Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Vegetable – Insects'

Three separate field trials over two years were conducted to evaluate the comparative knockdown and residual efficacy of several conventional, Reduced risk and biopesticide compounds against western flower thrips in romaine lettuce. These trials consistently demonstrated that both Lannate-pyrethroid combinations and Success provided significant knockdown and residual control of thrips adults and larvae when compared to the other spray biopesticide treatments. Unfortunately, the biopesticide alternatives at best provided poor to marginal efficacy against western flower thrips. The implication of these results on desert lettuce production and resistance management programs is discussed.

Success®, Proclaim®, and Confirm® treated lettuce exhibited no beet armyworm (BAW) larvae at 3 days after treatment (DAT). Avaunt®, Intrepid®, and S-1812 (Valent) treated lettuce had no medium-sized larvae but 0.3 to 0.5 small larvae were observed. At 7 and 10 DAT, BAW populations diminished significantly in all of the lettuce and no larvae or eggs were observed in any lettuce.

The effect of three different release rates (1x, 10x, and 20x the recommended rate of 10,000/acre) of Eretmocerus eremicus, a whitefly parasitoid, on sweet potato whitefly populations in cantaloupe were evaluated against populations in untreated control plots. Parasitoids were released from a point source in the center of each of nine treatment plots. All stages of whitefly development were monitored within a 10-m annulus surrounding each release point in all 12 plots, as were rates of parasitism. This occurred over a 52-d period from July 21 through September 11, 2001. The rates of sweet potato whitefly population increase during this time were equivalent and independent of the parasitoid release rate. Whitefly densities were not controlled in any of our treatment plots, nor in the controls. Moreover, rates of parasitism did not increase with time in any of the treatment plots and did not differ among the three release rates (22.0 ± 16.2%). Hence, Eretmocerus eremicus, by itself, is not efficient as a means to control whitefly populations in melon crops in the Southwest US. The ineffectiveness of E. eremicus to control whitefly populations in the field may be due to its propensity to dispersal at low host densities.

Studies to examine lettuce aphid population growth on resistant head and butter lettuce cultivars were conducted in small filed plots at the Yuma Agricultural Center. By artificially infesting plants on several lettuce plantings during the spring, the influence of the resistant lettuce plants were evaluated for their capability of preventing lettuce aphid populations from colonizing plants. Results of five field trials showed that several varieties of head and butter lettuce have been developed that almost completely prevent lettuce aphids from surviving and reproducing on plants during the spring. Although the cultivars tested did not posses marketable characteristic for harvests, they do provide germplasm for breeding new varieties suited for desert production. In addition, these studies also support conclusions drawn from the past several seasons that suggest lettuce aphid population growth is greatest when ambient temperatures average between 65-70 °F.

A two year study was conducted from 2000-2002 to evaluate the use of overhead sprinkler irrigation for suppressing thrips populations in romaine lettuce. Specifically we looked at how the duration and frequency of sprinkler irrigation use reduced adult and larval populations following various irrigation applications employed specifically for thrips suppression. We also evaluated combinations of insecticide spray regimes, used in association with sprinkler irrigation runs, for suppressing thrips populations in both fall and spring seasons. The results of the study demonstrated that overhead sprinkler irrigation has the ability to suppress thrips populations in romaine lettuce. At best, we experienced about 50% population reduction using only sprinkler irrigation compared with the untreated control during these trials. Sprinkler ruins of durations of > 4 hrs and more than 4 cm of water appeared to provide the minimal necessary for suppression. Furthermore, sprinkle runs of 2 or 3 times weekly appeared to provide the most consistent suppression. In contrast, insecticide sprays consistently provided >80% suppression and provided higher yielding and better quality lettuce than sprinklers. The use of sprinkler irrigation, in addition to insecticide sprays did not significantly improve thrips suppression or yields. However, sprinkler irrigation is being used season long in some romaine fields and in organic production and should be of benefit for thrips suppression, particularly in organic systems where effective insecticide alternatives are not currently available.

Several studies were conducted in the spring and fall 2001 to evaluate a number of neonicotinoid compounds (Admire, Calypso, Actara, Platinum and dinotefuron) for whitefly control in spring and fall melons. The results of these studies demonstrate that several insecticide products are being developed that offer melon growers management alternatives for controlling whiteflies. The new foliar neonicotinoid Calypso (thiacloprid), shows excellent promise as a foliar, post-planting spray with 14-21 day residual. Further, no consistent negative interaction was detected between Platinum and fertilizer, 10-34-0 and UN 32, applied together as at-planting or side dress soil treatments. These treatments provided good whitefly control, but further research is needed to replicate these effects as Platinum has been labeled at lower rates than the manufacturer initially anticipated. At planting applications of Platinum at 8 oz (current labeled rate) did however provide acceptable residual control of whiteflies on fall melons under heavy population pressure.

