A lab method was developed to rear Catolaccus hunteri, an endemic parasitoid of Anthonomus eugenii, on the alternative host Callobruchus maculatus in garbanzo beans. Using this method (requiring 30 work hours per week), 38,000 can be reared per week, which are more than enough to support weekly field releases of 9500. 

The cactus moth is an exotic invasive pest in Florida that is spreading up the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and poses a threat to the Opuntia-rich ecosystems and cactus agricultural industries in the Southwestern USA and Mexico.  Egg sticks of different ages of the cactus moth were exposed in the laboratory to temperatures ranging from 30 to -20°C for 1-5 days.  The data are discussed in terms of its potential range in North America. 

Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been spreading throughout southern and central Florida since 1989, attacking endangered native bromeliads. Management efforts focusing on biological control have progressed slowly. As the weevil's effects worsen, however, the need to monitor its spread and to collect seeds of endangered host plants has intensified. Outreach programs to bromeliad societies, land management agencies and the public have resulted in increased monitoring capabilities and greater volunteer involvement in seed collection. 

A field study of female Nephila clavipes and their webs was undertaken to examine the following potentially interrelated aspects of the species' ecology: barrier webs, Argyrodes kleptoparasites, conspecific males, prey capture, web compass orientation, web tilt from vertical, and predatory behavior.  Most notably, dorsa are oriented in the EW direction, predatory behavior was not different if wrapped pre was present vs absent, and the presence of males was associated with fewer Argyrodes.

A sustainable, non chemical management system to produce native plants was studied for 3 years and compared to a traditional system. We studied arthropod communities that developed in these systems and compared them to the communities from natural habitats. The mean abundance of arthropods at the biological system was significantly higher than at the chemically managed system. A higher number of carnivorous arthropods (predaceous spiders, mites, beetles) and herbivorous arthropods (Acari, Lepidoptera, Homoptera) were observed on those plant grown under a biological system compared to those maintained under a traditional system. 

Frequency of homopteran pests and their natural enemies was determined in papaya plantings in Florida. The most frequent homopterans detected from November 2000 through October 2001 were Philephedra tuberculosa, Coccus hesperidum (Coccidae) and the diaspidids, Aspidiotus destructor, Acutaspis sp., and Hemiberlesia sp.; mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus and its parasitoid, Acerophagus nubilipennis; Aphids, Myzus persicae and Lipaphis pseudobrassicae, leafhoppers, Empoasca stevensi and Empoasca sp.; whiteflies, Trialeurodes variabilis, and its parasitoid Amitus fuscipennis.  Population peaks of the different homopterans varied among species. 

A classical biological control effort was initiated in 1997 as part of the IPM program for Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This effort combined foreign exploration, quarantine studies, production, release and recovery efforts of the Caribbean parasitoids Quadrastichus haitiensis (Gahan) [=Tetrastichus haitiensis] and Aprostocetus vaquitarum (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Quadrastichus haitiensis (Gahan) (Qh) introduced from Puerto Rico and released in 1998 throughout Florida.  Aprostocetus vaquitarum (Wolcott) [=A. gala] (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (Av) is an ectoparasitoid introduced in 2000 from Dominican Republic. Release and recovery efforts were primarily aimed at establishing both parasitoids in multiple locations using caged and open field releases. Here we summarize recoveries and current relative abundance of the parasitoids in different study areas of Florida. The parasitoids A. vaquitarum and Q. haitiensis were recovered in south, mid and central Florida. Highest recovery rates of 100% were obtained in the southern portion of the state compared to recovery rates of 16-14% obtained in the middle areas of the state. 

The Diaprepes root weevil (DRW) has become the major arthropod pest of citrus in Florida since its introduction from the Caribbean in the 1960's.  We have developed methods for screening roots, root extracts, and specific compounds for repellency and/or toxicity to larval DRW.  We have shown that legumes such as Arachis pintoi, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria pallida, and Tephrosia vogelii are excellent hosts for larval development of DRW.  The tropical legume Tephrosia vogelii is known to be a source of rotenoids and has been cultivated for production of rotenone.  However, larvae and adults of DRW feed and grow as well on T. vogelii as they do on citrus.  Similarly, rotenone incorporated into an artificial diet or applied topically has little effect on larval growth.  We've shown that a congener, Tephrosia candida, is toxic to larvae and repellent to adults.  Diet incorporation of lyophilized roots of T. candida into an artificial diet increasingly inhibited the growth of larvae and increased larval mortality with increased concentration of roots, while roots from C. macrophylla or T. vogelii had no effect compared to the diet-only control.  No antifeedant effect of roots of T. candida towards larvae was observed in no-choice pot tests or in a diet incorporation bioassay using 3-wk-old larvae (50 mg).  However, a new bioassay using neonate larvae in microcentrifuge tubes showed antifeedant activity of lyophilized root of T. candida.  This neonate assay is faster and has higher throughput compared to the assay using 3-wk-old larvae.  Its use in elucidation of the biochemical basis of toxicity in T. candida and in screening for other botanical sources of activity against DRW will be described. 

