Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Elections. John Losey will be the chair from 2019-2020 (after the current chair Ann Hajek). Mark Whitmore was voted in as the next chair, to serve from 2020-2021.

Venue for next meeting. We considered two situations for the 2020 meeting of NE1832: in association with the USDA Interagency Meeting on Invasive Species in Annapolis or the joint meeting of the ESA Eastern and Southeastern Branches in Atlanta, GA, March 29-April 1, 2020. We were uncertain about the future of the Annapolis meeting (as it was not held in 2019 due to the government shutdown) and we decided to have the 2020 meeting at the joint SE/E Branch meeting in Atlanta.

Discussion of a joint research proposal. Members discussed potentially putting together a research proposal including members of our group to submit to an unspecified agency. Members very actively provided suggestions until eventually there seemed to be some agreement that a strong proposal could be written to investigate climate change and invasive species using 3-4 model systems. Numerous suggestions were made for systems that could be appropriate: stinkbugs, gypsy moth, aphids and ladybugs, winter moth, emerald ash borer, swallow-wort. There seemed to be strong agreement that a modeler should be included in the proposal.

Ideas about a symposium for the next meeting. We discussed holding our meeting with the Eastern Branch Entomological society again, but as this will be a joint meeting with the southeastern branch of the ESA, we wanted to have a joint biocontrol symposium.  We decided that this would need to be organized in conjunction with the southeastern branch’s biological control multistate project. We left it up to Dr. Losey, the incoming chair, to get in touch with this group to begin discussions.

The group organized a symposium on March 11, 2019 with 11 speakers, entitled “Biological Control of Invasive Organisms Impacting the Eastern Branch”, organized by Dalton Lucwick, Viginia Tech; Joe Kaser, USDA ARS; Ann Hajek, Cornell University; and Lisa Tewksbury, University of Rhode Island.

Goal 1:  Conservation of existing natural enemies: To conserve existing natural enemies and examine the effects of exotic species on ecosystem function

Objective 1: Conservation biocontrol through habitat plantings (Amara Dunn, Cornell University)

For existing natural enemies to thrive and assist with pest management, they need food, shelter, and protection from pesticides. Mixed plantings of native wildflowers and grasses that provide diverse plant architecture, continuous blooms from early spring through late fall, and abundant pollen and nectar can provide the food and shelter these natural enemies need. But, there are many ways to establish these plantings, including direct seeding or transplanting small seedlings, and a variety of different weed control strategies. In June 2018, we began establishing plots of native wildflowers and grasses using six different establishment methods. Each method was replicated four times on the edges of a research planting of Christmas trees. During Summer and Fall 2018, we collected data on the monetary cost and the time required to install and maintain the habitat using each method. We also collected data on the percent of each plot covered by weeds in September 2018.

During the first growing season of this project, transplanting seedlings and using mulch to control weeds was more expensive and more time-consuming than transplanting into bare ground and hand-weeding. However, it also resulted in better weed suppression and excellent survival and growth of the natural enemy habitat plants. This would be a good establishment strategy for small areas, when fast results are desired and ample funding is available. The remaining treatments included direct seeding in the spring and transplanting or direct seeding in the fall after using various summer weed management strategies. Fall 2018 was too early to accurately assess the success of these strategies, although all direct seeded plots were less expensive and less time-consuming to establish than the transplanted plots. During the final months of 2018 and early 2019, plans were made to continue maintaining and collecting data on these plots during Summer 2019, including collecting insects so that we can quantify the natural enemies being attracted.

Because this project is in its early stages, there were no outcomes or impacts to report during this time period.

Objective 2: Diversity and effects of native entomopathogenic fungi on invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (A.E. Hajek, Cornell University)

The invasive spotted lanternfly was first found in Berks County, southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014 and since then has been increasing in densities and spreading from the initial infestation site. This univoltine planthopper from China is polyphagous although it prefers the introduced tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima, which is also from China. However, spotted lanternflies have caused serious damage to vineyards in Pennsylvania. This planthopper is a member of the family Fulgoridae and there are not native fulgorids in the northeastern US. In 2017, the Hajek lab at Cornell received specimens of spotted lanternflies from Pennsylvania that had been killed by the native entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. In 2018, the Hajek lab made numerous trips to Pennsylvania, searching for entomopathogenic fungi in spotted lanternfly populations and in October, they found an epizootic being caused by both B. bassiana and the entomophthoralean Batkoa major, which is also native. These native fungi causing the epizootic were isolated and data were taken, recording the relative numbers of cadavers found on tree trunks or the ground, and the final egg mass density, which was very low. This provided an excellent example of native entomopathogenic fungi responding to an abundant resource (this new invasive) and controlling a spotted lanternfly population.  

