Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Minutes:        See attachment for the meeting Agenda.

Business meeting (additional notes)

Discussion of location and date for 2018 meeting: Gadi VP Reddy, Professor of Entomology and Insect Ecology at Western Triangle Agriculture Research Center for Montana State University, is the chair for the next W-4185 annual meeting that will be held in Montana on October 10-12, 2018. Reddy presented six possible locations in Montana to the group in Borrego Springs, CA this fall and they selected “Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish” as the venue for next year’s meeting. This venue is in a very beautiful area near Glacier National Park and should give a unique experience to the participants. The nearest airport to the hotel is Glacier International Airport, Kalispell (Code: FCA) is 12 miles and is about 20 min drive. We look forward to sharing with everyone a small part of our scenic state.

Discussion of recent workgroup renewal Reviewer Comments: Dr. David Thompson (W3185 Adviser and workgroup member) summarized some of the comments from at least one reviewer for the current W renewal submission.  As Reviewer Comments have never been communicated to the group (at least in the past 10-15 years), it was constructive to hear thoughts about the project. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS These are only a selection of 2017 results.  This group works on OVER 140 different species of arthropod and weed pests. 

Goal A: Import and Establish Effective Natural Enemies

Objective 1. Survey indigenous natural enemies. 

Surveys for natural enemies of arthropod and weed pests were conducted either in the native home of the pest or within the country of invasion. Select projects are highlighted. 

Fieldwork on Reduviidae and Miridae in Southern California and the Western US continued and specimens are incorporated into studies and databases to advance our understanding of distribution ranges of natural enemies and plant pests. Systematic research on Reduviidae has continued to focus on ambush bugs that are natural enemies, but also potentially harm native pollinators. The first comprehensive phylogeny of the group was published, confirming that North American ambush bugs form a closely related group of species. A follow-up study integrating various sources of data (Sanger-derived molecular and genomic, geographic, morphometric, morphological) to delimit North American species in this difficult genus are being finalized, providing for the first time a sound basis for species identification and classification in this species-rich genus. Guam researchers received a grant from USDA-APHIS-CAPS to continue to survey for parasitoids of aphids on Guam and Saipan. Diaeretialla rapae and Aphidius colemani had previously been released on Guam, Saipan, and Palau in 1998, but had not been recovered since then. Collections of the aphids Pentalonia nigronervosa and P. caladii from banana and comb ginger, respectively, and of Aphis gossypii from curcurbits and other hosts revealed the presence of Lysephlebis testaceipes and Lipolexis oregmae on Guam. Aphid mummies from P. nigronervosa, P. caladii, and A. gossypii collected on Saipan were also found to be Lysephlebis testaceipes and Lipolexis oregmae.

Two surveys were conducted to examine parasitism of Lygus spp. plant bugs found in alfalfa growing in northeast Wyoming.  Of 330 juvenile Lygus bugs that were collected and reared in the laboratory, parasitic wasps emerged from 3% (June) and 5% (July).  Of about 120 juvenile Lygus that were dissected in the laboratory, wasp eggs or larvae were found in 3% (June) and 8% (July) of individuals.  The appearances of wasp eggs, larvae and cocoons were consistent with parasitoid species that have been previously collected from Lygus in other parts of the U.S. and Canada.  

The first North American record of a new species of ant parasitoid that attacks species in the Solenopsis saevissima complex was published, which includes the Red Imported Fire Ant. 

Indigenous natural enemy surveys have been conducted for two invasive pests, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys and the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri in southern California. BMSB is a highly polyphagous and destructive pest native to China. ACP vectors a bacterium that causes a lethal and incurable citrus disease, huanglongbing (HLB). 

The Eucalyptus gall wasp, Ophelimus maskelli, is a significant pest in areas throughout the world. Heavy galling significantly weakens trees as well as causing early defoliation leading to premature death. O. maskelli was recently discovered in southern California along with two associated parasitoid wasps. Closterocerus chamaeleon is a known parasitoid of O. maskelli and has been intentionally introduced in areas of Israel as well as throughout the Mediterranean for use as a biological control agent. The second parasitoid wasp, Selitrichodes neseri, has been intentionally introduced in South Africa as a biological control agent for another Eucalyptus gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa. Biologies of both of these are current targets of studies, with emphasis focusing on temperature and climate. It appears the development time for C. chamaeleon is much less than that of O. maskelli, allowing for the parasitoid population to build much more rapidly than that of the host, making it an excellent natural enemy. 

