Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Integrated pest management'

Foliar-applied insecticides and the soil-applied insecticide, Admire, were evaluated for their ability to control citrus mealybug on lemons while having a minimal impact on parasitoids. All of the foliar-applied insecticide exhibited activity towards citrus mealybug. The standard insecticide, Lorsban, performed very well, but since this product is especially harmful to parasitoids it is not considered to have a good fit in IPM programs where parasitoid conservation is emphasized. The currently labeled alternative, Applaud, was an effective treatment and should be considered for citrus mealybug control to avoid destruction of parasitoids. Several experimental insecticides showed promise: NNI-850, NNI-750C and NNI-010. However, NNI-0101 at the lower rate of 0.24 lbs-ai/ac appeared to be weak. The addition of narrow range crop oil, NR-415 at 1.0 gal/ac, appeared to be beneficial for initial mealybug knock-down, especially for the slower acting insecticides such as Applaud. Soil injection of Admire at 16 and 32 oz/ac appeared to have very good activity, but due to variability in the mealybug population, more data should be collected to confirm this finding.

The Virginia Integrated Pest Management Expert for Wheat was designed to combine the best available information regarding wheat pest management of disease pathogens, weeds, and insects into a decision support system that would provide potential outbreak risk and pest control information to the Comprehensive Resource Planning System (CROPS). In addition, the system stands alone as an educational tool for farmers and Extension personnel.

This is a rule-based system developed on the Microsoft Windows platform. Knowledge about crops and pest management is represented in the form of IF/THEN rules, demons, and "when-changed" methods. The inference engine analyzes specific crop system information entered by the user to determine potential risks of outbreak for wheat crop pests common to Virginia. These potential outbreak risks are presented as low, medium, and high levels of risk and are presented for each of 15 pests of wheat in Virginia.

The system was evaluated using thirty random cropping system scenarios. By comparing expert system output with output from human experts, it was shown that the expert system agreed with human expert opinions in 84 percent of the decisions made. Statistical analysis of the insect pest data showed that there was no significant statistical difference between the distribution of the human expert predictions and the expert system predictions. Statistical analysis of the disease pest data showed that there were some significant statistical differences between the distribution of the human expert predictions and the expert system predictions.
Master of Science

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a multi-layered approach to reducing pest pressure, primarily in agriculture, but also in national parks and urban settings. Its purpose is to maintain acceptable levels of productivity whilst avoiding the adverse effects associated with indiscriminate chemical control, such as pesticide resistance, secondary infestation, resurgence and harm to human health and the environment. It is a complex system, science-driven and information-based, and there are a wide range of actors involved in its development and implementation. These actors occupy various social locations. They are grouped in institutions for research and extension, in industry and related associations, in funding bodies, policy-making departments, and agricultural communities. IPM requires concerted effort from all involved; yet in some cases, social inequality characterises relations between the groups. Consequently, different groups address different layers of the IPM whole. Some groups have greater societal power to promote their developmental activities than others do, and when these differing activities meet in practice, as they must, conflict and contradiction can arise. This thesis attempts to understand the social construction of IPM by examining the process of IPM development and implementation. It follows the Science and Technology Studies (STS, also termed Science, Technology and Society) theoretical framework of the interrelationship, rather than separateness, of science, technology and society. It examines the way social relations influence technological developments in IPM, and the way IPM technologies influence social relations.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Faculty of Science and Technology
Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology
Full Text

The purpose of this study was to assess the adoption response of cotton growers to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, identify the extension strategies used to promote IPM, and provide descriptive comparison of IPM programs between the foremost eleven cotton-producing states in the United States. Integrated pest management is presented as an alternative agricultural production strategy referred to as sustainable agriculture. IPM programs for cotton were evaluated by use of a survey instrument and telephone interviews with the IPM coordinators for the eleven cotton-producing states. The most significant findings were that programs vary considerably between states; the most widely employed IPM techniques were selective use of chemicals, use of economic thresholds and sampling for pests; the Cooperative Extension Service worked closely with private consultants and grower associations; and adoption of a wide variety of IPM techniques has been extensive for cotton producers in the eleven foremost cotton-producing states.

Integrated pest management (IPM) has gained recognition worldwide as a key tool for sustainable arable farming. Promoting natural pest control, strategic use of insecticides, and farmer participation are three important elements in IPM. However, knowledge gaps exist related to the economic value of natural pest control service, insecticides’ efficacies and side effects, and farmers’ incentives to adopt natural pest control in arable fields. This thesis addresses these gaps using UK and European arable crop systems. With a natural enemy exclusion experiment and economic surplus method, the annual economic value of predators and parasitoids for the summer grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) control in wheat (Triticum spp.) in South East England was estimated to be £0-2.3 Million, depending on the aphid infestation levels. Insecticidal sprays based on action thresholds would enhance the value of this ecosystem service. By conducting a UK online survey among experts on insecticide efficacies and side effects in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) protection, relatively older chemical groups were perceived to have lower efficacies for target arthropod pests than newer ones. Foliar sprays were perceived to have greater negative impacts than seed treatments on users’ health, natural enemies, pollinators, soil and water. Many foliar active ingredients pose potential risks for non-target arthropod species in UK oilseed rape fields. Through an interview of European arable farmers participating in an agri-environmental project, respondents’ willingness to encourage natural (animal) pest control was relatively low. In comparison, using insecticides to control pests was the typical practice. Ordinal logistic regression indicated that farmers’ decision to promote natural pest control was positively associated with the perceived importance of this ecosystem service on crop production, but negatively associated with the perceived number of important pests in the fields. The implications of these findings and avenues for future research to enhance IPM in arable crops are discussed.

Master of Science
Entomology
Brian McCornack
Several lepidopteran species infest developing panicles. Larval identification is challenging and time intensive, so current recommendations are often simplified by treating all larvae equally across species. Consequently, the yield-loss model developed for corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) by Buckley and Burkhardt (1962) has been the foundation for management recommendations in modern sorghum Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for the last 49 years. Additionally, although pest populations primarily include both fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and corn earworm, only a single species damage estimate is used in economic threshold (ET) and economic injury level (EIL) calculations despite multi-species infestations. This research demonstrates both the validation of current management recommendations for corn earworm and the verification of previously assumed damage potentials for fall armyworm feeding in developing sorghum panicles. These results have important implications for sorghum producers faced with making a management decision for multi-species infestations.

12 pp.
This document is intended to help you develop an implementable IPM Plan for your school or school district. We have provided a modifiable template which can be downloaded at: http://cals.arizona.edu/apmc/westernschoolIPM.html#pubs.