Objective 3: Distribution and effects of the microsporidian Nosema maddoxi on brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) (A.E. Hajek, Cornell University)

Carrie Preston, an M.S. student, conducted studies with the native microsporidian pathogen Nosema maddoxi that infects brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB). This pathogen was originally found in North America (in Illinois) infecting the native green stinkbugs (Chinavia hilaris) several decades before BMSB was first detected in North America and is therefore considered native. However, this pathogen has switched over the BMSB. During this project period, Carrie analyzed data from a 2017 survey of the ecology and distribution of this pathogen. She found that N. maddoxi occurs in BMSB populations in all of the states that were sampled and she found that males and females were infected at similar levels. Carrie also conducted field studies over spring to fall 2018, to evaluate the phenology of this pathogen in BMSB populations and these data were summarized and analyzed. This pathogen definitely is more abundant in fall and spring (reaching a maximum of 60% infection) and more infection was found in adults than nymphs. Carrie also continued conducting bioassays with N. maddoxi infecting BMSB adults and nymphs. Data was analyzed and, during the span of this project, she already found a trend that this pathogen significantly decreased the reproduction of infected BMSB adult females and shortened the lifespan of infected nymphs.

Objective 4: Effects of native natural enemies on spotted winged Drosophila (F. Drummond & E. Groden, Univ. Maine)

The Drummond lab has been studying how the spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) has been affecting wild and cultivated fruits in Maine. We have also been assessing predation of spotted wing Drosophila pupae by existing natural enemies and the role that this predation has on spotted wing drosophila adult densities in wild blueberry fields and damage to fruit. We found that ground beetle predators were common predators of pupae, but that the most effective predators on a per predator basis were crickets of the genus Gryllus. We also found that predation does reduce spotted wing drosophila densities, but only at low densities of this pest. When densities reach high levels the intensity of predation declines. 

Goal 2:  Augmentation programs involving repeated rearing and release: to release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents

Objective 1: To evaluate the potential for establishing persistent entomopathogenic nematodes on school athletic fields for annual white grub management (Kyle Wickings, Cornell University)

The Wickings lab is currently evaluating the feasibility of inoculating school athletic fields with native strains of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for controlling against grubs of annual white grubs.  This projects is an extension of one funded by the NY State Turfgrass Association examining the utility of commercial nematode products for biocontrol of white grubs.  In this project we determined that biocontrol nematodes can provide moderate suppression of Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae but that nematodes perform better on sandy soils that are frequently irrigated.  Additionally, while H. bacteriophora appears unaffected by foot traffic/soil compaction, S. feltiae efficacy is greater in areas with low soil compaction.

Two important challenges to the adoption of biocontrol nematodes on school grounds are 1) their high cost and 2) their low persistence year-to-year.  Thus, in the current project, we are working with native strains of the same nematode species.  These strains have been shown capable of persisting for multiple years in field crop soils, and if capable of persisting in school athletic field soils, could provide turf managers with a reliable and affordable pest control measure.

The Wickings lab inoculated eight athletic fields in central and eastern NY State: 3 in Albany, 3 in Downsville, 2 in Geneva.  Nematode infection bioassays were completed in December of 2018. 

OUTCOMES - We found that all sites appear to have high nematode infection potential (over 80% of insect larvae infected during infectivity bioassays).  Total infection rates in inoculated and control areas are indistinguishable.  Because of high soil variability, 8 additional fields were identified in spring of 2019 for inoculation.  These fields belong to the Batavia Soccer Park, Batavia, NY and are managed by a local sod producer (CY Farms).  All fields were inoculated in early 2019. Bioassays continue in 2019 to evaluate EPN establishment and again in spring of 2020 to test for EPN persistence.  

Objective 2. Biological control of arthropod pests of strawberries growing under low tunnels (G. Loeb, Cornell University)

               Rationale: Growing strawberries under low tunnel plastic in the Northeast can benefit growers by extending the production season well into the fall. Plastic coverings can also reduce the severity of several important plant diseases. However, strawberries grown under plastic are more vulnerable to some arthropod pests. This appears especially true for two-spotted spider mite.  Our project is investigating the use of insectary-reared predatory mites for control of TSSM on strawberries grown under low tunnels through lab, greenhouse and field experiments.

               Approach: We evaluated the impact of two species of insectary-reared predatory mites (Neoseiulus fallacis and Phytoseiulus persimilis) separately and in combination on population growth of two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) on strawberries in cage experiments conducted in the greenhouse and in the field using research plantings of strawberries grown under plastic (low tunnels). In the cage experiment, TSSM was inoculated in all cages prior to release of predatory mites.  In the field, TSSM naturally colonized plantings prior to release of predatory mites.  Leaf samples were collected weekly and returned to the laboratory to enumerate mite abundance. 