Objective 2.  Conduct foreign exploration and ecological studies in native range of pest. 

Several institutions in the western US conducted foreign exploration and importation of natural enemies for both new and established arthropod and weed pests this past year. Many of these exploratory trips are only partially successful.  Species sent to quarantine facilities must survive the trip and reproduce.  Subsequent cultures will then be used for non-target host testing and evaluation for potential release.  

Guam researchers hand carried plant parts infested with the rust, Puccinia spegazzinii, from Fiji in April 2017 for use against Mikania micrantha on Guam.  The rust was transferred to a few Mikania plants of Guam origin in a quarantine laboratory, which were later transferred to an outside shade-cloth nursery where attempts were made to transfer P. spegazzinii to additional plants prior to releasing the rust island-wide.  While there was some initial transfer of the rust from Fiji plants to Guam plants in the laboratory, no successful transfers outside of the laboratory have been accomplished, and no transfers of P. spegazzinii to Mikania in the field on Guam have occurred.  

Surveys were conducted for parasitoids present in Hawaii that might attack the coffee berry borer (CBB), specifically Bethylidae, Cephalonomia spp. 

Objective 3. Determine systematics and biogeography of pests and natural enemies. 

Systematics studies generate both molecular and morphological data that are essential to distinguishing between biotypes of both pests and natural enemies. These data also provide information about species biogeography, which ultimately helps select the best biological control species.  

Studies have continued to advance the taxonomy, phylogenetics, and classification of Reduviidae. In addition to the first comprehensive phylogeny of ambush bugs, these publications comprise a study on the evolutionary history and classification of the species-rich millipede assassin bugs, a group of millipede specialists, and phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses of the assassin bugs subfamily Physoderinae that includes species feeding on weevils, and the seldom-collected genus Xenocaucus that provides insights into the biogeography of the Eastern Arc Mountains. 

Collaborative studies with USDA and Italian taxonomists on the description of Drosophila suzukii parasitoids Asobara spp., Leptopilina japonica and Ganaspis brasiliensis (Figitidae) are underway.  This pest is of enormous significance to many small fruit crops in North America.  

A collaborative project in Argentina is focusing on parasites of the imported fire ant (Solenopsis) in South America and of the Little Red Fire Ant (Wasmannia) in the Caribbean and Central America. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation to revise the entire genus, with a focus on North and South America. Standard Sanger-sequencing approaches (ribosomal and mitochondrial loci) are being used as well as novel anchored enrichment approaches to look at relationships and species identification across the entire genus. 

Research on leafminer parasitoids is studying the taxonomy and relationships of the tribe Cirrospilini (Eulophidae), which include important parasitoids of the citrus leafminer and the citrus Peelminer. These wasps are niche generalists and attack a broad spectrum of insects mining leaves. Work continues on an NSF grant to revise the classification of the entire superfamily Chalcidoidea. This is a massive undertaking that involves molecular, morphological and bioinformatic approaches to resolve the relationships of the superfamily, and to disseminate information on the group through electronic resources and a new book that outlines the classification and biology of the group. Members of this superfamily are among the most important natural and introduced control agents of other pest insects, and this will form a foundation for all future studies on the group. To date we have obtained nexgen sequencing data for 415 taxa that cover the breadth of the entire superfamily. 

Objective 4. Determine environmental safety of exotic candidates prior to release. 

Many non-target studies and host-specificity tests are underway. Examples follow.

In collaboration with researchers at USDA, Italy, Oregon State University, China, and South Korea, 8 parasitoid species were imported that attack the spotted wing drosophila. These parasitoids included at least three larval parasitoids Asobara spp., Leptopilina japonica and Ganaspis brasiliensis, and two pupal parasitoids, Pachycrepoideus vindimiae, Trichopria drosophilae. This material is currently being studied in Quarantine.

In collaboration California Dept of Food and Agriculture and USDA Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL) in France, we continued our release efforts with Psyttalia lounsburyi (Braconidae) against the olive fruit fly in different regions of California and the evaluation of Psyttalia ponerophaga.