When neonate larvae hatch from egg masses of Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) in the citrus canopy and drop to the soil surface before burrowing down to the roots for feeding, they can be extremely vulnerable to predation by ants and other predators. Under laboratory conditions (24°C, 70% RH, L:D = 12:12), neonate drop was not well synchronized within or among egg masses, occurred during all hours of the light and dark phases, and extended over 5 to 23 h. The drop rate was highest during the second half of the light phase (52.4%) and lowest during the second half of the dark phase (8.0%). This pattern might constitute an adaptive response to the activity patterns of predators, or be influenced by environmental conditions such as rainfall, which could have an important impact on the ability of neonates to penetrate soil. 

Thimethoxam, a second-generation neonicotinoid insecticide, is toxic to a wide range of foliar and soil-inhabiting insects that includes whiteflies, aphids, Colorado potato beetle, and wireworms. In soil column bioassays, thiamethoxam at two rates was highly effective as a contact insecticide against neonate Diaprepes abbreviatus after 144 hour exposure.  In a greenhouse trial, where four rates of thiamethoxam were tested as a soil drench for controlling neonate larvae in container-grown citrus, all rates gave virtually 100% control and total plant protection at 6 weeks post-treatment.  In a similar residual trial, thiamethoxam gave excellent larval mortality and plant protection up to 80 days post-treatment.  Efficacy at low rates and long residual favor field testing against citrus root weevils. 

The seasonal control of different life stages of Diaprepes abbreviatus and Pachnaeus litus using different foliar and soil treatments was compared to no control for 3 consecutive years in a commercial orange grove near Ft. Pierce, FL.  Seasonal control of Phytophthora spp. was also evaluated with and without fungicide in a strip plot design.  Treatment effects were determined by measuring weevil abundance via Tedder traps, fibrous root density, and fruit yield. 

Availability of a pheromone-based trapping system for parasitoids such as D. longicaudata  would add a valuable tool to document successful uses for biological control.  Video analysis was used to record male-female interactions; olfactometer and windtunnel studies were used to evaluate response of virgin adults to opposite sex individuals; GC-MS was used to identify and quantify volatile chemicals released from calling insects; and responses to synthetic formulations of putative pheromone components were evaluated.

The rate of exotic fruit fly findings in subtropical states has increased significantly in recent years. In Florida, oriental and Mexican fruit flies have been found within the past 8 months. Parts of southern California are under Mexican fruit fly quarantine, resulting in the inability to ship some fruits from those areas. Disinfestation treatments are needed for any exotic fruit flies that might show up in the US, and states at risk should work closer to provide these treatments. 

The border between Mexico and the U.S. is 2,000 miles long. Trade is extensive between the two countries, and the U.S. imports more than 1,000 different plant commodities from Mexico.  This poses a risk that exotic insects and other pests may be introduced into the U.S. and establish populations in sensitive agricultural regions including Florida.  The objectives of this analysis were to identify pathways for the introduction of exotic organisms and develop recommendations for improved safeguarding. 

The USDA-APHIS, is the lead federal agency responsible for safeguarding agriculture and the environment from exotic pests. In fulfilling this mission, APHIS is committed to developing policies, statutes, and regulations that are based on a comprehensive understanding and application of scientific principles.  Unfortunately, academic programs do not usually include in-depth discussions or analyses of the issues and challenges related to regulatory activities.  Therefore, CPHST, the scientific support arm of USDA-APHIS, is developing a "regulatory curriculum" in cooperation with several academic counterparts (including Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff).  The curriculum will  draw from existing courses offered by each institution, and will include a capstone course focusing on the functional areas critical to APHIS' mission: Risk Analysis, Survey and Detection, Biotechnology, AQI (quarantine mitigations), IPM, and Eradication.