Small plot studies were conducted from 1999-2001 to examine the population abundance and control of the lettuce aphid on winter and spring head lettuce crops. In each year, Seven, 0.25 acre planting of head lettuce were established beginning in Sep-Oct with final harvest occurring in April. Replicated plots within several planting were treated with an Admire treatment at planting, a side dress application of Platinum post-planting or allowed to remain untreated. Lettuce aphids were first detected in our experimental area in December in PD 3 in 2001, but in 2002 first occurred in lettuce almost 2 months later (Feb 21). Similarly, lettuce aphid abundance was much greater in 2001 than in 2002, probably a result of temperature difference. Temperature had an important influence upon lettuce aphid development based on our field observations. Population appeared to increase in early March when the average daily temperature was about 65 E F. We observed a sharp decline in population abundance in April where daytime highs exceeded 90E F. Insecticide treatments also influenced seasonal abundance. Under heavy aphid pressure in 2001, lettuce treated with Admire in the early planting dates appeared to prevent lettuce aphids from significantly infesting lettuce heads at harvest. However, lettuce aphids in the last 3 planting dates were able to colonize plants and infest a larger proportion of heads at levels not considered commercially acceptable. Under lighter pressure in 2002, lettuce aphids did not significantly colonize Admire treated lettuce. Green peach aphid, potato aphid and foxglove aphids were also present in both years, but seldom reached economic levels, and where completely controlled in plots treated with soil, systemic insecticides.

Studies were conducted in the field and laboratory to investigate how the addition of spray adjuvants to Success affected its insecticidal activity against leafminers, thrips and lepidopterous larvae. Studies were also designed to evaluate the knockdown and residual mortality of Success against worms when applied with a buffer to produce an acidic spray solution. Results indicated that Success applied without an adjuvant appeared to provide the most consistent adult mortality of Liriomyza leafminers. In contrast, the addition of a penetrating surfactant (crop oil concentrate) resulted in significantly greater larval mortality consistent with the leafminer feeding behavior. Efficacy of Success against lepidopterous larvae and western flower thrips was not improved using a spray surfactant. However, addition of buffering agents to Success spray solutions significantly affected efficacy against beet armyworm and cabbage looper. Lab bioassays and field studies showed that knockdown mortality was not affected, but residual efficacy was significantly reduced when Success was applied in an acidic (pH 4.2) spray environment.

The efficacy and field performance of new insecticides for control of insects on vegetables and melons under desert growing conditions has been investigated in small plot trials for the past several years at the Yuma Agricultural Center. Our objective has been to determine how new chemistries will fit into the growers management programs in Arizona. Thus, our research programs have been focused on studies to determine how to integrate these new chemicals into our local management programs in the most cost/effective way possible. This document was created to provide you with an overview of new insecticide chemistries being developed by the Agrichemical Industry for use in vegetables. The first part of this report concisely describes the new types of chemistries being developed The tabular information presented is a summary of the efficacy and activity of the new compounds based on research we have conducted at the Yuma Agricultural Center.

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Dissertação (Mestrado)
IPEN/D
Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

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.

Orientador: Sandra Helena Unêda Trevisoli
Coorientador: Antonio Orlando Di Mauro
Coorientador: Antonio Sergio Ferraudo
Banca: Ivana Marino Bárbaro Torneli
Banca: Fabiana Mota da Silva
Resumo: A soja apresenta grande importância econômica para o Brasil, sendo considerada a principal cultura do sistema agrícola brasileiro. No entanto, está sujeita a grandes interferências externas durante todo o seu ciclo, as quais podem afetar consideravelmente seu desempenho produtivo. O ataque de insetos pragas se caracteriza como um dos principais problemas a ser solucionado, em especial, o chamado complexo de percevejos, o qual ataca diretamente às sementes durante o período de enchimento e maturação, depreciando a qualidade das mesmas. Assim sendo, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar linhagens de soja obtidas a partir de hibridações artificiais entre cultivares de soja com resistência ao complexo de percevejos e elevado potencial agronômico, buscando identificar possíveis genótipos que apresentem simultaneamente os bons atributos de ambos os genitores, além de identificar quais os caracteres que melhor auxiliam na seleção de genótipos resistentes ao complexo de percevejos. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no ano agrícola 2014/15, em delineamento experimental alfa-látice 16x16, utilizando 256 genótipos de soja sob infestação natural do complexo de percevejos. Foram avaliados os caracteres altura de planta na maturidade, altura de inserção da primeira vagem, número de dias para a maturação, valor agronômico, retenção foliar, produtividade de grãos, peso de sementes boas, porcentagem de sementes boas, peso de cem sementes, número de ramos por planta, número de vagens por planta e... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Soybean has great agricultural and economic importance to Brazil, being the main culture of the Brazilian agricultural system. However, the productive performance of soybean is greatly affected by external interferences throughout the production cycle. The attack of pests is characterized as one of the main problems to be solved, especially the stink bug complex, which directly attacks the seeds during the filling and maturation, lowering soybean quality. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluated soybean lines derived from artificial crosses between soybean cultivars with resistance to stink bug complex and high agronomic potential, aiming to identify possible genotypes that inherited the good traits of both parents, and which traits best assist in the selection of genotypes resistant to stink bug complex. The experiment was carried out in the 2014/15 growing season, using an alpha-lattice experimental design 16x16 and 256 genotypes of soybean naturally infested with the stink bug complex. The agronomic traits evaluated were: plant height at maturity, height of the first pod insertion, number of days to maturity, agronomic value, leaf retention, grain yield, good seeds weight, good seed percentage, one hundred-seeds weight, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant and number of reproductive nodes. Thirty-three genotypes were resistant to the stink bug complex and performed well regarding agronomically important traits. The traits grain yield, good seed weight, good seed percentage, leaf retention and one hundred-seeds weight can be used for indirect selection of genotypes resistant to the stink bug complex
Mestre

