Plum Curculio Research Articles

Effectiveness of Odor-Baited Trap Trees for Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Monitoring in Commercial Apple Orchards in the Northeast

The plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), is a key pest of pome and stone fruit in eastern and central North America. For effective management of this insect pest in commercial apple (Malus spp.) orchards in the northeastern United States and Canada, one of the greatest challenges has been to determine the need for and timing of insecticide applications that will protect apple fruit from injury by adults. In a 2004-2005 study, we assessed the efficacy and economic viability of a reduced-risk integrated pest management strategy involving an odor-baited trap tree approach to determine need for and timing of insecticide use against plum curculio based on appearance of fresh egg-laying scars. Evaluations took place in commercial apple orchards in seven northeastern U.S. states. More specifically, we compared the trap-tree approach with three calendar-driven whole-block sprays and with heat-unit accumulation models that predict how long insecticide should be applied to orchard trees to prevent injury by plum curculio late in the season. Trap tree plots received a whole-plot insecticide spray by the time of petal fall, and succeeding sprays (if needed) were applied to peripheral-row trees only, depending on a threshold of one fresh plum curculio egg-laying scar out of 25 fruit sampled from a single trap tree. In both years, level of plum curculio injury to fruit sampled from perimeter-row, the most interior-row trees and whole-plot injury in trap tree plots did not differ significantly from that recorded in plots subject to conventional management or in plots managed using the heat-unit accumulation approach. The amount of insecticide used in trap tree plots was reduced at least by 43% compared with plots managed with the conventional approach. Advantages and potential pitfalls of the bio-based trap tree approach to plum curculio monitoring in apple orchards are discussed.

Seasonal Occurrence and Development of Degree-Day Models for Predicting Activity ofConotrachelus nenuphar(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Alabama Peaches

AbstractThe plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a key pest of peaches, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, in North America. Captures of adult weevils in unbaited pyramid traps recorded annually from 2000 to 2008 in an unmanaged peach orchard in central Alabama were used to determine its seasonal occurrence and to develop predictive degree-day models. Spring migration of plum curculio began at bloom (early to mid-March). Linear, polynomial, and three-parameter Weibull functions were tested to describe the relationship between weekly trap capture and cumulative degree-day (DD). Criteria used to select the best models were the smallest Akaike information criterion and highest R2 values. A sixth-order polynomial function fitted best to seasonal trap captures and cumulative DDs and revealed two major seasonal peaks with the first (spring generation) and second (summer generation) peaks occurring at cumulative DDs of ≈245 and 1105 (base 10°C, biofix of 1 January), respectively. A potential third (late summer generation) peak was observed at 1758 DDs. The sixth-order polynomial model predicted the first trap capture to occur at cumulative DD of ≈99 (base 10°C, biofix of 1 January). The three-parameter Weibull model predicted the first trap and first peak (spring generation) trap captures to occur at mean cumulative DDs of 108.02 ± 9 and 220.07 ± 16, respectively. Validation of the models in the unmanaged orchard in 2009 and 2010 and in a second unmanaged orchard (located 1.6 km from the first) in 2009 showed that the polynomial and Weibull were within ±7 d in their predictions of the first and peak trap captures of the spring population. Validation results showed that both models successfully predicted the first trap capture in one out of three scenarios and the peak trap capture in two out of three scenarios. The performance of the models is discussed in relation to management of plum curculio in central Alabama.