Dried figs, raisins, dried apricots and hazelnut are called traditional agricultural export product of Turkey and all of these products have to be fumigated by methyl bromide a few times prior to export. Using residual insecticides and phosphine will also have some problems particularly from the point of pest resistance. Irradiation at fairly low doses, 1 kGy or less is an effective alternative to chemical treatment of food.

The grape root borer (GRB), Vitacea polistiformis Harris is the major pest of grapes in Florida.  During 2002 we monitored 16 vineyards representing 4 regions of grape production in Florida.  GRB were caught in all vineyards, with heavier concentrations in Putnam County and the Southern counties.  A questionnaire was given to each farmer to determine if there is a correlation between pest management strategies and GRB infestation.  Preliminary results show a linkage between weed management and GRB infestation.

Envidor TM contains a novel acaricidal active ingredient, spirodiclofen, from the new chemical class of tetronic acids.  This new contact acaricide is active against the citrus rust mite (CRM), Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead), and the pink citrus mite Aculops pelekassi (Keifer), the only two mite species recognized as economic pests on Florida citrus.  In field tests conducted between 1996 and 2001 in Florida, Envidor, as a 240 g AI/liter suspension concentrate (SC) formulation, at rates ranging from 175.1 to 350.2 g AI/ha with and without horticultural spray oil provided significantly greater CRM control than commercial abamectin rates with oil at 52 days after application.  Envidor 240 SC provided excellent control of all developmental stages of Eriophyidae and Tetranychidae mites, including eggs and adult females, through a new mode of action, inhibition of lipid biosynthesis.  Moreover, Envidor has no cross-resistance to acaricides currently available in the market, which offers a powerful tool for pest management in citrus. 

Temephos (Skeeter Abate® 5% pellets) and s-methoprene (Strike® 4.25% pellets) were evaluated for efficacy against nuisance chironomids in Lake Monroe, central Florida.  Skeeter Abate at 0.2 and 0.4 kg AI/ha, respectively produced 57-100 and 83-100% larval reductions of Glyptotendipes paripes and Chironomus crassicaudatus, for 19 days posttreatment.  Strike pellets reduced adult emergence of these species by 82-100% (0.24 kg AI/ha) and 93-100% (0.48 kg AI/ha), respectively, for 24 days posttreatment.  At current prices, Skeeter Abate would cost approximately $85 and $170/ha to apply at the above rates, while Strike pellets would cost $359 and $718/ha, respectively.  Both products, for midge control, are needed for alternate use to circumvent, reduce or delay the development of resistance.

The use of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to fire ant control using multiple biological control agents supplemented by a chemical treatment was conducted at the U.S. Army training base at Fort Jackson, SC.  The 3-year study indicated that by  using the IPM approach, the reinfestation by fire ants into treated areas was delayed thereby reducing the need for chemical applications. In addition, native ant species increased at the site where the IPM approach was used.

Infection by the microsporidium Thelohania solenopsae in single and multiple-queen colonies of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, was determined in three pastures in Florida.  None of the single-queen colonies was infected despite a 61% infection rate for both colony types.  However, laboratory colonies with the single-queen genotype can be infected with this pathogen.

Five non-repellent insecticides were tested for repellency and efficacy against the non-endemic termite, Nasutitermes costalis.  Laboratory assays were conducted using 34 x 24 x 8 cm plastic boxes filled with sand.  One half contained untreated sand and the other half held treated sand plus wood and harborage.  Sand treated at maximum and one-half maximum label rates was not repellent, while mortality at 3 and 6 d was 100% at these two rates, respectively.

Melittobia australica and M. digitata are ectoparasitoids of wasps and bees. These sexually dimorphic insects have a female-biased sex ratio (2 – 5 % males) and haplo-diploid sex determination. We studied the possibility of sterilizing males using dosage levels from 5,000 to 150,000 R of a 60Cobalt gamma ray source. Irradiated males were mated with non-irradiated adult virgin females and the offspring sex ratio was analyzed. The percentage of males to females increased as R increased.

