2006 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The management of whitefly biotypes on floral and nursery crops project is aligned with the Crop Protection and Quarantine National Program (NP 304). Whiteflies cause serious economic losses in many agricultural systems each year including vegetable and ornamental crops in greenhouses. In greenhouses, a number of whitefly species are considered pests. The predominate pests are greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Bemisia tabaci (either B or Q-biotype). Until recently, the B-type was the only biotype that growers in the United States had to contend. Management strategies employing a mix of chemical, biological and cultural control methods have been highly effective against the B-type; however, chemical control is the primary method used for controlling these whiteflies. Because of frequent applications of pesticides (1 time/week) to confined populations, the potential for developing pesticide resistant or tolerant strains is very high. An important component of the chemical strategy has been the availability of a range of insecticides differing in mode of action. This decreases the likelihood that insecticide resistance will develop because growers have the option of rotating the different modes of action, thereby avoiding the exposure of successive generations of whiteflies to the same insecticide. Growers must also contend with phytotoxicity, labor costs associated with frequent pesticide applications, reentry periods into treated areas, arrival of new pests, and the occasional loss of an effective pesticide due to health hazards. Biological control of whiteflies has been proposed as a solution to these problems and is a viable alternative to chemicals in several perennial crops, strawberries, vegetable and ornamental crops grown in greenhouses. The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate registered pesticides alone and in rotation on different ornamental host plants for efficacy against whiteflies (biotypes B and Q) and their impact on natural enemies for development of Best Management Practices (BMPs). With respect to the current situation in many commercial greenhouses, there is a critical need for developing resistance management programs for whiteflies in general and Bemisia tabaci Q-biotype in particular. With the recent detection of the Q-type throughout the United States, management strategies for B. tabaci have had to be reevaluated. This is because growers can no longer assume that the B. tabaci infesting their crop is exclusively the B-type as mixtures of both biotypes can occur within the same greenhouse. And, it is known that the Q-type has a greater propensity to develop resistance to insecticides that have become the mainstay of B-type management. The Q-biotype whitefly has demonstrated insecticide resistance to over 30 active ingredients worldwide. There is also a critical need for integrating biological control agents with existing cultural and chemical controls. Several forces create this need but it appears that the major one is to preserve the current chemicals that are safe, effective and registered. These chemicals have to be considered a valuable resource and managed appropriately. Development of pesticide resistance to the materials is of utmost concern. It is also critical that the residual activity of each material be better characterized in order to develop a resistance management program, follow labeled uses and properly schedule pesticide applications. Previously, recommendations have been to apply materials using 5-7 day interval depending on temperature and whitefly pressure. The thought was that there was little residual activity and that new material was needed on the leaf surface as soon as the non-affected stages (eggs, quiescent nymphs or pupae) developed into susceptible stages. It has long been a tenant of resistance management that materials not be tank mixed. The manufacturers of many pesticides state that their products have residual activity (2-3 weeks). If materials are sprayed on a 5-7 day rotation the treated leaves have residues of these materials which are essentially no different than mixing them together in the same tank. Secondly, this increases the potential for disrupting biological control agents and wastes money. Any program designed to change pesticide use patterns in the ornamental plant industry should focus on whitefly control as one of its major target areas. Reduction of pesticide usage, proper rotation and scheduling of applications, incorporation of biorational materials and a knowledge of which materials can be safely integrated with biological control agents is critical for a number of reasons. First, this information will allow for efficient and effective whitefly management. Secondly, it will allow the industry to properly steward the valued pesticide resources we desperately depend on for profitable production of whitefly affected commodities. A final benefit from this research will be seen in the programs developed for managing other pests including thrips and mites. No IPM program will ever be fully implemented for these pests if growers rely on their current management programs for whiteflies. The pesticides being used for whitefly control could have a significant and negative impact on all natural enemies of pest insects and mites (Orius species, Iphiseius degenerans, Neoseiulus cucumeris). The ability of biological control agents to manage whiteflies on various ornamental plants has been well documented, whereas commercially viable IPM and resistance management programs with explicit directions for ornamental crops have not. As a result of the many problems and economic consequences associated with chemical whitefly control, research and implementation of whitefly control programs on ornamentals has been underway for many years but integration and implementation on a national basis is more critical today than ever before. 