In 2006, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a landmark rule providing generic radiation quarantine treatments. The rule approved radiation doses of 150 Gy for any tephritid fruit fly and 400 Gy for all other insects except the pupa and adult stages of Lepidoptera. The generic radiation treatments apply to all fresh horticultural commodities. Therefore, if a pest risk assessment demonstrates that no pupae or adult Lepidoptera are associated with a commodity, export approval can be forthcoming with no further research. Generic treatments are the culmination of decades of research but not an end point. Future research on quarantine and phytosanitary uses of radiation should focus on 1) development of specific doses for quarantine Lepidoptera not covered by the generic treatments, 2) reduction of dose levels for specific pests and commodities to shorten treatment time and minimize any deleterious effects of radiation treatment on commodity quality, 3) development of generic doses below 400 Gy for important groups of quarantine arthropods other than fruit flies, and 4) development of information on commodity tolerance and development of value-added irradiated fresh products that use generic radiation treatments. Generic treatments will facilitate safe trade between countries that have approved phytosanitary uses of radiation for fresh agricultural commodities.

The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata F. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), is widely used as a pollinator for production of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., seed, and populations of these bees can be maintained by alfalfa seed growers or can be purchased from mostly Canadian bee providers. M. rotundata raised in Canada have higher survival rates during the incubation that occurs after winter storage than do bees produced in the northwestern United States, but no reason has been found for this difference. We investigated whether storing immature M. rotundata for various time periods at a warm temperature (16°C) before winter or allowing them to remain unmanaged at ambient temperatures affects physiological aspects of prepupae during the winter as well as the survival and longevity of adult bees after spring or summer incubation. Our results show that the timing of the onset of winter storage and incubation does affect prepupal weights, prepupal lipid and water contents, adult emergence, and adult female longevity. Winter storage of prepupae in November or December with a late June incubation resulted in heavier adults that emerged more readily than bees incubated in late May. However, adult females incubated in May thrived longer than June-incubated bees if fed a honey-water diet. Thus, some prewinter management regimes for M. rotundata commercial stocks may be more effective than others for achieving optimal adult emergence synchrony, as well as adult survival and longevity for pollination of a summer crop.

Carrot purple leaf disease was first reported in 2006 in the state of Washington and was associated with Spiroplasma citri. The disease also was reported in California in 2008. The objectives of this work were to fulfill Koch's postulates and to determine 1) whether the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), transmits carrot [Daucus carota L. subsp. Sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang] isolates of S. citri; and 2) whether carrot and citrus [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.]derived spiroplasmas are pathogenic to both plant species. C. tenellus adults received a 24-h acquisition access period to a diet containing carrot-derived S. citri. After 30 d, insects were transferred to healthy carrot seedlings (five per plant). Negative controls were carrot and periwinkle [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don] plants exposed to diet-only-fed insects, and positive controls were periwinkle plants exposed to insects fed on spiroplasma-supplemented diet. Purple carrot leaves and small, chlorotic periwinkle leaves were evident 10–45 d after exposure. Spiroplasmas were reisolated only from symptomatic plants, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed their identity as S. citri. No symptoms occurred, and no spiroplasma-specific PCR amplifications or spiroplasma cultures were obtained from plants exposed to diet only-fed insects. Carrot-derived S. citri was transmitted to 15 and 50% of carrot and periwinkle plants exposed, respectively. Insects exposed to S. citri isolates from carrot or citrus transmitted the pathogen to both their host of origin and to the other plant host (carrot or citrus), showing no isolate-host specificity. Our findings confirm that carrot is a host of S. citri, Although carrot is not a preferred host of C. tenellus, it is likely that inoculative leafhoppers feed on carrot during seasonal migration.