La demanda mundial d’aliments ha dut al desenvolupament d’una intensa activitat agrícola produint la fragmentació, modificació i simplificació dels hàbitats naturals ja documentats com una de les principals causes de l’extinció i pèrdua de la diversitat d’espècies. La biodiversitat que tenen els ecosistemes proveeix d’una sèrie de serveis ecosistèmics a l’ésser humà i el control biològic natural de plagues es un dels serveis que s’ha vist alterat especialment als agroecosistemes. Tot i que existeix una creixent literatura científica que suggereix que la presència d’hàbitats naturals beneficia als enemics naturals als groecosistemes, l’eficiència del control biològic segueix sent un dels principals reptes en aquests estudis, oncs els efectes varien molt entre espècies i entre estudis. Entendre els patrons d’abundància i moviment de les espècies d’enemics naturals i d’herbívors, així com les interaccions entre aquests en els paisatges agrícoles, es espacialment i temporal complex. Si bé la gestió dels hàbitats agrícoles ofereix solucions per a reduir la pèrdua del rendiment degut a les plagues, en el cas dels virus, la simplificació excessiva de la diversitat dels cultius, els sistemes intensius de cultiu i l’ús de productes fitosanitaris interfereixen amb les funcions ecològiques dels agroecosistemes alterant la epidemiologia de malalties a les plantes. Amb l’objectiu d’oferir una perspectiva general sobre la’influència que el paisatge agrícola pot tenir sobre el control biològic i la epidemiologia viral, aquesta tesis s’ha enfocat en analitzar els efectes del paisatge agrícola des d’una perspectiva de composició espacial i del maneig del camp sobre espècies d’insectes herbívors i depredadors, així com en els principals virus que afecten al cultiu del panís a la zona de la Vall de l’Ebre. La primera part de la tesis està orientada a (1) l’ampliació en el coneixement de quins són els tipus d’estudis que s’estan duent a terme per analitzar els efectes de l’agroecosistema en el control biològic, les diferents metodologies i els resultats més recents (Capítol 1), i (2) els diferents efectes que té l’estructura (composició i configuració) del paisatge i les variables locals en les espècies de depredadors i herbívors presents en el cultiu de panís (Capítol 2). La segona part de la Tesi està orientada a estudiar els efectes del paisatge sobre tres dels principals virus que afecten al cultiu de panís (1) dos virus generalistes de vector: el virus del mosaic de la canya de sucre (SCMV) i el virus del mosaic nanitzant del panís (MDMV) (Capítol 3), i un virus especialista de vector: el virus del nanisme rugós del panís (MRDV) (Capítol 4). Les principals conclusions d’aquesta tesis doctoral són: (1) els estudis de caràcter funcional on s’estudia composició del paisatge han demostrat que les espècies d’enemics naturals necessiten hàbitats specífics, però que altres variables com són els efectes locals del cultiu també poden afectar a les seves dinàmiques i les de les plagues amb més força; (2) la superfície de fruiters afecta negativament als depredadors potencials del panís, però que les cobertes vegetals d’aquests afecten positivament a certes espècies d’herbívors en absència del panís; (3) l’alfals actua com un cultiu que aporta depredadors i herbívors al cultiu de panís actuant com un recurs per a les espècies més importants dels hàbitats seminaturals; (4) la incidència viral al panís està influïda principalment per la data de sembra i per la cobertura i presència d’espècies de gramínies als marges. Aquests resultats obren una via en el coneixement dels efectes que produeixen tant la composició del paisatge agrícola com el maneig del propi camp en l’abundància i distribució d’herbívors, depredadors i de virus en el cultiu de panís. Aquests resultats a més suggereixen que s’han de contemplar mesures de gestió a escala local que garanteixin nivells mínims de biodiversitat i sostenibilitat com a base inicial per al desenvolupament de programes més eficients de control biològic de plagues i virus.
La demanda mundial de alimentos ha llevado al desarrollo de una intensa actividad agrícola produciendo una fragmentación, modificación y simplificación de los hábitats naturales ya documentada como una de las principales causas de la extinción y pérdida de la diversidad de especies. La cantidad, estructura y forma de la superficie de estos hábitats naturales fragmentados genera efectos positivos o negativos sobre la abundancia y diversidad de las especies. La biodiversidad que tienen los ecosistemas provee de una serie de servicios ecosistémicos al ser humano, y el control biológico natural de plagas es uno de los servicios que se ha visto alterado especialmente en los agroecosistemas. Aunque existe una creciente literatura científica que sugiere que la presencia de hábitats naturales beneficia a los enemigos naturales en los agroecosistemas, la eficiencia del control biológico sigue siendo uno de los principales retos en estos estudios, pues los efectos varían mucho entre especies y entre estudios. Entender los patrones de abundancia y movimiento de las especies de enemigos naturales y de herbívoros en los paisajes agrícolas, así como las interacciones entre estos, es espacial y temporalmente complejo. Si bien la gestión de los hábitats agrícolas ofrece soluciones para reducir la pérdida de rendimiento debido a las plagas, en el caso de los virus la simplificación excesiva de la diversidad de los cultivos, los sistemas intensivos de cultivo y el uso de productos fitosanitarios interfieren con las funciones ecológicas de los agroecosistemas alterando la epidemiología de enfermedades en las plantas. Con el objetivo de ofrecer una perspectiva general sobre la influencia que el paisaje agrícola puede tener sobre el control biológico y la epidemiología viral, esta tesis se ha centrado en analizar los efectos del paisaje agrícola desde una perspectiva de composición espacial y del manejo del campo sobre especies de insectos herbívoros y depredadores, así como en los principales virus que afectan al cultivo de maíz en la zona del Valle del Ebro. La primera parte de la tesis está orientada a (1) la ampliación en el conocimiento de cuáles son los tipos de estudios que se están realizando para analizar los efectos del agroecosistema en control biológico, las diferentes metodologías y los resultados más recientes (Capítulo 1), y (2) los efectos que tiene la estructura (composición y configuración) del paisaje y las variables locales en las especies de depredadores y herbívoros presentes en el cultivo del maíz (Capítulo 2). La segunda parte de la tesis está orientada a estudiar los efectos del paisaje sobre tres de los principales virus que afectan al cultivo del maíz (1) dos virus generalistas de vector: el virus del mosaico de la caña de azúcar (SCMV) y el virus del mosaico enanizante del maíz (MDMV) (Capítulo 3), y un virus especialista de vector: el virus del enanismo rugoso del maíz (MRDV) (Capítulo 4). Las principales conclusiones de esta tesis son: (1) los estudios de carácter funcional donde se analiza la composición del paisaje han demostrado que las especies de enemigos naturales necesitan de hábitats específicos, pero que otras variables como son los efectos locales del cultivo también pueden afectar a las dinámicas de los enemigos naturales y los herbívoros con más fuerza; (2) la superficie de frutales afecta negativamente a los depredadores potenciales en el maíz, pero que las cubiertas vegetales de estos afectan positivamente a ciertas especies de herbívoros; (3) la alfalfa actúa como un cultivo que aporta depredadores y herbívoros al cultivo del maíz actuando como un recurso para las especies con mayores efectos que los hábitats semi-naturales; (4) la incidencia viral en el maíz está influenciada principalmente por la fecha de siembra y por la cobertura y presencia de especies de gramíneas en los márgenes. Estos resultados abren una vía en el conocimiento de los efectos que produce tanto la composición del paisaje agrícola como el manejo del propio campo en la abundancia y distribución de herbívoros, depredadores y de virus en el cultivo del maíz. Además, son una base para predecir las consecuencias de la modificación de las prácticas agrícolas en el control biológico de plagas y de virus en el cultivo del maíz. Estos resultados además sugieren que deben de contemplarse medidas de gestión a escala local que garanticen niveles mínimos de biodiversidad y sostenibilidad como base inicial para el desarrollo de programas más eficientes de control biológico de plagas y virus.
The global demand for food has led to the development of intense agricultural activity resulting in fragmentation, modification and simplification of natural habitats already documented as one of the main causes of extinction and loss of species diversity. The quantity, structure and surface shape of these fragmented natural habitats generate positive or negative effects on the abundance and diversity of species. The biodiversity that ecosystems have provides a series of ecosystem services to humans, and natural biological control is one of the services that has been altered, especially in agroecosystems. Although there is growing scientific literature that suggests that the presence of natural habitats benefits natural enemies in agroecosystems, the efficiency of biological control remains one of the main challenges in these studies, as the effects vary greatly between species and between studies. Understanding the patterns of abundance and movement of natural enemies and herbivores, as well as understanding the interactions between them, is spatially and temporarily complex in agricultural landscapes. While agricultural habitat management offers solutions to reduce yield loss due to pests, in the case of viruses, the excessive simplification of crop diversity, intensive cropping systems and the use of phytosanitary products interfere with the ecological functions of agroecosystems, altering the epidemiology of diseases in plants. With the aim of offering a general perspective on the influence that the agricultural landscape can have on biological control and viral epidemiology, this thesis has focused on analysing the effects of the agricultural landscape from a spatial composition and field management perspective on species of herbivorous and predatory insects, as well as in the main viruses that affect the cultivation of maize in the area of the Ebro Valley. The first part of the thesis is aimed at (1) broadening the knowledge of identifying the types of studies that are being conducted to analyse the effects of agroecosystem on biological control, the different methodologies and the most recent results (Chapter 1), and (2) the effects of the structure (composition and configuration) of the landscape and the local variables in the predators and herbivores present in the cultivation of maize (Chapter 2). The second part of the thesis is aimed at studying the effects of the landscape on three of the main viruses that affect the cultivation of maize (1) two generalist vector viruses: the sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and the maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) (Chapter 3), and a vector specialist virus: the maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV) (Chapter 4). The main conclusions of this thesis are as follows: (1) functional studies where landscape composition is studied have shown that natural enemy species need specific habitats, while other variables such as the local effects of the crop can also affect the dynamics of natural enemies and herbivores with greater weight; (2) the surface of orchards negatively affects potential predators in maize, but the plant cover of these positively affects certain species of herbivores; (3) alfalfa acts as a crop that contributes predators and herbivores to the cultivation of maize acting as a resource for species with higher effects than semi-natural habitats; and (4) the viral incidence in maize is mainly influenced by the planting date and the cover and presence of grass species at the edges. These results offer additional knowledge about the effects produced by both the composition of the agricultural landscape and the management of the field itself in the abundance and distribution of herbivores, predators and viruses in the cultivation of maize. In addition, they provide a basis for predicting the consequences of the modification of agricultural practices in the biological control of pests and viruses in the cultivation of maize. These results also suggest that local management measures that guarantee minimum levels of biodiversity and sustainability should be considered as the initial basis for the development of more efficient biological control programmes for pests and viruses.