2.List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) FY 05/06 Resistance management development for ornamental production. Determine efficacy and residual activity of registered materials and develop specific product rotations. These rotations will be developed based on residual activity, labeled restrictions on frequency of application and impact on key beneficials. FY 06/07 Continue resistance management development. Determine efficacy/impact and residual activity to beneficial organisms. FY 07/08 Test “best management practices for different ornamental host plants and monitor changes in whitefly susceptibility to important compounds. 4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. This project aligns with the Crop Protection and Quarantine National Program (304), specifically the insects and mites mission area under Integrated Pest Management Systems and Area wide Suppression Programs. Invasive insects such as the silverleaf whitefly and other whiteflies are high priority targets of NP 304 whose ultimate goal is to develop area-wide and integrated pest management strategies to mitigate these problems. Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals with an Emphasis on the Q-Biotype. Whiteflies have long been considered a major pest of ornamental (and other) crops and recently a new whitefly biotype of the Bemisia tabaci complex was detected in the U.S. for the first time. The Q-biotype is indistinguishable from the B-biotype by any visual examination and the two can only be distinguished by laboratory testing. Monitoring and management of the recently introduced Q biotype of Bemisia tabaci is crucial because of its enhanced ability to resist the effect of insecticides thus posing management challenges beyond the B biotype. ARS scientists based in Fort Pierce, Florida in cooperation with ornamental growers, industry and university scientists in Florida, California, Georgia, New York and Texas developed a management program for ornamentals targeting whiteflies (biotypes B and Q). More than 25 efficacy trails were conducted on 4 biotype Q isolates (California (12), Georgia (11), New York (2)) and several insecticide residue trials were conducted on B biotype isolates (Texas). The biotype status of B. tabaci populations used in laboratory and greenhouse trials assessing the efficacy of chemical pesticides was established via two independent molecular techniques from laboratories in CA and FL. As a result of the large volume of data generated from the efficacy and residue trials, a “Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals with an Emphasis on the Q-Biotype” was developed using a grower friendly format that is easy to understand and implement for all stages of plant growth. The program was circulated to over 10,000 ornamental growers and propagators and made available on a whitefly website created to disseminate up-to-date information on Bemisia whitefly activities (both biotype B and Q) for easy access (http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm). 4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Ornamental Grower Study reveals Q-Biotype Whitefly Awareness, Perceptions and Practices among Growers. Nearly 120 ornamental grower and propagators across the United States participated in the online, anonymous study throughout June and July 2006. Grower survey questions were developed, reviewed and approved by researchers and participating industry organizations and the results were analyzed by researchers from the Universities of Florida and California. Survey questions concentrated on grower awareness and concern, scouting and identifying whiteflies, and the treatment of whiteflies. A final report was published with sound recommendations for management of Q-biotype and was made available on a website that serves as an online clearinghouse for news and information on Q-biotype whiteflies by bringing the web’s best Q-biotype resources into one place (http://www.q-biotypewhiteflies.com/). 4c.List significant activities that support special target populations. None. 4d.Progress report. None. 5.Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. • The project team includes researchers from ARS-USHRL, University of Florida, IFAS, MREC, University of California at Riverside, Cornell University in New York, Texas A&M, and University of Georgia. The project team has published whitefly alerts and articles for biotype Q in all major ornamental trade magazines and talks have been presented at almost every ornamental trade show and many entomological society meetings across the United States. • More than 25 efficacy trails were conducted on 4 biotype Q isolates (California (12), Georgia (11), New York (2)) and several insecticide residue trials were conducted on B biotype isolates (Texas). The biotype status of B. tabaci populations used in laboratory and greenhouse trials assessing the efficacy of chemical pesticides was established via two independent molecular techniques from laboratories in CA and FL. As a result of the large volume of data generated from the efficacy and residue trials, a “Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals with an Emphasis on the Q-Biotype” was developed and distributed to more than 10,000 ornamental growers and propagators (http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm). • A grower survey was conducted and final report published with sound recommendations for management of Q-biotype which was made available on a website that serves as an online clearinghouse for news and information on Q-biotype whiteflies by bringing the web’s best Q-biotype resources into one place (http://www.q-biotypewhiteflies.com/). 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? “Management Program for Whiteflies on Propagated Ornamentals with an Emphasis on the Q-Biotype” was developed using a grower friendly format that is easy to understand and implement for all stages of plant growth. The program was circulated to over 10,000 ornamental growers and propagators and made available on a whitefly website created to disseminate up-to-date information on Bemisia whitefly activities (both biotype B and Q) for easy access (http://www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/bemisia.htm). An ornamental propagator and grower survey was also conducted, analyzed and the results with whitefly management recommendations were disseminated in a report to a broad grower based audience via the web (http://www.q-biotypewhiteflies.com/. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Popular Press: Bethke, James, Gilrein, Dan, Ludwig, Scott, Oetting, Ronald, Osborne, Lance. 2006. The Q-biotype Whitefly. Grower Talks. 69(12):44-52. Ludwig, Scott, Ellsworth, Peter. 2006. Q-biotype Whitefly Update. Ornamental Outlook. 15(7): 36-38. Osborne, Lance S., Ludwig, Scot W., Schmale, Lin. 2005. Q-Biotype Whitefly: A Time for Action. Greenhouse Grower. Sept 70-76. Stansly, Phil, McKenzie, Cindy. 2005. “Q” biotype whitefly: How big a threat? Florida Tomato Institute Proceedings. PRO 522: 29-31. Presentations: Bethke, J.A. 2005. “Efficacy Trials against the Q-Biotype of the Sweetpotato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci”. Q-biotype Technical Advisory Committee Meeting, Dallas, TX, Sept 21, 2005. Bethke, J.A., Byrne, F. 2006. Additional Efficacy Trials against the Q-Biotype of the Sweetpotato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. Society of American Florists, Propagator’s Meeting, Pest Management Workshop, Norwalk, CA. Feb 15, 2006. Bethke, J.A. 2006. “Whiteflies: Know your Bs and Qs”. Society of American Florists 22nd Annual Conference on Pest Management for Ornamentals, Norwalk, CA, Feb 18, 2006. Bethke, J.A. 2006. “Invasive pests: Q-Type Whitefly and Diaprepes Root Weevil”. UCCE Integrated Pest Management Training for Landscape Professionals, San Diego, CA, May 9, 2006. Bethke, J.A. 2006. “Update for Q-Biotype whitefly research and extension efforts”. Second Floral and Nursery Crops Researchers Workshop, Portland, OR, June 15, 2006. Bethke, J.A. 2006. “Q-Biotype Whitefly: Strategies for Prevention and Management”. Ohio Florist Association Short Course. Q-Biotype Whitefly: Strategies for Prevention and Management. Columbus, OH, July 9, 2006. Gilrein, D., Siracusano, L. 2006. Control of Q-Biotype Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, on Poinsettia with Foliar Sprays. Society of American Florists, Propagator’s Meeting, Pest Management Workshop, Norwalk, CA. Feb 15, 2006. Ludwig, S., Osborne, L., Oetting, R., Bethke, J., Gilrein, D. 2006. Bemisia tabaci Biotype Q: A New Pest of Ornamentals in the United States. Southeastern Branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Wilmington, NC, Mar 7, 2006. McKenzie, C.L. 2005. “Whitefly Biotype “Q”: How big a threat?”. Industry Liaison Committee, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL, Nov 22, 2005. McKenzie, C.L., Byrne, F. 2006. “What is the Q Biotype whitefly?”. Society of American Florists, Propagator’s Meeting, Pest Management Workshop, Norwalk, CA. Feb 15, 2006. McKenzie, C.L. 2006. “What is ‘Q’ Whitefly: Molecular Differentiation of the Bemisia Biotypes”. Ornamentals and Turf symposium, Southeastern Branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Wilmington, NC, Mar 7, 2006. McKenzie, C.L . Byrne, F. 2006. “Survey and Diagnostics: Subcommittee Update”. Q Biotype Technical Advisory Committee Meeting, St Louis, MO, April 3, 2006. McKenzie, C.L. 2006. “Detection and Spread of Biotype Q in the United States”. Biotype Q of the Sweetpotato Whitefly: An Emerging Threat to Florida Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Symposium, Florida Entomological Society, Jupiter, FL July 24, 2006. Oetting, R. 2006. “Georgia ‘Q’ Whitefly Trials”. Society of American Florists, Propagator’s Meeting, Pest Management Workshop, Norwalk, CA, Feb 15, 2006. Oetting, R. 2006. “Insecticide Efficacy Trials Against the Q Biotype on Greenhouse Crops”. Biotype Q of the Sweetpotato Whitefly: An Emerging Threat to Florida Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Symposium, Florida Entomological Society, Jupiter, FL, July 24, 2006. Osborne, L., 2006. “Bemisia tabaci Q biotype, Chili Thrips.” Colloquium on Plant Pests of Regulatory Significance.” University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Jan 25, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “How One Entomologist Deals with Invasive Species.” Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists. Orlando, FL, Feb 5, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “New and Invasive Pests.” Florida Institute of Park Personnel. Wekiva State Park, FL, Mar 13, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “Imminent threat or Tempest in a Tea Pot? Assessing the Current and Future Implications of the Q biotype on Whitefly Management in the U.S.”. Q Biotype Technical Advisory Committee Meeting, St Louis, MO, April 3, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “Whiteflies and Thrips – New pests of Florida Ornamentals”. West Palm Beach Growers Association Meeting, West Palm Beach, FL April 11, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “New Invasive Species in Florida”. Central Florida CEU Day, Apopka, FL, June 14, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “Stop Pests from Eating Your Profits: Whiteflies.” Southeast Greenhouse Conference, Greenville, SC, June 22, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “Whiteflies: “B” or “Q” Does is Make a Difference?”. Southeast Greenhouse Conference, Greenville, SC, June 23, 2006. Osborne, L., Ludwig, S. 2006. “Whiteflies: “B” or “Q” Does is Make a Difference?”. Ohio Florist Association Short Course. Q-Biotype Whitefly: Strategies for Prevention and Management, Columbus, OH, July 9, 2006. Osborne, L. 2006. “What is Biotype Q and Where Did It Come From?”. Biotype Q of the Sweetpotato Whitefly: An Emerging Threat to Florida Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Symposium, Florida Entomological Society, Jupiter, FL July 24, 2006. Townsend, M., Oetting, R. 2006. “Management of Bemisia tabaci strain 'Q' in Georgia Greenhouses”. 70th Annual Georgia Entomological Society Meeting. Jekyll Island, GA, March 29-31, 2006.