Chicken feathers, discarded as bioorganic wastes from poultry processing industries, are rich in keratin (structural protein). Deoiled rice bran (DRB), in contrast, is an agrowaste product consisting of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. This study highlights a new medium for producing biopesticides from these bioorganic wastes, by culturing Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) and B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), to synthesize mosquitocidal toxins. Biochemical studies indicated that the amount of mosquitocidal spore/crystal toxins produced from the experimental culture medium (chicken feather waste [CFW] DRB) is higher than that from the conventional medium (Nutrient Yeast Extract Salt Medium [NYSM]). The bacteria produced in these media (NYSM, CFW, DRB, and CFW DRB) were bioassayed against mosquito vectors, and the toxic effect was found to be statistically similar (fiducial limits overlapping). Cost analysis based on the raw materials, indicated that, the use of CFW and DRB, as culture medium, is highly economical, for the industrial production of these mosquito pathogenic bacilli.

The mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), attacks ornamental and fruit crops in the Mariana Islands. Insecticides cannot penetrate the heavy layers of wax that protect the insect's body. We surveyed the mealybug's locally recruited natural enemies and their effects on its population on Guam, Rota, Saipan, and Tinian to assess the need for introduction of exotic natural enemies. We monitored population densities of M. hirsutus, those of its natural enemies, and parasitism rates for 3 yr, 2005–2007. Our surveys revealed the presence of two parasitoids, Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Allotropa sp. near mecrida (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), fortuitously introduced to the Mariana Islands with M. hirsutus. The predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) also was often found feeding on M. hirsutus. Population density of M. hirsutus was below the economic threshold at all locations. Rainfall seemed to affect mean numbers of M. hirsutus and mean numbers of eggs at some locations. On all four islands, the two parasitoids, complemented by the predator, were effectively controlling the M. hirsutus population. No evidence of hyperparasitism was recorded. Currently, economic damage by M. hirsutus is not a concern in the Mariana Islands, and additional parasitoids need not be introduced to control M. hirsutus.

The nontarget effect of Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and three mixed suspensions of two species of entomopathogenic nematodes on the larvae of the twospotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and on the larvae of the lacewing Chrysoperla cornea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), were studied in a laboratory bioassay. The assay was performed at three temperature (15, 20, and 25°C) and at three different concentrations of the suspension (500, 2,500, and 5,000 infective juveniles [IJs]/ml). The larvae of A. bipunctata were more susceptible to nematode attack than the larvae of C.. cornea. Four days after treatment, significantly the lowest mortality of A.. bipunctata and C.. cornea larvae was recorded at 15°C, whereas no significant differences were noted between 20 and 25°C. At 500 IJs/ml, the nematodes had significantly the lowest nontarget effect on the larvae of both aphid predators, whereas no significant differences in this regard were established between 2,500 and 5,000 IJs/ml. We conclude that the entomopathogenic nematodes under investigation exhibit a pronounced nontarget effect on the larvae of both predators mentioned.

The insecticidal activities of extracts from different parts of Cacalia tangutica (Franch.) H.-M. and two active ingredients, friedelin and stigmasterol, against Musca domestica L., Aedes albopictus (Skuse), and Spodoptera litura (F.) cells (SL cells) are reported. Extracts from leaves, flowers, and roots are highly active against adult M. domestica and the fourth-instar larvae of Ae. albopictus. The foliar extract was the most active with LC₅₀ values of 1.74 mg/g and 196.94 µg/ml against adult M. domestica and fourth-instar larvae of Ae. albopictus, respectively. Extracts from stems were the least active. Friedelin and rotenone were highly active and equitoxic to these two insect species. The LC₅₀ value of friedelin in adult M. domestica 48 h after treatment was 129.27 µg/g. The activity of stigmasterol on these two insect species was not obvious. However, the cytotoxicity of stigmasterol to S. litura cells was significantly greater than that of either friedelin or rotenone. At 25 µg/ml, the mortality of cells 24 h after treatment with stigmasterol was 23.0%. In contrast, friedelin and rotenone at the same concentration produced 16 and 18% mortality, respectively. Our results indicate differences between cytotoxicity in vitro and insect toxicity in vivo.

