Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Attendees briefly introduced themselves. We will use a shared spreadsheet to track current project members, contact info, and interests. We decided to meet in conjunction with the 2027 Eastern Branch Entomological Society of America (Ocean City, MD, 6-9 March 2027), hopefully with a virtual attendance option. We will propose a symposium at the meeting showcasing the work of NE2332 participants and mentees (Anne Nielsen will lead). Lisa Tewksbury reviewed reporting requirements and we made a plan to collect report content. Amara Dunn-Silver and Tory Hendry will co-chair the group for the next year. Full meeting details are available to project participants in a shared folder. 

1. a) Short-term Outcomes:

Objective 1 – Conserve existing natural enemies and enhance ecosystem function: The Hendry lab found that plant protective bacteria can deter aphids, which is useful in developing microbiome-based applications to plants and reducing pesticide exposure. The Willden lab established links between microclimates and microbial biocontrol performance in controlled environments and described impacts of plant diversity on invertebrate diversity in high tunnels. 

Objective 2 – Augmentation programs involving repeated rearing and release: The Whitmore lab collected and reared 3 hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) biocontrol agents from the western U.S. to be studied and released in the northeast.  

Objective 3 – Introduction of new natural enemies against invasive plants: The Salom lab’s data have moved us closer to EPA approval and commercialization of an Ailanthus bioherbicide. The Park lab developed and tested a UAV-based aerial release system for the knotweed psyllid (Aphalara itadori) against Japanese knotweed. 

Objective 4 – Introduction of new natural enemies against invasive insects: The Loeb lab found the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) larval parasitoid Leptopilina japonica was widely distributed in NY, possibly reducing SWD populations. The Salom lab helped rear, release, monitor, and redistribute HWA natural enemies on public land in collaboration with federal and state agencies. Rutledge collaborated with USDA-ARS and UMASS personnel to develop a technique for quantifying egg parasitism of emerald ash borer (EAB) by the parasitoid Oobius agrili. The Tewksbury Lab recovered 1 of 3 released EAB parasitoid species in RI. Their collaborative project with the USDA to evaluate biocontrol of spotted lanternfly (SLF) by a nymphal parasitoid from Asia is nearly done, supporting a petition for release.  

1. b) Outputs:

Objective 1: Kostromytska et al. found that predatory arthropods and entomopathogenic fungi were more abundant in natural areas of golf courses than in managed turf and shared results at a trade show and a regional scientific meeting. Dunn-Silver & Lamb educated gardeners (6 talks, 306 people) and K-12 and college students (4 events, 111 students and a presentation to 8 middle and high school science teachers who teach 660 students annually) promoting conservation biocontrol through habitat creation. The Willden Lab completed the first set of experiments to establish action thresholds for releasing natural enemies against aphids in greenhouse spinach and developed new tools to measure microclimate variation in greenhouses, supporting pest and biocontrol monitoring. They delivered 4 extension talks and 1 workshop. The Hendry lab trained 1graduate and 1 undergraduate student in microbiology and agricultural research. Students presented their research at 3 conferences. One manuscript is in preparation.  

Objective 2: The Whitmore lab produced protocols for detection and rearing field-collected HWA predators. They collected data on the life history and feeding preferences of Le. argenticollis and Le. piniperda. The Shokoohi lab hosted 2 greenhouse augmentative biocontrol workshops at MA farms (50 growers) in collaboration with the UMass Extension Vegetable Program. The Long lab found that 2 species of entomopathogenic nematodes kill Asiatic garden beetle larvae and persist in IN peppermint fields. Cost-effectiveness is still not clear. They presented results at 3 grower/industry meetings. 

Objective 3: The Park lab produced protocols for rearing and studying A. itadori and using UAVs to release it.  

Objective 4: Loeb (NY), Rutledge (CT), and Long (IN) documented parasitism of SWD. The Tewksbusy lab shared results through presentations and digital platforms. Their Instagram account saw a 50% increase in followers and 1 post received 38,373 views (94% non-followers). 

1. c) Activities:

Objective 1: Kostromytska et al. continued sampling for natural enemies on golf courses in MA and CT and analyzed data. The Hendry lab conducted experiments assessing the impact of beneficial bacteria on aphid colonization of and survival on plants. 

Objective 2: The Willden lab conducted experiments in greenhouses and high tunnels assessing and optimizing microclimates for biocontrol, the use of companion plants, and timing of biocontrol release on greenhouse spinach. Kostromytska et al. tested commercially-available entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi against turfgrass arthropod pests. The Long lab continued monitoring survival and efficacy of 2 entomopathogenic nematode species in IN peppermint fields. The Whitmore lab surveyed western hemlock for HWA and predators, collecting and rearing 3 predator species.  