Shipments of roots infested with rush skeletonweed crown moth, Oporopsamma wertheimsteini were received at Monatan State University. Only two pairs of moths emerged.  Parasitism was observed for the first time and was high.  No-choice host specificity testing continued. 

The release of Aceria drabae for hoarycress is still under regulatory review by APHIS.  Since January 2017 we have been awaiting the EA to be published in the Federal Register for public comment.  A laboratory colony has been maintained for possible field release. 

Host specificity tests with the eriophyid mite Metaculus lepidifolii has been initiated by the BBCA, CABI and MSU for use against perennial pepperweed. Testing of the Turkish population continued. The mite is apparently vagrant species rather than a gall former as previously thought. The mite causes some leaf curing and slight rolling of perennial pepperweed, although symptoms observed at MSU were not as evident as those observed at field sites or at CABI. 

A field release permit was submitted to APHIS for Cheilosia urbana to use against hawkweed. A biological assessment was drafted by APHIS and submitted to the US Fish & Wildlife Service April 2017. To date a letter of concurrence has not been signed by the USFWS. 

The host range and host specificity of the BMSB parasitoid, T. japonicus, has been completed for approx. 6 species of non-target species (a mix of native and exotic stink bugs) of pentatomids. 

Objective 5. Release, establish and redistribute natural enemies. 

Many releases and redistributions of natural enemies (millions) were carried out against pests in 2017. Examples include follow. 

Approximately 15,350 Aulacidea acroptilonica were redistributed to field sites in CO, ID, MT, OR, and WY.

In collaboration California Dept. of Food and Agriculture and USDA Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL) in France, importation efforts for natural enemies of the olive psylla were continued.

In 2017 we collected Aulacidea galls present and reared adults for redistribution against Russian knapweed. Approximately 235,600 adults were reared from galls. Adults were released at more than18 field sites in Montana, plus sent to cooperators in CA, CO, ID, NV, UT, WA and WY. The gall wasp is now established and increasing in population at a number of sites in Montana. 

In cooperation with the CDFA, more than 3,000,000 million T. radiata have been released in urban areas and organic citrus orchards for the classical biological control of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). Approximately 100,000 D. aligarhensis have been released in urban areas and organic citrus orchards for the classical biological control of ACP. 

Objective 6. Evaluate natural enemy efficacy and study ecological/physiological basis for interactions. 

Collaborations with USDA-ARS surveyed for the presence and activity level of a previously released parasitoid (Microctonus aethiopoides) targeted against alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. No parasitoids were found from any sampling sites, suggesting failure of this species to persist in the region. This finding contributes to understanding the lack of widespread biological control of alfalfa weevil in the West, a continued major pest problem for producers.   

Studies in Utah were completed to describe, by degree-day accumulation as well as calendar date, phenology of host use by adults of the stem-mining weevil Mecinus janthiniformis, a biocontrol agent released widely in western North America to attack Dalmatian toadflax. The weevil was found to exhibit strong protandry, with males preceding females in first appearing on the host plant in the spring.  Therefore, sex-specific degree-day characterizations of adult use of the host plant were developed for males and females of the weevil. 

Monitoring of the rush skeletonweed root moth, Bradyrrhoa gilveolella continued at an established release site in Idaho. Although moth populations have declined we have observed a slight decrease in skeletonweed density, cover and size, indicating possible impact on the plant. Preliminary analysis of data indicate that feeding may be impacting large diameter rush skeletonweed roots, leaving plants with smaller diameter roots. 

Studies are looking at coffee berry borer endosymbionts and possible interactions with biocontrol agents, specifically Beuaveria bassiana, in Hawaii. 

Monitoring impacts of the classical biocontrol agent, Eurytoma erythrinae against the erythrina gall wasp continue. E. erythrinae continues to provide effective suppression of the gall wasp, but extensive damage is still incurred by flowers and reduced seed set results. 

• Goal B: Conserve Natural Enemies to Increase Biological Control of Target Pests. 
• Objective 7. Characterize and identify pest and natural enemy communities and their interactions. 