Canada thistle is a clone forming perennial weed that spreads aggressively and is difficult to control. One approach to managing invasive weeds is integrating numerous tactics instead of relying on a single tactic. Therefore, the objectives of this research were: 1) assess impacts of Hadroplontus litura, common sunflower competition, and soil nutrients on Canada thistle, and 2) investigate head capsule morphometrics and model H. litura developmental timing. Common sunflower competition, low soil nutrients, and H. litura herbivory negatively impacted aspects of Canada thistle growth and reproduction, but effects varied. Additionally, H. litura effects on thistle morphology were mild whereas the effects of soil nutrition and competition were persistent throughout the experiment. Histogram analysis and verification via Dyar?s rule produced adequate larvae categorization by instar number. Logistic thermal time models developed to predict mean developmental time were most accurate for first instar larvae and least accurate for egg stage.

Five foliar insecticide treatments (Esteem, two rates of Provado, two rates of Applaud, Prev-am, and Danitol + Lorsban) were evaluated for their control of woolly whitefly infestations in grapefruit. All of these products demonstrated efficacy in mitigating woolly whitefly populations. Danitol + Lorsban was the best knock-down treatment evaluated, but for sustained control, Esteem appeared to be most effective. Applaud demonstrated good activity, but the rate we tested may be a little low; the 1.0 lb/ac rate should be evaluated. Provado at 19 oz/ac was a good treatment, while the 10 oz/ac rate appears to be sub-par. Prev-am is a oil based contact material and demonstrated good initial activity. Soil injections of 16 and 32 oz/ac of Admire were very effective against WWF, and there were no detectable differences between the two rates. Previous experiments with soil injections of Admire in citrus suggested that as much as six weeks needs to pass before the trees have enough time to adequately take up the Admire from the soil. However, these data suggest that smaller trees, about 10 ft tall, may require as little as two weeks to pick up the material.

