Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1. Fill critical knowledge gaps in our understanding of the biology, ecology, and impact of ABW and anthracnose associated with annual bluegrass on golf courses in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In the area of geographic distribution, data was collected from the disease diagnostic lab at UC Riverside for over 100 golf course locations in the US that had confirmed cases of anthracnose on greens in 2004 and 2005 (Wong). Pertinent environmental and cultural management data associated with disease epidemics at these sites were obtained for later use in identifying additional factors that affect anthracnose development. In the area of overwintering and reproductive biology, data are currently being analyzed from three studies conducted in NY: distribution surveys to assess preferences of ABW with respect to distance from the fairway and type of surface microhabitat, a choice experiment to determine microhabitat preferences, and a no-choice experiment to assess overwintering success under differing scenarios including the timing and conditions of spring emergence (Peck). Initial results show that adults do not overwinter on the fairway, that they tend to overwinter at the edge of wooded areas, and that they will travel as far as 60 m to access those sites. When given no option, adults are capable of overwintering under fairway conditions. When given options of where to overwinter, adults exhibit preferences for different surface microhabitats. In the area of population biology and ecology, a detailed study of the population fluctuations and phenology of ABW was conducted over two consecutive seasons in two sites of Upstate NY (Peck). Head capsule width measurements were made to confirm five larval instars and their differentiation along with other life stages captured in surveys based on soap flushes, pitfall traps and soil core extractions. Results confirmed that these protocols are adequate to gauge geographical and yearly variation in number of generations, insect load (abundance), population synchrony and timing. Phenograms were constructed to visualize population development. Data are currently being assessed from captures in linear pitfall traps in two sites over one year to reveal the patterns and directionality of movement. Additional population surveys were conducted at a golf course in downstate NY (Vittum) and central NJ (Koppenhöfer) for a comparative assessment of seasonal development and are currently being summarized. The population structure and demographic history of C. cereale in turfgrass ecosystems were investigated by means of detailed spatial sampling of contemporary populations (Hillman). An extensive culture collection of C. cereale, catalogued according to longitude and latitude coordinates, has been assembled from 97 stands of cultivated turf from the U.S. and Canada (with the assistance of Dernoeden, Hsiang, Kaminski, Tredway, Uddin and Wong), with 530 strains currently in pure culture (Hillman). Four main lineages of C. cereale have been recognized through multi-locus nucleotide sequence analysis, and a single haplotype has been identified as the ancestral genotype for the numerically dominant lineage in North America. A set of novel simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (microsatellites) has been developed using a hybrid capture protocol to generate hypervariable genotypic data for fine-scale population analyses: 54 SSR loci have been identified, and primer pairs from 21 polymorphic loci have been prepared (Hillman). Over 967 single-spore isolates of C. cereale from 17 locations in CA and surrounding states have been collected since 2002 and sent to Hillman for analysis in population studies. In the area of host plant selection, strains of C. cereale obtained by project collaborators from cultivated and native cool-season grasses were evaluated as inoculants on an annual bluegrass (Poa annua) green in NJ (Clarke and Hillman). Isolates obtained from P. annua were most pathogenic, but several native grass and Agrostis (bentgrass) strains also caused visual symptoms of disease. Objective 2. Identify and develop new cultural, biological, chemical, and genetic control options for suppressing ABW and anthracnose on golf courses. In the area of new control options, field efficacy trials were conducted in MA on traditional insecticides and spinosad (Conserve), confirming that spinosad has promising results when timed to target active ABW larvae (Vittum). Field efficacy trials were conducted in NH on conventional products and new chemistries (Swier). Anthranilic diamide (DPXE2Y45) (0.2 lb/a) gave 93% control of ABW when applied May 18 to adults (1 week after peak Forsythia bloom). This level of control was equivalent to the standard bifenthrin (Talstar). If properly timed, the neonicotinoids also exhibited good control. Imidacloprid (Merit) gave 86% control when applied June 10 to small larvae. Clothianidin (Arena) (0.4 lb/a) gave 93% control when applied June 20 to mid sized larvae. Field efficacy trials were conducted in PA on registered conventional and biorational products and new chemistries (Heller). Pyrethroids and DPXE2Y45 