Midgut metabarcoding analyses of 235 specimens of the Southern Californian putative natural enemy species Phymata pacifica revealed that nectar-feeding insects accounted for only about 15% of prey organisms, while 42% were phytophagous insects including Hemiptera and Lepidoptera and 29% were predatory and parasitic/parasitoid species. While this ambush bug preys on phytophagous insects that include plant pests at a higher percentage than expected, potential intraguild predation and parasitoidism is a concern, while the impact on flower-visiting pollinators may be less dramatic than anticipated.

A three-year research and extension study to improve biological control of the Virginia creeper leafhopper, including better understanding the alternate leafhopper hosts and the plants that support these leafhopper populations has been started.

Field work has characterized how the life history of Anagrus spp., key biocontrol agents of three species of leafhoppers in grape vineyards, have evolved as the parasitoid populations have moved from natural riparian host plant communities, where hosts are scarce, to the agricultural setting, where hosts are much more abundant.  Parasitoid fecundity was found to evolve upward in agricultural sites. 

Conservation biocontrol of Asian citrus natural enemies, especially syrphid flies (videography studies indicated that this generalist predators are the key natural enemies of ACP nymphs) is being assessed. The focus of this work in on the provisionment of floral resources in citrus orchards to attract and retain syrphid flies and then document impacts in citrus that have and lack floral resources. 

• Objective 8. Identify and assess factors potentially disruptive to biological control. 

A field study using the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, with the nematode Steinernema feltiae with Barricade polymer gel 1 %, pyrethrin, combined formulations of B. bassiana GHA and pyrethrin, Jasmonic acid (JA) and chlorpyrifos (as a chemical check) was performed to determine to what extent they affect midge larval populations, kernel damage levels, grain yield, and quality and the impacts on adult parasitoid Macroglenes penetrans populations. The results indicated that Jasmonic acid and S. feltiae were most effective in reducing larval populations and kernel damage levels, and producing the higher yield of spring wheat, compared to the water control at both study locations in Montana. The present study also suggested that B. bassiana and pyrethrin may work synergistically, as exemplified by lower total larval populations and kernel damage levels when applied together.

A survey of invasive ants was continued on the islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in the Mariana Islands during 2017. This activity is part of an ongoing project on the surveillance of Wasmannia auropunctata and Solenopsis invicta on Guam and the CNMI.  A related study seeks to describe attendance behavior of Guam’s invasive ants towards aphids, scales and mealybugs commonly encountered in the Marianas, and the effects this might have on biological control agents against hemipteran plant pests. 

A large study at the Univ. of California is looking at pesticides used in vineyards, and the focus has been on the application of materials that do not disrupt natural enemies.

Studies are underway on factors that have caused significant decreases in densities of populations of a key omnivore/predator, Geocoris pallens in California.  Population decreases are associated with strong increases in the expression of cannibalism, which appears to be linked to infection by a pathogen.  Work continues to characterize the viral community associated with Geocoris, to identify the causal agent involved.  

Ecoinformatics methods (analyzing a large database of farmer- and consultant-generated data) are being used to study the impact of pesticide use in California citrus orchards on populations of Euseius spp. predatory mites and their role as biological control agents of citrus thrips and citrus red mites.  No evidence has been found for long-term suppression of Euseius populations in citrus groves that have higher pesticide use, and furthermore no evidence that either citrus thrips or citrus red mites are induced or secondary pests. 

Eleven insecticides were evaluated for toxicity against four predator species. Highest toxicities were observed with imidacloprid and clothianidin against early instar nymphs of Geocoris punctipes; older nymphs were less susceptible. The pyrethroid bifenthrin was highly toxic to adults of G. punctipes and Orius insidiosus. Buprofezin, pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat, and spiromesifen were minimally lethal with the exception of pyriproxyfen that was mildly toxic to Chrysoperla rufilabris. 

Cry-protein (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) concentrations in plants, herbivores, and predators were quantified and compared with laboratory-bioassays in which predators were fed with Cry-protein containing caterpillars. In the field, Cry-protein concentrations strongly decreased from plants to herbivores to predators. Concentrations in arthropods were mainly affected by feeding mode and to a lesser degree by seasonal variation. Cry-protein concentrations measured in predators in laboratory-bioassays were low or below the detection limit indicating that laboratory feeding studies represent a realistic exposure scenario and are thus informative for the non-target risk assessment of Bt-cotton. 