Evaluation of Tag Entanglement as a Factor in Harmonic Radar Studies of Insect Dispersal

The observation of insects and other small organisms entangled in the habitat after the addition of vertical or trailing electronic tags to their body has generated concerns on the suitability of harmonic radars to track the dispersal of insects. This study compared the walking behavior of adult Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) Chrysomelidae), plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) Curculionidae), and western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) Chrysomelidae) with and without vertical and or trailing tags in field plots or arenas. The frequency of the larger Colorado potato beetles crossing bare ground or grassy plots was unaffected by the presence of an 8 cm trailing harmonic radar tag. However, plum curculios and western corn rootworms, were either unable to walk with a 4 cm trailing tag (plum curculio) or displayed a reduced ability to successfully cross a bare ground arena. Our results revealed the significant impact of vegetation on successful insect dispersal, whether tagged or not. The vertical movement of these insects on stems, stalks, and tubes was also unaffected by the presence of vertical tags. Trailing tags had a significant negative effect on the vertical movement of the western corn rootworm. Results show that harmonic radar technology is a suitable method for studying the walking paths of the three insects with appropriate tag type and size. The nuisance factor generated by appropriately sized tags was small relative to that of vegetation.

Field evaluation of reduced insecticide spray programs for managing plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Alabama peaches

Plum curculio (PC), Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst.), is an important pest of peaches in the southeastern United States. Commercially acceptable control of this insect is typically achieved by weekly or biweekly application of broad-spectrum conventional insecticides, resulting in 6-12 sprays per season. Experiments were conducted in a peach orchard in Alabama during 2007-2009 to compare the conventional calendar-based insecticide spray program involving weekly applications of phosmet with three different reduced spray programs using three targeted (well-timed) insecticide sprays (TIS) of phosmet, permethrin or thiamethoxam applied in an alternated fashion. All three TIS programs significantly reduced PC damage at harvest compared with the untreated control in two of the three years (2008 and 2009). Fruit damage due to stink bugs, which are emerging pests of peaches in the region, was also significantly reduced in the TIS programs in both years. In a separate trial in which one of the TIS programs (three targeted sprays of phosmet) was evaluated in a larger peach block in 2009, percentage fruit damage due to PC increased from < 1% in June to ~4% in late July. All the TIS programs evaluated provided effective control of PC and represent potential alternatives to the conventional weekly spray program in peaches with concomitant reduction in insecticide usage and associated costs. However, an additional spray may be necessary for effective control of PC and stink bugs in late-season peach varieties.

Harmonic radar: efficacy at detecting and recovering insects on agricultural host plants

In pest management research, harmonic radar systems have been largely used to study insect movement across open or vegetation-poor areas because the microwave signal is attenuated by the high water content of vegetation. This study evaluated whether the efficacy of this technology is sufficient to track insects in vegetative landscapes. Field efficacy data were collected using portable harmonic microwave radar and electronic dipole tags mounted on adults of three economically important pests: Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte) [corrected] and Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst. Detection and recovery of tagged Colorado potato beetles, plum curculios and western corn rootworms was high within and among potato plants, moderate within apple trees and high within, but not between, corn plants respectively. The efficacy of the radar depends on the ability of the operator to move around the host, scanning for a signal 'sightline' with the tagged insect among plant structures. The detection rate of tagged insects by harmonic radar systems is high enough to track the walking path of pests through low row crops such as potato, tall row crops such as corn or tall but well-separated trees of orchard-type crops by adapting the scanning procedure to the vegetative architecture.

ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION NEEDS AND PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

In 2001, only 14% of the certified organic acreage in the United States occurred in the 12 southeastern (SE) states. Eight of the 12 Land Grant Universities in the SE region had a total of 329 acres certified organic for use in research and extension. In 2004, client-based focus groups identified needs for organic fruit production in the SE: go-to personnel to increase interaction between the University and organic producers; more science-based research on soil, pest and nutrient management; information to be summarized in printed guides on organic production budgets and organic production practices; and local market development. Recently, we demonstrated that several science-based, ecologically low-risk conventional practices could be adapted for organic fruit production. Demonstration blocks in Arkansas showed that first and late season generations of codling moth (CM) and Oriental fruit moth (OFM) could be controlled with CM granulosis virus and Spinosad against CM and Spinosad and Bt against OFM when integrated with mating disruption against the mid-season generations of CM and OFM. The result was less than 1% fruit damage at harvest. Plum curculio adults disperse into the perimeter of fruit orchards in the spring. When plum curculio adults were attracted to perimeter apple trees baited with dispensers releasing volatiles of grandisoic acid (aggregation pheromone) and one or two kairomone compounds, benzaldehyde and plum essence, they caused significantly more fruit feeding damage in baited trees than adjacent unbaited trees. There is potential for using Japanese plum trees or bait trees in apples to focus plum curculio damage. A further advantage occurs with the application of a nematode soil drench to reduce plum curculio larva survival in soil under baited trees. Green June beetle adults feed on ripening fruit. Multiple yellow funnel traps baited with a lure of five-component volatile blend = TRE#8607 or 91% isopropanol were very attractive to green June beetles and may have potential for use in mass trapping this pest.