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Ceratitis rosa Karsch, and Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are pests potentially associated with avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in South Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the host status of ‘Hass’ avocado to these tephritid pests over 4 yr. Unpunctured harvested avocado was exposed to fruit flies in the laboratory under no-choice conditions for 24 h. In field studies, each species was exposed for 48 h under no-choice conditions to avocado attached to the tree. Fruit was harvested immediately, 4,8 and 18 d after exposure. In all the experiments, the fruit was incubated at 25°C for 49 d after harvest. Hass avocado fruit was sourced from pack-houses throughout the avocado production areas and inspected for any internal pests. Similar inspections were done from 2005 to 2008 at arrival in Europe following standard export procedures. Analysis indicated that Hass avocado is a conditional nonhost for C. capitata and a poor but potential host for C. rosa and C. cosyra. No requirement for a risk mitigation treatment for C. capitata on South African Hass avocado was found. Fruit sampling data did not produce any infested fruit, suggesting that natural conditions and/or existing procedures functioning in a systems approach are likely to mitigate the quarantine risks of C. rosa and C. cosyra on Hass avocado in South Africa.

Field trials of the sex pheromone of an important and potentially invasive pest of avocados, Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae), Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae), were carried out in commercial avocado orchards in Guatemala. The results indicated that the pheromone consists of a single component, (9Z)-9,13-tetradecadien-11-ynal; blends of this compound with a range of ratios of the corresponding alcohol and acetate, or with (6Z,9Z)-tricosadiene, which was present in pheromone gland extracts, were equally or less attractive to male moths than the single component. A range of doses from 10 µg to 1 mg were equally attractive, and lures remained attractive for periods of several weeks. Male moth flight activity peaked between 0230 and 0430 hours. Overall, trap catches were relatively low, similar to what was reported for the congeneric Stenoma cecropia Meyrick, suggesting that this species may use other signals in addition to pheromones during mate location. Nevertheless, the pheromone will be useful for detection of S. catenifer, particularly in areas where there is a risk of the moth invading and establishing due to increased commerce in fresh avocados, and for certifying export orchards as being free of S. catenifer.

The effect of the thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) lures ethyl isonicotinate, methyl isonicotinate, and ethyl nicotinate on numbers of thrips captured in white water traps in an onion (Allium spp.) crop, in New Zealand, was examined. Female onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (69.0%), and Thrips obscuratus Crawford (27.8%) (males and females) were the most common species found in traps in the onion crop. Ethyl isonicotinate, methyl isonicotinate, and ethyl nicotinate caught 18,12, and 4× more onion thrips, respectively, than controls (no-lure). In contrast, traps with ethyl isonicotinate set up in a grass field at the same time as the onion crop trial caught 84× more onion thrips than traps without this lure. For T. obscuratus, traps with ethyl isonicotinate, methyl isonicotinate, and ethyl nicotinate caught 10, 13, and 12× more thrips, respectively, than controls in the onion crop.

Field tests were carried out to evaluate the repellency of the Dow AgroSciences fruit fly toxic bait GF-120 (NF Naturalyte) to domestic honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). GF-120 is an organically registered attractive bait for tephritid fruit flies composed of spinosad, hydrolyzed protein (Solulys), high-fructose corn syrup (ADM CornSweet 42 high-fructose corn syrup, referred to as invertose sugar or invertose here), vegetable oils, adjuvants, humectants, and attractants. Tests were carried out with non-Africanized honey bees in February and March 2005 and 2007 during periods of maximum hunger for these bees. In all tests, bees were first trained to forage from plates of 30% honey-water (2005) or 30% invertose (2007). In 2005 bees were offered choices between honey-water and various bait components, including the complete toxic bait. In 2007, similar tests were performed except bees were attracted with 30% invertose then offered the bait components or complete bait as no-choice tests. Initially, the 2005 tests used all the components of GF-120 except the spinosad as the test bait. After we were convinced that bees would not collect or be contaminated by the bait, we tested the complete GF-120. Behavior of the bees indicated that during initial attraction and after switching the baits, the bait components and the complete bait were repellent to honey bees, but the honey-water remained attractive. Invertose was shown to be less attractive to bees, addition of Solulys eliminated almost all bee activity, and addition of ammonium acetate completely eliminated feeding in both choice and no-choice tests. These results confirm previous tests showing that bees do not feed on GF-120 and also show that honey bees are repelled by the fruit fly attractant components of the bait in field tests.