Alfalfa weevil is an important pest in forage alfalfa worldwide, and especially so on the Northern Plains. Neither the weevil-specific fungus, Erynia phytonomi, or the weevil’s parasitoids are able to routinely suppress outbreaks as they do in the eastern U.S. A new Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae, having a Cry8Da coleopteran-active toxin, has been recently commercialized. The efficacy of this product was tested against H. postica in replicated field trials in north central Montana. The B. thuringiensis gave 27-40% reduction in weevil numbers at the low label rate, 55-59 % for the high label rate. Mean parasitism at the two research locations varied from 5-26% and 17-36% respectively, but application of the B. thuringiensis had no significant effect on parasitism levels, i.e. parasitism was not greater in treated than in carrier control plots. 

• Objective 9. Implement and evaluate habitat modification, horticultural practices, and pest suppression tactics to conserve natural enemy activity. 

The coconut rhinoceros beetles invading Guam (2007), Hawaii (2013), Papua New Guinea (2015), and Solomon Islands (2015) are genetically different from other populations off this pest, are resistant to Oryctes nudivirus, the biocontrol agent of choice for this species. For these reasons, they are being referred to as the "the Guam Biotype" CRB-G.  Ongoing testing of 30 O. nudivirus strains collected from the Philippines in 2017 has revealed a single strain that shows virulence to CRB-G.  This purified strain was subsequently sent to Guam where it was released during the fall of 2017 using infected CRB as vectors.  Results of this release are pending. 

Two datasets were contributed to researchers who are building large, composite datasets to evaluate the role of landscape diversification on the success of biological control. Contrary to the conventional view, neither of the studies indicated that simplified landscapes necessarily erode the viability of biological control. 

Tests at the University of Wyoming continued on whether the diversity and presence of cover crops interseeded into standing corn impacts the activity-density and diversity of ground beetles (Carabidae). Producers are interested in this practice to increase forage available for grazing cattle, but we have limited research available to predict how it will impact other parts of the ecosystem. 

Cultural management studies for macadamia orchards enhance extant natural enemies (Coccinellidae spp., Encarsia) of macadamia felted coccid (Erioccous ironsidei). Work has developed a PCR protocol for identifying E. ironisidei from predators gut. 

Goal C:  Augment Natural Enemies to Increase Biological Control Efficacy. 

Objective 10. Assess biological characteristics of natural enemies. 

A lab experiment was conducted to examine the relationship between photoperiod and diapause induction in populations of the green lacewing Chrysopa oculata from Manhattan KS and Ithaca NY. The goal was to determine whether diapause responses had changed over the 30-year period between 1986 and 2017 and, if so, whether those responses could be correlated with changes in temperature associated with climate change.  Results indicate greater variation in diapause responses at both locations compared to 30 years ago. Whereas 100% and 0% diapause had been observed under the shortest and longest daylengths, respectively, in 1986, in 2016-17 almost all photoperiods at both localities produced a mixture of diapausing and nondiapausing individuals. The critical photoperiod associated with 50% incidence of diapause was shorter in Ithaca NY, corresponding to about a two-week delay in diapause into autumn. However, the critical photoperiod did not shift in Manhattan KS. 

Objective 11. Develop procedures for rearing, storing, quality control and release of natural enemies, and conduct experimental releases to assess feasibility. 

Results have been reported under other objectives, but a few specific examples from 2017 follow.

Cold storage of the Drosophila suzukii parasitoids Pachycrepoideus vindimiae (Pteromalidae), Trichopria drosophilae (Diapriidae) was studied in order to improve mass production.

In 2017, Colorado State researchers went to Kamloops, BC to receive field collected galls containing larvae and pupae of the yellow toadflax biocontrol agent, Rhinusa linariae .  These galls were held in containment until eclosion to adult.  In all, nearly 700 weevils are ready for mass rearing studies next spring.  They also conducted mass rearing trials using the yellow toadflax biocontrol agent, Mecinus janthinus.  Nearly 1,000 adults were produced and are ready for further trials spring and summer 2018.

