Project Number: 1926-22000-015-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 08, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Attain permanent, large area biological control of the Tarnished Plant Bug and the Alfalfa Plant Bug, on alfalfa, fruit, and vegetable crops. Develop biological control for Chinese soybean aphid in the mid-Atlantic region.

Approach:
Monitor abundance and parasitism of mirid plant bugs at selected locations to demonstrate effectiveness of established parasites. Subcolonize parasites to establish them in new areas. Determine dispersion of introduced parasites. Conduct life history studies to identify similarities and differences between host ranges and life cycles of established and native parasites. Attempt to establish new exotic parasites, especially south of 41 degrees north latitude. Investigate parasite's effectiveness on strawberry, with cooperators. Obtain baseline data on abundance and damage caused by Chinese soybean aphid in Delaware and adjoining states. Identify any native species attacking the aphid locally. Import promising natural enemies from temperate regions of the Far East (China, Korea, Japan). Pending quarantine screening (CRIS 1926-22000-014-00D) and studies on host/prey specificity (CRIS 1926-22000-013-00D), release promising natural enemies in nearby fields, make recovery attempts, and monitor their population buildup. Send colonies of promising species to cooperators in the Mid-West.

Project Team

Day, William Fuester, Roger

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

Developing Classical Biological Control Methods for the Tarnished Plant Bug on Crops in NY State