Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

PRELIMINARY BUSINESS MEETING Chairman David Shapiro-Ilan called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m. 1. Local arrangements Committee Report. (Steven Arthurs) Attendance for this years meeting is somewhat low due to budgetary constraints, some individuals being on sabbatical leave, and others having scheduling conflicts (individuals that communicated their inability to attend included S. Jaronski, B. Federici, P. Grewal, B. Adams, and D. Boucias). There will not be a registration fee this year. 2. Introductions. An attendance sheet was passed around, and attendees were requested to include contact and affiliation information (included as Appendix I below). Attendees introduced themselves and provided short synopses of their programs. David Oi (USDA-ARS, Gainesville, FL): fire ant management Ellie Groden (Univ. of Maine, Orono, ME): management and ecology of invasive ants Steve Arthurs (Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL): thrips pathogens, psyllid pathogens, sod webworm mgt. Surendara Dara (UC Cooperative Extension, San Luis Obispo, CA): strawberry IPM, emphasis on fungal pathogens for pest mgt. Jarrod Leland (Novozymes Biologicals, Roanoke, VA): M. anisopliae for control of thrips, white grubs, ticks, Lygus bugs Denny Bruck (USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR): attract and kill strategies, black vine weevil Nemat Keyhani (Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL): B. bassiana basic research with applications in mosquito mgt. Todd Ugine (Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY): Asian long-horned beetle, fungal bands, Sirex wood wasp Patricia Stock (Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ): entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), symbiosis, native isolates, interactions with other EPNs and insecticides - Mark Boetel (North Dakota State Univ., Fargo, ND): sugarbeet root maggot, integrated control strategies, incl. M. anisopliae Ed Lewis (Univ. of California-Davis, Davis CA): EPN soil ecology/population dynamics John Bartlett (guest, Barricade, Hobe Sound, FL): fire-blocking gel technology, potential use to protect microbials Rogers Leonard (Louisiana State Univ. AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA): S-1024 administrative advisor from experiment stations David Shapiro-Ilan (USDA-ARS, Byron GA): orchard pest suppression with microbials, EPN ecology 3. Approval of 2011 Annual Meeting Minutes. David Shapiro-Ilan reminded the group that the 2011 minutes were distributed and asked if there were any suggested corrections or additions. He also suggested that if anyone had not seen the 2011 minutes, they take time to do so and notify either him or Mark Boetel to provide suggestions for revision. No suggestions were made from the floor. Steve Arthurs moved (seconded by Patricia Stock) that the 2011 minutes be accepted as presented. No further discussion occurred, and the motion was passed by unanimous consent. 4. Chairs report. (David Shapiro-Ilan) David mentioned that current reporting for this meeting should be related to the previous S-1024 subprojects because we are in the interim period between ending the previous project format and are awaiting initiation of the new proposed project. He also noted the email circulated to the group by Stefan Jaronski in regards to the general lack of specific funding opportunities relating to biological and microbial control within the current framework of programs such as AFRI, NSF, etc. Several comments from the group involved concerns that it is generally difficult to acquire funding for basic and developmental research, despite it having potential for contributing to future testing and implementation of microbial strategies for arthropod pest control. Additional concern voiced by the group was that more applied research, involving field testing and deployment of biobased tools appears to get more support by granting agencies and proposal review panels. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of S-1024 composing and submitting a position statement or white paper to publicly voice these concerns. Steve Arthurs volunteered to take the lead in developing the document. It was suggested that care be taken to be diplomatic and reasonable in outlining concerns when preparing such a document. 5. Administrative Advisor and Liaison reports (B. Rogers Leonard, Bob Nowierski). B. Rogers Leonard, following up on discussion pertaining to the groups potential development of a position statement/white paper, offered to check into who would be the appropriate contact for communicating concerns regarding the AFRI program (potentially Bob Nowierski). He also suggested that it may be useful to pursue the Entomological Society of Americas Plant-Insect Ecosystems section for additional support of our position and concerns. He further indicated that stakeholder input and support would be helpful and would likely strengthen the impact of such a document, as well as educate public clientele and other stakeholders about the kind of research being done and what potential value it offers the public sector. This increased visibility and resulting stakeholder