gave excellent control of ABW when applications were timed within several days of full bloom of Downy serviceberry, Amelanchier arborea. To date, this phenological indicator has correlated well with the timing of pesticide applications targeting adult populations. A field efficacy trial was conducted in NJ on various biorational products and new chemistries (Koppenhöfer). Only DPXE2Y45 showed a level of ABW control comparable to the pyrethroid standard bifenthrin (~93%). Field efficacy trials conducted in RI have assessed biological and chemical options for suppressing ABW on golf courses (Alm). Early studies (1994) showed 76 and 98% control at two sites with Steinernema carpocapsae (1 billion/a) applied 15 June. Laboratory experiments with Steinernema glaseri showed 57 and 58% control at 0.5 and 1 billion per acre rates. More recently, numerous trials have been initiated with various conventional products including bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, halofenozide, imidacloprid, clothianadin, trichlorfon, chlorpyrifos and carbaryl. A survey for entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) was conducted on 11 golf courses in central and northern NJ (Koppenhöfer). ABW life stages were sampled at 103 areas along with soil samples baited with wax moth larvae to isolate any endemic insect pathogens. ABW was recovered in 49% of the samples and 8% of those insects were positive for EPN. Of the 50 EPN-infected ABW stages collected (mostly large larvae, the remainder pupae), 49 were infected with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and one with Steinernema carpocapsae. EPN were baited from soil samples at 29% of the sites; 34% of the isolated EPN were H. bacteriophora and 66% S. carpocapsae. The seasonal dynamics of ABW and EPN were observed across nine fairway transects on a golf course in central NJ (Koppenhöfer). H. bacteriophora, but not S. carpocapsae, was regularly found infecting ABW stages during the spring generation. Due to dry conditions both ABW and EPN populations were very low after early July. No adults were found to be infected with EPN. In a laboratory bioassay of six commercial and two field-isolates of EPN, none caused high mortality against adult ABW. Observations suggest that future efforts should focus on ABW larvae. A field efficacy trial was conducted in NJ to evaluate the influence of conventional fungicides and biorational products on anthracnose on a P. annua green (Clarke). Products and tank mixtures containing chlorothalonil, fosetyl- Al, polyoxin-D, fludioxonil, propiconazole, and tebuconazole were most efficacious, whereas resistance was identified for all QoI and benzimidazole fungicides tested. Similar trials were conducted in CA on golf course greens (Wong). Results from these studies confirmed good to excellent control of anthracnose with, polyoxin-D, fludioxonil, and mixtures containing fosetyl- Al + chlorothalonil and fosetyl- Al + iprodione. In vitro, ED50 values were calculated for 60 isolates of C. cereale grown on media amended with DMI fungicides or fludioxonil (Wong). Results from this study confirmed that isolates were most sensitive to tebuconazole and propiconazole (two DMIs that have consistently performed well in field efficacy studies throughout the country). There was a wide variation in the ED50 values obtained for fludioxonil. An efficacy trial was conducted in PA with various phosphonate fungicides (fosetyl-Al and phosphite-based products) on anthracnose basal rot and quality of a mixed P. annua/creeping bentgrass (A. stolonifera.) putting green (Landschoot). Only fosetyl-Al (Chipco Signature) and reagent-grade phosphorous acid/potassium hydroxide reduced anthracnose severity relative to the untreated control. Phosphonate fungicides and a reagent-grade phosphorous acid/potassium hydroxide treatment typically provided better turfgrass quality than untreated turf. Similar trials were conducted in NC to evaluate the phosphonate fungicides fosetyl-Al (Chipco Signature) and potassium phosphite (Alude) for preventive control of anthracnose basal rot on A. stolonifera and anthracnose foliar blight on P. annua putting greens (Tredway). On P. annua, fosetyl-Al and potassium phosphite provided excellent control of anthracnose foliar blight when applied alone or tank-mixed with chlorothalonil. On Agrostis, fosetyl-Al provided an acceptable level of anthracnose basal rot control, whereas potassium phosphite only reduced the disease 10% compared to untreated turf. Two multi-year field studies examining the impact of management practices on anthracnose were concluded in 2005 (Clarke and Murphy). The first study assessed the influence of nitrogen, the plant growth regulators (PGRs) mefluidide and trinexapac-ethyl, and verticutting on anthracnose of P. annua maintained as putting greens. Results confirmed that weekly low rate N fertilization reduced the severity of anthracnose 25  73% during the three year study compared to monthly N applications, verticutting had little effect on anthracnose severity, and PGRs were most effective in reducing disease when mefluidide (a seedhead suppressant) was used in April followed by sequential applications of