Project Number: 5358-22000-032-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 27, 2005
End Date: May 26, 2010

Objective:
Develop knowledge of the biology, pest status and regional adaptation of major arthropod root feeding pests of small fruit, greenhouse and nursery crops. Evaluate rhizosphere-competent isolates of entomopathogenic fungi for biological control of BVW on nursery crops. Develop a monitoring and management program for BVW that uses biological control agents (entomopathogenic fungi) and reduced rates of chemical insecticides.

Approach:
The bionomics and the chemical ecology of economically-important insect pests of nursery and small fruits crops will be studied in the field and under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and light in growth chambers and greenhouses. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding the ecology of the microbial control agents of these pests in the laboratory greenhouse and field. Together, the information compiled on the ecology of the pests and their respective microbial control agents will be integrated to begin development of biologically-based pest management programs. FY98 restructure replaced part of 5358-22000-020-00D. FY00 $229,500 Program Increase, 1 New SY. Replacing 5358-22000-025-00D (03/2003). FY03 $75,000 Program Increase. Replacing 5358-22000-029-00D (05/2005).