2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Determine the relative attractiveness of extrafloral nectar from different peach cultivars and the effects on natural enemy life history and biological control efficiency. Determine the effect of extrafloral nectary resources on natural enemy abundance and biological control on apple trees. Determine the spatial dynamics and distance at which extrafloral nectaries affect natural enemy effectiveness, and develop prototypical orchard designs for implementing natural enemy management practices in commercial orchards. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Extrafloral nectar from peach leaves will be collected and tested for attractiveness to natural enemies with a gas-chromatography and electro-antennal detection system. Nectar will also be provided as diet to natural enemies to investigate nutritive qualities of the nectar. Field cage and orchard studies will be done to examine the effect of nectar sources on biological control of insect pests on apple. Both abundance of natural enemies and the number of pests killed will be used to evaluate the impact of nectar. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and the USDA, CSREES, NRI. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 1931-21000-015-00D Integrated Orchard Management and Automation for Deciduous Tree Fruit Crops. In collaboration with Dr. Clarissa R. Mathews, Shepherd Univ., Dr. Aijun Zhang, USDA, ARS, Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville and Dr. Greg Krawczyk, Penn State Univ., Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Biglerville, PA research continued on the effect of peach extrafloral nectar on the movement and effectiveness of natural enemies in apple orchards. Field and cage experiments are continuing to examine the impact of nectar on biological control. It has been shown that parasitic insects are attracted to sources of nectar and that there are higher levels of biological control of aphids in the immediate vicinity of the nectar source. Feeding trials of the lady beetle Harmonia axyridis in the presence of nectar and aphids showed that the beetles live longer and feed on more aphids in the presence of nectar. The methods used by the ADODR to monitor progress include phone calls, email, and site visits.