trinexapac-ethyl (a vegetative suppressant) throughout the growing season. In the second study, the effect of mowing and rolling practices on anthracnose severity and ball roll distance (a standard measure of quality on golf course putting greens) was evaluated (Clarke and Murphy). This research confirmed that increasing mowing height as little as 0.4-mm resulted in a meaningful reduction in disease severity, lightweight vibratory rolling reduced anthracnose under moderate disease pressure and, contrary to expectations, that more frequent mowing (double-cutting) did not increase the incidence or severity of anthracnose. The principle conclusion of this two year study was that golf course superintendents can significantly reduce the severity of anthracnose and still maintain acceptable ball roll distance and turfgrass quality on P. annua putting greens by increasing mowing height and adjusting the frequency of their mowing and/or rolling practices. A field study was established in NY to assess the effect of various walk behind putting green mowers and mowing frequencies on anthracnose basal rot (Rossi). Results confirmed that front weight biased, fixed head mowers increased anthracnose severity compared to floating or flexible head mowers. Increasing the frequency of clip on electric mowers reduced disease incidence and improved turfgrass quality, however some performance factors such as ball roll distance were reduced. A field study was conducted in PA to evaluate the effect of nitrogen rate and source on the severity of anthracnose basal rot on a mixed sward of A. stolonifera cv. Penncross and P. annua maintained as a putting green (Uddin). Although disease severity in plots that received a low rate (4.9 kg N ha-1) of IBDU was significantly lower in 2005 compared to the same rate of urea or methylene urea, no difference in disease was observed between nitrogen sources when application rates were increased to the middle (14.7 kg N ha-1) or high rate (24.5 kg N ha-1) of nitrogen. A study was initiated in 2005 to further evaluate the impact of PGR type, rate, and frequency of application on anthracnose, seedhead expression and quality of P. annua maintained at greens height (Clarke and Murphy). The seedhead suppressants mefluidide and ethephon reduced anthracnose 10  50% and 24  77%, respectively, relative to untreated turf. Trinexapac-ethyl alone did not affect anthracnose severity. The use of mefluidide or ethephon in April plus sequential applications of trinexapac-ethyl throughout the growing season provided better disease control than either seedhead suppressant alone. In the area of conservation biological control, no accomplishments are reported. In the area of host plant resistance, greens-type P. annua evaluation trials were established in the field and greenhouse in PA (Huff). Mapping populations have been constructed for evaluating traits of annual and perennial biotypes and for detecting resistance to anthracnose, dollar spot, and saline soils. Seed from some 20 varieties of P. annua are now available to project collaborators for small-scale greenhouse and field trials to assess resistance to ABW and anthracnose. In the summer of 2005, 38 cultivars and 380 germplasm selections of A. stolonifera and velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina) were inoculated with five isolates of Colletotrichum cereale obtained from A. stolonifera and P. annua (Bonos). Unfortunately, no infection occurred in 2005. Objective 3. Develop improved IPM decision tools for managing ABW and anthracnose on golf courses. In the area of rearing techniques and economic thresholds, efforts at rearing ABW in the laboratory have only started to show some limited promise (Koppenhöfer). These procedures need to be further pursued before sufficient numbers of ABW developmental stages can be reared for bioassays. In the area of prediction models, an approach is being evaluated to establish a preliminary degree-day model to predict ABW phenology (Peck). Based on field data obtained from two years of population surveys in NY (Obj. 1), various models are being assessed to establish the best minimum temperature threshold and the degree of predictive power. Insecticide resistance management was identified as an additional area of research activity based on the results of preliminary studies from CT (Cowles). Several golf courses in CT experienced dramatic control failures in 2005. A dose-response curve with the pyrethroid Scimitar, was established for adults at one of these sites. With three repetitions of 15 weevils, mortality after 6 days was 36, 33, 27, 49, 47, 78 and 60% for concentrations that were 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 times the field rate. These data suggest that ABW populations at this golf course are functionally resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, with significant mortality only observed at dosages at least four times the normal field rate. To help golf course superintendents determine whether pyrethroids are still useful at a site, a bioassay test kit featuring a disposable Petri dish and pretreated filter paper was developed. With this system, a range of dosages can be tested for dose-response