               Results: In cage experiments in the greenhouse, in which predatory mites were not able to disperse, the spider mite specialist and the combination of the two species provided the best control of TSSM.  In the field, the combination of both species resulted in the best control.  Interestingly, in the field we rarely detected the mite specialist P. persimilis indicating that they rapidly dispersed from research plots.  Future research will more closely examine dispersal behavior of the predatory mites species and how plant traits influence dispersal behavior and efficacy.

Objective 3. Developing use of entomopathogenic fungi for use against Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) adults (A.E. Hajek, Cornell University)

            Three main areas of research were covered last year: testing increased application rates of the infective (entomopathogenic) fungus Metarhizium brunneum to optimize effectiveness in killing Asian longhorned beetles when exposed as they would if climbing on treated tree trunks; an investigation of the impact of infection by M. brunneum on Asian longhorned beetle long-distance flight potential; and a comparison of the beetle-killing effectiveness of two strains of M. brunneum with other entomopathogenic fungi available as commercial products.

1. Three application rates of M. brunneum formulation were exposed to outdoor weathering on tree trunks for replicate 4-week periods during May–September 2018 at two sites, including a forest within the Ohio USDA Asian longhorned beetle eradication zone. Higher application rates (0.06 or 0.09 g/cm² compared to 0.03 g/cm²) had better formulation retention on the more thickly-coated vertical surface, rather than greater weathering loss. The M. brunneum fungus at the 0.06 g/cm² application rate produced 18 times more infective spores (conidia) compared to a rate half as thick (0.03 g/cm²), which resulted in faster Asian longhorned beetle mortality in quarantine laboratory bioassays. The two higher application rates (0.06 or 0.09 g/cm²) were not significantly different in formulation retention, spore densities, or beetle mortality, but the intermediate 0.06 g/cm² rate produced the most conidia per gram applied. This application rate should be the goal of tree trunk and limb spray applications, for utilizing this method of biological control.
2. Using quarantine-reared Asian longhorned beetle adults, flight mills with rotary-motion computerized data recorders were used to collect data on tethered flight performance of beetles at multiple time points after infection by M. brunneum. Uninfected male adults (not exposed to M. brunneum) always flew significantly greater distances than females. The maximum observation for total flight distance was an uninfected male that flew the equivalent of 10.9 km in 24 hours when tethered on a flight mill. Adults infected with M. brunneum flew significantly shorter distances, starting one week after fungal exposure. At 10 days after exposure, the total 24-hour flying time of infected males was 33% less than that of uninfected males, while infected females flew 40% less than uninfected females. Biological control of Asian longhorned beetles with this fungal entomopathogen could help to reduce their dispersal in the environment and thereby decrease the risk of adults moving outside of quarantine zones.
3. Ten isolates of six species of entomopathogenic fungi in the group Hypocreales were tested for pathogenicity against adult Asian longhorned beetles. Bioassays were focused on isolates of fungi used as mycoinsecticides, including isolates currently registered for commercial sale in North America. Metarhizium anisopliae, M. brunneum, and Beauveria bassiana were pathogenic to the beetles, but Isaria fumosorosea, Lecanicillium longisporum, and L. muscarium were not. The two Metarhizium isolates (M. brunneum F52 and M. anisopliae ESALQ E-9) were similarly effective and resulted in the most rapid beetle mortality rates. The results with strain ESALQ E-9 are encouraging, but it is not currently registered in the US. In contrast, M. brunneum naturally occurs in North America and the F52 strain already is registered for commercial sale in the US. Fungal entomopathogens in the genus Metarhizium, including strain F52, are recommended for further development as a tool for biological control of Asian longhorned beetles.

Objective 4. Use of Deladenus nematodes for control of Sirex noctilio in North America (A.E. Hajek, Cornell University)

Our studies on the impact of the parasitic nematode Deladenus on the invasive woodwasp, Sirex noctilio continued. Our emphasis in the past has been on D. siricidicola Kamona, a strain of this nematode that has been used for biological control. This strain of D. siricidicola parasitizes high percentages and sterilizes the strain of adult female S. noctilio that is present in Australia. However, there is already a strain of the same nematode species, D. siricidicola, that is present in S. noctilio populations in northeastern North American pine forests, and this strain does not sterilize adult females; it is generally assumed that this strain (now called North America) was introduced with at least one of the S. noctilio introductions. In addition, there have been very questionable results with using Kamona in northeastern forest, perhaps due to competition from this already-established strain but we hypothesize that this could also be due to the fact that Kamona is not good at parasitizing and sterilizing the strains of S. noctilio introduced to northeastern North America.