Objective 3: The Park lab is rearing A. itadori obtained from NJ Dept. of Ag. and used UAVs to release them in Morgantown, WV. They optimized equipment to permit automated dispersal. 

Objective 4: Loeb (NY) and Rutledge (CT) released G. kimorum and collected data on SWD infestation and parasitism. The Salom lab participated in an area-wide USDA-ARS project developing IPM strategies for SLF and tree of heaven around vineyards. They continue to rear, distribute, and monitor biocontrol agents of HWA (L. osakensis, Leucotaraxis silver flies), and plan to study prey-finding in silver flies. The Tewksbury lab collaborated with the RI Dept. of Environmental Management to monitor winter moth and evaluate the effectiveness of its biocontrol with Cyzenis albicans, releasing additional C. albicans. They released parasitoid wasps for EAB at 11 locations in RI and have monitored for establishment in 6 of those sites. 

1. d) Milestones: 

Objective 1:  Dunn-Silver & Lamb developed profiles for 45 biocontrol agents currently available on the Cornell IPM website (cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/eco-resilience/biocontrol/biocontrol-agents. Willden developed a protocol to monitor microbial biocontrol survival on plants and conducted successful field trials. 

Objective 2: Whitmore optimized HWA predator release techniques.  

Objective 3: Salom demonstrated Ailanthus bioherbicide variability in efficacy. Park completed initial UAV-based feasibility testing for A. itadori aerial release and established experimental and design groundwork for future field-scale aerial releases.  

Objective 4: Long developed a laboratory assay to assess whether SWD larval parasitoids can use odors to distinguish between infested and uninfested fruit. Salom initiated a study of Eastern strain Leucotaraxis fly abundance in hemlock with and without the presence of white pine.  

Cabrera and E. Y. Long. ($19,567) Evaluating the impact of soil type on the synergy between chemical and biological control strategies for Asiatic garden beetle in mint. North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program – Graduate Student Grant (1 year; 2025-2026).

Y. Long, D. S. Richmond, and C. H. Krupke. ($243,303) Assessing the impact of crop rotation on the persistence and efficacy of insect-parasitic nematodes as biocontrol agents for soil-insect pests. North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grant Program. (3 years; 2024-2027). 

Y. Long and D. S. Richmond. ($199,673) Evaluating interactions between soil characteristics and the persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes for sustainable management of soil-dwelling pests in mint. USDA-NIFA Crop Protection & Pest Management Program. (2 years; 2024-2026).

Lake George Park Commission committed $50,000 to HWA management in the watershed as a result of project activities. 

Andrews, O., A.C. Jones, M. Whitmore, and S. Salom. 2025. Potential feeding deterrents of Adelges tsugae found in biological control flies.  The Science of Nature. 112:45.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-025-01996-y 

Dunn-Silver, A.R. 2025. Wildflower or weed? Recognizing perennial wildflower seedlings. Biocontrol Bytes blog. Cornell University, 22 May 2025. Accessed 1 October 2025. 

Dunn-Silver, A.R. 2025. Stratifying perennial wildflower seeds. Biocontrol Bytes blog. Cornell University, 22 January 2025. Accessed 1 October 2025. 

Long, E. Y. and M.A. Johnston. 2025. Notes and new records for parasitoids of exotic drosophilids in Indiana, USA (Hymenoptera: Figitidae and Braconidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist 57(2), https://doi.org/10.22543/0090-0222.2499 

Miles, H.H., S. Salom, T.J. Shively, J.T. Bielski, T.J. McAvoy, and C.J. Fearer.  2025. A review of potential biological controls for Ailanthus altissima. Ann. Ent Soc Amer.  118(2):  101-109.   https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/saae041 

Rossi-Stacconi, M.V., et al. 2025. Adventively-established Leptopilina japonica: a new opportunity for agumentative biocontrol of Drosophila suzukii. Journal of Pest Science, 98: 1863-1879, DOI: 10.1007/s10340-025-01907-0.  

Rutledge, C.E. and N. Brophy. 2025. New host record for Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus (Drosophilidae: Diptera): Asimina triloba (Annonaceae: Magnoliales). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. Jul;127(1):133-5. 