The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, is one of the main pests of peach trees worldwide. It is conThe oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, is one of the main pests of peach trees worldwide. Plant volatiles are a promising technique to attract G. molesta under mating disruption conditions. In my thesis I have characterized the response of olfactory receptor neurons (ORN) to pheromone and plant odors by means of single-sensillum electrophisiology. I then used this information to determine that a previously reported pheromone-plant synergism does not result from pheromone-plant interactions at the ORN level. I have compared several plant volatile blends previously tested in Australia and China, and have found that none of them attracted moths in the field, but they synergized pheromone responses in the laboratory. Finally, I investigated the role of plant blends and alcohols on the response to unnatural pheromone blend ratios or overdosed pheromone concentrations. With these studies we hopefully advanced on basic and applied aspects of the olfactory neuroethology of this species.
Grapholita molesta es una de las principales plagas del melocotonero. Los volátiles de planta son una técnica prometedora para atraer G. molesta en condiciones de confusión sexual. En mi tesis he caracterizado la respuesta de las neuronas receptoras olfativas (ORN) a la feromona y volátiles de planta mediante registros de sensila única. Después determiné que el sinergismo entre volátiles de planta y feromona previamente publicado no ocurre a nivel de la ORN. Más adelante he comparado volátiles de planta que en estudios anteriores en China y en Australia habían dado buenos resultados pero en mi caso no hubo respuestas en campo, aunque en el túnel de vuelo sí que aumentaron la respuesta a la feromona. Finalmente he explorado el papel de volátiles de planta y alcoholes en la respuesta a mezclas subóptimas de feromona. Con estos resultados espero haber contribuido al conocimiento de la neuretología olfativa de esta plaga.
Grapholita molesta és una de les principals plagues del presseguer. Els volàtils de planta són una tècnica prometedora per atreure G. molesta en condicions de confusió sexual. En la meva tesi he caracteritzat la resposta de les neurones receptores olfactòries (ORN) a la feromona i volàtils de planta mitjançant registres de sensila única. Després vaig determinar que el sinergismo entre volàtils de planta i feromona prèviament publicat no ocorre a nivell de la ORN. Més endavant he comparat volàtils de planta que en estudis anteriors a Xina i a Austràlia havien dau bons resultats però en el meu cas no va haver-hi respostes en camp, encara que en el túnel de vol sí que van augmentar la resposta a la feromona. Finalment he explorat el paper de volàtils de planta i alcohols en la resposta a mescles subóptimas de feromona. Amb aquests resultats espero haver contribuït al coneixement de la neuretología olfactòria d'aquesta plaga.trolled with sex pheromones (mating disrupton) and insecticide applications. Under mating disruption conditions it is difficult to monitor the pest and to evaluate the control methods. Plant volatiles are a promising technique to attract G. molesta under mating disruption conditions. In addition plant volatiles could attract females, while the sex pheromone only attracts males.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xvi, 166 p.; also includes graphics (some col.). Includes bibliographical references. Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

Research has been conducted at the Yuma Agricultural Center for the past 5 years to gain an understanding of aphid and thrip population dynamics in spring lettuce, spinach and Cole crops. This information coupled with insecticide efficacy studies has allowed us to formulate recommendations for managing these serious pests of leafy vegetables. Provided below is information on species composition, sampling and chemical control of aphids and thrips. This paper should provide guidelines for pest control advisors and growers in making management decisions.

The beet armyworm pheromone dispenser, Yotoh-con-S, was evaluated for its ability to inhibit mate location and subsequent population growth of beet armyworm in head lettuce. Pheromone dispensers were ineffective at reducing beet armyworm populations the under high population pressure. Under low beet armyworm pressure, pheromone dispenser did significantly reduce beet armyworm populations, but not to the point where insecticide applications could be eliminated.

Several designs for yellow sticky traps where placed on the periphery of cotton and lettuce fields and evaluated to determine the most efficient type for capturing bandedwinged and sweetpotato whiteflies. Cylindrical traps caught more (55% of the total) than the other designs; upward-facing horizontal traps caught 26 %, vertical traps 16% and downward- facing horizontal traps 3 %. The number of both species of whiteflies captured by the various designs placed around fields was compared with the number caught on traps in lettuce field interiors. Catches from cylindrical and upward-facing horizontal traps were consistantly correlated at high levels with field populations. Traps placed at ground level caught a significantly higher number of whiteflies when compared with those placed at 50 and 100 centimeters (81% of the total versus 11% and 7% respectively). Aerial traps displayed more variation with field populations than did ground level traps.