Therefore, we switched to testing the native nematode Deladenus proximus that normally parasitizes the native pine-specialist Sirex nigricornis, but is known to also parasitize S. noctilio. When D. proximus parasitizes S. nigricornis, it often causes partial sterilization. We worked with Dr. Fred Stephen of the University of Arkansas on this project. We found red pines infested with S. noctilio in Pennsylvania and injected them with D. proximus, using standardized methods developed in Australia. We also needed to use our methods to challenge S. nigricornis with D. proximus, to show that our inoculation methods were working; these were used as positive controls. Our results with S. noctilio were disappointing: few S. noctilio emerged that were parasitized by Deladenus and the ones that were parasitized, were parasitized by D. siricidicola North America (and not D. proximus). In this case, the larvae within the wood must have been parasitized by D. siricidicola North America that had been injected into the wood by other S. noctilio when oviposition happened.

We also began asking a question about the fungi associated with Sirex and Deladenus. Sirex uses the white rot fungus Amylostereum as a symbiont and Deladenus uses this fungus as food (this nematode has a dimorphic life cycle). Deladenus will not find and parasitize Sirex if the fungus associated with the Sirex is not acceptable to the nematode. Different Sirex and Deladenus have different fungal preferences. Deladenus proximus and S. nigricornis will use either Amylostereum areolatum or Amylostereum chailletii while Sirex noctilio (and D. siricidicola) will only use Amylostereum areolatum. From field samples, we found that D. proximus seemed to usually be associated with A. chailletii. We evaluated how often D. proximus from field samples was associated with A. areolatum versus A. chailletii and at the time of this report, we have only found association with A. chailletii in samples from Arkansas.

We also conducted studies looking at whether D. proximus that would be travelling within a tree is initially repelled by different species and strains of Amylostereum (especially different strains of A. areolatum) and we found that it is not.

Objective 5. Use of entomopathogenic fungi for control of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) (A.E. Hajek, Cornell University)

After finding that native Beauveria bassiana was killing spotted lanternflies (see Goal 1), the Hajek lab began conducting bioassays with two commercially available entomopathogenic fungi in the quarantine at Cornell. Beauveria bassiana (BoteGHA; Certis) and Isaria fumosorosea (PFR-97; Certis) were tested. However, at that time, no one had developed good ways to rear spotted lanternflies in a laboratory; the Hajek lab as well as others were working on how to do this. Methods that were available to the Hajek lab during the 2018 field season (univoltine pest) mostly involved using cuttings. Regardless of the frequency of replacing cuttings of tree of heaven, it seemed that the spotted lanternflies being used for bioassays were not feeding well (early instars) if at all (fourth instars and adults). It was determined that potted plants were the only acceptable way to provide food for spotted lanternflies but these were not available during the period in 2018 when spotted lanternflies were growing. 

Goal 3:  Introduction of new natural enemies against invasive plants: classical biological control 

Objective 1.  Classical biological control of Phragmites australis. (B. Blossey, Cornell Univ. & R. Casagrande, L. Tewksbury, Univ. Rhode Island)

The biological control program directed at Phragmites australis provides a good example of regional cooperation spearheaded by scientists at Cornell and URI. In this project Cornell has taken the lead in regional surveys for native and exotic Phragmites australis populations and their herbivores while URI has measured impact of native and exotic herbivores on these plants. Both groups have funded and directed the efforts of CABI in Switzerland to identify and evaluate potential biological control agents. A petition was submitted to the Weed biocontrol technical advisory group and was approved (Blossey et al. 2018, Blossey et al. 2019).  We are now awaiting a permit from USDA APHIS PPQ, and are conducting pre-release surveys for P. australis herbivores.

Objective 2.  Classical biological control of swallow-worts (L. Tewksbury, Univ. Rhode Island; L. Milbrath, USDA ARS)

A program directed against swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum nigrum and V. rossicum) had URI and USDA/ARS (New York) scientists surveying Europe for potential natural enemies. CABI assisted in conducting surveys and field tests that can only be done in Europe. Host range testing was completed at URI for two agents (Hazlehurst et al. 2012), is well-underway on a third agent by ARS scientists at Cornell and Montpellier, France and pre-and (potential) post-release sites are under study. Scientists at Agriculture and AgriFood Canada-Lethbridge Research Centre are working closely with URI, CABI, and Carleton University in Ontario on this project. Releases of Hypena opulenta were made in Ontario, Canada from 2014 to 2019; in Rhode Island and Massachusetts from 2017 to 2019, in Maine in 2018, and in New York, Connecticut, and Michigan in 2019.  These are all experimental releases where we are evaluating protocols for release and evaluation, and determining optimum release sites.