awareness could also lead to future changes in research emphasis areas within federal funding agencies to those more suited to this group. Dr. Leonard also advised that multi-state grant proposal efforts, including those that involve more than one Regional IPM Center, should be considered by individuals or groups of individuals affiliated with S-1024. These collaborations tend to be looked upon very favorably by federal funding agencies and proposal review panels. Regarding the groups project re-write, Dr. Leonard indicated that the proposal has been sent out to five potential reviewers from the Multistate Review Committee (MRC). Two of the required three reviews of our proposal have been received thus far. The reviews have been very positive, and have included ratings of good to excellent for the proposal. As soon as the third review is received from a MRC reviewer, the process will continue toward activating the new project and funding will be reestablished. A target date for initiation has been set for April 1. The group will continue to work under temporary project number SDC344 until the proposed project is approved. Dr. Leonard had to reduce the number of characters in our report due to the 22,000-character limit, but was able to achieve this mostly by using acronyms for insect common names. Dr. Robert Nowierski was unable to attend the S-1024 meeting this year, but had emailed a brief update on AFRI program research funding opportunities offered by NIFA a few days before the meeting (see Appendix II). David Shapiro-Ilan thanked the subproject co-chairs for their contributions to the re-write process, especially given the short turn-around time needed. The need to expedite the re-write came as a surprise because it was thought that the approved project extension allowed for a two-year period rather than just one year. This resulted in a temporary project termination. DISCUSSION OF PROJECT RENEWAL PROPOSAL. No further discussion was needed. PLENARY SESSION. Guest speaker: Rob Gilbert, Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida Topic: Energycane Development Program for Cellulosic Ethanol. Presentation I: Programs include breeding cane crops for high cellulose content, and breeding for disease resistance; however, theres not much work being done on breeding for insect resistance. Presentation II: Sweet sorghum is also being pursued as a source of biofuel, with an emphasis on sucrose production rather than cellulose. Protection from insect injury is also an issue, because insect pests, primarily stalk-boring pests, are a major problem. Chemical insecticides are used to manage these pests and good control is typically achieved; however, microbial tools would likely be beneficial, either in relation to conservation of natural enemies or applicator/worker safety. Use of microbials could also conserve the activity of current chemical tools by delaying resistance development. SUBPROJECT MEETINGS - SESSION 1. Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for major acreage crops. [Co-Chairs: Bob Behle and Mark Boetel] Mark Boetel (NDSU): Mark regularly collaborates with Stefan Jaronski (USDA-ARS, Sidney, MT) and occasionally with Bob Behle (USDA-ARS, Peoria, IL). Most work is focused on development of alternatives to conventional insecticides for managing the sugar beet root maggot (SBRM). Previous IPM research included cereal cover cropping as a cultural strategy which was shown to reduce SBRM feeding injury. Cover crop impacts were additive to conventional granular chemical insecticides and Metarhizium anisopliae applied by using corn meal or grit granules. Findings on cover crop and formulation (granule vs. aqueous spray) impacts on M. anisopliae persistence in sugarbeet plant canopies is expected to be published in 2012 in Biocontrol Science and Technology. Current research involves integrating biocontrol fungi with chemical seed treatment insecticides. Fungus-based formulations and seed treatments have both consistently performed at lower levels than conventional insecticides when applied singly. In 2011, a field study was established in an area expected to have a moderate SBRM infestation, but pressure was low. All control tools, including MA1200, M. anisopliae strain DWR346, chemical seed treatment, and integrations of MA1200 + Poncho Beta seed treatment, significantly reduced SBRM feeding injury. Excessive rainfall caused a lot of variability among plots and, as a result, no significant yield impacts were detectable. Future work is planned on integrations of cover crops, M. anisopliae, and insecticidal seed treatments. Additional research is planned to further characterize Fusarium solani isolate ARSEF 7382 that was discovered by NDSU as infecting and killing SBRM pupae. An emphasis will be placed on determining if it is phytopathogenic to other crops commonly grown in rotation with sugarbeet. Todd Ugine (Cornell Univ.): Todd noted work by Steve Wraight in which death in Colorado potato beetle occurred in later portions of the growing season, thus indicating long-term control potential. Temperature effects have been observed in relation to using M. anisopliae F52 for management of Lygus bugs in cotton. Mortality typically occurs in 5-7 days, but this