Eight foliar insecticide treatment regimes (single applications of Esteem, Danitol + Lorsban, Applaud, Provado and Prev-am, and two applications of Applaud, Provado, and Prev-Am) were evaluated for management of woolly whitefly infestations in grapefruit. All of these products demonstrated efficacy in mitigating woolly whitefly populations. Danitol + Lorsban appeared to be the best knock-down treatment evaluated, but Provado and Prev-Am also demonstrated good activity. For sustained control, all of the treatments were effective; however, Prev-Am required an additional application to achieve equivalent control. Soil injections of 16 and 32 fl-oz/ac of Admire were very effective against WWF, and there were no detectable differences between the two rates. The Admire appeared to require about 27 days after injection to demonstrate consistent activity.

Doutoramento em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL
Consumer awareness of health and environmental safety has led to the design and application of policy tools for the dissemination of sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management, and of rules for the proper use of pesticides. In the last two decades, the adoption of integrated pest management has increased in Europe and, since 2014, farmers should use it as a basis for their crop protection strategy, according to the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. Within this framework, this thesis involves an assessment of the technical and environmental benefits that are a result of integrated pest management adoption, an analysis of the demand for food products obtained in this farming system, which is differentiated though the presence of attributes related to health safety and environmental quality, and a discussion of the policy tools that might be used to promote the reduction or nonuse of pesticides. Integrated pest management evolution in Portugal is described based on country statistics. At the same time, farming practices and farmers’ attitudes, perceptions and motivations, as well as pesticide monitoring and biodiversity assessment, were collected in vineyards and apple and pear orchards. A set of sustainable farming practices and attitudes associated with integrated pest management adoption was identified as possible environmental indicators that can be useful to measure the associated benefits. Pesticide use, biodiversity, farmers’ attitudes and perceptions (or motivations) and technical itineraries were included in a global indicator - the Pesticide print – that can be used to assess the environmental impact caused by the crop protection strategy and pesticide use. Integrated pest management farms presented a lower impact on the environment, when compared with conventional farms (about 5% less). The Pesticide print proved to be a good global indicator that can be used to assess the impact of different farming systems, per country, region, farmers’ association, over time, as well as to define a framework of technical commitments that should be adopted to obtain effective benefits from the sustainable use of pesticides. We have also tried to understand the Portuguese consumers’ attitudes and knowledge about the sustainable use of pesticide and its effects on the purchasing frequency of certified food products produced in environmentally friendly and healthy farming systems, such as integrated pest management. Our sample of Portuguese consumers can be clustered in three groups - ‘habitual buyers’, ‘occasional buyers’ and ‘non-buyers’ - based on their experience in buying certified food and knowledge about the use of pesticides in agriculture and its risks for human health and the environment. The lack of consumer knowledge and awareness concerning pesticide use stands as a key issue for policy design and marketing strategies. Finally, we developed an innovative method that uses data from stated preference methods (discrete-choice contingent valuation data) in a much more straightforward way to estimate the probability of purchasing differentiated products as a function of the price premium level, household income, level of consumption of the food item, and knowledge about environmentally friendly and healthy farming systems. This approach allowed us to define a demand curve for food from farming systems that use less, or don’t use, pesticides (sustainable use of pesticides), when conventional food is also available, and to compare the option for “market differentiation” with alternative policy tools to promote the sustainable use of pesticides.

31 pp.
Many pests encountered in homes and structures can be prevented by using simple techniques collectively known as “pest-proofing”. If done correctly, pest-proofing your home saves you money by reducing pest management costs, and more importantly, reduces potential pesticide exposure. This publication describes general indoor and outdoor pest-proofing measures and some of the major pests encountered in and around homes and structures.