analysis in the laboratory, or a normal field dosage of pyrethroids can be used by golf course superintendents as a discriminating dosage to support their own decision-making. Objective 4. Develop best management practices for annual bluegrass on golf courses that will help reduce the economic and environmental costs associated with pesticides currently used to control ABW and anthracnose. An adhoc committee (Heller, Murphy, and Wong) was created to summarize project results on a yearly basis into a dynamic best management practices document that will be updated each year to reflect new advances. An outline for a pre-project survey was developed by attendees at the annual project meeting held at Rutgers from 19-20 April 2006. Brief Overview of Work Planned for 2006 and Plan for Assessing Progress/Impact of Research on this Project Objective 1 In the area of geographic distribution, we will establish a common ABW database to coalesce distribution data from the region (Peck). In states where the insect is widespread and prevalent, only representative locality data will be required; but in states or areas where the insect is localized or recently problematic (e.g. MD), more extensive surveys will be conducted to explicitly establish its presence or absence on golf courses (Alm, Cowles, Koppenhöfer, Heller, Peck, Shrewsbury, Swier, Vittum). In MN, where the insect has yet to be cited as a turfgrass pest, surveys will be conducted to confirm presence of the insect and make an initial assessment of its incidence on golf courses and on P. annua (Krischik). Adult specimens will be collected from representative geographic regions of each state, preserved in 95% ethyl alcohol, and held in repository in NY (Peck) until funding can be found to confirm, via molecular techniques, that ABW is a single species (rather than a species complex). The detailed examination of C. cereale in turf, cereal crops and natural grassland communities by Hillman will be expanded in 2006 to include other cultivated (e.g., golf course) and natural sites (with the contribution of isolates from Clarke, Dernoeden, Hsiang, Kaminski, Tredway, Uddin, Vargas, and Wong), significantly advancing our current understanding of how this important pathogen is distributed across North America. Isolations from turf samples suspected of being infested with C. cereale will be made at the UConn (Kaminski) and Rutgers (Clarke) Disease Diagnostic Centers as well as by Clarke, Dernoeden, Hsiang, Kaminski, Tredway, Uddin, Vargas, and Wong and sent to a repository in NJ (Hillman) for strain identification using DNA fingerprint, microsatellite, and nucleotide sequence analysis. Attempts will be made to monitor anthracnose epidemics at specific golf courses throughout the Northeast region during the 2006 season to gain a better understanding of the disease cycle (Kaminski). In the area of overwintering biology and reproductive biology, we will continue studies to describe ABWs overwintering strategy by establishing the factors that affect site selection and success (Peck). New studies in 2006 will build on the results from 2004-2005 and these will be broadened to include overwintering site surveys in RI (Alm). The overwintering biology of C. cereale will be studied in CA under field conditions (Wong). In the area of population biology and ecology, we will continue studies to document the relationship between overwintering sites and developmental sites for ABW and to describe the patterns of variation in population fluctuations and phenology (Peck). Population studies in Upstate NY will continue for a third year. Weekly sampling will also take place on a course in Downstate NY and in CT (Vittum). Using traditional measures of population diversity we will continue to assess effective population size, migration, patterns of dispersal and local demes, recombination rates and gene flow across the four extant C. cereale lineages (Hillman in collaboration with Hsiang, Tredway, Uddin, and Wong). Results will be compared against similar data drawn from a sample of ~800 C. cereale strains collected from cool-season grass species in 15 wheat fields and 18 prairie grasslands across 7 states providing an excellent contrast of pathogenic vs. non-pathogenic C. cereale populations. Attempts will be made to transform additional strains of C. cereale with the constitutively expressed GFP protein (Kaminski in collaboration with Hillman and Hsiang who have already successfully transformed several isolates). Upon successful transformation, isolates will be used to conduct growth chamber studies investigating the infection and overwintering processes of C. cereale in P. annua (Kaminski). In the area of host plant selection, studies will continue to establish protocols adequate for maintaining ABW life stages on P. annua in the laboratory/greenhouse (Koppenhöfer and Peck). Strains of C. cereale obtained by project collaborators from cultivated and native cool-season grasses will be evaluated as inoculants on P. annua greens in NJ (Clarke and Hillman). Progress/impact will be assessed by: " Number of ABW localities entered into the geographic distribution database and the number of states and counties represented " Number and diversity of C. cereale strains obtained from cultivated and native grasses that can be used to clarify the relationship between strains of this pathogen from different geographic regions in North America " Number of adult ABW voucher specimens preserved and the number of regions and states represented " Completion of M.S. or Ph.D. theses and initiation of Ph.D. dissertations in the areas of ABW population phenology and anthracnose population biology and ecology. Objective 2 In the area of new control options, field efficacy trials will be conducted in MA with an emphasis on conventional insecticides and spinosad targeting the first generation (Vittum). Trials in NH will focus on DPXE2Y45, imidacloprid, clothianidin and indoxacarb, with an emphasis on refining rates, timing and efficacy (Swier). Trials in PA will consist of two curative and two preventive studies on two golf courses to test a range of products including DPXE2Y45 (Heller). Trials in RI will focus on DPXE2Y45, Steinernema carpocapsae and S. kraussei (Alm). Field trials in NJ will focus on commercial and field-isolated entomopathogenic nematodes along with biorationals and new synthetic compounds (Koppenhöfer). Laboratory bioassays will be conducted with a focus on pathogens, particularly nematodes, against developmental stages of ABW (Koppenhöfer) Field trials are underway at one site in CT, from which putatively pyrethroid-resistant adult weevils were obtained in 2005 (Cowles). Products being tested include representatives of conventional products (pyrethroids +/- neonicotinoids), insect pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae and S. kraussei), insect growth regulators (azadirachtin, dimilin, novaluron), fungal pathogens (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae), and new chemistries (DPXE2Y45 and indoxacarb). Studies on the dynamics of ABW and pathogens will encompass two additional sites in NJ (Koppenhöfer). Field efficacy trials will be conducted in CA, CT, MI, NC, NJ, ON and PA with an emphasis on conventional fungicides and biorational products. Trials in NJ will focus on the benzimidazole (thiophanate methyl), DMI (propiconazole and tebuconazole), dicarboximide (iprodione), nitrile (chlorothalonil), phenylpyrrole (fludioxonil), phosphonate (fosetyl Al), QoI (azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin) and antibiotic (polyoxin-D) chemistries as well as biorational products containing Bacillus licheniformis SB3086, B. subtilus, and several nitrogen fertility programs, with emphasis on refining rates, timing and efficacy of tank mixtures (Clarke). Field trials in CT will assess the effectiveness of many of the fungicides tested in NJ, as well as phosphite products, to help determine effective chemical management strategies for suppressing anthracnose in the region (Kaminski). Tredway will examine the distribution of fungicide resistance in C. cereale populations. Isolates will continue to be collected as epidemics occur in NC to track the development and spread of resistance over time The sensitivity of these isolates and strains collected by project participants to benzimidazole, DMI, and QoI fungicides will be determined in 2006. One A. stolonifera and one P. annua site will be selected in NC for intensive sampling (30 to 50 isolates). These isolates will be sent to Hillman (NJ) for analysis of population structure using molecular techniques. Wong (CA) will continue to establish baseline sensitivity of C. cereale isolates from CA and other states to fludioxonil. In vitro sensitivity of isolates to this fungicide will be confirmed with in vivo testing and molecular methods. In vitro tests, phosphorous acid and formulated phosphonate fungicides will be evaluated for their ability to control anthracnose using several isolates of C. cereale (Landschoot). Fungicide trials will continue in NC to assess the efficacy of phosphonate fungicides for control of anthracnose diseases on A. stolonifera and P. annua greens (Tredway). Several studies will be initiated in 2006 to expand upon our current understanding of how management practices influence the incidence and severity of anthracnose on P. annua greens (Clarke, Huang and Murphy). The impact of sand topdressing rate, frequency, particle size and incorporation method, as well as the effect of irrigation and different types of rolling and mowing practices on anthracnose will be studied over the next two years A study initiated in 2005 to evaluate the impact of PGR type, rate, and frequency of application on anthracnose, seedhead expression and quality of P. annua will be continued to assess the influence of main effects on this disease and to identify potential interactions that may occur between seedhead and vegetative growth regulation practices (Clarke and Murphy). We will continue a field study in NY for another two years assessing the impact of various walk behind mowers, mowing frequencies, and frequency of clip (at two nitrogen rates) on anthracnose basal rot of putting green turf (Rossi). A field study conducted in PA to evaluate the effect of nitrogen rate and source on anthracnose severity in a mixed sward of A. stolonifera and P. annua maintained as