Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

BUSINESS MEETING  1. Call to order (Denny Bruck)- chair 2. Local Arrangements Committee Report (Denny Bruck). Brief description of the arrangements for this meeting, being held in conjunction with the Entomological Society of America annual meeting. 3. Introductions (13 attendees). Denny Bruck, David Shapiro-Ilan, Lee Solter, Parwinder Grewal, Stefan Jaronski, Bob Nowerski, Jarrod Leland, Robert Behle, Juan-Luis Jurat-Fuentes, Rogers Leonard, Kim Patton, Surendra Dara, Steven Arthurs. 4. Minutes of February 2012 Meeting (R. Behle). Minutes were recorded by Mark Boetel reporting the February 2012 meeting held in Naples, Florida. Minutes were approved by oral vote. 5. Chairs report (Denny Bruck). Website needs updating. 6. NIFA Administrative Advisors report (B. Rogers Leonard). This project is one of the two projects approved this cycle from about 30 submitted proposals, starting October 2012 and lasting 5 years. This years report should be relatively simple and should focus on the future work and collaborations because this is a new project. This report should be completed soon, within 90 days. A mid-term review of the project in October of 2014 will be relatively extensive. It is important to capture impacts and outcomes to justify the project. We have completed our brochure, a project requirement. Many new participants (or researchers) have been approved for participation in this project (currently 22), see the website for the current list. http://nimss.umd. edu/homepages/member.cfm?trackID=14196). Future project re-writes probably need to be initiated with 1.5 years lead time to maintain the project activity. This project provides funds to university scientists tied to the S-1052 project and can fund travel, salaries, etc. Industry and students are eligible to join, but only land grant institutions are eligible to receive funding. 7. NIFA Grants Update (Bob Nowerski). Funding opportunities Agriculture Food Research Initiative (AFRI) should target 60% fundamental research and 40% applied research. Strongest proposals will contain elements of research, education, and extension. Sonny Ramaswamy is current director of NIFA. Indirect costs are capped at 30%, but are negotiable. Challenge Areas and Foundation Research (more basic research) identified by grants are most likely to be funded. NIFA fellowships can fund post-docs, and phase grants may target minorities. Among Foundational grants, Plant Health topics best cover research related to S-1052. Other pest management programs include: Regional IPM centers with seed research funds, Pest management alternatives program, extension coordination support program, IR-4, SARE, and OREI. Some funding is dependent on passage of the Farm Bill. 8. Discussion of Project Renewal. (Grop). Project renewal should begin with filing a review at 2.5 years after project initiation (winter of 2014), then begin to modify the objectives for subsequent re-write. The project must document impacts and outcomes.

SUBPROJECT REPORTS - Summarizes the Initial Discussions of Ongoing and New Projects Among Projects. New activities were planned according to the recently approved project. Objective 1. Annual Crops (row crops, vegetables etc.) - Co-Chairs: Mark Boetel and Bob Behle. R. Behle reported Metarhizium anisopliae (F52) (Ma) microsclerotia granules are being evaluated for control of Blapstinus (Tenebrionidae) beetles in melon fields. Research is conducted by Eric Natwick (UC Extension) and funded by the California Melon Board. Granules may be able to address corn rootworm, as a planting time application. (see Jaronski comments) S. Jaronski is focusing on Diabrotica and looking at Ma as a complement control technology with Bt corn, targeting Bt resistant beetles. Other isolates have been identified with greater microsclerotia production than Met 52. Nematodes have also been proposed for control of Bt resistant Diabrotica (David Shapiro). S. Dara is working with many vegetables and evaluating registered products. Bagrada bug (Bagrada hilaris) is a pest on vegetables, and is susceptible to Beauveria with 80% infection. He asked about beneficial microbes for control of symphylans, but no specific pathogens were suggested. Oils were offered as a suggestion, but considered a hard sell for growers. Symphylans typically feed on decaying organic matter, but dry conditions cause them to migrate and become a home-owner nuisance (Rogers Leonard). A question was raised about control of Southern corn rootworm adults in vegetables with microbes. Some discussion followed on production and formulation types. Examples included FE9901 strain of IFR from Spain product (Nofly, Natural Industries for white flies, aphid, and thrips). D. Shapiro-Ilan identified peanut burrowing bug as an occasional pest in South GA. Chemical insecticides do not work well, but pathogens with Lorsban granular provided synergistic activity. S. Arthurs reported on Isaria products registered for citrus psyllid and for food crops. When evaluating adjuvants (oils) for impact on Ifr treatments (eg. some paraffinic oils) inhibited germination of the beneficial fungus. Neem oil is also a problem. Compatibility with pesticides completed by lab assays with 4 hour mixing time then spin out conidia and determine germination. Interactions among some surfactants killed spores. Stoller oil (OMRI certified) is an emulsifiable crop oil. Questions were raised concerning the bacteriam Chromobacterium subtsugae, which is now marketed by Marrone Bio Innovations as Grandevo. Some evaluations were mentioned with variable results. Seed corn maggot control with Met 52 in canola was proposed. Met 52 has registration for