The invasiveness of Drosophila suzukii in North America and Europe is causing several damage on soft fruits and cherry. The management of D. suzukii is particularly complex due to its rapid developmental cycle, its ability to infest fruit close to harvest and its polyphagy. Thus, characterizing the range of host plants in natural habitats, finding the lower thermal threshold for pest development and studying the spillover from natural areas to cultivated one become essential to develop sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. A highly sensitive monitoring tools (traps and lures) characterized by high selectivity, practical in use, economic cost and low environmental impact, is essential to study the population dynamics and define rational strategies of D. suzukii control. From our studies, carried on multi-year and multi-regional comparison, the most attractive lure was Droskidrink, while Suzukii Trap was the most selective. Attractiveness and selectivity change during the season in dependence of climatic conditions, suggesting the need of implementing different lures in different periods. Out of more than 100 investigated species in North Italy, 34 non-crop plants were found suitable for D. suzukii development, enhancing pest population in wild areas with subsequently invasion of fields. From wild host fruits sampled along elevation gradients in mountain areas adults were obtained when the daily average temperature in the three weeks preceding the sampling was at least 11.1°C. Similar results were obtained with the laboratory colonies reared in a natural temperature gradient in an open-top cave, where oviposition and development from egg to adult occurred above 11.6°C. These findings indicate that D. suzukii performs well at low temperatures. Using traps disposed at different distances from the forest margin and at different heights from ground, it emerged that D. suzukii abundance in the orchards declined strongly with increasing distances from border and heights from ground. The observed patterns varied across the crop phenological development stages, indicating that the pest used multiple habitats across the seasons. When the host plant was not suitable for reproduction, D. suzukii preferred to fly closer to the forest margin and near the grass. Differently, when the host plant was suitable, D. suzukii colonized further the orchards both horizontally and vertically exploring more in depth the canopy volume. The knowledge provided by this thesis underline the importance to conjugate the monitoring and IPM strategies in order to control D. suzukii at agroecosystem level. In addition, an effective limitation by native parasitoids is desirable and needs further studies.
Drosophila suzukii, carpofago di recente introduzione in Italia ed in Europa, sta causando ingenti danni alle coltivazioni di ciliegio e piccoli frutti. La sua gestione è particolarmente complessa a causa della rapidità del ciclo di sviluppo, della capacità di infestare la frutta in prossimità della raccolta e dell’ampia polifagia. Al fine di sviluppare strategie di gestione integrata (IPM) sostenibili ed efficaci, risulta essenziale caratterizzare la gamma di piante ospiti presenti negli habitat naturali, individuare la soglia termica minima di sviluppo e studiare gli spostamenti dell’insetto dalle aree naturali a quelle coltivate. Per svolgere studi di ecologia e definire razionali strategie di controllo è necessario disporre di strumenti di monitoraggio (trappole ed esche) efficaci, caratterizzati da elevata selettività, praticità di utilizzo, economicità e basso impatto ambientale. Dalle prove svolte durante il dottorato in differenti areali e nel corso di tre anni, l’attrattivo Droskidrink si è dimostrato essere il più efficace, mentre Suzukii Trap il più selettivo. Attrattività e selettività variano durante la stagione in funzione delle condizioni climatiche, suggerendo la necessità di utilizzare esche diverse in funzione del periodo. Nel Nord Italia, tra le oltre cento specie investigate, 34 piante ospiti non coltivate hanno permesso lo sviluppo di D. suzukii. La loro presenza favorisce l’incremento delle popolazioni che, successivamente, sono in grado di colonizzare le adiacenti aree coltivate. Dai frutti selvatici, raccolti lungo due differenti gradienti altitudinali nelle zone di montagna, sono sfarfallati adulti quando la temperatura media giornaliera era di almeno 11,1°C. Risultati simili sono stati ottenuti allevando colonie di laboratorio in una grotta a cielo aperto caratterizzata da un gradiente naturale di temperatura. Il completamento del ciclo di sviluppo si è verificato con temperatura media giornaliera superiore a 11,6°C. I risultati ottenuti evidenziano la capacità di D. suzukii di svilupparsi anche a basse temperature. Attraverso uno sistema di trappole disposte a differenti distanze dal margine delle aree selvatiche ed a diverse altezze da terra all’interno di frutteti è stato dimostrato come la presenza di D. suzukii negli impianti produttivi diminuisca fortemente all'aumentare sia della distanza dal margine che dell’altezza da terra. I differenti andamenti delle catture osservati durante il susseguirsi delle fasi fenologiche della coltura hanno permesso di evidenziare che D. suzukii utilizza diversi habitat nel corso delle stagioni. Il carpofago colonizza i frutteti verso l’interno e le piante in altezza in presenza dei frutti maturi o in maturazione, mentre vola in prossimità dei margini e vicino al cotico erboso nei restanti periodi. Dalle informazioni provenienti dai vari studi presenti in questa tesi emerge che per una efficace difesa contro questo nuovo insetto è necessaria la combinazione di tutti i mezzi di contenimento disponibili e la necessità di mettere a punto strategie di monitoraggio e contenimento a livello di agroecosistema. Inoltre è auspicabile l’instaurazione degli equilibri biologici, pertanto è necessario un maggiore approfondimento relativo all’efficacia nella limitazione da parte dei parassitoidi autoctoni.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach to pest control which emphasizes the Integration of biological, cultural, and chemical control methods for optimal pest management. The purpose of this thesis is to empirically examine the level and distribution of net economic benefits of Extension IPM, and to assess the relative importance of socioeconomic factors in affecting the adoption of IPM in the states of Indiana, Virginia, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Massachusetts, Mississippi and the Northwest region. Budgeting and hypothesis testing procedures are used to conduct a net returns analysis. Consumer-producer surplus analysis is used to assess IPM benefits to producers and consumers. Finally, a polychotomous logit model is used to assess the importance of socioeconomic factors affecting IPM adoption. The results of these analyses show significantly higher returns and less variability of returns per acre for users of IPM as compared to non-users. Moreover, consumers receive significant positive economic gains. However, pesticide cost and the variance of pesticide cost per acre increase with increasing levels of IPM use in several states but decrease in a few others. Gross farm income, percent family income from farming, frequency of contacts with Extension agents, and the education level of respondents are the most important factors related to adoption of IPM. A typical user of IPM is white, male, with at least some college education, has frequent contacts with Extension agents, has a relatively large farm, higher gross farm income, and a higher percent family income from farming.
Master of Science

In the promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an alternative to pesticides, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Office of International Research and Development (OIRD) at Virginia Tech, and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) supported my research to uncover the socio-economic constraints to IPM adoption and to determine the amount of gendered participation in three rural Jamaica farming communities. The thesis examines the gendered participation in crop production, marketing, and decision making as well as the ability of farmers to identify key pests of three nontraditional agricultural exports: callaloo, "Scotch Bonnet" hot pepper, and sweet potato. While men generally participated to a greater extent in crop production and decision making, women also made a significant contribution. Less female participation is due in part to women owning, renting, or leasing a smaller amount of land. However, decision making about income derived from farming was found to be almost equally split between males and females. Another important finding is that women were able to identify key crop pests. To facilitate the introduction of IPM in the three communities, the small-scale farmers' limited access to irrigation and markets must be addressed. Moreover, the thesis advocates that instead of the singular focus on pest control, the holistic spirit of IPM should be seen as the catalyst for an overall integrated approach to rural farm development.
Master of Science

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2009.
Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 89 p. : col. ill. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-64).

This study identifies the factors influencing adoption of IPM practices and number of pesticide applications in vegetable farmers in Kenya. The sample size for this study includes 263 vegetable farmers. The survey was conducted in four counties of Kenya: Nyeri, Tharka Nithi, Nakuru and Bomet. The vegetables considered in this study are tomato, cabbage and French beans. Different econometric tools are used to analyze adoption of IPM practices and pesticide application for vegetables. It is found that experience in vegetable cultivation and number of livestock owned have a positive impact on the adoption of IPM practices. However, distance to the nearest town has a negative impact on adoption. Moreover, the number of times pesticides are applied to vegetables also declines as distance of the household from the nearest town increases. Farmers whose crops face less stress from insects and disease tend to apply pesticides fewer times as well. Results from this study indicate that being close to town is important for agricultural activities in general. Being farther away not only reduces the probability of IPM adoption but also reduces pesticide application.
Master of Science

This study assesses the research benefits of IPM technologies and management practices aimed at reducing the virus problem in tomatoes in West Africa. Surveys are conducted with producers, extension agents, scientists, and other experts to obtain information and economic surplus analysis is used to project benefits over time. The determinants of adoption are assessed using a probit model. Results show that adoption of the host-free period reduced the amount of insecticide sprays by 71% and the production cost by $200/ha in Mali. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that the use of virus-tolerant seeds generated profits ranging from $1,188 to $2,116/ha in Mali and from $1,789 to $4,806/ha in Senegal. The likely factors influencing adoption of the technologies in both countries are the frequency of extension visits, farmerâ s field school training, gender, education, seed cost, tomato area, and experience in tomato losses. The benefits in the closed economy market vary from $3.4 million to $14.8 million for the host-free period, $0.5 million to $3 million for the virus-tolerant seeds, and $4.8 million to $21.6 million for the overall IPM program. In the same order, the benefits under the open economy market range from $3.5 million to $15.4 million, $0.5 million to $3million, and $5 million to $24 million. The distribution pattern indicates that producers gain one-third and consumers two-thirds of the benefits. Our results support policies aiming to increase the adoption rate or the expected change in yield.
Master of Science