does not prevent significant levels of oviposition from occurring. Warmer ambient temperatures allow for more rapid development of nymphs, and resulting accelerated molting may be negatively impacting efficacy of the fungus because it is probably discarded from the target pest bodies when exuvia are removed. Ultraviolet radiation is also a likely problem that negatively impacts persistence. Treatment applications may be best if made earlier in the spring. Field tillage results in Lygus adults typically overwintering in narrow field margins. This may offer the possibility of treating while adults are restricted in these smaller areas. Todd, noting the relatively low attendance for this years meeting, asked a procedural question pertaining to how S-1024 promotes the meeting. Discussion led to suggestions that the meeting could be advertized (including provision of the meeting agenda) with SIP and ESA. It was also noted that there is an ESA network focused on entomopathogens. David Shapiro-Ilan (USDA-ARS, Byron, GA): David is collaborating with Fort Valley State University (GA) on research to develop environmentally-friendly methods to manage the burrower bug, Pangaeus bilineatus (Hemiptera), a soil insect pest of peanut. The pest is so severe in some production areas that affected growers are considering abandoning peanut production if efficacious control methodology cannot be developed. Control research has included testing of entomopathogenic nematodes, Beauveria bassiana, and chlorpyrifos. Synergistic effects on control were observed between nematodes and chlorpyrifos. Nemat Keyhani (U of FL): Research is focused on fundamental science of biocontrol fungi, with B. bassiana being used as a model system. Topics being studied include developing a better understanding of processes such as blastosphere production, fungal attachment and adhesion as mediated by fungal structures, degradation of the waxy layer of the target pests cuticle, and subsequent penetration of the cuticle. Eight cytochrome P-450s have been identified, some of which appear to mediate degradation of the host cuticle and invasion by the fungus. It is believed that some P-450s are substrate- and likely host/target-specific. Single-gene knockouts are being used to isolate and characterize gene expression patterns. Cuticular hydrocarbon research is very difficult and complicated due to a significant amount of variability between species, developmental stages, insect structures, and even different portions of the same structures being assessed. The difference between having a broad or narrow host range in fungi is also impacted by variability among cuticles of different arthropod hosts. Research is also underway on secondary metabolite production by entomopathogenic fungi. Using gene knockouts, it was determined that four putative transcription factors impact fungus virulence. Enzymes were also found to affect cuticle penetration. In other research, a gene that blocks malaria transmission has been expressed in the parasite. Work is also underway involving insect-produced peptides and hormones, specifically relating to whether production can be disrupted. Research in this area involves trypsin-modulating oostatic factor (TMOF), a decapeptide hormone that can impact the ability of mosquitoes to digest blood meals. An isolate of B. bassiana was bioengineered to express TMOF, and it results in reduced oviposition, impaired or stunted larval development, and larval mortality in mosquitoes. Similar work is being done on pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in fire ants, and it appears to reduce time to mortality and lethal dose values. Ant necrophoretic (i.e., transport of the dead) behavior is also impacted. Specifically, if ants detect an infected individual, it is cast out of the nest. Also, once infected, workers did not form discrete bone piles of dead individuals. It appears that fire ants are able to discriminate between amidated and non-amidated peptides. The former affects necrophoretic behavior, but the non-amidated peptide does not. Research related to this topic was published in Nature Biotechnol. and PLoS One. Other research is directed at characterizing olfaction profiles in fire ants. Nemat also alerted the group that a journal article on the current status of microbial control in insect management, entitled Have Biopesticides Come of Age?, will be coming out soon (probably in March). SUBPROJECT MEETINGS - SESSION 2 Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for ornamental, vegetable, fruit and nut crops. [Co-Chairs: Robin Stuart & Patricia Stock] Patricia Stock (U of AZ): Research is focused on ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for arthropod management, with particular attention being paid to nematode/bacterial symbiont interactions. Soil characteristics have been found to impact biotic communities, especially the composition and densities of beneficial nematodes. Work is also being done on persistence of various nematode strains. PCR probes are being investigated to assess whether they can be used to determine the presence of nematodes and nematode-trapping/nematophagous fungi. Research is also underway to model for impacts of S. riobrave on resistance