Objective 3. Classical biological control of mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) (L. Tewksbury, Univ. Rhode Island)

Present efforts on mile-a-minute biocontrol focus on continued release of the weevil in mile-a-minute populations that have not yet been colonized, evaluation of impact on the target weed and associated plant community under different environmental conditions, and development of integrated weed management strategies incorporating the weevil.  The New Jersey Philip Alampi lab is continuing to rear Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils and provide them to cooperators in the northeast.

Objective 4. Classical biological control of knotweeds (L. Tewksbury, Univ. Rhode Island) 

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Giant knotweed (F. sachalinensis), and their interspecific hybrid (F. x bohemica) have become serious widespread weeds throughout the Northeast and are the focus of a cooperative biological control project presently involving scientists at Cornell and U. Mass. working with colleagues in Oregon, Lethbridge Canada, and CABI in Great Britain. Anticipating the eventual release of a biological control agent from research underway by cooperators Fritzi Grevstad (Oregon) and Dick Shaw (CABI Great Britain), a monitoring protocol was developed and pre-release monitoring is underway in NY & MA. Rhode Island (Lisa Tewksbury) and Michigan (Marianna Szucs) are surveying knotweed sites as well and will rear the knotweed biocontrol agents once a release petition is approved by USDA/APHIS.

Goal 4:  Introduction of new natural enemies against invasive insects

Objective 1.  Impact assessment of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech and Joe Elkinton, Univ. Massachusetts)

Relevance:  Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) is a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). We are currently trying to control HWA through several different methods including through the use of predators such as L. nigrinus. Releases of this predator began in 2003, now since over a decade has passed since these initial releases, it has allowed for sufficient time for Ln to establish at these field sites and to assess their efficacy as a predator.

Response:  We set up nine field sites in six different states, from far north as New Jersey and as far south as Georgia.  This spans plant hardiness zones 6a – 7a. The field sites were chosen based on high densities of HWA, recovery of Ln, and Ln releases at least four years prior to the start of the study.  Exclusion cages studies were set up to assess the impact Ln was having on sistens and their progrediens eggs.

Results 2014-2018: Significantly more HWA sistens ovisacs were disturbed on no-cage and open-cage branches than on caged branches where predators were excluded. Mean disturbance levels on cage, no-cage and open-cage branches was 8, 38, and 27 percent, respectively. Seven of nine sites had a mean HWA ovisac disturbance greater than 50% for at least one year. Winter temperatures were also a significant factor in overall mortality of the sistens generation with a mean of 46% on study branches. Six of nine sites had a mean overall mortality (winter mortality and predation) greater than 80% for at least one year. Larvae of Laricobius spp. were recovered at all sites during this study. Sequencing of the COI gene from recoveries in Phase One (2015 and 2016) indicated that 88% were L. nigrinus and 12% were L. rubidus LeConte. Microsatellite analysis performed during Phase Two (2017 and 2018) indicated that approximately 97% of larval recoveries were L. nigrinus, 2% were hybrids of L. nigrinus and L. rubidus, and 1% were L. rubidus.

Objective 2.  Release and establishment of Laricobius osakensis, a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech.)

Relevance: In 2010, following four years in quarantine, USDA, APHIS PPQ found that Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a biological control agent for the hemlock woolly adelgid, was not a significant risk to the environment, and was removed from quarantine.  After rearing at Virginia Tech lead to the production of a sufficient number of adults, release of the northern strain began in 2012.  Rearing of the southern strain at the University of Tennessee lead to its release beginning in 2013. By 2017, approximately 32,000 were released at a total of 61 sites in the eastern U.S.

Response:  Nine sites (6 in VA, 1 in PA, 1 in WV, and 1 in NC) were sampled for two years to assess establishment of L. osakensis

Results 2015-17: In winter of 2014 and 2015, periods of extreme cold temperatures throughout the eastern USA, as well as the polar vortex, resulted in extensive mortality to HWA, which likely delayed the establishment of L. osakensis. The ability of the beetle to survive and establish in the eastern United States is reported here. In the first year of this study (2015–2016), limited numbers of L. osakensis were recovered, as HWA populations were still rebounding. In the second year (2016–2017), 147 L. osakensis were collected at 5 of 9 sites sampled, coinciding with rebounding HWA populations. Larval recovery was much greater than adult recovery throughout the study. HWA density was directly correlated with warmer plant hardiness zones and recovery of Laricobius beetles was significantly correlated with HWA density. Our results suggest that L. osakensis is successfully establishing at several of the sampled release sites and that the best predictor of its presence at a site is the HWA density.

