Hagler, J.R. and C.G. Jackson. 2001. Methods for marking insects: Current techniques and future prospects. Annu.. Rev. Entomol. 46: 511-543.
Honda, J. Y. and R. F. Luck. 2001. A Laboratory Evaluation of Trichogramma platneri as an Augmentative Biological Control Agent for Two Avocado Pests: Amorbia cuneana and Sabulodes aegrotata. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 100: 1-13.
Jacob, H.S. and E.W. Evans. 2001. The influence of food deprivation on foraging decisions of the parasitoid Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 94: 605-611
Knight, A. L., T. R. Unruh, B. A. Christianson, G. J. Puterka and D. M. Glenn. 2001. Impacts of seasonal Kaolin particle films on apple pest management. Canadian Entomol., 133:413-428.
Unruh, T. R. and L. A. Lacey. 2001. Control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with Stienernema carpocapsae: Effects of supplemental wetting and pupation site on infection rate. Biological Control.20: 48-56. 2001.
Larking, T. S., R. I. Carruthers and B. C. Legaspi. 2000. A computational method for simulating insect pathogenesis. Trans. SCS. 17: 25-33.
Luck, R. F. J. A. M. Jenssen, J.D. Pinto and E. R. Oatman. 2000. Precise sex allocation and sex ratio shifts by the parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum. Behaviour Ecology and Sociobiology 49: 311-321.
Messing, R. H. & M. F. Purcell. 2001. Regulatory constraints to the practice of biological control in Hawaii. in: Balancing Nature: Assessing the Impact of Importing Non-Native Biological Control Agents. J. Lockwood, F. Howarth, M. Purcell, eds. Thomas Say Publications, Entom. Soc. Am., Lanham, MD.
Naranjo, S. E. and J. R. Hagler. 2001. Towards the quantification of predation with predator gut immunoassays: A new approach integrating functional response behavior. Biol. Control. 20: 175-189.
Nowierski, R. M., B. C. FitzGerald, G. J. McDermott, and J. M. Story. 2000. Overwintering mortality of Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Effects of larval competition versus exposure to subzero temperatures. Environ. Entomol. 29: 403?412.
Nowierski, R. M., B. C. FitzGerald, and Z. Zeng. 2001. Supercooling capacity of Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on spotted knapweed: Comparisons among plants, sites, time of season, and gall densities. J. Thermal Biol. 26: 143-153.
Petersen, M. K. and M. S. Hunter. 2001. Variation in the outcome of competition between two aphid species on pecan: Plants matter more than predators. Oikos 92: 107-118.
Ramirez, J., J. Ellington, M. Remmenga and T. Carrillo. 2001. Relacion entre capturas de gusano rosario Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), e infestacion en cuadros y bellotas en el valle de Mesilla, New Mexico. Memoirs XXXVI Congreso Nacional de Entomologia Memoirs Pp. 111-112.
Rieder, J.P., E.W. Evans, and S.L. Durham. 2001. Distribution of insect attacks in the biological control of weed: infestation of Centaurea virgata flowerheads by a gall fly. Biological Control 20: 254-260.
Rodriguez-Saona, C., S. J. Crafts-Brandner, P. W. Pari, and T. J. Henneberry. 2001. Exogenous methyl jasmonate induces volatile emissions in cotton plants. J. Chem. Ecol. 27: 679-695.
Sforza, R., J. Story, R. Hufbauer, J. Kashefi and P. C. Quimby. 2001. New Foreign Explorations for Classical Biocontrol of Spotted Knapweed. In L. Smith (ed.), Proceedings of the First International Knapweed Symposium of the Twenty-First Century, March 15-16, 2001, Coeur d‘Alene, Idaho.
Thompson, D.C. and K.T. Gardner. 2001. The Future of Biological Control of Weeds on Rangelands: An Entomologists Viewpoint. (In press). In: Rangeland weed and brush management the next millennium. Texas A&M University Press, College Station.
van der Werf, W., E.W. Evans, and J. Powell. 2000. Measuring and modeling dispersal of Coccinella septempunctata in alfalfa fields. European Journal of Entomology 97: 487-493
Vargas, R. I., S. L. Peck, G. T. McQuate, C. G. Jackson, J. D. Stark and J. W. Armstrong. 2001. Potential for areawide management of Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) with a parasitoid and novel bait spray. J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 817-825.
Wraight, S. P., R. I. Carruthers, S. T. Jaronski, C. A. Bradley, C. J. Garza, and S. Galaini-Wraight. 2000. Evaluations of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus for microbial control of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentigolii. Biological Control. 17: 203-217.