Project Number: 1926-22000-015-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 01, 2000
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Develop methods to accurately measure fruit damage, to determine if Peristenus digoneutis (a parasite established by Newark)is reducing tarnished plant bug damage to fruit in New York State.

Approach:
The tarnished plant bug is a major pest of fruit, vegetables, seed, fiber, and nursery crops over most of the U.S. This project focuses on strawberries, because they are grown in many states, are a high-value crop per acre, are a perennial crop, and are significantly damaged by the TPB ($200-300 per acre in N.H.). If the parasite will significantly reduce TPB damage in strawberries, it will lower production costs and insecticide use, and will also encourage similar biocontrol research on other important fruit crops damaged by the TPB in the northeast. Initial research by USDA Newark established PERISTENUS DIGONEUTIS, a European parasite, in NE U.S., determined that it reduced TB numbers in alfalfa by 65%, and had spread into New York and other states. Subsequent cooperative studies at Cornell discovered this parasite in 7 new counties, and demonstrated that it will parasitize significant percentages of TPB's in strawberries, rye, chickweed and Erigeron. Cornell also developed DNA/PCR methods that will accurately identify P. digoneutis and 2 other parasite species.

Project Team

Hoelmer, Kim Michael Hoffman - Professor (302)731-7330

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)