Objective 3. To determine and expand the distribution of adventive samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) for biological control of brown marmorated stink bug in NY (A. Agnello and P. Jentsch, Cornell University)

We placed sentinel BMSB egg masses in host trees adjacent to pheromone trap sites in multiple locations in the Lake Ontario and Hudson Valley apple regions, to assess the presence of adventive populations of T. japonicus or any naturally occurring egg parasitoid species in locations near apple orchards where BMSB occurrence had been documented.  Freeze-killed egg masses were left for 7-day periods beginning in early August 2018, replaced with fresh egg masses weekly into September, and held in the lab for parasitoid emergence. Alpha Scents yellow sticky cards were placed along the orchard perimeter to determine the presence and establishment of T. japonicus from the 2017 re-distribution sites at 7-day intervals. Recent finds of T. japonicus in the Hudson Valley location suggest expansion of its range and overwintering establishment in re-distribution locations.

Objective 4. To determine and expand the distribution of adventive samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) for biological control of brown marmorated stink bug in NY (George Hamilton, Rutgers University).

Methods To determine the distribution of adventive Trissolcus japonicus in central and northern NJ, yellow sticky cards were deployed at the interface between woods and either tree fruit, vegetable or field crops at 12 locations. Each week, from the beginning of June to the middle of October, all traps were removed and replaced on a weekly basis, taken to laboratory, and evaluated for the presence of T. japonicus adults. Possible candidates were removed from the sticky cards and will be sent to Elijah Talamas for species confirmation. In addition, BMSB egg masses, deployed at the interface between woods and either tree fruit, vegetable or field crops at 3 locations in 2018 and 4 locations in 2019. In 2019 the egg masses were deployed once in July and will be deployed once in September. Once deployed the egg masses will be removed after 24 hours and taken to the laboratory to await parasitoid emergence. Once emerged, specimens will be identified and representative Trissolcus specimens will be sent to Elijah Talamas for species confirmation. When possible, remaining individuals have been used to create several colonies. In July, one egg mass collected from a location in Hunterdon County, NJ was positive for Trissolcus japonicus. Additional positive egg masses were collected from a location in Mercer County. A colony has been created from each positive egg mass.

2018/2019 During 2018/2019 this project was changed to its current goal of determining the distribution of Trissolcus japonicus in central and northern New Jersey. This will be continued and hopefully expanded to more farms in New Jersey in 2019/2020.

Objective 5. Classical biological control of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) with parasitoid introductions (L. Tewksbury, Univ. Rhode Island)

Emerald ash borer, native to China and Russia, was found in Michigan in 2002. It currently is found in about 15 states and one Canadian province, and is continuing to spread. It is the subject of intensive research by USDA-ARS, APHIS, and FS scientists, as well as university entomologists in DE, MA, MI, CT, RI and abroad. Three parasitoids were approved by the USDA for environmental release and were released in 2007. Since then at least two of these species have become established in one or more locations and releases continue, supported by an APHIS mass rearing laboratory in Brighton, MI. Life table evaluation plots of the impacts of introduced parasitoids and native natural enemies began in 2008 and are continuing in MI. This pest is now found in NY, MD, MA, CT, RI, NH, and VT. As this pest spreads throughout the northeast, scientists will participate in establishment and evaluation of biological controls in the northeast (Bauer et al. 2015, Duan et al. 2017).  First releases of three parasitoids were made in one location in RI, near the CT border in 2019.  Additional sites will be added for 2020.

Objective 6. Classical biological control of winter moth (Operophtera brumata) Joe Elkinton, UMASS; Heather Faubert, URI

We are recovering Cyzenis albicans, a biological control agent of winter moth throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This program runs in collaboration with Dr. Joe Elkinton of UMASS. Cyzenis albicans was released in eight locations in RI from 2011-2017 and flies have now been recovered in six of the eight release sites. The parasitoid is probably established at the other two sites, but it is difficult to find enough caterpillars to test for parasitism.

Bittner, T.D., Havill, N., Caetano, I.A.L., Hajek, A.E. 2019. Efficacy of Kamona strain Deladenus siricidicola nematodes for biological control of Sirex noctilio in North America and hybridization with wild-type conspecifics. Neobiota 44: 39-55. DOI:  10.3897/neobiota.44.30402

Bourchier, R.S., N. Cappuccino, A. Rochette, J. des Rivières, S.M. Smith, L. Tewksbury, R. Casagrande. 2018. Establishment of Hypena opulenta (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) on Vincetoxicum rossicum in Ontario, Canada. Biocontrol Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-018-9871-y

Blossey, B., P. Häfliger, L. Tewksbury, A. Dávalos, R. Casagrande. 2018. Host specificity and risk assessment of Archanara genminpuncta and Archanara neurica, two biological control agents of invasive Phragmites australis in North America. Biological Control 125:98-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2018.05.019.