The impact of trademarked and commercial products on settling of adults of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), was studied in the laboratory. A no-choice bioassay using leaf disks of tomato, Solanum esculentum L., was developed to evaluate the impact of concentration series of products on settling of B. tabaci adults. The concentration of each product that would reduce settling by 50% (SC₅₀) was estimated for each product using standard probit analyses, and the values were compared with that of Ultra-Fine Oil, a paraffinic oil product that is known to reduce settling of whitefly adults. Twenty-two trademarked products and 42 other products were evaluated in the laboratory bioassay. Based upon comparisons of fiducial limits of the respective SC₅₀ values, Dawn detergent and E-RASE jojoba oil were the only trademarked products that were as effective as Ultra-Fine Oil in reducing settling of B. tabaci adults. Of the nontrademarked products, 25 were similar to Ultra-Fine Oil, although cedar, geranium, ginger, Hamlin (citrus), patchouli, olive and wintergreen oils, as well as citronellal and limonene, had ratios of respective SC₅₀ values with that of Ultra-Fine Oil of ≈1.5 or less. Combinations of limonene and citronellal with either olive oil or Ultra-Fine Oil were 15 and 30 times, respectively, more effective than Ultra-Fine Oil alone. Candidate products and combinations of products were further evaluated on tomato seedlings in no-choice screenhouse trials for effects on oviposition and on transmission of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus, TYLCV) by B. tabaci. Ultra-Fine Oil and olive oil reduced oviposition and transmission of TYLCV in the screenhouse trials. Ginger oil and limonene reduced oviposition in at least one screenhouse trial but did reduce transmission of TYLCV. The laboratory bioassay provided a rapid and relatively easy method to compare products for reducing settling of B. tabaci adults. Even though the reduced settling indicated in the laboratory bioassays was not always reflected in reduced oviposition or TYLCV transmission in the screenhouse trials, the bioassay was useful in rapidly identifying products that reduce settling and that could be investigated further.

Effects on adult longevity, fecundity and fertility, as well as long-term effects on progeny were determined through oral exposure of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) adults to azadirachtin and methoxyfenozide. Both compounds reduced adult longevity by 2.3 d at the higher concentrations tested, but no significant differences were observed between sexes. Fecundity and fertility were significantly affected for both insecticides, although this effect was only dose-dependent for azadirachtin. The progeny from adults treated with azadirachtin or methoxyfenozide were only affected in percentage of pupation of eggs that successfully hatched, but no effects were observed in adult emergence of individuals that successfully pupated for either insecticide. In the second part of this study, each sex was exposed separately to methoxyfenozide by topical application or ingestion. Adult fecundity was more affected when moths were treated by ingestion than when treated topically, with a mean number eggs laid per female of 343 ± 89 and 932 ± 79, respectively. Finally, azadirachtin applied to pepper plants showed a significant oviposition deterrence activity on S. littoralis adults. However, when fecundity was scored for one additional day in females that had been previously exposed to pepper, Capsicum annum L., plants treated with this insecticide, the number of eggs laid per female did not differ significantly from that of controls. The effects of azadirachtin and methoxyfenozide on S. littoralis suggest changes in population dynamics of this pest in crops treated with these insecticides.

Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., plants expressing Cry1Ac and Cry1F insecticidal crystal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) were evaluated against selected lepidopteran pests including fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), and soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker). Studies were conducted in a range of environments, challenging various cotton tissue types from several varieties containing a combination of Cry1Ac and Cry1F proteins. In fresh tissue bioassays of mature leaves and squares (flower buds) and in artificial field infestations of white flowers, plants containing Cry1Ac:Cry1F significantly reduced levels of damage (leaf defoliation, bract feeding, penetrated squares and bolls, and boll abscission) and induced significantly greater mortality (90–100%) of fall armyworm compared with that on non-Bt cotton plants. Plants containing Cry1Ac:Cry1F conferred high levels (100%) of soybean looper mortality and low levels (0.2%) of leaf defoliation compared with non-Bt cotton. Beet armyworm was relatively less sensitive to Cry1Ac:Cry1F cotton plants compared with fall armyworm and soybean looper. However, beet armyworm larval development was delayed 21 d after infestation (DAI), and ingestion of plant tissue was inhibited (14 and 21 DAI) on the Cry1Ac:Cry1F plants compared with that on non-Bt cotton plants. These results show Cry1Ac:Cry1F cotton varieties can be an effective component in a management program for these lepidopteran pest species. Differential susceptibility of fall armyworm, beet armyworm, and soybean looper larvae to Cry1Ac:Cry1F cotton reinforces the need to sample during plant development and respond with a foliar insecticide if local action thresholds are exceeded.

