Project Number: 6204-43000-015-04
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Dec 01, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
Investigate population dynamics of natural populations of Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens), serpentina fruit fly (A. serpentina), West Indian fruit fly (A. obliqua), and guava fruit fly (A. striata) on native and commercial host plants in Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, Mexico. Test baits for detection or eradication of these pests in the U.S. and Mexico. Monitor populations of Asian citrus psyllid and brown aphid and the citrus diseases, tristeza and huanglongbing in northeastern Mexico.

Approach:
Populations of these species will be monitored by trapping and host fruit collection. Host plant lists will be determined by fruit collection in native forests and commercial orchards, with emphasis on foothill and mountain areas of Nuevo Leon. New baits will be developed in Weslaco, Texas, and tested on the native populations in traps and field trials of insecticidal baits. Optimal use of spray programs and bait station deployment will be determined in abandoned or nonproductive orchards bordering areas of high native host plant populations.