a putting green will be repeated in 2006 (Uddin). In the area of conservation biological control, surveys of natural enemies (predators, parasitoids, pathogens) of ABW will be continued to obtain information on potential agents of curative biological control and on naturally occurring enemies that will be the focus of studies on habitat manipulations for conservation biological control (Alm, Koppenhöfer, Shrewsbury). NJ will serve as the repository for strains of entomopathogenic nematodes (Koppenhöfer), NY for entomopathogenic fungi (Peck), and MD for information and observations on parasitoids and predators (Shrewsbury). In the area of host plant resistance, protocols will be established to maintain ABW life stages on P. annua in the greenhouse in order to measure certain biological characters such as fecundity and longevity (Peck). Once developed, different P. annua varieties developed in PA (Huff) will be established in pots and screened for effects on any aspect of ABW biology with the goal of obtaining positive evidence for genetic variation in host plant resistance (Peck). Protocols will also be tested for challenging small plots of P. annua varieties with ABW adults (Alm) and C. cereale (Bonos, Clarke and Murphy) to evaluate resistance potential in the field. Field inoculations of A. stolonifera with C. cereale are planned for 2006 (Bonos). The protocol successfully developed by Uddin and modified by Clarke and Hillman for the inoculation of P. annua in the field will be adjusted to enhance infectivity on Agrostis cultivars and selections. Isolates of C. cereale with proven pathogenicity to Agrostis in greenhouse studies will be used for inoculations. Technical expertise and methodology from a genetic linkage map and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) identified in A. stolonifera for dollar spot resistance (Bonos) will be shared with Huff and coworkers working on a genetic linkage map of P. annua and the identification of QTLs for resistance to anthracnose. Bonos will share markers, mapping techniques, software programs and expertise to support the linkage map and marker development in P. annua coordinated by Huff. Poa annua will continue to be collected, selected, and bred to develop additional genetically-stable and phenotypically-uniform cultivars (Huff) for on-site testing at commercial golf courses and research sites of project participants. Huff will assist project collaborators in the development of techniques to screen large numbers of progenies and germplasm accessions for resistance to anthracnose and tolerance to ABW. Working with Huff (PA) and Bonos (NJ), Langille (ME) will adapt a protocol developed on potato to challenge protoplasts of P. annua and Agrostis with toxins extracted from cultures of C. cereale to identify potentially disease resistant clones of both species for use in the PA and NJ breeding programs. Progress/impact will be assessed by: " Number of field trials conducted on ABW and anthracnose control products and number of reports submitted as publications to Arthropod Management Tests, Fungicide and Nematicide Tests and other print or online journals. " Number of control products evaluated with efficacy superior to conventional insecticide (e.g., pyrethroids) and fungicide (e.g., QoI) chemistries. " Number of new ABW pathogen strains isolated and evaluated in laboratory bioassays. " Survey results (i.e., dollars saved, pesticide use reduced, and enhanced levels of control obtained) from commercial golf course superintendents who implement cultural, chemical, biological, biorational, or genetic (e.g., new pest resistant cultivars of P. annua or Agrostis) practices identified by project collaborators to reduce anthracnose and/or ABW. " Variation across P. annua cultivars identified for one or more ABW or anthracnose biological parameters. Objective 3 In the area of rearing techniques and economic thresholds, work will continue to establish techniques for maintaining ABW life stages in the laboratory/greenhouse in order to produce sufficient material to support controlled laboratory/greenhouse trials (Koppenhöfer, Peck). In the area of prediction models, the preliminary degree-day model established in 2005 for the ABW will be strengthened in 2006 after acquiring a third year of data from two sites in Upstate NY (Peck). Studies will continue to assess Downy serviceberry, Amelanchier arborea, as a plant phenological indicator for the timing of ABW control applications (Heller). A P. annua putting green is currently being constructed in CT to establish a permanent location for studies investigating the influence of environmental parameters and key management factors on anthracnose (Kaminski). In the area of insecticide resistance management, studies will be conducted to confirm resistance by comparing dose-response curves from less intensively selected populations as a baseline for comparison (Cowles, Swier). Contributing resistance studies are also contemplated in MA (Vittum). Insecticide resistance test kits will be distributed to a subgroup of golf course superintendents for field testing (Cowles). Progress/impact will be assessed by: " Procedure adequate for maintaining ABW in