LATEST TRENDS IN INSECT AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN ORGANIC APPLE SYSTEMS IN THE MIDWESTERN USA AND NEW ZEALAND

In the USA in 2005, organic apples were produced on 2788 ha in the drier climates of Colorado and eastern Washington State, but significant production also occurred in the Midwestern USA. In Midwestern organic markets, scab (Venturia inaequalis)-resistant cultivars have gained increased acceptance as the most environmentally acceptable method of organic apple production, due to concerns about copper and sulfur applications in susceptible cultivars. Typically, key pests, such as codling moth (Cydia pomonella), have been managed to damage levels below 5% through the use of codling moth granulosis virus (CMGV), mating disruption, kaolin clay, and spinosad-based insecticides. In an experimental organic apple orchard in Iowa, killing frosts in 2007 destroyed up to 80% of fruit production, leading to a resurgence of codling moth and plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) under a no-spray program. This resurgence emphasizes the need to manage pests even in low crop years. Similar pest management systems have been developed by apple-exporting countries like New Zealand in order to comply with export standards and quarantine requirements. In New Zealand, significant progress has been made in achieving greater fruit firmness after 3-month storage in advanced scab-resistant selections with 'Pinkie' background compared to 'Pinkie' or 'Liberty' apples. Future pest management strategies in organic apple production will continue to focus on the development of scab-resistant cultivars with enhanced storage capability, and the use of controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments to reduce inputs associated with negative environmental and health effects.

Effects of the Loss of Organophosphate Pesticides in the US: Opportunities and Needs to Improve IPM Programs

insecticides, which they considered to be the highest risk category. The result has been that many OPs were (or are being) removed from the marketplace and others have restricted uses. Subsequent to FQPA, the regulatory focus on OPs has shifted again to consider their effects on farm workers and the environment, especially water quality. From a broad perspective, the loss of OP insecticides on larger cropping systems in the US has been relatively painless because many systems had already moved on to newer pesticide chemistries to deal with problems associated with worker safety, water quality, or insecticide resistance (Whalon et al., 1999). However, this generalization is not universally true and minor crops with little support for research on efficacy, residue degradation, or particularly problematic pests might be left with few or no viable replacement pesticides after the FQPA review is complete. The apple industry in the US is well known for its IPM programs and is one of the larger cropping systems currently in the final transition to the newer pesticide chemistries, making it a timely case study for the rest of this article. The slow transition to OP alternatives by the apple industry has been a result of the continued high efficacy of OPs against various key pests that feed directly on the fruit (e.g., codling moth (Cydia pomonella), plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar), apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella), the relatively high cost of most OP alternatives, and the precarious stability of its IPM programs based on OPs.

Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Adult Mortality and Associated Fruit Injury After Exposure to Field-Aged Insecticides on Tart Cherry Branches

Plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), adults were exposed to field-aged residues of thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, indoxacarb, or azinphos-methyl on tart cherry, Prunus cerasus L. variety Montmorency. At 1, 3, 7, and 14 d postapplication, fruit were sampled for chemical residues, and bioassays were used to assess beetle mortality and plant tissue injury. Azinphos-methyl had lethal activity within 1 d of exposure at all postapplication intervals and significant fruit protection extended to 14 d postapplication. All of the neonicotinoids had lethal activity at 3 d posttreatment, with acetamiprid activity extending to 7 d. Antifeedant and oviposition deterrent effects were seen with thiamethoxam and thiacloprid; damage incidence was significantly reduced in the absence of significant beetle mortality or intoxication. Thiamethoxam and acetamiprid penetrated into leaf and fruit tissue and were detected in the interior tissues at 14 d postapplication, but interior thiacloprid residues were not detected after day 1. Indoxacarb provided some fruit protection out to 7 d postapplication, and 14-d-old residues intoxicated beetles, but the slow action of this compound allowed significant damage to occur before beetles were incapacitated. Indoxacarb was only detected as a surface residue after the first day postapplication. These data on the plant-insect-chemistry interactions will support use and management decisions as compounds with acute contact activity are phased out.

Field Evaluation of Traps and Lures for Monitoring Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Alabama Peaches

The plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a key pest of peaches, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, in North America. We evaluated the effectiveness of two widely used trap types (pyramid versus Circle traps) and commercially available synthetic lures for monitoring the pest in two peach orchards in Alabama during 2008 and 2009. The lures evaluated alone or in combinations included benzaldehyde (BZ) (a component of fruit odor), plum essence (PE) (a mixture of fruit odor extracted from food grade plum), and grandisoic acid (GA) (a male-produced aggregation pheromone of plum curculio). In general, pyramid traps captured more plum curculio adults than Circle traps, particularly during the first generation. Trap performance was improved numerically by the addition of BZ, PE, or GA alone (single lures) and was significantly enhanced by the addition of the combined BZ + PE lure. In both first and second generations, the combined BZ + PE lure increased plum curculio captures (significant in some trials) over unbaited traps and traps baited with single lures by approximately 1.5-21-fold and had the highest response indices (RIs), which is indicative of high attractiveness. The combined BZ + GA lure and the three-component BZ + PE + GA lure also captured numerically more plum curculio adults than unbaited traps or traps baited with single lures but the differences were rarely significant. Analysis of ratios of interaction suggests the possibility of synergistic interactions between BZ and PE and between BZ and GA; however, additive effects were concluded due to high sample errors. These results are discussed in relation to the physicochemical properties of the lures and the potential of using baited monitoring traps to aid plum curculio management decisions in peach orchards.

Host-tree-related differences in trap captures and electroantennogram activity of Conotrachelus nenuphar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

AbstractThe plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), is a serious pest of stone and pome fruits (Rosaceae) in eastern North America. We recorded captures of adult plum curculios in the field and measured electroantennogram (EAG) activity in the laboratory associated with cultivars of four hosts, ‘Formosa’ Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), ‘Stanley’ European plum (P. domestica L.), ‘Empire’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), and ‘Loring’ peach (P. persica (L.) Batsch) (Rosaceae) to determine whether hosts that may be attractive to the plum curculio under field conditions also elicit positive EAG responses. Trap captures of adults on ‘Formosa’ plum were significantly greater than on any other host, and corresponding headspace extracts also produced strong EAG responses throughout the active season. ‘Stanley’ plum and ‘Loring’ peach, the other stone-fruit hosts included in the study, elicited strong EAG responses throughout the season, although trap captures associated with these hosts were generally not as high as for ‘Formosa’ plum. Throughout the season, trap captures of adults were significantly lower for ‘Empire’ apple than for ‘Formosa’ plum, and EAG responses were much lower than for all stone-fruit hosts. Our results indicate that volatiles from ‘Formosa’ plum likely contain uniquecompounds or are comprised of ratios of stimulating compounds that make it much more attractive to plum curculio in the field.