Cucurbits (i.e. squash, melons, pumpkins, gourds) are high value crops of global importance. Insect pests in these systems are often controlled by chemical insecticides, which are not always effective and can be damaging to the environment. Many integrated pest management (IPM) techniques have been developed for the control of pests in these systems, with a goal of improving system stability and reducing chemical inputs. The overarching goal of my research was to investigate the impact of select IPM techniques on arthropod populations and yield in organic and conventional cucurbit systems. This dissertation can be divided into three major projects which were conducted between 2013 and 2017. First, an investigation was conducted to understand the impact of two commonly used IPM practices (tillage regime and the use of row covers) on pest insect populations, beneficial arthropod populations, and plant yield. By developing studies in both organic and conventionally managed squash and melon production, four independent studies were conducted and analyzed to provide a broad understanding of these IPM strategies. In all systems, plant yields and pests were greatest in the plasticulture systems, but reduced tillage had a positive impact on the natural enemy arthropods within these crops. Row cover use resulted in larger plants and increased yields, but had an inconsistent influence on arthropods in the systems studied. From these initial studies, an additional investigation was developed to better understand the impacts of cultivation on the specialist pollinator Peponapis pruinosa [Hymenoptera: Apidae]. Nesting site selection was examined in two independent experiments. By conducting choice studies to allow P. pruinosa to select preferred nesting sites, we determined that P. pruinosa prefer to build nests in loose soils and show reduced nest making in compact soils. This poses interesting management challenges since less-compact soils are within high tillage zones. This research supports the need for the development of cultivation management plans that consider of pollinator habitat and reproduction needs. A multi-year, multi-farm study was developed for the comparison of parasitism in cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata) in organic and conventional growing systems. Parasitoids were reared from beetles collected from working organic and conventional cucurbit farms in central Kentucky. Our results show that there is some seasonal variation in parasitism, but that there is no significant difference between organic and conventional production. We conclude that IPM techniques can be effective in contributing to the control cucurbit pests in agroecosystems and the improvement of crop yields. These studies show that natural enemies and pollinators react differently to IPM practices, which should be considered when developing IPM plans in cucurbit production. By researching these management techniques we are able to develop production systems that have increased stability.

State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are often called on to demonstrate their impacts. While many studies demonstrate techniques for assessing various economic and environmental effects of IPM, the literature provides little guidance on incorporating the techniques to perform complete assessments of IPM programs. This thesis begins with a discussion of relevant economic and environmental techniques for IPM impact assessment. Next, impact assessment techniques that are widely accepted and analytically feasible are identified. These techniques are incorporated into comprehensive impact assessment frameworks for use by individuals charged with the assessment of state level IPM programs. The study concludes with case studies which show how the assessment protocols were applied to estimate and describe the impacts of the Pennsylvania and Massachusetts sweet corn IPM programs.
Master of Science

Tuta absoluta, a member of the moth family, causes devastating yield loss to tomato farmers around the world. Its recent migration into the tomato fields of Nepal puts tomato farmers at a high risk of yield loss. In response, chemical pesticide use by Nepali farmers is increasing. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices have been implemented in hopes of reducing the frequency of chemical pesticide use while controlling yield risks. This study examines the extent and determinants of Tuta absoluta IPM adoption and its effect on the frequency of pesticide use for Nepali tomato farmers. Primary data was collected from four-hundred and one households in four districts throughout Nepal. Two levels of IPM practices were assessed, simple and complex, based on the need for additional knowledge and tools. An instrumental variable probit analysis was used to analyze the determinants of IPM adoption. Household distance to nearest agricultural extension office was a significant factor decreasing the likelihood of the adoption of complex practices. Amount of land dedicated to tomato production, membership status of the primary decision maker, IPM training regarding Tuta absoluta practices and severity of Tuta absoluta were found to increase the likelihood of the adoption of complex practices. In order to analyze pesticide use, a simple linear regression was used. Primary decision maker's age, gender, and education level were significant determinates to decrease the amount of expenditures spent on chemical pesticides to control for Tuta absoluta. IPM adoption level, amount of land dedicated to tomato production and severity of Tuta absoluta damage were significant determinates to increase the amount of expenditures spent on chemical pesticides to control for Tuta absoluta.
Master of Science

Farmers around the world rely on IPM practices in order to increase their yields and reduce their losses due to pests. Assessing the impacts of previous IPM CRSP studies is crucial for successful continuance of the program and to provide meaningful recommendations to farmers. This thesis summarizes previous IPM CRSP impact studies, and provides additional impact assessments of IPM practices developed on the program. Scientist-questionnaires were sent to scientists in each IPM CRSP site around the world. Using the data from the questionnaire responses in combination with additional secondary information on elasticities, prices and quantities, economic surplus analyses were conducted. The tomato IPM program in Albania, the plantain IPM program in Ecuador, and the tomato IPM program in Uganda resulted in net present values of approximately $8 million, $7 million and $1 million, respectively. Sensitivity analyses for each case were also conducted, and net benefits ranged from $5 to 23 million in Albania, from $4 to 7 million in Ecuador, and from $0.03 to 3 million in Uganda. Additionally, an ordered probit analysis was conducted to determine the factors affecting adoption of IPM technologies in Bangladesh. The level of education, being a female, IPM training and awareness of pesticide alternatives were found to have positive and statistically significant impact on the adoption of IPM technologies in Bangladesh.
Master of Science