gene frequency in key cotton pests. Thus far, this work is only at the greenhouse level, but expanded research, including field testing is expected in the future. Other research involves experiments to determine the impacts of Fusarium oxysporum, a moderate plant pathogen of asparagus, on nematode population dynamics. In field research, the interactions of imidacloprid and indoxycarb with entomopathogenic nematodes are also being studied. Thus far, it appears that some combinations result in either additive or synergistic effects on control. Steinernematid host relations are being studied in a collaborative project with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Trade-offs and benefits between targeting native or non-native hosts and the factors impacting nematode infection biology are being evaluated, and assessments in relation to primary and secondary infection phases are being made. One hypothesis related to this work is that the secondary phase may fail to degrade the host cuticle, thus resulting in nematodes being trapped inside the insect host. David Shapiro-Ilan (USDA-ARS, Byron, GA): In work on biobased management of pecan weevil, fungal microsclerotia appear to perform better in laboratory testing than conidia. Chromobacteria have performed well in field testing. In other research, clover cover crops appeared to increase the persistence of endemic B. bassiana. Increased persistence of B. bassiana was also observed following applications of poultry manure. A SARE grant has been received to support optimized control of peach tree borers using nematodes and bring the technology to producers. Technology being tested includes a fire-protectant polymer gel used to increase persistence of the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Impacts on nontarget organisms are also being investigated. Other work is aimed at developing microbial tools to manage plum curculio (in cooperation with Tracy Leskey, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV). Using a trap crop strategy, 1 to 2 trees along the perimeter of a grove are treated with attractant. Dropped fruit is sprayed with a solution containing nematodes to control the insects that are attracted to the baited trap trees. The impacts of irrigation on control tools and infection dynamics are also being investigated. In other work, nematode responses to electrical fields are being assessed. Denny Bruck (USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR): Research is being carried out on chemical ecology and chemical use patterns for management of Drosophila suzukii (a.k.a., spotted-wing Drosophila). A student in the program is working on using microbials for control of D. suzukii. In black vine weevil research, studies have focused on rhizosphere colonization and efficacy testing. There appears to be a broad ability among Metarhizium and B. bassiana isolates to colonize ornamental plants. Tritrophic interactions are also being investigated between weevil larvae, entomopathogens, and ornamental plants. A former student worked on rhizoshphere colonization by several fungal isolates on blueberries, Christmas trees, grapes, and strawberries. Findings indicated that a single clade accounted for about 90% of the entries that colonized blueberries; however, there was no apparent relationship for M. anisopliae in wine grapes. A long-term goal in this project is to match fungal strains with target pests. In collaborative research with Rob Van Tol, an attract-and-kill strategy is being tested that includes an EPN that shows high virulence in adult weevils. A patent for the tool is pending. Collaborative work is also being carried out with Lee Solter (IL Nat. Hist. Survey) on an apparent high-virulence microsporidian. Cryolite is also being explored as a toxicant with the attractive bait. Trap design needs further improvements. Ed Lewis (UC Davis): In pistachio pest management research, S. carpocapsae is being investigated as a microbial tool that can be applied using irrigation equipment to manage the navel orangeworm. In related work, waste nuts on the ground beneath trees are treated with a solution containing entomopathogenic nematodes. Assessments on persistence indicated that viable infective juveniles can persist for up to 10 weeks after application. In other research, European earwigs are susceptible to EPNs; however, they have been observed to take harborage inside trunk wrap of fruit trees. Negative interactions were observed with mites, as they were preying on the EPNs. These types of ecological interactions and pest behaviors probably explain, in part, why persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes in can be so unpredictable. Surendra Dara (UC Coop. Extension, San Luis Obispo): Microbial control research is being conducted for insect management in strawberry production systems. Strawberry is a high-value commodity, so growers are unwilling to accept much damage or loss, and they strongly prefer control tools that provide quick pest mortality. Much of the research in this area is focused on using B. bassiana to manage various pests, either as stand-alone tools or in combination with low rates of conventional chemical insecticides. Research is being done on strawberry