The widespread use of insecticides is known to cause resurgence in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) populations, a serious insect pest of rice, Orzya sativa L., crops in Asia. The current study investigated insecticide-induced changes in protein, RNA, and DNA levels in the ovary and fat body of adult female N. lugens. Potted rice plants were sprayed with different concentrations of imidacloprid, triazophos, and detamethrin. The results showed that all three insecticides caused a significant increase in protein and RNA contents in the ovary and fat body of adult females developed from nymphs fed on treated plants compared with those from on untreated plants, although there was no significant effect on DNA content. In general, protein and RNA contents in both ovary and fat body increased linearly with insecticide concentrations or days after emergence (DAEs) when they were applied. There was a significant correlation between protein content and RNA content in both ovary and fat body. In addition, the relationship between ratios of RNA to protein in ovary and fat body of adult female N. lugens and insecticide concentrations showed a significant positive correlation for most DAEs of imidacloprid and several DAEs of triazophos and deltamethrin treatments. These findings suggest that RNA in both ovary and fat body was more sensitive to insecticides and that the insecticide-induced changes in RNA content in turn influence protein synthesis in ovary and fat body. Consistently, RNA-to-protein ratios in ovary and fat body were ≈0.42 in all treatments and controls.

Phytophagous stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), including green stink bug [Acrosternum hilare (Say)], southern green stink bug [Nezara viridula (L.)], and brown stink bug [Euschistus servus (Say)], have become a serious production issue for southeastern U.S. cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., growers. To investigate how different agronomic crops may affect stink bug damage and fiber quality in neighboring cotton fields, replicated 1.6–2.0-ha trials were planted with corn (Zea mays L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] bordering a centrally located cotton plot (each of the four crops composed of ≈0.4–0.5 ha per trial). Three trials were conducted in 2007 and three additional trials were conducted in 2008. Stink bug damage in the cotton plot was sampled weekly during weeks 3 through 6 of bloom at distances of 0.5, 5.3, 9.6, and 18.7 m from the adjacent crop. At the end of the year, representative lint samples at distances of 0.5, 9.6, 18.7, and 31.8 m from each adjacent crop were mechanically harvested, ginned, and classed. Results show that boll damage, seedcotton yield, gin turnout, fiber color, and lint value were negatively affected when the cotton was located adjacent to peanut and soybean. Regardless of the adjacent crop, there were no differences among yield and fiber quality parameters comparing seedcotton obtained 18.7 m from the plot edge and samples obtained from the middle of the cotton plot (≈31.8 m from an adjacent crop). These data suggest that integrated pest management programs for the stink bug complex in cotton may include farmscape level planning and targeted interventions as opposed to a crop specific management approach.

Decision support systems have been developed for risk analysis and management of root-feeding white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) in Queensland, Australia, sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), based partly on manual inspection of soil samples. Acoustic technology was considered as a potential alternative to this laborious procedure. Field surveys were conducted to detect the major pests Dermolepida albohirtum (Waterhouse) near Mackay, and Antitrogus parvulus Britton near Bundaberg. Computer analyses were developed to identify distinctive scrapes and other sounds produced by D. albohirtum and Antitrogus species and to distinguish them from sounds of nondamaging white grubs (Rutelinae, Dynastinae), as well as from extraneous, wind-induced tapping signals. Procedures were considered for incorporating acoustic methods into surveys and sequential sampling plans. Digging up and inspecting sugarcane root systems requires 10–12 min per sample, but acoustic assessments can be obtained in 3–5 min, so labor and time could be reduced by beginning the surveys with acoustic sampling. In a typical survey conducted in a field with low population densities, sampling might terminate quickly after five negative acoustic samples, establishing a desired precision level of 0.25 but avoiding the effort of excavating and inspecting empty samples. With a high population density, sampling might terminate also if signals were detected in five samples, in which case it would be beneficial to excavate the samples and count the white grubs. In intermediate populations, it might be necessary to collect up to 20 samples to achieve desired precision, and acoustic methods could help determine which samples would be best to excavate.