Working continued on fitness effects of mass rearing and founder colony size for Trichogramma spp.; searching behavior, and specifically if a semiochemical method and can be developed to attract Trichogramma papilionis into target crops. Have identified at least 3 compounds released when Helicoverpa zea eggs are laid on sunn hemp plants that attract T. papilionis in olfactometer trials. It would appear that these compounds are released in larger amounts when eggs are deposited on the plants, suggesting a co-evolved plant defense mechanism. 

Objective 12. Implement augmentation programs and evaluate efficacy of natural enemies. 

Many results have been reported under other objectives. A few examples follow:

University of California researchers have collaborated on a three-year research and extension study to improve biological control of the Virginia creeper leafhopper, including the augmentative release of Anagrus spp. to help suppress leafhopper pests in vineyards.

In collaboration with researchers at USDA, two pupal parasitoids, Pachycrepoideus vindimiae and Trichopria drosophilae were released near blue berry and strawberry fields to ‘inoculate’ these resident parasitoids before and after the harvest cycle.

Univ. of Hawaii is examining possibilities for use of Phymastichus spp. for augmentative biological control against coffee berry borer. 

Goal D:  Evaluate Environmental and Economic Impacts and Raise Public Awareness of Biological Control. 

Objective 13. Evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of biological control agents. 

Results from sampling alfalfa fields and additional, semi-natural and natural habits showed that the native ladybird beetle Coccinella novemnotata has continued to persist widely in Utah as a rare species, despite competition from the now dominant, introduced biocontrol agent of aphid pests, Coccinella septempunctata, following this exotic species’ successful establishment at high densities throughout the region. 

Colorado State researchers and colleagues are studying how Diorhabda species imported to control Tamarix have adapted to novel environments, and the extent and consequences of hybridization among those species 

Objective 14. Develop and implement outreach activities for biological control programs.

During 2017, the Daane laboratory (UC-Berkeley) has presented at 38 research or grower-oriented programs to reach an estimated audience of about 4000 persons (estimated at 100 persons per presentation).

As part of an NSF funded project modules are being developed that explain parasitoids to high school students, Master Gardeners and other venues. The approach is to teach more upper-division students or adults about the importance of parasitoids in biological control. We are developing outreach materials to teach about chalcidoids and other parasitic Hymenoptera in the classroom. The idea is to develop independent modules for classrooms centered on yellow pan trap ‘observatories’ as a means to discuss ‘true’ biodiversity. Ideas for outreach are being vetted through a broad group of local teachers, and extension researchers at UC Riverside and Texas A&M University. 

Online powerpoint presentation (with audio) on biodiversity of parasitic Hymenoptera have been developed that we have been able to get introduced into high school curriculums on ecology. We are currently in the process of developing a web page that can deliver all of the products. We are also working with Master Gardeners to develop modules and information appropriate for their clientele. 

Five extension articles on Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) biocontrol and invasives were published. A total of 20 extension presentations were made. Topics covered included ACP and BMSB biocontrol, invasive avocado pests, and general overviews on invasions, IPM, and biocontrol. Two detailed web pages on dung biocontrol and ACP biocontrol in CA (www.biocontrol.ucr.edu) were developed as were blog posts on ACP natural enemies (www.cisr.ucr.edu). Three extension conferences on invasive pests and their management were organized. Numerous interviews were given on biocontrol and these included newspaper interviews (e.g, The Guardian and LA Times TV interviews [e.g., (KCAL-9), radio interviews (e.g., National Public Radio), and trade magazine interviews (e.g., Ag. Alert and Western Farm Press). 

Action thresholds based on predator to prey ratios were developed for the management of Bemisia tabaci in cotton. Multiple grower and pest control advisor (PCAs) workshops, demonstrations and extension circulars were developed and conducted to teach end-users about the new technology. Validation trials using the new biocontrol-based thresholds were conducted in collaboration with growers and PCAs in Arizona and Mexico. Follow-up surveys indicated that growers and PCAs were receptive to using the new thresholds and clearly understood the value of biological control in their pest management activities.

Abram, P.K., K. Hoelmer, A. Acebes-Doria, H. Andrews, E.H. Beers, M.S. Hoddle. 2017. Indigenous arthropod natural enemies of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in North America and Europe. J. Pest Sci. 90: 1009-1020. DOI 10.1007/s10340-017-0891-7  

Antwi, F.B., G. Shrestha, G.V.P. Reddy, and S. Jaronski. 2017. Entomopathogens in conjunction with imidacloprid could be used to manage wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) on spring wheat. Canadian Entomologist 149: doi:10.4039/tce.2017.58.