Studies to examine lettuce aphid population growth on Admire and Platinum treated plants were conducted on head lettuce at the Yuma Agricultural Center. By artificially infesting plants on several lettuce plantings during the spring, the influence of insecticide residual and temperature were measured. Results of five field trials suggest that both Admire and Platinum can have a significant influence on lettuce aphid population growth. Depending on timing of infestation and insecticide residual, significant suppression of population growth can result from the application of these compounds. Infestations initiated at 28 d following Admire application initially resulted in minimal population growth, but later allowed aphids to reproduce at high numbers. In both cases, Admire provided about 90% control of the lettuce aphid population. However, aphid infestations occurring at later periods of plant residual almost always resulted in higher population development. In addition, these studies also support conclusions drawn form last season that suggested lettuce aphid population growth is greatest when ambient temperatures average between 65-70 ºF.

Studies were conducted to compare the residual field efficacy of Calypso, compared with soil applications of Admire and foliar sprays of Provado and Actara. The results demonstrate that several insecticide product uses are being developed that offer melon growers management alternatives for controlling whiteflies comparable to what they have experienced with Admire. Calypso showed excellent promise as a foliar, post-planting spray with good residual activity. Two spray applications provided good whitefly control and excellent crop and melon quality. Although we saw a measurable impact on some natural enemies, the compound is supposedly very safe to honeybees. Overall, when directed at low adult and immature densities, Calypso provided 14-21 days of residual control and was capable of preventing yield and quality losses in spring melons. These studies also emphasize, that like the IGRs, these foliar neonicotinoids should be used when whiteflies densities are low and beginning to build. This compound may be available as early as 2002.

Susceptibility of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner, to the Bt toxin, Cry1Ac, expressed in the first generation of transgenic cotton plants was evaluated using a laboratory strain and several foreign and United States field strains. A diet-incorporation assay of neonate larvae was used. Susceptibility was estimated by the degree to which Cry1Ac inhibited larval growth from the first through fifth instar. Regression analyses of larval weights against log concentration of Cry1Ac yielded slope and intercept values that were used to compute I₅₀s, defined as the amount of Cry1Ac that resulted in a fifty percent reduction in larval growth. Three populations exhibiting reduced susceptibility to Cry1Ac were selected on diet containing 1000 micrograms of Cry1Ac per gram of diet. I₅₀s for non-selected populations ranged from 0.0477 micrograms Cry1Ac per gram of diet for the laboratory reference strain to 4.31 micrograms of Cry1Ac per gram of diet for a field strain collected from Yuma, Arizona. Selection of a strain from Belle Glade, Florida, with Cry1Ac yielded the lowest susceptibility to this toxin. Prior to selection, the I₅₀ was 2.43 micrograms of Cry1Ac per gram of diet; after selection the I₅₀ was 17.4 micrograms of Cry1Ac per gram of diet. Thus selection reduced susceptibility of the Belle Glade, Florida strain to Cry1Ac by 7.2-fold and yielded susceptibility that was 360-fold less than the laboratory reference strain. Selection also reduced susceptibility of an Arizona (Dome Valley) population by 3-fold. Our results demonstrate the presence of large (>25-fold) differences in susceptibility of field-collected beet armyworm populations to Cry1Ac. Furthermore, the fact that resistance was elevated three to seven-fold in two selected strains provided evidence of a genetic basis of resistance to Cry1Ac.

Several small-plot field studies were conducted at the University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center in the spring 2001 growing season to evaluate various neonicotinoids and azadirachtin products against lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri, in lettuce. Further, these products were compared as soil-applied treatments, foliar sprays and application through sub-surface irrigation. The results of these trials provide useful information for understanding how to effectively use the new chemistries available for aphid management in lettuce. First, Platinum performed best as a post-planting application through a side-dress application or through the drip. The foliar neonicotinoids, Assail and Actara were active against lettuce aphids, but were most effective when populations densities were lower. Comparatively, the conventional chemistries (MSR, Orthene/Provado, Provado/Endosulfan) provided consistent control when used aggressively. The azadirachtin products were significantly less effective against LA in head lettuce due largely to their inability to contact the insects, but on formulation (AzaDirect) showed better efficacy when applied through drip irrigation or sprayed repeatedly in romaine lettuce.

Several relative sampling techniques (direct visual counts, beat pans and sticky traps) were compared to absolute counts (plant wash) to determine sampling reliability for estimating western flower thrips population levels in lettuce. In numerous plantings of experimental plots of head lettuce, the relative sampling methods indicated similar thrips population trends throughout the season and all relative estimates of abundance were significantly correlated with absolute densities. However, both relative methods could only account for a proportion of the adult thrips infesting head lettuce plants, where they estimated about 30% of the actual absolute population. For larvae, beat pan sample estimated about 18-20% of the actual population density, whereas direct visual counts accounted for less than 10% of the thrips present. Comparison of sampling methods in insecticide efficacy trials indicated that beat pan and direct visual counts did not always accurately estimate treatment differences for adult. For densities of thrips larvae however, beat pan and visual counts methods did consistently provide accurate estimates of treatment differences in efficacy trials. Overall, both beat pan and direct visual count procedures are reliable thrips sampling methods that will generally provide precise estimates of thrips abundance necessary in lettuce pest management programs. Furthermore, these methods, and the beat pan in particular, also may serve as effective research tools that provide reliable estimates of treatment differences.