[EN] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest of clementines. Biological control of A. spiraecola is still poorly known and efforts were based on the use and conservation of parasitoids but it did not success. With all this said, the aims of this thesis were: i) to disentangle the reasons behind the low parasitism of A. spiraecola; ii) to determine when and how predators can control A. spiraecola populations; and, finally, iii) to evaluate whether a ground cover of Poaceae plants can enhance the biological control of this aphid in clementines by improving the establishment of its predators. In the first objective we sampled four orchards and determine the parasitoid complex and parasitism (and hyper-) rates weekly. Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the unique primary parasitoid emerged from mummies of A. spiraecola. At least six hymenopteran hyperparasitoid species were identified attacking this primary parasitoid: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). We developed a DNA-based approach to untangle the structure of the aphid-parasitoid food web in citrus. This methodology confirmed that all six species hyperparasitized B. angelicae And they dominated this food web and they were abundant from the beginning of the season. Thus, hyperparasitism probably explains the low impact of B. angelicae on A. spiraecola populations. For the second objective we sampled three clementine orchards to determine the effect of aphid predators on A. spiraecola colonies over a three-year period. Life parameters of A. spiraecola colonies varied among the orchards over the three years. The maximum number of aphids and the longevity of A. spiraecola colonies were negatively correlated with the time of first attack by predators. More importantly, the percentage of shoots occupied by A. spiraecola (damages) remained below or close to the intervention threshold when colonies were attacked prior to ~200 degree days (DD) since the beginning of the aphid colonization. These results suggest that: i) the presence of predators at the beginning of the season should be considered to develop new intervention thresholds and ii) biological control programs should promote the early presence of predators in clementine orchards. To promote the early presence of predators in clementine orchards, in the third objective we evaluated ground cover management. This ground cover management may provide alternative preys to natural enemies. The effect of a sown ground cover (based on Poaceae plants) on the biological control of A. spiraecola was evaluated in four orchards with ground cover management compared with four orchards with bare soil management. This sown Poaceae cover coexists with a complex of wild plants that might also affect biological control of A. spiraecola. Finally, we compared the presence of A. spiraecola and its natural enemies in these orchards. While Poaceae plants represented ~66% of the ground cover, the rest of the cover comprised mainly Malva sp. (13%), Oxalis sp. (5%) and Sonchus sp. (2%). Poaceae plants harbored aphids which appeared sooner in the system than citrus aphids. These aphids serve as alternative prey/hosts for natural enemies. By contrast, Malva sp. and Sonchus sp. harbored aphids with potential to become citrus pest. Although these wild plants may act as reservoirs for A. spiraecola as well as other aphid species that can disrupt the biocontrol services of natural enemies, overall, the sown cover was effective in terms of biological control of A. spiraecola in the citrus canopy. It promoted the early presence of predators in citrus canopies. These attacks resulted in satisfactory aphid control, because citrus orchards with ground cover never exceeded the aphid economic threshold.
[ES] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) es una de las plagas claves en el cultivo de clementinos. Los esfuerzos realizados hasta la fecha se han centrado en el uso y conservación de parasitoides aunque se desconocen las causas de su baja eficacia. Por todo ello, los objetivos de esta tesis han sido i) desentrañar las razones por las que se dan bajos niveles de parasitismo de A. spiraecola ii) determinar cuándo y cómo los depredadores pueden controlar las poblaciones de A. spiraecola y finalmente iii) determinar si una cubierta de poáceas puede mejorar el control biológico de este pulgón en clementinos mediante la mejora en el establecimiento de sus depredadores. En el primer objetivo se muestrearon semanalmente cuatro parcelas y se identificó el complejo de parasitoides y las tasas de parasitismo (e hiperparasitismo). Los porcentajes de parasitismo fueron bajos (~menos del 5%) y Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) fue el único parasitoide primario emergido de las momias de A. spiraecola. Se identificaron al menos seis especies de hiperparasitoides atacando este parasitoide primario: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) y Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). Se desarrolló un método basado en la detección de ADN con el cual se confirmó que todas las especies de hiperparasitoides hiperparasitan B. angelicae. Los hiperparasitoides dominaron esta red trófica y fueron abundantes desde el inicio de la estación. De este modo, el hiperparasitismo probablemente explica el bajo impacto que B. angelicae tiene sobre las poblaciones de A. spiraecola. Para el segundo objetivo se muestrearon tres campos de clementinos donde se determinó el efecto de los depredadores en las colonias de A. spiraecola. Los parámetros de vida de las colonias de A. spiraecola variaron entre los diferentes cultivos los tres años. El máximo número de pulgones y la longevidad de las colonias de A. spiraecola se correlacionaron negativamente con el momento del primer ataque del depredador a la colonia. Cabe destacar que el porcentaje de brotes ocupados por A. spiraecola permaneció por debajo o cerca del umbral de tratamiento cuando las colonias fueron atacadas antes de los 200 grados días (GD) desde el inicio de formación de la colonia. Estos resultados sugieren: i) la presencia de depredadores al inicio de la temporada de pulgón debes ser considerado para el desarrollo de nuevos umbrales de tratamiento y ii) los programas de control biológico deben promover el adelanto de la presencia de depredadores en los campos de clementinos. Para promover la presencia anticipada de depredadores en los campos de clementinos, como tercer objetivo se evaluó el manejo de cubiertas vegetales a base de poáceas. Con este manejo se persigue aportar presas alternativas para los enemigos naturales de A. spiraecola. Para ello, se compararon cuatro campos de cítricos con cubierta vegetal frente a cuatro con suelo desnudo. En los campos con cubierta sembrada apareció además de las poáceas sembradas, un complejo de plantas salvajes que podrían afectar también el control biológico de A. spiraecola. Las poáceas representaron un 66% de la cubierta vegetal. Las poáceas y Oxalis sp. albergaron respectivamente pulgones estenófagos de plantas poáceas y Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Estas especies de pulgones aparecieron más pronto en el ecosistema que los pulgones de cítricos y sirvieron como presas/hospederos alternativos para los enemigos naturales. Al contrario, Malva sp. y Sonchus sp. albergaron especies de pulgón que podrían ser potenciales plagas de cítricos. El efecto total de la cubierta sembrada resultó positivo para el control de A. spiraecola. Por lo tanto, las parcelas de cítricos con cubierta vegetal tendieron a no
[CAT] Aphis spiraecola Patch. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) és una de les plagues clau en el cultiu de clementins. Els esforços realitzats fins ara s'han centrat en el us i conservació de parasitoids encara que es desconeix les causes de la seua baixa eficàcia. Tenint en compte estos antecedents, els objectius d'esta tesis foren: i) desentrampar les raons per les quals els parasitoids no són efectius; ii) determinar quan i com els depredadors poden controlar les poblacions d'A. spiraecola; i finalment iii) determinar si una coberta de poàcies pot millorar el control biològic d'este àfid en clementins mitjançant la millora en el establiment del seus depredadors. En el primer objectiu es van mostrejar setmanalment quatre parcel·les i s'identificà el complex de parasitoids i les taxes de parasitisme (i hiperparasitisme). Binodoxys angelicae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) va ser l'únic parasitoid primari emergit de les mòmies d'A. spiraecola. Se van identificar al menys sis especies d' hiperparasitoids atacant este parasitoid primari: Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Encyrtidae), Alloxysta sp. (Forster) (Figitidae), Asaphes sp. (Walker) (Pteromalidae), Pachyneuron aphidis (Bouché) (Pteromalidae), Dendrocerus sp. (Ratzeburg) (Megaspilidae) i Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig) (Figitidae). Se desenvolupà un mètode basat en la detecció de DNA amb el que es confirmà que totes les especies d'hiperparasitoids hiperparasiten B. angelicae. Els hiperparasitoids dominaren aquesta xarxa tròfica i foren abundants a l'inici de l'estació. Per tant, l'hiperparasitisme podria explicar el baix impacte que B. angelicae té sobre les poblacions d'A. spiraecola. Per al segon objectiu es mostrejaren tres camps de clementins on es determinà l'efecte dels depredadors en les colònies d'A. spiraecola. Els paràmetres de vida de les colònies d'A. spiraecola variaren entre les tres parcel·les els tres anys. El màxim número d'àfids i la longevitat de les colònies d'A. spiraecola es correlacionaren negativament amb el moment del primer atac del depredador a la colònia. Caldria destacar que el percentatge de brots ocupats per A. spiraecola es mantingué per baix o prop del llindar de tractament quan les colònies foren atacades abans dels ~200 graus dia (GD) des de l'inici de formació de la colònia. Estos resultats sugereixen que: i) la presència de depredadors a l'inici de la estació de l'àfid podria ser considerada per al desenvolupament de nous llindars de tractament i ii) els programes de control biològic deurien promoure l'avançament de la presència de depredadors en els camps de clementins. Per promoure la l'avançament de la presència de depredadors en els camps de clementins, com tercer objectiu s'avaluà el maneig de cobertes vegetals basades en poàcies. Amb aquest maneig es persegueix aportar preses alternatives per als enemics naturals d'A. spiraecola. Se compararen quatre camps de clementins amb coberta vegetal front a quatre amb sol nu. En els camps amb coberta sembrada creix, junt a les Poáceas sembrades, un conjunt de plantes salvatges que podrien afectar també el control biològic d'A. spiraecola. S'investigà quines especies de plantes componien la coberta vegetal així com les especies d'àfids que les habitaven. Les poàcies representaren un 66% de la coberta vegetal, sent les plantes salvatges més abundants Malva sp. (13%), Oxalis sp. (5%) i Sonchus sp. (2%). Les poàcies hostejaren àfids estenòfags de poàcies. Estes espècies d'àfid aparegueren més prompte en l'ecosistema que aquells àfids associats a cítrics. Al contrari, Malva sp. i Sonchus sp. hostejaren especies d'àfids que podrien ser potencials plagues de cítrics. Este últim grup pot atenuar l'atac dels enemics naturals a les poblacions d'A. spiraecola que habiten les copes. Encara així, l'efecte total de la coberta sembrada a base de poàcies va resultar positiu per al control d'A. spiraecola. En conseqüència les parcel·les de cítrics am
Gómez Marco, F. (2015). Integrated Pest Management of Aphis spiraecola (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in clementines: enhancing its biological control [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/53732
TESIS