Blossey, B., P. Häfliger, L. Tewksbury, A. Dávalos, R. Casagrande. 2018. Complete host specificity test plant list and associated data to assess host specificity of Archanara geminipuncta and Archanara neurica, two potential biocontrol agents for Phragmites australis in North America. Data in Brief 19:1755-1764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.06.068.

Blossey, B., S.B. Endriss, R. Casagrande, P.Häfliger, H. Hinz, A. Dávalos, C. Brown-Lima, L. Tewksbury, R. S. Bourchier. 2019. When misconceptions impede best practices: evidence supports biological control of Phragmites.  Biol. Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-02166-8

Casagrande, R.A., P. Häfliger, H.L.Hinz, L. Tewksbury, B. Blossey. 2019. Grasses as appropriate targets in weed biocontrol: is the common reed, Phragmites australis, an anomaly? Biocontrol. 63(3):391-403. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-018-9871-y

Clifton, E.H., Castrillo, L.A., Gryganskyi, A., Hajek, A.E. 2019. A pair of native fungal pathogens drives decline of a new invasive herbivore. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 116 (19): 9178-9180. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1903579116. (+ cover).

Clifton, E.H., Gardescu, S., Behle, R.W., Hajek, A.E. 2019. Evaluating Metarhizium brunneum F52 microsclerotia with hydrogel humectant under forest conditions and dose-response by Asian longhorned beetles. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 163: 64-66.

Darr, Molly N., Rachel K. Brooks, Nathan P. Havill, E. Richard Hoebeke, and Scott M. Salom. 2018. Phenology and synchrony of Scymnus coniferarum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with multiple adelgid species in the Puget Sound, WA.  Forests 9, 558.  13 pp.

Drummond, F.A., J. Collins, and E. Ballman. 2019. Population dynamics of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura)) in Maine wild blueberry. Insects 10(7): 205-229. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects10070205 

Drummond, F.A. In Press. Common St. John’s wort: An invasive plant in Maine wild blueberry production and its potential for indirectly supporting ecosystem services. Environ Entomol.

Drummond, F.A., Groden, E. 2019. Have given several talks to wild blueberry growers in Maine on the importance of natural enemy conservation and tactics for conservation.

Dunn, A.R. “Creating habitat for beneficial insects – early summer 2018 project update.” Biocontrol Bytes. New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University, 18 June 2018. Accessed 25 June 2018.

Dunn, A.R., Eshenaur, B., Lamb, E. “Creating habitat for beneficial insects: Project update at the end of the first year” Biocontrol Bytes. New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University, 30 November 2018. Web, accessed 30 November 2018.

Dunn, A., Eshenaur, B., Lamb, E. “Demonstrating creation of habitat for beneficial insects - Year 1” New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. 2018.

            https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/64551. Web, accessed 12 Nov 2019

Elkinton, J.S, T.D. Bittner, V.J. Pasquarella, G.H. Boettner, A.M. Liebhold, J.R. Gould, H. Faubert, L. Tewksbury, H.J. Broadley, N.P. Havill, A.E. Hajek. 2019. Relating aerial deposition of Entomophaga maimaiga to mortality of gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) larvae and nearby defoliation.  48(5):1214-1222 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.06.068.

Girod, P and G.C. Hamilton. 2019. Risques et bénéfices de la redistribution mondiale de Trissolcus japonicus agent de biocontrôle contre Halyomorpha halys. 41ème journée des Entomophagistes. Antibes, France, May 27-29, 2019 (paper presented at a conference).

Girod, P., and G.C. Hamilton. 2019. Halyomorpha halys and Trissolcus japonicus in New Jersey - What’s next? Entomological Society of America annual meeting. November 17-20. (paper presented at a conference)

Hajek, A.E., Eilenberg, J. 2018. Natural Enemies: An Introduction to Biological Control, 2^nd edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 439 pp. [Book] DOI: 10.1017/9781107280267

Hajek, A.E., Steinkraus, D.C., Castrillo, L.A. 2018. Sleeping beauties: Horizontal transmission by entomophthoralean fungi via resting spores. Insects MDPI 9(3): 102 (23 pp.). DOI: 10.3390/insects9030102

Hajek, A.E., Shapiro-Ilan, D. 2018. General concepts on ecology of invertebrate diseases, pp. 3-18. In: Hajek, A.E., Shapiro-Ilan, D. (eds.), Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ. ISBN-10: 1119256070 ISBN-13: 978-1119256076

Hajek, A.E., Meyling, N.V. 2018. Ecology of Invertebrate Pathogens: Fungi, pp. 327-377.  In: Hajek, A.E., Shapiro-Ilan, D. (eds.), Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ. ISBN-10: 1119256070 ISBN-13: 978-1119256076

