2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research project is to develop production strategies that optimize floricultural and ornamental horticulture cropping system management practices. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) To the above objective, the research/extension/and industry team will conduct cropping systems-based laboratory, greenhouse and nursery experiments, and targeted demonstration trials that will: (1) provide grower-specific protocols for effective management of insecticides that maximize product efficacy and worker safety while minimizing environmental risk, (2) develop protocols for practical integration of non-chemical based methods for management of insect, mite, and disease pests, (3) draft grower-tested IPM plans that may be adopted by greenhouse and nursery production facilities in Texas, the South, and elsewhere, and (4) to ensure long-term applicability of research results, economic boundaries (easily characterized by growers or industry groups) to the recommended protocols will delineated. 4.Accomplishments Impact of insecticide residue on Bemisia tabaci whitefly (B-Biotype) and resistance monitoring: The floriculture industry requires effective insecticides for controlling whitefly in commercial greenhouses. The residue effects of eleven insecticides on Bemisia tabaci (B-Biotype) were evaluated. The results indicate Safari provides rapid adult mortality. Safari, Marathon II, and Flagship resulted in rates of adult mortality acceptable to growers over a 2- to 3-week interval. Resistance to imidacloprid in B. tabaci whitefly populations from commercial greenhouse operations in Texas was monitored. High levels of resistance to imidacloprid were identified in Bemisia tabaci whitefly from greenhouses in Texas. (NP 304, Crop Protection and Quarantine) Impact of fertilization on biological and chemical control of T. urticae on cut roses: Enhancing the effectiveness of control measures of insect pests on roses would be highly beneficial for the floriculture industry. We showed that control of Tetranchyus urticae on cut roses with a predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis) or Floramite (bifenazate) was significantly enhanced by reduction of fertilization. Overall, fertilization of cut roses at 50% of the recommended commercial level negatively impacted spider mite populations by nearly the same magnitude as 10% of the recommended commercial level, but with minimal reduction in flower yield and quality. (NP 304 Crop Protection and Quarantine). Effects of fertilization on constitutive and wound-induced levels of total phenolics and jasmonic acid in Gerbera jamesonii on F. occidentalis: Phenolics are constitutive secondary metabolites that have been shown to negatively affect insect feeding. Total phenolics increased as fertilization was reduced, while F. occidentalis feeding did not affect phenolic content. However, F. occidentalis caused greater accumulation of the phytohormone jasmonic acid,which is known to regulate inducible plant defenses. (NP 304, Crop Protection and Quarantine) Effects of fertilization on biological control of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, in Gerbera jamesonii: This research focused on the influence of fertilization on plant growth and development, overall quality, western flower thrips (WFT)] abundance, and host plant resistance characteristics of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii ‘Festival Salmon’). WFT abundance was severely reduced on the lowest fertility plants, which received only the fertilizer charge present in the media. Plants receiving high and moderate fertilization had similar WFT abundance. Plant growth and development was not affected by WFT feeding as determined by vegetative and reproductive dry mass (DM). Western flower thrips reduced the overall plant quality (marketability) of gerberas receiving high and moderate fertilization, but had no apparent affect on photosynthesis or stomatal conductance. WFT-free plants had increased specific leaf area (i.e., thinner leaves). (NP 304, Crop Protection and Quarantine) 6.Technology Transfer Number of non-peer reviewed presentations and proceedings 15 Number of newspaper articles and other presentations for non-science audiences 8