Biondi, A., Wang, X-G., Miller, J. C., Miller, B., Shearer, P. W., Zappalà, L., Siscaro, G., Walton, V. W., Hoelmer, K. A., and Daane. K. M. 2017. Innate olfactory responses of Asobara japonica toward fruits infested by the invasive spotted wing drosophila. Journal of Insect Behavior. 10.1007/s10905-017-9636-y

Bitume, EV, D Bean, AR Stahlke, RA Hufbauer. 2017. Hybridization affects life-history traits and host specificity in Diorhabda spp. Biological Control 111:45-52. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2017.05.009

Brodeur, J., Paul K. Abram, George E. Heimpel and Russell H. Messing. 2017. Trends in biological control: public interest, international networking and research direction. BioControl DOI 10.1007/s10526-017-9850-8

Burks, R.A., Mottern, J.L., Dominguez, C., Heacox, S. and J.M. Heraty. 2017. Biting the bullet: Revisionary notes on the Oraseminae of the Old World (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eucharitidae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research 55: 139–188. 

Eisenring, M., Romies, J., Naranjo, S.E., Meissle, M. 2017. Multitrophic Cry-protein flow in a dual-gene Bt-cotton field. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 247: 283-289.

Evans, E. W. 2017.  Fates of rare species under siege from invasion: persistence of Coccinella novemnotata Herbst in western North America alongside an invasive congener.  Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 5: Article 152 doi: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00152.

Forthman, M. and Weirauch, C. 2017. Millipede assassins and allies (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae, Tribelocephalinae): total evidence phylogeny, revised classification and evolution of sexual dimorphism. Systematic Entomology 42: 575-595. DOI: 10.1111/syen.12232.

Gaskin, J.F and J. L. Littlefield. 2017 Invasive Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) creates large patches almost entirely by rhizomic growth. Invasive Plant Science and Management 2017 10:119–124.

Georgieva, A., Gordon, E., Weirauch, C. 2017. Sylvatic host associations of Triatominae and implications for Chagas disease reservoirs: a comprehensive review and new host records based on archival specimens. PeerJ, DOI 10.7717/peerj.3826

Gutierrez-Coarite, R., Yoneishi, N., Mollinedo, J., Pulakkattu-thodi, I., Wright, M.G., & Geib, S. PCR-based gut content analysis to detect predation of Eriococcus ironsidei (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) by Coccinellidae species in macadamia nut orchards in Hawaii. Journal of Economic Entomology (under revision.)

Herreid, J.S. Heraty, J.M. 2017. Hitchhikers at the dinner table: exploitation of extrafloral nectaries by a monophyletic group of ant parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae). Systematic Entomology 42: 204–229.

Hoddle, M.S., C.D. Hoddle, M. Alzubaidy, J. Kabashima, J.N. Nisson, J. Millar, and M. Dimson. 2017. Rhynchophorus vulneratus palm weevil is eradicated from Laguna Beach. Cal. Ag. 71: 23-29.

Hogg, B. N., Mills, N. J., and Daane, K. M. 2017. Temporal patterns in the abundance and species composition of spiders on host plants of the invasive moth Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Environmental Entomology, 46(3): 502–510. doi: 10.1093/ee/nvx065

Hopper, K.R., Lanier, K., Rhoades, J.H., Coutinot, D., Mercadier, G., Ramaulde, N., Roche, M., Woolley, J.B., and J.M. Heraty. 2017. Host specificity of Aphelinus species considered for introduction to control Diuraphis noxia. Biological Control 107: 21–32.

Hwang, W. S. and Weirauch, C. 2017. Uncovering hidden diversity: phylogeny and taxonomy of Physoderinae (Reduviidae, Heteroptera) with emphasis on Physoderes Westwood in the Oriental and Australasian regions. European Journal of Taxonomy 341: https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2017.341

Kaçar, G., Wang, X.-G., Biondi, A., and Daane, K. M. 2017. Linear functional response by two pupal Drosophila parasitoids foraging within single or multiple patch environments. PloS ONE 12(8): e0183525. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal

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