food crops, black vine weevil, aphids, thrips, mites, and ticks. Met 52 is labeled in California, but not certified as organic (J. Leland). Maximum residue levels(MRL)issues can be used to promote microbials because microbials are exempt from MRL. MRLs are often lower in other countries when compared with the US and may result in destruction of imported produce. Also, problems arise because evaluation techniques for MRL are not standardized among trading countries (S. Jaronski). P. Grewal, reported on a new project concerning organic transition program, to determine how changing to organic systems (tillage vs no-tillage) affects greenhouse gas emissions, Nitrogen synthesis/capture movement, and presence of biocontrol agents in the soil. Cover crops (Spelt, radish, clover, rye) are evaluated for allelopathy as a form of pest (weed, arthropod) control. Organic production generally uses more tillage for weed control, which impacts many ecological factors. Research progress is being made for control of Sugar Beet Root Maggot by tying microbial applications with resistant crops(S. Jaronski). Relative to tomato, a short discussion focused on the plants ability to produce defense-related compounds when treated with beneficial organisms. Host nematodes feed on leaves, overwinter in soil, but application of insect pathogenic nematodes caused decrease in plant feeding nematodes. Looking to identify defense related metabolites produced by the crop that may be induced by microbial applications (Group). There were questions on Probiotic claims and interest in formulalating a CRI proposal. Paecilomyces name has been changed to Isaria and the associated product labels are being changed accordingly (S. Jaronski). Objective 2. Perennial Crops (orchards, small fruits, forage etc). - Co-Chairs: Edwin Lewis, Substituted by David Shapiro. P. Grewal evaluated the application of nematodes for control of grape root borer (Lepidoptera). Heterorhabdid species were tested. Application timing, and application techniques (irrigation, cadaver) are the treatments being compared. Cadaver treatments may be better because many vineyards are not irrigated. Efficacy is determined by counting emergence of adult.insects Cadaver technique may be applied by using a mechanical seed drill although the current evaluation was based on three cadavers placed around each vine. Bob Nowerski indicated that birds will pick up cadavers and is one reason to bury them. David Shapiro said ants and flies will not forage on infected cadavers. Parwinder Grewal indicated that Heterorhabditis is better at burrowing than Steinernema and nematodes seem to remain near the plant roots. Also, turf strips may maintain nematodes, but may invite infestations of white grubs. L. Solter determined that Nosema infect only the gut, not cephalic tissues; this impacts interpretation of pathogen transmission mechanisms. Fumagellin (antibiotic) suppresses N. apis, but N. ceranae is released more quickly from treatment and reaches higher levels. S. Jaronsk has a current focus on rangelands, specifically controlling grasshopper (GH) and Mormon cricket. Metarhizium acridum is a target pathogen for registration, but has not yet been isolated in the US. It does not overwinter and only persists for about 1 month in the field. Four hundred isolates of Beauveria bassiana have been recovered from field collected grasshoppers with up to 18% prevalence. Isolates have been screened for thermal tolerance (to withstand 6 h at 37 and 41 degrees C) and tested for production and host range. Population genetic studies of the isolates from 6 sites indicate significant variability among collections. APHIS (mandated to control GH and Mormon cricket) is supporting research to control grasshopper and a few isolates have successfully reduced density below economic thresholds. Selection of fungi based on heat exposure tolerance resulted in deleted insect infectivity and spore production. Field application and evaluation requirements (large plots size, impacts of cages, etc.) continue to hamper research. Dan Johnson (S-54) has astrain that appears to be GH selective. Kona coffee, coffee berry borer remained pest issues in Hawaii during 2010. Growers want to use Mycotrol. Fernando Vega, Rob Hollingsworth and Luis Aristizabal have been training growers in IPM techniques. Some indigenous Beauveria isolates have been collected. Compost tea is being used as a synergist with Beauveria. Jaronski 's lab experiments have not indicated synergy. Also, soil-applied treatments with microsclerotia granules (2 kg/A application) are being evaluated in Canada for control of cherry fruit fly. Larvae are being infected before pupation with a goal of decreasing subsequent populations. This work is directed by Joan Cossentine. J. Leland is evaluating codling moth control with trunk applications or treated bark mulch. These projects are coordinated with Stephan Dietrich. Projects also are evaluating applications to field-grown strawberries for control of thrips and mites. S. Dara found that phytosiids and predatory mite populations increased with use of Beauveria in strawberries. He questioned the control of spotted- wing Drosophila, pest of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry, suggesting the possibility of attracting adults to treatment areas, but noted the need to have a strong attractant. Denny Bruck had evaluated nematodes which did not show efficacy. K. Patton is studying vine weevil control in cranberry with Met 52 and PFR97. Fungi have not shown much efficacy, while nematodes have demonstrated variable efficacy. Several possible reasons for poor results by nematode applications were discussed including timing, microbe batch