We examined the acceptability and suitability of eggs of Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick) to parasitization by Trichogrammatoidea cryptophlebiae Nagaraja under choice  and no choice situations.  Moths were irradiated, inbred or out-crossed to untreated counterparts, and eggs laid by different crosses were offered to T. cryptophlebiae as host material.  Parasitoids accepted, successfully developed, and emerged from eggs laid by the different crosses that would be present in the field under a sterile release program for C. leucotreta.

Fecundity of irradiated false codling moth, Cryptophlebia leucotreta (Meyrick), females mated to either untreated or irradiated males declined as the dose of radiation increased.  Irradiated females were sterile at 200 Gy.  Fertility in crosses involving irradiated males declined linearly with increasing doses of radiation.  Decreased F1 fecundity and fertility, and a significant shift in the F1 sex ratio in favor of males was observed when increasing doses of radiation were applied to the F1 males.

Begomoviruses have a complex association with their whitefly (WF) vector.  Aspects concerning virus molecular activity (genome replication and gene transcription) in the WF remain highly controversial.  In order to address this controversy, we quantified selected gene transcripts of Tomato mottle virus (ToMoV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in WF after feeding on virus infected tomato plants and after subsequent transfer to, and feeding on, cotton (virus nonhost).  Real time rt-PCR was performed using specific primers for 3 ToMoV and 3 TYLCV genes.  The ToMoV gene transcripts were detected in WF collected directly from infected tomato plants, but not from WF collected 4 or 7 days after feeding on cotton.  On the other, TYLCV transcripts were detected in WF collected directly from infected plants, and in WF that were transferred and allowed to feed on cotton for up to 7 days.  Real time PCR analysis showed ToMoV DNA concentration in viruliferous WF decreased rapidly following 4 and 7 days of feeding on cotton, while TYLCV DNA concentration remained constant over time.  Our results indicate that only the TYLCV genome is transcriptionally active in the WF host signifying very different virus-vector interactions between these two begomoviruses. 

Integrated control strategies for the brown citrus aphid (BrCA), Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), rely on the use of natural enemies.  The native parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson), and the imported parasitoids Aphelinus gossypii Timberlake and Lipolexis scutelaris Mackauer are commonly found attacking BrCA.  Monitoring the parasitism levels caused by each species is difficult, time consuming, and inaccurate because the parasitoids must be reared out.  We developed a simple and quick molecular approach to distinguish these parasitoids in single aphids

The Florida scrub and sandhills form xeric upland habitats that are partitioned across a series of isolated sand ridges and exhibit high levels of endemism.  The Florida sand cockroach (Arenivaga floridensis) is one such endemic.  To investigate the evolutionary history of this cockroach, we examined mitochondrial haplotypes from a 653-bp segment of COII from individuals representing locations throughout the peninsula.  We offer a phyologeographic interpretation of observed population structure across Florida's sand ridges.

Strawberry guava (SG), Psidium cattleianum, is a horticultural plant of South American origin that is invading natural areas in Florida and Hawaii, and is a preferred naturalized host of fruit flies affecting US agriculture.  Surveys were conducted within the native range of SG in Brazil to identify promising insect natural enemies.  Field observations in Brazil and preliminary host range tests with the leaf galling scale, Tectococcus ovatus showed that the insect is highly specific to SG and severely damages the plant.

Infestation rates of building construction materials by subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) were evaluated. Additionally, consumption rates of infested cellulose building construction materials, as well as, damage to non-cellulose building construction materials were examined, in a no choice test. Moisture content of the building construction products and termite survivorship were also measured.

Trailing behavior was investigated in three native termite species: Cryptotermes cavifrons, Neotermes castaneus, and Reticulitermes flavipes. Response of Reticulitermes flavipes workers and alates to different caste extracts were also investigated.  Hexane extracts from live termites were used as a source of trailing pheromones.  Multiple concentrations were tested.  Response was measured as the average distance a trail was followed.  Cryptotermes cavifrons was completely unresponsive.  The other two species were most responsive to their own species extracts.

Cockroaches experimentally inoculated with Salmonella on the surface of the pronotum were incubated for 24 h.  Attempted recovery of Salmonella yielded fewer than expected bacterial cells when processed in deionized water.  Examination of pronota with scanning electron microscopy revealed translocation of Salmonella from the wax layer to the epicuticule.

A bioassay was conducted to determine the toxicity of three household cleaners to German cockroaches, Blattella germanica, American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, and Pharaoh ants, Monomorium pharaonis. Effective dose was determined for each species utilizing both a dip and spray application.

