A. Insects and Mites

Identification and Classification of Insects and Mites. ARS scientists will maintain specimen and germplasm collections of agriculturally and environmentally important insects, mites, microbes, and plants; conduct taxonomic assessments of important groups of organisms; develop identification keys, and support private and governmental action agencies in characterizing pest problems. Accurate taxonomic identification and classification of pest insects and mites and their host plants, as well as natural enemies such as beneficial insects and pathogens for potential use as biological control agents, are important for understanding the biology and control of known pest species; identifying new or unknown pests; determining their geographic origin; and for the location, identification, collection, and importation of effective biological control agents. This component encompasses systematic studies of high priority pest insects and mites, as well as emerging pests and beneficial parasite and predators; prediction and analysis of invasive insects and mites; bioinformatics and information technology; delivery of service identification to customers and stakeholders; and the development and delivery of advanced pest and beneficial insect and mite identification systems.

Biology of Pests and Natural Enemies (includes microbes). Inadequate knowledge of insect and mite pest biology, movement, genetics, physiology, organismal biology, and population ecology currently limits our ability to develop biologically sound and environmentally compatible pest control technologies. In addition, knowledge of the basic biology and ecology of beneficial insects (parasites and predators) and microbes and the interaction of these potential biological control agents with their pest insect and mite hosts will enable evaluation and selection of the most effective agents for biological control strategies. Increased knowledge of the biology of pest and beneficial organisms is expected to lead to more specific and effective methods of insect and mite control, with reduced effects on non-target organisms and the environment. The research in this component will focus largely on all aspects of basic biology, population dynamics and ecology, natural enemies, and rearing technology for insects and mites.

Plant, Pest, and Natural Enemy Interactions Understanding Multitrophic Interactions. Information about how insect and mite pests interact with crops and other commodities and how this interaction affects the economic value and/or quality of agricultural products is important for establishing the economic thresholds for managing pest populations, for minimizing pest damage or developing new methods of insect and mite control, and for improving host-plant resistance or other mechanisms for tolerance to insect and mite pests. In addition, interactions of pest insects with host plant species, particularly host-range information, the effect of this interaction on natural and agricultural ecosystems, and environmental impacts are critical in risk assessment for potentially invasive insects and mites. This component, in terms of multitrophic interactions, will include research on exotic and invasive species, plant-pest-natural enemy interactions, action thresholds, transgenic plants, and production practices.

Postharvest, Pest Exclusion, and Quarantine. Continued development of arthropod pest detection, exclusion, eradication, monitoring, and quarantine treatment technologies is important to prevent introduction of new pests into the United States and to ensure compliance with requirements for export of United States crops to markets. In this era of expanded free trade, travel, and global shipping and marketing, the introduction of new pests is an increasing threat that must be addressed through continued research on pest exclusion and quarantine methods. Emphasis is placed on exotic and stored product pests.

Pest Control Technologies. This component will include research and development of traditional biological control, miscellaneous biologically-based (biorational) control technologies, host resistance, cultural control, chemical control, and physical and mechanical control technologies

IPM Systems and Area-Wide Suppression. Research on integration of biological, genetic, cultural, physical, and chemical control technologies into effective, economical, and sustainable IPM systems and areawide suppression programs needs to be conducted so that practical integrated solutions to insect and mite problems can be transferred to customers as effective management programs. In addition, long-term monitoring and assessment of IPM programs and individual component technologies are essential to determine the effectiveness of control strategies and impacts on nontarget species and the long-term effects on agricultural and/or natural ecosystems.

Weed Biology and Ecology. Because weeds are found in almost every ecosystem, a variety of management techniques are required to minimize their impacts. It is therefore critical to understand the biological characteristics of weeds including their structure, growth and development, origin, evolution, and classification. Since the invasive potential, growth and development, competitive ability, and population dynamics of weeds are influenced by their interaction with their physical environment and with one another, the ecology of serious weeds and potentially invasive plants must be investigated under various environmental conditions to understand the adaptive mechanisms that allow weeds to succeed and thereby decrease the production of food and fiber and degrade natural environments. A complete description and fundamental knowledge of the biology and ecology of weeds and invasive plants are critical for their interdiction and management in agricultural and natural ecosystems. This component will specifically address invasive potential and ecological impact; taxonomy and systematics; early detection, rapid response, and monitoring; reproductive biology and seed bank dynamics; growth, development, and competition; and population dynamics.

Chemical Control: To control weeds, growers rely on integrated weed management strategies that include nonchemical (tillage, cultural practices, and biological control) and chemical components. No-till and minimum-till cultures greatly reduce soil erosion associated with tillage, but increase dependence on herbicides. Biological and other alternative control methods have not always proven effective for many important weeds. The need for new and environmentally friendly herbicides in the U.S. will likely increase. To maximize profits and ensure the continued use of herbicides, especially in the smaller markets, growers must become stewards of these chemicals by applying them only at labeled rates and employing new technologies that facilitate selective placement and minimize off-target movement. Emphasis in this component will be placed on herbicide use in minor crops, herbicide resistance and transgenics, herbicide efficacy and application technology, new herbicides, environmental transformation and movement of herbicides, and risk assessment.

Biological Control. Management of weeds through biological control already has demonstrated its usefulness, and biocontrol organisms yet unidentified may provide scientists and growers with further biological tools to control weed populations. Increasing pressures from pesticide resistance and the continuing influx of invasive and nonnative plant species require that research on biological control be developed further. The challenges for biological control scientists are to discover, develop, and deliver agents for a continually changing spectrum of weeds; to continue to develop effective weed management strategies; and to ensure that organisms to be released will contribute to the sustainability of our agricultural and natural land. The overall goal of this component will be develop safe biological agents to control weeds in systems where chemical control is undesirable or uneconomical. It will address agent discovery, selection, and risk assessment; efficacy and mass production of augmentative agents, and combining of biological control agents in a systems approach.

Weed Management Systems. Traditionally, weed management has focused primarily on interventions with various control tactics such as herbicides, tillage, and biological control agents with the intent of eliminating the weedy species while minimizing damage to desirable species. Reliance on any single tactic often results in selection for and development of weed populations that escape control and threaten ecosystem productivity. A systems approach using multiple tactics can permit a comprehensive program that is more effective in the short term and more consistent in the long term. The overall goal of this component will be to design management systems that integrate multiple weed control tactics; maintain weed populations at nondestructive levels and prevent shifts to more destructive species; develop weed management strategies that are compatible with overall management programs for maintaining ecosystem sustainability including productivity, profitability, efficient use of natural resources, and environmental protection; and develop flexible management systems that can be adapted to the diverse needs of various farm sizes, philosophies, economic goals, and market strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on cultural and mechanical control; integrated weed management in cropland and noncropland; and rehabilitation, revegetation, and restoration.