2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyraliade) is an invasive cactus-feeding moth that is rapidly expanding its geographical range along both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and threatening the Opuntia-based agriculture and ecosystems in the southwestern USA and Mexico. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is the only tactic that appears capable of stopping the westward spread of this moth. The objective of this project is to develop and test SIT as a tactic for the containment of this pest at the leading edge of its geographical range, and as a tactic to eradicate point infestations that may occur beyond the leading edge. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) This study proposes to release sterile insects over three generations of adult flight that occur for Cactoblastis each year (April-May; July-August; mid-September to mid-November) in Florida, as well as to conduct follow-up monitoring/assessment in the subsequent fourth generation. Research and development activities to prepare for and implement this study will include: (1) development of survey and trapping techniques, (2) evaluation of synthetic lures for traps, (3) mark-release-recapture tests to determine moth competitiveness, storage and transportation protocols, release methodology, release frequency and dispersal ability, (4) refinement of rearing methodologies and expansion of rearing capabilities, (5) mapping of host plants in SIT validation areas, and (6) development of protocols for area sanitation through the removal of infested plants. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS project 6615-22000-022-00D, “Biological Techniques to Limit the Dispersal of Invasive Pests.” APHIS provided an additional $137,000 this year for a cooperative research program with ARS-Tallahassee to increase detection efforts for the invasive cactus moth, improve mitigation efforts against cactus moth outbreaks, and conduct field verification tests of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The first detection in North America of the invasive cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, was made in 1989 on the Florida Keys. The moth is native to Argentina and feeds on prickly pear cactus. The moth has expanded its range and now occurs along the Atlantic Coast as far north as Charleston, South Carolina, and along the Gulf Coast as far west as Dauphin Island, Alabama. Although prickly pear cactus is a minor food crop in the US, the plants are significantly valuable as ecological components in natural environments, especially in the southwestern US and Mexico. Prickly pear plants are critical for wildlife habitat, ecosystem structure, and biodiversity. Further spread of this insect into Mexico could have significant socio-economic impacts because prickly pear cactus is an important agricultural commodity, both as a production crop and as a maintenance food for subsistence farmers. Scientists from USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), have partnered with APHIS to develop and test synthetic lures, trapping techniques, and control strategies for the invasive cactus moth. Our research findings are currently being used by State and Federal Agricultural Officials across the southern US to detect the presence, monitor the spread and population level, and conduct control of the cactus moth. Our previous field test of the SIT has lead to this technology being adapted into USDA’s operational program to establish a barrier that would stop the cactus moth’s westward movement. SIT, coupled with sanitation (removal of infested plants and all eggs, larvae, and pupae of the cactus moth) has been used at Dauphin Island to prevent the westward spread of cactus moth for the past 3 years. Further refinement and additional transfer of technology to the USDA operational program will continue as the program expands. Additional population reduction was measured this year in areas that received sterile cactus moths at expanded research sites in Alabama on Little Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Activities performed on this project were monitored throughout the year. Phone calls and emails were transmitted between ARS and APHIS scientists at least daily. Monthly reports of ARS activities were submitted to APHIS. Face-to-face discussions were held with ARS, APHIS, and other collaborating scientists at planning sessions, workshops, and meetings (domestic and international) at least once every month. These interactions with various scientists served to monitor our activities and insure progress in this project.