Analysis ofWolbachiaStrains Associated WithConotrachelus nenuphar(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Eastern United States

We studied the distribution patterns of Wolbachia infection associated with plum curculio strains in eight states of the eastern United States. The presence of the Wolbachia-specific gene wsp identified infections of this endosymbiont in 97.8% of the 93 samples tested. Three distinct Wolbachia strains were identified. The strains wCne1 (593 bp) and wCne2 (593 bp) were 97% identical, and their sequences were both 84% identical with wCne3 (590 bp). BLASTN searches through GenBank showed strong similarities between the wsp sequences of the three strains compared with Wolbachia sequenced from other hosts. Degree of similarity with sequences in other Wolbachia strains is discussed. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for superinfection detection. Of 93 samples, 15 (16.1%), 21 (22.6%), 19 (20.4%), and 36 (38.7%) samples were infected by wCne1, wCne2, wCne1 + 2, and wCne3, respectively. Only two (2.2%) samples had no infection. The wCne3 strain was always present as a single infection. Wolbachia strains approximate the distribution of plum curculio strains: northern strain infected with wCne1 and wCne2 strains in supergroup B, and southern strain infected with wCne3 strain in supergroup A, with the mid-Atlantic region as the convergence area. Based on haplotype distribution of plum curculio mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I, there was a closer relation of the mid-southern plum curculio clade to the far-southern clade than to the northern clade. However, Wolbachia symbionts in mid-southern plum curculio are more closely related to those in northern plum curculio than to those in far-southern plum curculio. The relationship of Wolbachia infection with reproductive incompatibility between plum curculio populations was also discussed.

Harmonic Radar: Assessing the Impact of Tag Weight on Walking Activity of Colorado Potato Beetle, Plum Curculio, and Western Corn Rootworm

The impact of electronic dipole tags on the walking activity of three insects was determined using video tracking software. Results varied within and between the three species studied. The heaviest tag mounted on the pronotum of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), reduced its mean horizontal speed slightly but significantly. The mean horizontal speed of plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), was significantly reduced by a light tag but not by heavier tags. The mean horizontal speed of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (LeConte), increased slightly when a tag was attached. A tag mounted to the dorsum of the Colorado potato beetle and the plum curculio slightly changed their climbing speed. Changes in the walking speed were variable but remained well within the range of values recorded in the literature. The impact of the additional tag weight was within the range of constraints to movement (e.g., slopes, barriers, etc.) normally experienced by insects in their environment. The results confirm that tags presently available will have minimal impact on the walking behavior of Colorado potato beetle, provide an estimate of the optimal tag weight for the plum curculio and show that a lighter tag and a better attachment method are required for the western corn rootworm. Because of the ability of insects to adapt to a wide range of landscapes and to their own body weight changes, the additional tag weight had a limited impact compared with the value of the ecological information gathered using this technology.

Attraction ofAnoplophora glabripennisto Male-Produced Pheromone and Plant Volatiles

The male-produced pheromone of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which is an equal blend of 4-(n-heptyloxy)butan-1-ol and 4-(n-heptyloxy)butanal, was used in laboratory bioassays and in the greenhouse to determine its potential for attracting A. glabripennis adults. In modified "walking wind tunnels," virgin females were most attracted to the alcohol component, and virgin males were repelled by the pheromone blend at the lowest and highest amounts offered. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays also showed that females were significantly more attracted to the pheromone and its components than males were. However, males were more attracted to plant volatiles than females. Of 12 plant volatiles tested, delta-3-carene and (E)-caryophyllene were highly attractive to males, whereas (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate was repellent to males. Combining the male pheromone blend with (-)-linalool alone or with (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol attracted significantly more males than did the pheromone alone. We tested four trap designs in our quarantine greenhouse with eight different lures. The Intercept Panel traps and the hand-made screen sleeve traps caught more beetles than the Plum Curculio traps and Lindgren funnel traps. Intercept traps worked best when baited with male blend and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, whereas screen sleeve traps were most attractive when baited with (-)-linalool. Our findings provide evidence of the attractiveness of the A. glabripennis male-produced pheromone and suggest that it has a role in mate-finding. It is also a first step toward the development of an efficient trap design and lure combination to monitor A. glabripennis infestations in the field.