Primary, secondary, and tertiary mortality of Eastern Subterranean Termites was recorded after exposure to various termiticides.  Termiticides tested included both granular and liquid formulations of Bifenthrin, Fipronil, and Imidacloprid.

Pharaoh ants have been observed feeding on patients, especially those exuding bodily fluids from burn wounds and/or orifices.  This study introduced starved (3 d), standardized (n = 250 workers, 3 dealate queens, 50 mg brood) pharaoh ant colonies with five simultaneously provided liquid food substances used in patient care (dietary supplement, 0.9% NaCl, 5% dextrose, human blood, and human serum) and determined colony food preference by quantification and comparison of consumption.  Ants consumed all foods.

An attract-and-kill system consisting of imidacloprid-treated spheres was evaluated against Caribbean Fruit Fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) (CFF), and its parasitoid, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead). Experiments were conducted in the laboratory with collapsible cages. Mortality rates were significantly higher in treatments containing imidacloprid-treated spheres compared with the control. Significantly fewer D. longicaudata were killed with untreated control spheres compared with spheres that contained 2% AI imidacloprid. 

Mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) are the most damaging insect pests of managed turfgrass and pastures in the southeastern United States.  Although insecticides often provide effective short-term control, greater long-term suppression of mole crickets using natural enemies, such as Steinernema scapterisci, is needed.  Mole cricket populations are currently monitored using soap flushes; however, soap may kill these nematodes and produce false negatives when determining the percentage of mole crickets infected.  We evaluated the effect of several flushing alternatives on nematode survival and infectivity, as well as their effectiveness in flushing mole crickets in the field.

The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), is a key pest of St. Augustine grass.  Chinch bug populations kill grass patches by sucking out sap and potentially secreting a toxin into plants. We are examining several ways to maximize chinch bug control, including the efficacy of homeowner and professional products against chinch bugs, the effect of different irrigation levels on chinch bug populations and grass quality, and determining the minimal number of preventative applications necessary to maintain healthy grass without chinch bug damage and negative non-target impacts.

Our research objective is to measure catch efficacy of commercial light traps against variable levels of competing ambient light.  One hundred house flies were released inside an enclosed bioassay consisting of a screen cage, duct tunneling, and a large box enclosing light traps.  Traps were equipped with UV bulbs, and fluorescent work lights suspended above the bioassay provided ambient light.  Irradiance of ultraviolet and ambient light was measured with a spectrometer. 

We investigated the transfer of seminal products in the Diaprepes Root Weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus). Such products influence female reproductive behavior and longevity in other insects. We found that males transfer proteinaceous substances to females at the beginning of mating, that these substances circulate throughout the body and that they are found primarily in the ovaries and eggs. Our next step is to investigate the target of these products and their effect on female reproductive behavior. 

Species within the geometrid genus Nemoria exhibit a range of larval and adult plasticity. Nemoriaoutina has two larval forms that differ both in pigmentation and cuticular morphology.  These forms are developmental alternatives cued by interactions with the host plant, Ceratiola ericoides (Empetracae), and are not seasonal forms.  A preliminary molecular phylogeny of Nemoria reconstructed using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II begins to reveal information on the evolution of alternative polyphenism in this species.

To determine whether Larra bicolor depends exclusively on Spermacoce verticillata as unique specific food source we made an inventory of plants used as nectar source in the Gainesville, Florida area. We found 11 plant species in seven families. We also tested the wasp's feeding preference among five species of plants selected by the experimenter for their characteristics. We found that Larra do not feed exclusively from Spermacoce but have a high preference for this. 

A multi-tiered method is being used to determine local geographic distribution and seasonal variation of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat), and its host plants in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County, Florida.  Information from this study will be used to determine optimal time and location for releasing a potential biological control agent now under study.   Optimal time occurs in May and June.  Two northern regions of the park provide the optimal location. 

This presentation is to be a brief summary of the work done at The University of Florida with Ormia depleta (Diptera:Tachinidae), a parasitoid of pest mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) from its discovery and importation to current research in its augmentation. 

