Project Number: 1907-22410-003-10
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jun 02, 2005
End Date: Jun 01, 2009

Objective:
(A) To initiate a gradual transfer of duplicate fungal isolates from UVM (Burlington, VT) to ARSEF (Ithaca, NY). (B) to continue monitoring pear thrips and persistence of fungal pathogens of pear thrips in Vermont sugarbushes. (C) To evaluate and refine plant-mediated systems for integrated pest management of western flower thrips (WFT). (D) To assess effects of whey-based formulations against WFT in greenhouses. (E) To assess thermotlerance, efficcy and shelf-life of fungi produced on whey-based media. (F) To continue to assess conidial spray depositions on plants using different sprays and previously determined techniques. (G) To publish scientific articles on the research in Objectives B through F above.

Approach:
Candidate fungal isolates will be investigated as to their growth and mass-production capabilities, their compatibility with chemical and biorational pesticides and non-target natural enemies. Other IPM strategies, such as fallowing greenhouses or screening vents will be assessed and pear thrips population patterns determined as factors that affect fungal efficacy and thrips suppression. In addition, spray application methods and the effect of timing in forest or greenhouse treatments will be evaluated to optimize application techniques that promote fungal efficacy and pest suppression.