Curative Activity of Insecticides Against Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Tart Cherries

Tart cherry, Prunus cerasus L. variety Montmorency, fruit were infested with plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and treated with insecticides to target late instars, neonates, and eggs. The organophosphates azinphos-methyl and phosmet and the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam reduced larval emergence rates by >90% for all life stage targets; after >30 d, few surviving larvae were found inside fruit. Acetamiprid and thiacloprid also had curative activity and yielded >75% reductions in emergence and few surviving larvae in the fruit after >30 d. The juvenile hormone analog pyriproxyfen reduced larval emergence, but 66% of fruit that was treated to target late-instars still had live larvae inside of them after >30 d. Novaluron, chlorantraniliprole, and esfenvalerate had no curative activity. Indoxacarb had limited curative activity, and all targeted life stages had larval emergence. Internal and external residues were analyzed and are discussed in relation to their penetration and curative potential. The curative activity of azinphos-methyl has played an important role in meeting federal standards for infestation-free tart cherries at processing. Regulatory changes are eliminating the use of this compound, and new integrated pest management programs for plum curculio will need to address the loss of azinphos-methyl's curative activity.

Field Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes Targeting Caged Last-Instar Plum Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Michigan Cherry and Apple Orchards

The plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst) is a key pest of pome and stone fruit in eastern North America. We tested the efficacy of five pathogens over the course of three seasons in 10 Michigan apple and cherry orchards, with introductions of larvae to caged pots containing pathogen-treated soil. The nematode Steinernema riobrave was the most effective pathogen in the 2 yr it was tested, but only in soils with the highest sand content (81-88%) and when it was applied 1 h or 5 d after last instars of plum curculio. S. carpocapsae in an organic formulation was less effective, but significantly reduced plum curculio emergence in 1 yr of the study when applied 3 d before C. nenuphar larvae were introduced. Beauveria bassiana was effective in only 1 of the 3 yr it was tested, only in soils with lower sand content, and only when it was introduced within 1 h of plum curculio larvae. Metarhizium anisopliae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were ineffective. Michigan orchards may require sprinkler irrigation coupled with precise timing recommendations and oviposition monitoring to enhance entomopathogen application efficacy against soil-dwelling last instars.

Electroantennogram Technique forConotrachelus nenuphar(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Reliable electroantennogram (EAG) responses were obtained from the plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), by using a whole body mount with glass electrodes filled with KCl-saturated AgCl solution that penetrated the antennal club (recording electrode) and the membrane attached to the cervical sclerite between the thorax and the head (indifferent electrode). Known attractive odor sources including extracts of headspace collections of 'Stanley' plum and 'Empire' apple tissues and a synthetic source of racemic grandisoic acid were used to verify the sensitivity of the technique. The amplitude of responses was significantly greater for females than males among all candidate stimuli evaluated. The recorded amplitudes for all odor stimuli evaluated were significantly greater than the methylene chloride solvent control. The development of this EAG technique will facilitate use of a coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection system to aid in detection of novel, biologically and behaviorally active volatile sources that can be subsequently evaluated in behavioral trials and ultimately lead to more powerful attractants for use in monitoring and management programs for plum curculios in commercial fruit orchards.