In experiments to evaluate the effects of soil moisture and temperature on two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and Neoseiulus californicus McGregor, in strawberries, significant differences were recorded among treatments with varying soil moisture and temperature levels.  Two-spotted spider mite counts were significantly higher under low soil moisture levels and high temperatures.  The reproductive rate of the predatory mites P. persimilis and N. californicus did not appear to change with different moisture levels.  High counts of predatory mites were recorded in a few replicates during the studies.  However, the high numbers of predatory mites appear to be a function of the increased reproductive rate of the primary host (two-spotted spider mite).  The results from soil moisture tests may have implications for regulating water/irrigation techniques in strawberry IPM programs. 

The use of living and synthetic mulches were evaluated for control of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring, and melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, in zucchini Cucurbita pepo L.  Two living mulches, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and two synthetic mulches, reflective and white were used.  Results showed that whitefly populations were significantly higher in white (synthetic) mulch, and significantly lower in buckwheat (living) mulch compared with the bare ground control.  Similar observations were observed with aphid populations.  Significantly higher aphid populations were found in white mulch.  However, reflective (synthetic) mulch had significantly lower aphid populations than the bare ground control.  The competition between living mulches and zucchini resulted in significantly more marketable zucchini from plots with reflective and white mulch. 

The research focused on comparing the acquisition and transmission of tomato spotted wilt in pepper by Frankliniella bispinosa compared to the key vector Frankliniella occidentalis, and whether predation by Orius insidiosus can reduce primary spread of the disease.  Pepper was a better reproductive host for F. occidentalis than for F. bispinosa.  Frankliniella bispinosa acquired and transmitted the disease in pepper but acquisition and transmission by F. occidentalis was more efficient.

The May 2001 discovery of Nasutitermes costalis in Dania Beach marked the first worldwide record of a higher termite established outside its endemic range.  Surveys revealed and extensive infestation within a 50-acre area.  Five non-repellent insecticides were tested for efficacy against N. costalis, and two were chosen for a treatment on April 23, 2003.  Over 50 volunteers participated in this voluntary, multiagency effort.  Planned surveys will assess the effectiveness of this unprecedented treatment. 

Laboratory tests comparing various treatments on small boxed white-footed ant (Technomyrmex albipes) colonies found that liquid bates with thiamethoxam at 10 ppm in a proprietary sweet bait formula, imidacloprid sweet liquid bait, and Terro commercial ant bait were significantly more effective than other liquid baits, gels and residual sprays tested.

Various chemicals, intended for use as local treatments for drywood termite control, were evaluated against the southeastern drywood termite, Incisitermes snyderi (Light). Results showed a wide range of efficacy depending on active ingredient type, concentration, and formulation. Several treatments were effective if applied, at least partially, within active galleries of the termites.

Beekeepers often blame mosquito control for large scale bee kills, sometimes with cause, sometimes without.  This study, conducted over two summers (1999 and 2000) in Manatee County, attempted to quantify the impact of mosquito adulticides at 3 sites (2 test and 1 control), each containing 16 bee hives. A comparison was made between a standard (larger droplet) spray system used in 1999 and a high pressure (smaller droplet) spray system used in 2000.

The lobate lac scale, Paratachardina lobata lobata, was found in southern Florida in 1999 and has spread through three counties.  Its host range includes more than 150 species of woody plants, including exotic and native species.  It poses a severe threat to ornamental landscapes and natural areas.  The basic biology, distribution, and options for managing this pest will be outlined.

Subterranean Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) larvae and other pests can be detected in field environments with acoustic instruments, but often the sounds are difficult to interpret in practical context.  We examined the spatial and temporal variability of sounds in a citrus grove infested with D. abbreviatus by making multiple acoustic recordings at closely spaced locations around individual trees.  The sounds produced by individual insects can vary considerably over 5-10-min time intervals, and an insect's detectability can vary quickly over short distances, particularly in heterogeneous soil.  This makes it difficult to interpret the recordings except as an indicator of insect presence or absence.

Surveys were mailed to >3,000 Florida golf course superintendents and Lawn and Ornamental-certified lawn care professionals to assess current pesticide use and pest management strategies on warm season turfgrasses.  Results should indicate how widely IPM is practiced, where turfgrass managers receive information and training, how they select and use pesticides, and the frequency of applications against key pests.  This information may suggest areas in which additional training and research opportunities exist in turfgrass pest management.

Data on the efficacy of Mocap, Lorsban, Capture, Admire, Regent, and other insecticides for control of white grubs and rootworms in sweet potatoes obtained from field tests conducted in grower fields in Louisiana from 1974 through 2002 will be presented.