Shively, Timothy J., J.N. Barney, A. Baudoin, C.J. Fearer, J.L. Reid, S.M. Salom. 2025. Range expansion of a Verticillium nonalfalfae isolate suppresses Ailanthus altissima with mixed results along environmental gradients. For. Path. 55(2) 15 pp. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.70013  

Shokoohi, A. 2025. Biocontrol Basics & Planning. Vegetable Notes. UMass Extension Vegetable Program’s 37:1. January 16, 2025. Sent to over 3,500 online subscribers. https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/vegetable/newsletters/vegetable-notes/vegetable-notes-2025-vol-371#biocontrol 

Shrestha, B., D. Rowland, S. Hesler, G. Brind’Amour, A. Wallis, A. Stansell. And G. Loeb. 2025. Enhancing biological control of spotted-wing Drosophila in New York fruit crops. Fruit Quarterly 33 (2): 10-14. 

Fulcher, M.R., R.Larkin, A, Johnson, L. Tewksbury, and M.A. Tancos. 2025. A foliar disease of invasive black swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum nigrum) caused by Boeremia exigua. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-03-25-0684-SC 

Grevstad, F.S., J.C. Andersen, N.C. Oderkirk, J. Andreas, L. Tewksbury, C. Detweiler, J. Price, B. Blossey, and R. Reardon. 2025. Limited establishment from widespread releases of the knotweed psyllid Aphalara itadori, a biological control agent for knotweeds in the USA. Biocontrol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-025-10362-w 

Liu, F., T.D. Bittner, M.C. Whitmore, 2024. Environmental DNA assays for Laricobius beetles (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), biocontrol agents of the hemlock woolly adelgid in North America. Journal of Economic Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae116 

Dietschler, N. J., T.D. Bittner, M.B. Lefebvre, J. Schmidt, C.S. Jubb, A. James, S.M. Salom, M.C. Whitmore, 2024. Observation of key phenological stages of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae): using citizen science as a tool to inform research and management. Journal of Economic Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae056 

Elizabeth M. D’Auria, Nicholas J. Dietschler, Tonya D. Bittner, Isis A.L. Caetano, Mark C. Whitmore. 2025. Methods for collecting and rearing three sympatric biocontrol agents of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in eastern North America. Journal of Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf107 

Dietschler N.J., F. Liu, S.L. Celis, M.C. Whitmore, A.A. Agrawal. 2025. Multi-trophic interactions and niche partitioning in the native range informs biological control in forests invaded by the hemlock woolly adelgid. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-025-03739-6%C2%A0 

Bittner, T.D., N.P. Havill, N.J. Dietschler, Z. Zembrzuski, M.C. Whitmore, 2025. Eastern and western lineages of Leucotaraxis argenticollis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), a biological control agent for Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), are capable of hybridization in the laboratory. Journal of Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf031 

Guan, W., S.A. Willden, and L. Ingwell. 2025. Active vs. passive winter row cover management: Impacts on strawberry yield and pests inside high tunnels. HortTechnology, 35 (4): 533 – 540. DOI: 10.21273/HORTTECH05622-25. 

Sharma, H., G. Loeb, and S. Willden. 2025. Spotted Lanternfly. Cornell Vegetable Program, Shared Article Network. 

Grynyshyn, Y. and S. Willden. 2025. Western flower thrips. Cornell Vegetable Program, Shared Article Network. Circulated in VegEdge. 

Sharma, H. and S. Willden. 2025. Fungus gnats in controlled environment agriculture. Cornell Vegetable Program, Shared Article Network. 

Grynyshyn, Y. and S. Willden. 2025. Chilli thrips in controlled environment agriculture. Cornell Vegetable Program, Shared Article Network. Circulated in AgWeekly (Orange County), VegEdge, and CCE Madison Grower Listserv. 

Sharma, H. and S. Willden. 2025. Twospotted spider mites. Cornell Vegetable Program, Shared Article Network. Circulated in AgWeekly (Orange County), VegEdge, and CCE Madison Grower Listserv. 

Willden, S. and L. Ingwell. 2025. The battle for winter spinach: Organic management of aphids on winter spinach in high tunnels. InsideGrower, Spring 2025 pp 34-35. https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/ig_25_02/index.aspx# 

UMass Extension Vegetable Program, adapted from K. Fahey & A. LaSalle. 2025. Identifying Natural Enemies on Your Farm. Vegetable Notes. UMass Extension Vegetable Program 37:18. Augst 14, 2025; sent to over 3,500 online subscribers. https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/vegetable/newsletters/vegetable-notes/vegetable-notes-2025-vol-3718#a2  

Valicharla, S. K., R. Karimzadeh, X. Li, and Y.-L. Park. 2025. Transformer-based semantic segmentation of Japanese knotweed in high-resolution UAV imagery using twins-SVT. Information, 16(9), 741. https://doi.org/10.3390/info16090741