Hajek, A.E., Shapiro-Ilan, D. (eds.) 2018. Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, 657 pp. ISBN-10: 1119256070 ISBN-13: 978-1119256076 [Book]

Hajek, A.E., Tobin, P.C., Kroll, S.A., Long, S.J. 2018. Symbionts mediate oviposition behavior in invasive and native woodwasps. Agric. For. Entomol. 20: 442-450. DOI: 10.1111/afe.12276

Hurst, M.R., S. A. Joes, A. Beattie, C. Van, A. M. Shelton, H. L. Collins, M. Brownbridge. 2019. Assessment of Yersinia entomophaga as a control agent of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 162: 19-25.

Jun-Ce, Tian, Yang Chen, Anthony M. Shelton, Xu-Song Zheng, Hong-Xing Xu, Zhong-Xian Lu. 2018. Effects of twelve sugars on the longevity and nutrient reserves of rice striped stem borer Chilo suppressalis and its parasitoid Apanteles chilonis. J. Econ. Entomol. 112 (5) 2142-2148

Morris, E.E., Stock, S.P., Castrillo, L., Williams, D.W., Hajek, A.E. 2018. Characterisation of the dimorphic Deladenus beddingi n. sp. and its associated woodwasp and fungus. Nematology 20(10): 939-955. DOI: 10.1163/15685411-00003188

Romeis, J., Naranjo, S.E., Meissle, M., Shelton, A.M., 2019. Genetically engineered crops help support conservation biological control, Biological Control 130: 136-154, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol. 2018.10.001

Shapiro-Ilan, D., Hajek, A.E. 2018. Conclusions, pp. 627-636. In: Hajek, A.E., Shapiro-Ilan, D. (eds.), Ecology of Invertebrate Diseases. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ. ISBN-10: 1119256070 ISBN-13: 978-1119256076

Tian, J-C., XP Wang, Y. Chen, J. Romeis, S.E. Naranjo, R.H, Hellmich, P. Wang and A. M. Shelton. 2018. Bt cotton producing Cry2Ab does not harm two parasitoids, Cotesia marginiventris and Copidosoma floridanum. Scientific Reports. 8:307. doi:10.1038/ s41598-017-18620-3

Sumpter, Kenton, Tom McAvoy, Carlyle Brewster, Albert Mayfield III, and Scott Salom. 2018. Assessing an integrated biological and chemical control strategy for managing hemlock woolly adelgid in southern Appalachian forests.  Forest Ecology and Management.  411: 12-19.

Toland, Ashley, Carlyle Brewster, Kaitlin Mooneyham, and Scott Salom.  2018. First report of establishment of Laricobius osakensis (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a biological control agent for hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) and recovery of other Laricobius spp. in the eastern U.S. Forests.  9, 496. 13 pp.

Wantuch, Holly, Nathan Havill, Edward Hoebeke, Thomas Kuhar, and Scott Salom.  2019. Predators associated with the pine bark adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), a native insect in Appalachian forests, United States of America, in its southern range.  Canadian Entomologist. 151: 73-84.

Willden, S., and Loeb, G. 2018. Efficacy of two predatory mites (Neoseiulus fallacis  and Phytoseiulus persimilis in controlling two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) on strawberry grown under low tunnels in New York.  Contributed talk at the annual meeting of ESA in Vancouver, Canada (oral presentation at conference)

Willden, S., Loeb, G. 2018. Efficacy of two predatory mites (Neoseiulus fallacis and Phytoseiulus persimils) in controlling two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) on low tunnel grown strawberry in New York. Great Lakes Fruit Workers meeting held in Ithaca, NY 8 November 2018.  Graduate student presented 15 minute talk.  Approximately 35 researchers and extension educators and industry representatives in audience.  Contact hours = 8.75. (oral extension presentation).

Zúbrik, M., Pilarska, D., Kulfan, J., Barta, M., Hajek, A.E., Bittner, T.D., Zach, P., Takov, D., Kunca, A., Rell, S., Hirka, A., Csóka, G. 2018. Phytophagous larvae occurring in Central and Southeastern European oak forests as a potential host of Entomophaga maimaiga (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae) – A field study. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 155: 52-54. doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2018.05.003

Zúbrik_, M., Špilda, I., Pilarska, D., Hajek, A.E., Takov, D., Nikolov, C., Kunca, A., Pajtík, J., Lukášová, J. and Holuša, J. 2018. Distribution of the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae) at the northern edge of its range in Europe. Ann. Appl. Biol. 173: 35-41. DOI: 10.1111/aab.12431