The demand for locally sourced hops from Northeastern microbreweries began the recent resurgence in local hop production. The farming community has increased acreage and improved the quality of hops grown and processed in the Northeast region over the past five years. There was a sharp increase in the number of Northeast hop producers from six in 2009 to over 175 in 2014. Hop growers in the Northeast are new to the crop and have limited experience with pest identification and management. This dissertation encompasses three research projects that were conducted over the 2012-2014 growing seasons. These projects were the first critical steps taken to develop arthropod integrated pest management (IPM) tactics for Northeastern hop growers. First, the arthropod community in seven Vermont hop yards was evaluated. The objectives of Chapter 2 are to 1) present current hop pest biology and management strategies, 2) report the phenology of arthropod pests observed over three growing seasons, 3) report abundance and peak date for each pest, and 4) document natural enemy abundance in Vermont hop yards. The survey indicates that in cool, wet seasons hop aphid (Phorodon humuli Schrank) is expected to be a pest of concern. Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is expected to be a pest of concern in hot, dry conditions. Potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae Harris) is an unpredictable pest of special concern for first year hop plants. When hop aphid or potato leafhopper are sprayed for with broad-spectrum insecticide, two-spotted spider mite secondary outbreak can be expected. Second, the abundance of major arthropod pests and their natural enemy groups were evaluated under drive row flowering cover crop treatments. The objectives of this study were to 1) measure the effect of cover crops on natural enemy group abundance, 2) measure the effect of cover crops on the three major Northeastern hop pests, and 3) measure the effect of cover crop presence on hop yield and quality. Natural enemy groups and pests were positively correlated yet cover crop treatments had no significant effect on natural enemy abundance. Red clover cover crop treatments served as a trap crop for potato leafhopper. No significant difference in hop yield or quality was observed between flowering cover crop treatments. Finally, potato leafhopper is a documented but understudied regional pest of hops. The objectives of this study were to 1) measure the physiological response of eight hop cultivars to adult potato leafhopper feeding and 2) measure hop leaf recovery from potato leafhopper injury. Gas exchange (net photosynthesis and transpiration) and chlorophyll content were measured to quantify injury by adult potato leafhopper to first year hop leaves in field and greenhouse studies. Cultivars did not vary significantly in their physiological response to potato leafhopper feeding. Injury significantly reduced gas exchange measures in the field (P < 0.05) and greenhouse (P < 0.05) and when leafhoppers were removed, gas exchange was restored.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2005.
Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Entomology. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

Potato farmers in Ecuador rely on chemical inputs to manage pests and optimize yields. IPM techniques are recommended to lower production costs, reduce exposure to pesticides, and improve the long-term sustainability of the agriculture system. We conducted a survey of 109 potato farmers in Carchi, Ecuador that included 30 Farmer Field School (FFS) participants, 28 farmers who had been exposed to FFS-participants, and 51 randomly selected farmers. Using an ordered probit model, the data were analyzed to identify determinants and constraints of adoption. Access to information through FFS was the main determinant of adoption of IPM, followed by field days, pamphlets, and exposure to FFS-participants. The study looked at the relative cost-effectiveness of information dissemination methods and found that field days and pamphlets have strong impacts on adoption considering their low cost of implementation. The only significant household variable was household size, where larger households adopted less IPM. Per capita land holdings were not significant in the model. There is evidence of farmer-to-farmer diffusion from FFS to non-FFS farmers. Further research is necessary to evaluate the nature and quality of information transfer between farmers. The study was limited by the small sample size and non-random selection of farmer respondents.
Master of Science