Studies were conducted in the spring of 2001 and 2002 to evaluate the interaction between starter and side dress fertilizer mixes with neonicotinoid insecticides and their performance against whiteflies in spring cantaloupes in Yuma, AZ. No incompatibility was observed between the fertilizers and the Admire and Platinum mixtures applied at planting and side dress, and both insecticides provided comparable control of whitefly populations regardless of fertilizer used. However, based on our experience in 2001, we suggest that growers use a dilute mixture with the final applied volume to avoid any potential "clumping" problems in the mix tank. In some cases the addition of the DuneUp® starter fertilizer appeared to improve plant growth, but was probably more due to the unique mixture of NPK rather than the combination with the insecticides. Based on the results of these studies growers should not hesitate to apply either Admire or Platinum with starter and side dress fertilizers in melon crops.

The effect of three different release rates (1x [label rate], 10x, and 20x the recommended rate of 10,120/acre) of the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus on sweet potato whitefly populations found in open fields of cantaloupe was evaluated against populations in untreated control plots. Parasitoids were released from a point source in the center of each of nine treatment plots. Whitefly population growth, encompassing all developmental stages, and rates of parasitism were monitored within a 33 ft radius surrounding the center point in all 12 plots over a 52-d period. The rates of sweet potato whitefly population increase during this time were equivalent regardless of the parasitoid release rate. Whitefly densities were not limited in any of our treatment plots when compared to those found in the control plots. Moreover, mean rates of parasitism did not increase with time nor did they differ among the three treatments or control plots (7.9 ± 6.5%). Finally, estimated rates of parasitism were density dependent responding positively to increasing host numbers. The ineffectiveness of this parasitoid in controlling whitefly populations in the field may be due to its high propensity to disperse at low host densities or to influxes of immigrating whiteflies. Hence, the use of E. eremicus alone is not an efficient means to reduce whitefly populations in melon crops in the southwestern United States.

Several small-plot studies were conducted in the spring of 2003 to compare the residual efficacy of several new reduced risk insecticides with a number of conventional aphicide compounds on head lettuce and romaine. Our efforts were primarily directed at determining efficacy against the foxglove aphid, a newly discovered pest in Yuma. In general, several new neonicotinoid foliar compounds provided good residual control of all aphid species including foxglove aphid. Other new compounds were less consistent. Admire, the standard soil systemic used in lettuce, was inconsistent against Foxglove aphid providing 85-90% control relative to >95% control against other aphid species present in the plots. Conventional aphid compound such as Capture, dimethoate, endosulfan, Orthene and MSR consistently provided good, economic control of Foxglove aphids in both head and romaine lettuce. Based on the results of these and previous studies, a sampling procedure and action threshold are recommended for foxglove aphid control in desert lettuce.

Several studies were conducted during the past two growing season to examine the population growth, distribution and damage potential of the foxglove aphid on head lettuce in the Yuma Valley. Light populations of foxglove aphids were first found colonizing untreated head lettuce in small experimental plots at the Yuma Agricultural Center in the spring of 2001. In the spring of 2002 foxglove aphids reached high population levels at YAC on spring plantings, but were not reported in commercial fields. This past spring foxglove aphid populations were wide-spread throughout the Yuma Valley, particularly in fields near the Colorado river, adjacent to citrus orchards and residential areas, and not treated with Admire. Experimental studies suggested that foxglove aphids can reach economic levels on desert head lettuce, particularly crops planted during late November and December.

Courier, Knack, Assail, Calypso, and Oberon treatments on cantaloupe were effective in maintaining reduced numbers of WF eggs, immatures, and adults for 30 DAT. After 30 DAT, all treatments showed that WF adult counts began to increase. Courier, Knack, Assail, Calypso, and Oberon treated cantaloupe leaves had adult WF counts of one-half or less that of the untreated check and remaining treatments. The pyrethroid plus endosulfan treatments were effective for 7 to 13 DAT in reducing immature WF. After 21DAT, the pyrethroid plus endosulfan treatments and Actara showed a greater increase in the numbers of eggs, immatures, and adults compared to Courier, Knack, Assail, Calypso, and Oberon treatments. The seasonal average number of eggs, immatures, and adults was the least on Assail treated cantaloupes. Knack, Courier, Calypso, and Oberon treated cantaloupes consistently had less eggs, immatures, and adults compared to the untreated check.

A series of experiments are being conducted which examine how whiteflies accomplish flight. These are important because knowledge of how insects move may eventually lead to appropriate management strategies for migrating populations.

Reproductive traits of wasp parasitoids are thought to be strong indicators of their success as biological control agents. Our study looks at the number of eggs produced by the whitefly parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus. A series of experiments conducted on female wasps reared in the absence of whitefly hosts demonstrated that adult wasps emerge with a large (approximately 54) number of eggs that is retained during the first 2 days of adult life. Eggs are then absorbed steadily until at least 8 days following emergence. The results of this study suggest that the mode of egg production exhibited by E. eremicus is the type where they emerge with all, or nearly all, of their eggs, i.e. they do not produce additional eggs as they age. This information is significant when considering how they find their whitefly hosts and how effective they might be in controlling whitefly numbers.