root colonization by Metarhizium and Beauveria. A pre-plant root dip procedure was tested for inoculation with endophytic B. bassiana. Insect growth regulators are also being tested. Jarrod Leland (Novozymes Biologicals): Novozymes continues to develop products based on Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52. Current sales mostly involve the granular formulation for application to potting media, primarily for black vine weevil. However, they also have two EC formulations, which are registered as Met52 EC and Tick EX EC (discussed further below under Subproject 4). Sales of Met52 EC are just beginning in the US, and steps are being taken to obtain registrations in the EU and Canada. Thrips, whiteflies, and mites have been a central focus for the Met52 EC product. Steven Arthurs (U of FL): Research on Isaria fumosoroseus strain PFR97 for whitefly control indicates that the fungus spreads quite readily. In laboratory research, there were complications associated with growth chamber contamination. In research on asian citrus psyllid management, it was found that some oils used in spray applications are incompatible with the fungus. Organic citrus producers appear to be very interested in using microbial control methodology. SUBPROJECT MEETINGS - SESSION 3. Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for urban and natural landscapes. [Chair: Ed Lewis] Todd Ugine (Cornell Univ.): Todd is working with A. Hajek. Research is being conducted on applying agar-based fungal bands around tree trunks to manage cerambycid pests. Plant-based volatiles and an aggregation pheromone are used to bring pests into contact with the fungus. Agar bands appear to work better than oil-based bands. Developmental work is also being done on evaluating different fibers for incorporation into a fiber mat configuration similar to that of shag carpet to potentially increase the likelihood of pests coming into contact with fungal entomopathogens. Todd mentioned that sublethal effects have been observed in many insects following exposure to M. anisopliae, but such effects are not common with B. bassiana. Ed Lewis (UC Davis): Studies are being done on managing the agave weevil. Adults feed on and oviposit into ornamental agave plants, and the resulting damage can cause plants to collapse. This can involve costly losses, as some of the destroyed plants are decades old and very expensive to replace. Research, partially funded by a UCMEXUS grant, involves applying a solution containing nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and steinernematid spp.) to the upper portion of plants, and allowing nematodes to swim downward and come into contact with the pest. Other research involves using EPNs to manage the Sirex species complex. Jarrod Leland (Novozymes Biologicals): Novozymes is concentrating a lot of effort on use of F52 in Canada due to several cancellations of conventional chemical insecticide products for home applications. Uses are also being pursued for F52 on chinch bug control in turf systems. SUBPROJECT MEETINGS - SESSION 4. Discovery of entomopathogens and their integration and safety in pest management programs for medical, veterinary, and structural pests. [Chair: David Oi] David Oi (USDA-ARS, Gainesville, FL): Western widow spiders have been observed to remove prey from webs if the prey items are infected with entomopathogenic nematodes, whereas bark spiders appear to indiscriminately consume prey, whether parasitized or not. In other research, phorid fly species in the genus Pseudacteon, also referred to as ant decapitating flies, have been found to acquire and transfer microsporidia to fire ant hosts. A South American microsporidian is being studied to determine its impact on fire ant colonies. Other research involves the Caribbean crazy ant (a.k.a., raspberry crazy ant), Nylanderia pubens, which is actually believed to be from S. America, not the Caribbean. This invasive species has garnered a lot of media attention because they invade homes and significantly diminish property values. No effective control strategies are currently available to manage this pest, but efforts are underway to develop microbial control tools. Five entomopathogenic viruses have been isolated, and some may have potential to control crazy ants, but this work is preliminary at this time. Ellie Groden (Univ. of Maine): Two years of field study have been conducted on using a combination of bait stations and B. bassiana to control the European red ant. The concept involves applying the fungus in areas surrounding the bait stations. In the first year of this project, a 50% reduction in ant densities was observed; however, there was no detection of actual infection in ants recovered in the study area. In the second year, there was no significant difference in ant numbers between treated and untreated areas. Other work is focused on a nematode that has been shown to be infective to scarabs in Europe. A key research question in this work is: are different bacteria capable of causing different mortality levels in target pests? There is also uncertainty regarding whether certain nematodes can host different bacterial associates. Further study is planned in this area. Jarrod Leland (Novozymes