Effectiveness of Glues Used for Harmonic Radar Tag Attachment and Impact on Survival and Behavior of Three Insect Pests

The ability of three cyanoacrylate glues to ensure a durable bond between the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), the plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), or the corn rootworms (Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte and Northern Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica longicornis Smith and Lawrence) and the harmonic radar tag without impact on behavior and survival was assessed as part of a study on the use of harmonic radar technology to track these insect pests. Droplets of 0.1 mg of Krazy Glue, Loctite, and Bowman FSA applied to the pronotum had no effect on the survival of the Colorado potato beetle or plum curculio after 5 and 7 d, but caused > 40% mortality after only 4 h with both the western and northern corn rootworms. The three glues created an effective bond lasting 4-5 d between the harmonic radar tag and the Colorado potato beetle in > 85% of cases and the plum curculio in almost 50% of cases. There was no detectable impact of the glue treatment on feeding or walking behavior of the Colorado potato beetle. Analysis of the same behaviors with the plum curculio showed no impact on the ability to walk on a vertical surface, the speed of travel, or the duration of travel. There was no significant impact on feeding by female plum curculio but indication that males treated with Krazy Glue fed less. Overall, results quantified the effectiveness of the cyanoacrylate glues at providing a durable bond with no significant impact on mobility or behavior of the Colorado potato beetle or plum curculios. However, the toxicity of the glues against the corn rootworms suggests that similar toxicity or sublethal effects may exist with other insects.

High Tunnel Tree Fruit Production: The Final Frontier?

High tunnel production systems typically use horticultural crops that are annually or biennially herbaceous, high in value, short in stature, and quick to produce. At best, tree fruits may fit only one of these criteria–high value. Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) may command high enough values in premium market niches to make high tunnel production strategies worth attempting. Furthermore, sweet cherry production can be a risky endeavor, even in optimal climates, due to the potentially devastating effects of preharvest rain that cause fruit cracking. Consequently, environmental modification by tunnels in regions like the Great Lakes provides a significant risk reduction. Additional potential benefits, such as protection from frosts, diseases, insects, wind scarring, etc., add further production value. Multi-bay high tunnels were constructed in 2005 at two Michigan State University experiment stations, over established and newly planted sweet cherry trees on dwarfing rootstocks, to study and optimize the effects of production environment modification on vegetative and reproductive growth, marketing season extension, and protection of cherries from diseases, insect pests, and/or physiological disorders. Results with tunnels thus far include premium fruit quality and high crop value; increased leaf size and terminal shoot growth; decreased radial trunk growth; decreased chemical pesticide inputs; decreased incidence of cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii) and bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae); increased incidence of powdery mildew (Podosphaera clandestina); inconclusive effects on brown rot (Monolinia fructicola); no or reduced infestation by plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) or cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cingulata); dramatically reduced japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) damage; and increased black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) populations.

High Tunnel Tree Fruit Production: The Final Frontier?

High tunnel production systems typically use horticultural crops that are annually or biennially herbaceous, high in value, short in stature, and quick to produce. At best, tree fruits may fit only one of these criteria–high value. Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) may command high enough values in premium market niches to make high tunnel production strategies worth attempting. Furthermore, sweet cherry production can be a risky endeavor, even in optimal climates, due to the potentially devastating effects of preharvest rain that cause fruit cracking. Consequently, environmental modification by tunnels in regions like the Great Lakes provides a significant risk reduction. Additional potential benefits, such as protection from frosts, diseases, insects, wind scarring, etc., add further production value. Multi-bay high tunnels were constructed in 2005 at two Michigan State University experiment stations, over established and newly planted sweet cherry trees on dwarfing rootstocks, to study and optimize the effects of production environment modification on vegetative and reproductive growth, marketing season extension, and protection of cherries from diseases, insect pests, and/or physiological disorders. Results with tunnels thus far include premium fruit quality and high crop value; increased leaf size and terminal shoot growth; decreased radial trunk growth; decreased chemical pesticide inputs; decreased incidence of cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii) and bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae); increased incidence of powdery mildew (Podosphaera clandestina); inconclusive effects on brown rot (Monolinia fructicola); no or reduced infestation by plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) or cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cingulata); dramatically reduced japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) damage; and increased black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) populations.