Studies were conducted in the laboratory to investigate how the addition of a insecticides to two sources of Colorado River water would effect the pH of spray mixtures. In addition, we were curious what the effects of various labeled concentrations of buffers, acidifiers, spreader/stickers, and foliar nutrient sprays would have on the pH of spray water. Results showed that in most cases, spray concentration remained alkaline following addition of insecticides and adjuvants, with variations occurring primarily for the OPs. Buffering agents dramatically lowed pH at concentration greater than 0.25% v/v. Studies were also designed to evaluate the knockdown and residual mortality of Success against worms when applied in an acidic spray solution. Bioassays of larval mortality on field-treated foliage showed that knockdown mortality was not affected, but residual efficacy was significantly reduced when Success was applied using acidic (pH 4.2) spray solutions.

Arizona cotton experienced a severe crisis in 1995 stemming from resistance of whiteflies to synergized pyrethroid insecticides. The insect growth regulators (IGRs), Knack® (pyriproxyfen) and Applaud® (buprofezin), served a pivotal role in resolving this problem. Similarly, Admire® (imidacloprid), the first neonicotinoid insecticide to obtain registration in Arizona, has been the foundation of whitefly control in vegetables and melons. In this paper we provide an update regarding the susceptibility to key insecticides of whiteflies from Arizona cotton, melons, and greenhouses. Overall, whitefly control in Arizona cotton remained excellent in the 2000 season and there were no reported field failures. However, there was a significant decrease in susceptibility to Applaud of whiteflies collected from cotton. One collection from Eloy, Arizona, in 2000 had susceptibility to Applaud that was reduced 129-fold relative to a reference strain. Whiteflies resistant to Knack, detected for the first time in Arizona in 1999, were again detected in 2000 but at lower frequencies than in 1999. Though whiteflies resistant to Admire/Provado® continued to be found at specific locations, overall susceptibility to Admire/Provado in 2000 remained high in whitefly collections from cotton. The new neonicotinoid insecticides, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid, were similar in toxicity to Arizona whiteflies in laboratory bioassays and we confirmed the significant but relatively low-order cross-resistance we previously reported between these neonicotinoids and Admire/Provado. Arizona whiteflies continued to be relatively susceptible to mixtures of Danitol® (fenpropathrin) and Orthene® (acephate). Factors that could undermine the current success of whitefly resistance management in Arizona are discussed. These include: 1) more severe resistance to IGRs in whiteflies from cotton, stemming from increased IGR use within and outside of cotton; 2) resistance of vegetable, melon and greenhouse whiteflies to the various formulations of imidacloprid (Admire, Provado, Merit®, Marathon®); 3) the imminent registration of new neonicotinoid active ingredients in cotton, greenhouses and other Arizona crops.

Studies were replicated over 2 years to further evaluate the residual efficacy of several selective, reduced-risk compounds that are now registered for use in head lettuce. In most cases, the Success, Proclaim, Avaunt and Intrepid provided excellent seasonal efficacy against beet armyworm and cabbage looper larvae. Their performance at stand establishment and harvest were also examined. Based on the results of these studies and additional trials conducted over the past several years, we now have sufficient information for optimizing their uses in our lettuce pest management program. Because they are uniquely different insecticide chemistries, they can be rotated throughout the season to prevent the rapid buildup of resistance. A table was constructed that offers suggested uses for each compound throughout the season. The results are ultimately are aimed at assisting growers and PCA’s in making sound decisions on choosing compounds for use in controlling beet armyworm and cabbage looper in head lettuce.

Replicated studies were conducted to examine aphid distribution and insecticidal control in a commercial cauliflower seed crop in 2001, and in large plots at the Yuma Agricultural Center in 2003. Results were generally consistent in both studies. The primary aphid species found colonizing pre-blooming crops were cabbage aphids, turnip aphids, and green peach aphids. During the bloom period (March-April), the population was almost exclusively cabbage aphid feeding on seed pods and extensions. During the pre-bloom growth period, green peach aphids tended to colonize plants slightly earlier and were found primarily on the older frame leaves low on the plant. In most cases, male and female plants were colonized to the same extent. Cabbage and turnip aphids did not appear to have a clear preference between older and younger leaves, and appeared to colonize males and females equally. Once the plant began to bloom and set seed, cabbage aphid was the primary species (>90%) found feeding on developing seed pods in both tests. These aphid populations were very susceptible to contact insecticides and quickly knocked down by both Capture and MSR. Of the selective, bee safe products, Pirimor provided the most consistent residual aphid control. Assail and Fulfill worked well against aphids on foliage, but did not provide comparable control on seed pods. Aphid densities were extremely high in the untreated check and resulted in almost complete loss of the crop in these plots. Seed yields were not taken due to heavy losses to Sclerotinia and bird damage.