Biologicals): Novozymes, in collaboration with EPA, has conducted a tick management trial at about 50 sites in the U.S., mainly involving school properties in Maryland. The project involves high-volume spray applications of Tick-ExTM (M. anisopliae) along the perimeter of properties rather than the entire area. Follow-up evaluations on residual activity and persistence indicated 20% tick mortality. Novozymes, in collaboration with EPA, will be conducting tick management trial at about 50 sites in the U.S. with our Tick EX EC products. This product is applied in a similar manner to currently available chemical pesticides for tick management. Ed Lewis (UC Davis): Paratonchium autumnale, a nematode parasite of the face fly, Musca autumnalis, is being studied by a graduate student in Eds program in cooperation with Harry Kaya. Research on an apparent low prevalence indicates a bias in sampling methodology because younger instars often die before adulthood. Research also indicates that this parasite exerts more significant impacts on M. autumnalis than previously thought. FINAL BUSINESS MEETING 1. Election of Member-At-Large Chair David Shapiro-Ilan requested nominations from the floor for Member-At-Large. Surendra Dara and Bob Behle were nominated. Surendra was elected by majority vote. 2. Discussion of group collaborative projects Most of the discussion involved the potential development of a collaborative project on microbial control tools for use in biofuel crop production. Ed Lewis and Steven Arthurs agreed to coordinate this effort, but they may be asking for assistance from others. 3. Site selection committee report Denny Bruck introduced discussion regarding whether it is necessary for S-1024 to hold a separate 1.5-day meeting or if it may be more efficient to meet during another conference. ESA branch meetings were considered, but this would not work because S-1024 members belong to different branches. It was suggested by B. Rogers Leonard that the group could meet at the national ESA meeting by either 1) proposing a member or P-IE symposium; or 2) requesting a separate meeting room for S-1024 as a non-ESA function, either immediately before or following the national ESA meeting. B. Rogers Leonard suggested that the group could ask for monetary support from ESAs P-IE section for having a reception at the end of the symposium. Discussion led to decisions to hold next S-1024 meeting (first meeting after renewal is initiated) during the ESA meeting in Knoxville, TN in November 2012, and to tentatively plan for the 2013 meeting to be held during the SIP meeting in Pittsburgh, PA. Denny Bruck will serve as local arrangements chair for the meeting in Knoxville. Mark Boetel mentioned that a conventional symposium format could be used for the initial portion of the event, and that a business meeting could be held immediately afterward to carry out activities associated with officer elections, planning subsequent meetings, etc. 4. Theme for next meeting presentations and discussion The group agreed to develop a symposium using the theme of entomopathogen persistence. Denny Bruck will coordinate the effort and identify other individuals to help. 5. New business No new business was introduced. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Appendix II. (Emailed update from Robert Nowierski) From: Nowierski, Robert Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 9:20 AM To: Arthurs,Steven; dboethel@agcenter.lsu.edu; Shapiro, David Subject: Sorry I won't be able to make the S-1024 meeting; Information for the S-1024 Members Importance: High 2-2-12 Dear All, Regrettably, I wont be able to make the S-1024 meetings this year in Naples, Florida. Nonetheless, I do have some information that might be worth sharing with the S-1024 members. Just a reminder -- the proposal deadline for the Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program is February 29, 2012. Also, the FY2012 RFA for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundation Program hopefully will be posted within the next few weeks. A couple of programs in the AFRI Foundation Program may provide funding opportunities for the S-1024 members. These include Plant-Associated Insects and Nematodes (Program Contact: Mary Purcell-Miramontes, 202-401-5168, mpurcell@nifa.usda.gov; and Controlling Weedy and Invasive Plants (Program Contact: Michael Bowers, 202-401-4510, mbowers@nifa.usda.gov). In an effort to improve the quality of the AFRI Program, NIFA is holding a public meeting on February 22, 2012 to obtain public comments for consideration in the development of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 AFRI program solicitations and the FY 2014 Budget. Please see the following url for details: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-01/html/2012-2100.htm. NIFA also will hold a series of webinars in April 2012 on the AFRI Foundation Program and Challenge Areas to obtain additional stakeholder input. I would strongly encourage the S-1024 members to participate in this listening session and the appropriate webinars, as this stakeholder input will help influence the future structure and direction of the AFRI Program. Heres wishing you all the best for a very successful meeting!