Project Number: 6618-22000-028-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 01, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Develop control and IPM for domestic and invasive insect pests (PHM, BRCA, thrips, diaprepes, psyllids, whiteflies, mites, etc) of subtropical hort & nursery crops in the Southeastern United States. Identify, test, import, release & evaluate biological control agents for these pests. Chemically characterize substances that may raise resistance to insect pests, complement other IPM components or cause phytotoxicity. Elucidate biology of exotic pests to target specific pathways for development of innovative control strategies. Clarify vector pathogen-host relations for vegetables & ornamentals. Develop technology to control invasive arthropods/insect vectors of diseases in vegetables and horticultural crops.

Approach:
Biological control agents will be sought through exploration and use of known agents in culture. Agents will be evaluated in the lab and greenhouse prior to release. Biology of pests and biocontrol agents will be studied to select agents most effective at particular stages of pest development, and to optimize deployment methods. Substances that increase plant resistance or augment biocontrol will be evaluated for inclusion in biological and IPM programs. Plant compounds will be isolated and evaluated for their role in insect resistance. Citrus, vegetable, and ornamental germplasm will be screened; genes associated with resistance will be cloned, characterized, and considered for germplasm improvement. Transgenic plants made at USHRL or elsewhere will be evaluated for effects on insect biology, resistance to pests, and disease transmission by insect vectors. Use molecular techniques to examine the biology, gene expression, and pathways of exotic insect pests. Vector-pathogen relations will be characterized biochemically and biologically. Results will be applied to agricultural problems.

Project Team

Hall, David McKenzie, Cindy Weathersbee, Albert - Allen Shatters, Robert - Bob Hunter, Wayne Lapointe, Stephen

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

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