the laboratory/greenhouse year round " Robustness (i.e. predictive power) of a degree-day model to predict the timing of ABW phenology based on two sites across three years " Robustness (i.e. predictive power) of a predictive model for forecasting anthracnose epidemics based on environmental factors that can be validated in the field at various locations throughout the region. " Number of superintendents to field test a diagnostic kit for assessing ABW susceptibility to pyrethroids Objective 4 A survey instrument is being developed to collect preliminary data regarding the management and prevalence of anthracnose (Kaminski and Landschoot) and ABW (Cowles, Peck, and Ruemmele) on golf courses throughout the country. The University of Connecticut (Kaminski) will be responsible for hosting the survey on a soon to be developed project website. Golf course superintendents from all states participating in the project will be enlisted to take part in a general and extensive pre-project survey on the management of ABW and anthracnose in P. annua. The project website will help participants disseminate research results to golf course superintendents throughout North America (Kaminski). The website will serve as a central clearinghouse for project accomplishments, periodic updates, publications, and the working version of a best management practices publication to be developed by the NE 1025 participants. The site will also serve as the host for pre- and post-project surveys thus enabling the group to periodically assess the impact that this project is having on stakeholders throughout the Country. Progress/impact will be assessed by: " Number of golf course superintendents responding to the pre- and post-project surveys and the number of states represented. " Data obtained from the pre- and post project surveys to assess quantitative (e.g., dollars saved and pesticide usage reduced) and qualitative (e.g., management practices changed and plant health improved) impacts from this project. " Number of hits on the project website and the number of downloads of archived ABW and anthracnose research and extension based publications developed by project collaborators. Expected Tangible Outputs or Products from the Research By end of Year 1 (09/30/06): " Centralized repositories established for ABW geographic locality information, isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, information and observations on parasitoids and predators, and taxonomic voucher specimens " Initial working draft of a best management practices document incorporating the latest research results from project participants for posting on the NE 1025 website " Map of the current known and confirmed distribution of ABW, at the level of county, established for at least four states, including MD and NY " Preliminary degree-day model to predict ABW phenology is developed and ready for regional validation " Improved procedures for maintaining, manipulating and rearing ABW in the laboratory/greenhouse " Protocols established for screening P. annua varieties to ABW and anthracnose, and Agrostis varieties to anthracnose in the greenhouse and field " Protocols established for rapidly assessing the development of fungicide resistant stains of C. cereale " Diagnostic test kits to assess pyrethroid susceptibility are field-tested by a subpopulation of golf course superintendents in CT " Isolation and identification of C. cereale strains from North America for use in breeding programs, population studies, and management research " New strains/species of ABW pathogens isolated and available for studies on biological control " New information generated on the occurrence of parasitoids and predators and available for studies on conservation biological control through habitat manipulation " Survey of pre-project management practices conducted " Launch of project website to include research progress updates, survey results, refereed and non-refereed publications, extension fact sheets and bulletins, conference proceedings, and minutes from regional project meetings " Results of research examining the impact of cultural practices (nitrogen, growth regulators, mowing, rolling and verticutting) on anthracnose published in refereed and trade journals " Results of field efficacy trials for ABW and anthracnose published in Arthropod Management Tests, Fungicide and Nematicide Tests, and other print and online journals. " Research results shared via multiple presentations to diverse stakeholder audiences across the United States and Canada.

Crouch, J., B.B. Clarke, and B.I. Hillman. 2005. Biology and Phylogenetic relationships of Colletotrichum isolates from turfgrass in North America. J. Int. Turf Soc. 10:186-195. Landschoot, P.J., and P.J. Cook. 2005. Sorting out the phosphonate products. Golf Course Management. 73 (11):73-77. Cook, P.J., P.J. Landschoot, and M. Schlossberg. 2006. Phosphonate products for disease control and putting green quality. Golf Course Management. 74 (4):93-96. Crouch, J., B.B. Clarke, and B.I. Hillman. 2006. Unraveling the evolutionary relationships among the divergent lineages of Colletotrichum causing anthracnose disease in turfgrass and maize. Phytopathology 96:46-60