Beet armyworm populations were collected in 1996-97 from spinach, melons, lettuce and alfalfa in Arizona and California, and tested for resistance to topical applications of Lannate. Resistance levels were found to be low to very high. The lowest level of resistance detected came from Blythe, CA, having no detectable resistance to Lannate, and from Parker, AZ, having a resistance level of approximately 24 fold. The highest level of resistance detected was a 685 fold increase, from a population collected from alfalfa in Imperial County, CA. In Yuma, larvae collected from alfalfa following an insecticide application that included Lannate, was 4.43 fold more resistant than the pre-application population. Only very low levels of resistance were found to Larvin, and no evidence of cross -resistance between Lannate and Larvin was found. Larvae resistant to topical applications of Lannate were found to be susceptible to Lannate given orally. Lannate resistance appears to be due to cuticular penetration and/or cuticular metabolism.

A resistance management program for imidacloprid was initiated in Arizona in 1995, the ultimate goal of which is to sustain the efficacy of this insecticide against Bemisia. The current paper reviews our progress toward defining the risk of resistance to imidacloprid in Arizona whiteflies. Bioassay methods for adult whitefly consisted of a 1 day hydroponic uptake by cotton seedlings, followed by a 2 day exposure period. Results from statewide monitoring indicate that whitefly populations throughout Arizona are susceptible to imidacloprid; however, slight increases in resistant whiteflies were observed in 1996, as compared to 1995. Thus far, selection studies with various Arizona whitefly populations have not led to reduced susceptibility to imidacloprid. In a study exploring the influences of different cropping systems on imidacloprid use, we found no major differences in susceptibility to imidacloprid between populations of whiteflies in central and southwestern Arizona. Continued effective management of Arizona whitefly will, in part, hinge on our ability to more effectively integrate our knowledge of whitefly biology with resistance management strategies.

A single application of S-1812 (Valent) at 0.15 and 0.20 lb AI/A effectively reduced Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth, DBM) in broccoli compared to the untreated check. S-1812 at 0.15 lb AI/A performed similar to thiodicarb (Larvin) at 1.0 lb AI/A. S-1812 significantly reduced the DBM at 5 days after treatment (DAT) and control was effective for up to 14 DAT. S-1812 was less effective against Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper, CL) compared to DBM control efficacy or Larvin. S-1812 reduced the development of small CL to larger sized larvae.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Among the methods of controlling insect pests, the use of pesticides has been reduced in negative consequences on the beneficial fauna and the environment, so it is therefore necessary to search for alternatives that minimize the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment. As alternatives to control pests, are being studied, several other techniques, which includes the use of origin plant substances because they have low toxicity to humans and animals, and for presenting performance against several species of pests, which assumes increasing importance in programs of integrated pest management (MIP), especially at a time when it discusses very integrated production towards sustainable agriculture. The insects belonging to the order Dermaptera, are still not well known and the information in the literature, characterized as predatory bodies with good ability. Among the biological agents with characteristics suitable for this purpose, the dermápteros have attracted great attention because predators are greedy, that is, with high ability to attack and feeding on different prey, particularly of eggs and immature stages insects of the orders Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. Considering the potential use of preying on programs for biological control, studies related to their biology and their selectivity in plant extracts become indispensable. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the biological aspects of Euborellia annulipes fed on Spodoptera frugiperda and Hyadaphis foeniculi and selectivity of this predator to products of plant origin in laboratory conditions.
Dentre os métodos de controle de insetos-praga, o uso de agrotóxicos vem sendo reduzido, em conseqüências negativas sobre a fauna benéfica e sobre o ambiente, fazendo-se, portanto, necessário a busca de alternativas que minimizem os efeitos adversos dos agrotóxicos sobre o meio ambiente. Como alternativas ao controle de pragas, estão sendo estudadas, várias outras técnicas, nas quais se inclui o uso de substâncias de origem vegetal, por terem baixa toxicidade ao homem e animais, e por apresentarem eficiência contra várias espécies de pragas, que assume importância cada vez maior em programas de manejo integrado de pragas (MIP), principalmente em um momento em que se discute muito a produção integrada rumo a uma agricultura sustentável. Os insetos pertencentes à ordem Dermaptera, ainda não são bem conhecidos e as informações existentes na literatura, os caracterizam como organismos com boa capacidade predatória. Dentre os agentes biológicos com características adequadas a esta finalidade, os Dermápteros têm despertado grande atenção, pois são predadores vorazes, isto é, com alta capacidade de ataque e que se alimentam de diversas presas, particularmente, de ovos e fases imaturas de insetos das ordens Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera e Diptera. Considerando-se o potencial de uso desse predador em programas de controle biológico, os estudos relacionados a sua biologia e a sua seletividade a extratos vegetais tornam-se imprescindíveis. Diante disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi de estudar os aspectos biológicos de Euborellia annulipes alimentada com Spodoptera frugiperda e Hyadaphis foeniculi, e a seletividade desse predador a produtos de origem vegetal em condições de laboratório.

Insect pest populations seemed to be exceptionally abundant on our desert vegetable crops this past growing season. It is difficult to explain why some insect populations occurred in larger numbers this year, but the weather we experienced may have had a significant role. Hot, dry weather in the early fall and spring, coupled with moderate winter temperatures provided ideal conditions for some insect pests.

