Project Number: 1907-22000-016-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 11, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
The goals of this project are to increase fundamental knowledge of insect-pathogenic fungi and use that knowledge to develop these pathogens as biological control agents of key insect pests of greenhouse and vegetable crops. Our objectives are to: 1. Develop fundamental knowledge of insect-fungus interactions. 2. Improve virulence and efficacy of entomopathogenic hyphomycete fungi. 3. Integrate fungi into insect pest management systems.

Approach:
This work encompasses fundamental as well as applied field and greenhouse research. Laboratory research will be focused on factors that affect fungal viability, infectivity and insect susceptibility. We will also study fungal strain differentiation to facilitate identification of isolates recovered from test plots, evaluate the probability of strain recombination in vivo and in vitro, and use a genetic transformation approach to help identify and exploit virulence factors. In field studies with lepidopterous pests of crucifers and the Colorado potato beetle on potatoes, we will investigate alternative application schemes for fungi, evaluate the impact of fungi on non-target beneficial insects, and determine the efficacy of interactions of fungi with other pest control methods. In studies of greenhouse crops, we will determine effectiveness of fungi against several key pests, including whiteflies, thrips, aphids and mites, on a variety of crops including ornamental flowers, bedding plants, and edible herbs. We will determine the effectiveness of commercially available and novel fungal strains and evaluate the suitability of integrating fungi with other biocontrol agents for more effective control. This project will provide basic information on insect mycoses and lead to incorporation of fungi as tools in pest management. Fungi used in this way will provide safe, effective biological alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides.

Project Team

Vandenberg, John Wraight, Stephen - Steve Gibson, Donna

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

Molecular Tracking of Fungal Biocontrol Agents    Risk Assessment of Using Fungal Insecticides: Impact on Indigenous, Conspecific Fungal Populations    Control of Phytophthora, Pythium and Other Root Health Problems Affecting Floral Crops    Control of Phytophthora, Botrytis and Sphaceloma Diseases and Deer and Rabbit Hervibory of Floral and Nursery Crops