Growth, development and survival of beet armyworm were studied on 'Valmaine', a romaine lettuce variety with multi-insect resistance and 'Tall Guzmaine', a highly insect-susceptible variety produced from 'Valmaine'.  Growth and development of S. exigua from neonate to third instar and from third instar to adult emergence were significantly reduced on 'Valmaine' compared to 'Tall Guzmaine'.  Surviving pupae and adults weighed less and took longer to pupate and emerge on 'Valmaine' compared to 'Tall Guzmaine'.  Survival did not differ.

Resistance to spinosad insecticide in field populations of diamondback moth was discovered at Kunia, Hawaii in November 2000, about two and a half years after its introduction. A major contributing factor was the lack of suitable alternatives and the unsynchronized use of pesticide classes that led to continuous population exposure. A region-focused, resistance management plan was implemented in 2001 by growers and the University of Hawaii extension advisors in an IRAC sponsored program. Successes and problems of the program will be presented.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata, is native to the southeastern U.S. but was recently introduced into California. The leafhopper does not cause direct plant damage but presents a grave threat in California because it vectors Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium which is the causal agent of Pierce’s disease of grape.  Some current research on the behavior and nutrition of the leafhopper  ongoing at NFREC-Quincy will be discussed.

The nutritional quality of xylem fluid is extremely poor.  Xylem composition is dynamic within a single plant over time, as well as between plant species.  Xylem feeding leafhoppers have evolved several adaptations to utilize variable xylem chemistry including polyphagy and high vagility coupled with excellent color visual acuity.  Nymphal stages of Homalodisca coagulata, H. insolita, and Oncometopia nigricans can survive without feeding up to 84 hours, recognize colors, and disperse over 25 meters per day.

The strawberry is an intensively cultivated crop that requires large inputs of insecticides and miticides under field production. A series of experiments were carried out to demonstrate that commercial production of strawberries in a greenhouse is possible with minimal use of insecticides through the use of biological control as part of an integrated pest management. The feeding behavior and rate of releases of three generalist predators were studied under laboratory and greenhouse conditions at the Protected Agriculture Project Biological Control Laboratory in Gainesville, Florida. The lady beetle, Coleomegilla maculata fuscilabris DeGeer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), the big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes (Say) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), and the minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus L. (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) were evaluated as potential biological control agents against two strawberry greenhouse pests, the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, and the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch.  Our results indicated that 3rd instar and adults of C. maculata are the most effective of these beneficials against aphids and mites. They consumed the greatest number of prey in the shortest period of time. Two C. maculata per strawberry plant were needed to reduce pest population significantly. Ongoing and future research will determine the effectiveness of these predators to control pests on strawberries grown commercially in greenhouses and open fields.

Arthropod ground predators were sampled with pitfall traps in Florida sugarcane fields.  My data show that for most of its three-to-five year crop cycle, Florida sugarcane is a stable ecosystem at ground level for arthropod ground predators.

At several locations in south Florida, water impounded by the leaf axils of native or exotic bromeliads was sampled for immature mosquitoes. Culex biscaynensis was the most commonly collected mosquito from exotic bromeliads at study sites in southeastern Miami-Dade County, whereas at nearby sites with native bromeliads, immature Wyeomyia mitchellii were more abundant than immature Cx. biscaynensis. Aquatic habitat size and persistence may be important factors favoring Cx. biscaynensis in exotic bromeliads.

Short-term and long-term laboratory experiments were conducted to examine geotactic responses of virgin adult female yellow mealworm beetles, Tenebrio molitor L., to inversion of small-bulk columns after a period in which insects established a pattern of movement in the bulk.  A modified plate apparatus was employed for this study and various aspects of locomotory behavior were evaluated for each insect tested.  Assessments of geotaxis by active tracking of successive movements of beetles and by determination of final positions of beetles are compared.

In the laboratory, the repellency of ginger oil to adult whiteflies was tested using a vertical olfactometer.  The number of whiteflies settling at the top of the olfactometer, close to the ginger oil stimulus, decreased with increasing ginger oil concentration.  In the greenhouse, we counted the number of whiteflies landing on ginger-oil-treated tomato plants, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h after release and the number of eggs laid after 24 h.  In both choice and no-choice tests, fewer whiteflies and eggs were found on the treated plants.