For the past 5 years, Arizona growers have been faced with the challenge of managing whiteflies populations to prevent yield reduction and loss of quality of their vegetable and melon crops. A large cooperative research effort was directed statewide to better understand how whiteflies develop on the numerous host -crops available and the environmental factors that influence their survival throughout the year. This information was used to develop short and long term management approaches for controlling whitefly populations. We quickly discovered that preventing whiteflies from colonizing plants was the key to successful management of whitefly populations in vegetable and melon crops. This report attempts to summarize what we presently understand about factors that influence the seasonal abundance of whiteflies in southern Arizona cropping systems. Non-chemical and chemical management approaches that have been developed by researchers and implemented by the agricultural communities are discussed

A new insect management technology known as "particle film" technology (Surround) was evaluated for it potential for control early fall pests of head lettuce in Yuma, AZ. Surround did appear to slightly reduce larval population of cabbage looper, beet armyworm and Heliothis, but not enough to be considered a commercially effective treatment. Additionally, Surround appeared to antagonize Success’s activity towards cabbage loopers. Against whiteflies, Surround did appear to reduce ovipositioning, but resultant impact on the nymph population could not be adequately assessed. Overall, Surround does not appear to have good fit in the pest management system in leafy vegetables in Yuma, AZ.

Impact assessment is central to the evolution and evaluation of our IPM programs. Quantifiable metrics on insecticide use patterns, costs, targets, and frequency, crop losses due to all stressors of yield and quality, and other real world economic data (e.g., crop value) are our most objective tools for assessing change in our systems. We recently initiated a project to measure the impact of insect losses and insecticide uses in head lettuce grown in Yuma, AZ and the Bard-Winterhaven area of Imperial County, CA. The data generated in this report is useful for responding to pesticide information requests generated by EPA, and can provide a basis for regulatory processes such as Section 18 or 24c requests, as well as for evaluating the impact of our extension programs on risk reduction to growers. This information also confirms the value of PCAs to the lettuce industry by showing the importance of cost-effective management of insect pests in desert lettuce production.

Impact assessment is central to the evolution and evaluation of our local Insect Pest Management (IPM) programs. Quantifiable metrics on insecticide use patterns, costs, targets, and frequency, crop losses due to all stressors of yield and quality, and other real world economic data (e.g., crop value) are our most objective tools for assessing change in our systems. We recently initiated a project to measure the impact of insect losses and insecticide uses in head lettuce grown in Yuma, AZ and the Bard-Winterhaven area of Imperial County, CA. The data generated in this report is useful for responding to pesticide information requests generated by EPA, and can provide a basis for regulatory processes such as Section 18 requests, as well as for evaluating the impact of our extension programs on risk reduction to growers. This information also confirms the value of PCAs to the lettuce industry by showing the importance of cost-effective management of insect pests in desert lettuce production.

Impact assessment is central to the evolution and evaluation of our IPM programs. Quantifiable metrics on insecticide use patterns, costs, targets, and frequency, crop losses due to all stressors of yield and quality, and other real world economic data (e.g., crop value) are our most objective tools for assessing change in our systems. We recently initiated a project to measure the impact of insect losses and insecticide uses in cantaloupes and watermelons grown in Yuma, AZ and the Bard–Winterhaven area of Imperial County, CA. The data generated in this report is useful for responding to pesticide information requests generated by EPA, and can provide a basis for regulatory processes such as Section 18 or 24c requests, as well as for evaluating the impact of our extension programs on risk reduction to growers. This information also confirms the value of PCAs to the melon industry by showing the importance of cost-effective management of insect pests in desert production.

Impact assessment is central to the evolution and evaluation of our IPM programs. Quantifiable metrics on insecticide use patterns, costs, targets, and frequency, crop losses due to all stressors of yield and quality, and other real world economic data (e.g., crop value) are our most objective tools for assessing change in our systems. We recently initiated a project to measure the impact of insect losses and insecticide uses in cantaloupes and watermelons grown in Yuma, AZ and the Bard-Winterhaven area of Imperial County, CA. The data generated in this report is useful for responding to pesticide information requests generated by EPA, and can provide a basis for regulatory processes such as Section 18 or 24c requests, as well as for evaluating the impact of our extension programs on risk reduction to growers. This information also confirms the value of PCAs to the melon industry by showing the importance of cost-effective management of insect pests in desert production.

Impact assessment is central to the evolution and evaluation of our IPM programs. Quantifiable metrics on insecticide use patterns, costs, targets, and frequency, crop losses due to all stressors of yield and quality, and other real world economic data (e.g., crop value) are our most objective tools for assessing change in our systems. We recently initiated a project to measure the impact of insect losses and insecticide uses in cantaloupes and watermelons grown in central Arizona (Maricopa, Pinal and La Paz counties). The data generated in this report is useful for responding to pesticide information requests generated by EPA, and can provide a basis for regulatory processes such as Section 18 or 24c requests, as well as for evaluating the impact of our extension programs on risk reduction to growers. This information also confirms the value of PCAs to the melon industry by showing the importance of cost-effective management of insect pests in desert production.

Success, Proclaim, and Avaunt were efficacious when applied alone or in combination with the pyrethroids, Warrior or Mustang. Warrior and Mustang alone also provided excellent control of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni, CL) and diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella, DBM) at all rating dates for 3 weeks after a single application. Low infestation levels of the pests were attributed to the effectiveness of the insecticides.