variation, and commercial formulation issues. Experiments for sod webworm control have not identified efficient study sites. S. Dara evaluated microbials for control of insects on strawberries to reduce the applications of chemical insecticides. He has evaluated Beauveria and Metarhizium but focused on Beauveria because Metarhizium is not labeled. A full rate of Beauveria combined with a conventional insecticide treatment controlled Lygus. Large plot studies will be used to evaluate mite, whitefly, thrips and Lygus control. Growers are increasing their interest in biological treatments as more chemical insecticides fail to control pests. Comments also identified that biological treatments provide benefits to plants beyond insect pest management. This was discussed as a future research topic. D. Shapiro-Ilan continues working on biologicals in orchard crops. For Pecan, transition to organic production iis being supported by evaluating the impact of fertilizer application and cover crop treatments on control of pecan weevil. Applications of Beauveria mixed with compost manure boosted persistence of the fungus about ten-fold for one year. Repellency and mortality of Chromobacterium subtsugae applied to the tree and nuts showed positive results for adult weevil control. Research suggestions were proposed for control of green June beetle in organic pecans. Concerns weere mentioned that fermentation ingredients can result in rejection for OMRI certification, (eg, use of non certified anti-foam during fermentation production). For peaches, above-ground lesser peach tree borer research continues to evaluate barricades for maintaining moisture to allow nematodes to enter insect galleries. For peach tree borer (at the soil surface interface), the use of barricade may benefit control by nematodes when irrigation is not available in the orchard. Various application systems are being tested. Evaluations using inbred lines are attempting to stabilize beneficial traits during nematode production. J. Leland offered to provide a recipe for a selective media without dodine (fernandaz media) to selectively evaluate Metarhizium viability. Objective 3 (Natural and Urban Landscapes -Med/vet, turf and ornamental, urban, forests) - Chairs: David Oi and Steven Arthurs. S. Arthurs reported on Albrecht Koppenhofer,s work about combinations EPNs with neonicotionids for bluegrass weevil and black cutworm control on golf courses. S. Arthurs reported for Drion Boucias on a Muscavirus (Hytrosaviridae) that causes characteristic salivary gland hypertro-phy and suppresses gonad development in their hosts. S. Arthurs reported for David Oi on host specificity of the Solenopsis invica virus 3 (SINV-3). Bait formulations are being evaluated. Also, new studies have been initiated on Caribbean crazy ant. S. Arthurs reported for Ellie Groden who is conducting a gene homology survey for fungi pathogens from the invasive European red ant. Hirsutella was found to be H. orpheocortiseptia, a new species and the first isolated in North America. E. Groden has a post-doc position for a molecular taxonomist. S. Arthurs is working on a turf grass pest (Crambidae) and also fall armyworm. S. carpocapsae appears to be a good candidate for control. L. Solter has reduced efforts on microsporidia release for Gypsy moth control. In 2010, fungi may have been out competing microsporidia to control the pest, but microsporidia survived the first season. Currently work is examining immune response of larvae when exposed to naturally occurring pathogens. Collaborations with the US Forest Service are investigating microsporidian infections in mass produced predatory beetle colonies (for control of hemlock woolly adelgid). Cold exposure tends to reduce colony infections, but suggests that overwintering is problematic for infected beetles released in field trials. P. Grewal's work suggests bacteria from nematodes use different mechanisms to kill white grub (European chafer) based on up-regulation of independent and different genes. Recent analysis demonstrated differences between bacteria relative to infection and transmission. Same technique was used to show how bacteria live inside a nematode. For survival in a non-feeding nematode stage, bacteria must support the hosts survival by reducing dependence on the nematode. Again, there are differences between the two bacteria. Some things are common-ie. imbibe more H+ ions from host, etc. Bacteria grow to some extent, but processes differ. The bacteria make a biofilm to reach eggs of nematode where infective stages develop. For infection, they get into rectal gland and breach membranes to access the ovaries. Vacant lots in Cleveland, Detroit, etc., must be mowed if grass is planted. So, municipalities support establishing urban agriculture. Studies consisted of baiting with Galleria for natural biocontrol agents and looking at soil quality. Many areas have natural biocontrol dominated by ants. In gardens, more pathogens and other biocontrol agents are present. Urban garden participants are using mostly compost rather than chemicals and 60-80% of Galleria are killed by various controls. R. Behle is evaluating application of microsclerotial granules for control of white grubs. S. Jaronski reported that Nina Jenkins has been developing a fungus for control of bed bugs. J. Leland is developing tick control strategies with Met-52 (M. anisopliae) and is initiating field trials to demonstrate efficacy. Also Met-52 is being applied to turf in Canada for control of chinch bug, billbugs and crane flies in lawns. Met-52 is labeled for control of Black Vine Weevil in nursery pots.

No publications listed at this time. Project was recently approved during Oct 2012.