Results of planting date and insecticide efficacy experiments targeting Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on rice, Oryza sativa L., in southeastern Texas between 2002 and 2007 were used to determine density—yield relationships as a function of planting date. Soil core samples were collected on two dates during main crop development to estimate immature L. oryzophilus populations followed by main and ratoon crop harvests. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that planting date did not affect the density-main crop yield relationship during most years and that these relationships varied substantially among years. For ratoon crop yield, an effect of main crop L. oryzophilus immature infestation was detected during some years, but the real effect of these populations on ratoon crop yield remains unclear. Using estimates of yield reduction per L. oryzophilus immature, economic injury levels were calculated. Main crop yields from treated plots and first soil core sample L. oryzophilus immature populations from untreated plots were significantly higher in plots planted at recommended dates than in plots planted earlier or later. This suggests that the presence of high populations of reproductive L. oryzophilus coincides with the period when rice fields planted at optimum dates are flooded. Results from this study reinforce the importance of managing L. oryzophilus populations when planting rice at recommended dates in southeastern Texas.

Megaplatypus mutatus (Coleoptera: Platypodinae ) is an ambrosia beetle native to South America that only attacks standing live trees and is a serious problem for commercial poplar (Populus L.; Salicaceae) plantations in Argentina. The development of traps baited with synthetic pheromones that can be used for monitoring M. mutatus in infested poplar plantations is an important goal in preventive programs. Pioneer male M. mutatus emit a pheromone composed mainly by ( )-sulcatol and sulcatone. In the current study, we tested their release rates from several polymeric reservoir systems, to develop and manufacture a pheromone-releasing device. The efficacy of three different types of traps was evaluated in the field. Single funnel traps equipped with cross-vanes (CIPEIN-CV) captured significantly more insects than multiple funnel traps (LINDGREN) and simple funnel traps (CIPEIN-F).

Forty-one plant essential oils were tested under field conditions for the ability to reduce the attraction of adult Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), to attractant-baited or nonbaited traps. Treatments applied to a yellow and green Japanese beetle trap included a nonbaited trap, essential oil alone, a Japanese beetle commercial attractant (phenethyl proprionate:eugenol:geraniol, 3:7:3 by volume) (PEG), and an essential oil plus PEG attractant. Eight of the 41 oils reduced attractiveness of the PEG attractant to the Japanese beetle. When tested singly, wintergreen and peppermint oils were the two most effective essential oils at reducing attractiveness of the PEG attractant by 4.2× and 3.5×, respectively. Anise, bergamont mint, cedarleaf, dalmation sage, tarragon, and wormwood oils also reduced attraction of the Japanese beetle to the PEG attractant. The combination of wintergreen oil with ginger, peppermint, or ginger and citronella oils reduced attractiveness of the PEG attractant by 4.7× to 3.1×. Seventeen of the 41 essential oils also reduced attraction to the nonbaited yellow and green traps, resulting in 2.0× to 11.0× reductions in trap counts relative to nonbaited traps. Camphor, coffee, geranium, grapefruit, elemi, and citronella oils increased attractiveness of nonbaited traps by 2.1× to 7.9× when tested singly, but none were more attractive than the PEG attractant. Results from this study identified several plant essential oils that act as semiochemical disruptants against the Japanese beetle.

Studies were conducted in tropical greenhouses to elucidate the role of UV light (UV) for the orientation and flight behavior of the thrips Ceratothripoides claratris (Shumsher) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an important pest on tomato (Lycopersicum spp.), in the hot and humid tropics of South-East Asia. Four greenhouse types characterized by different combinations of UV-absorbing or -transmitting plastic films and nets on the roof and sidewalls, respectively, were used in these studies. In choice experiments C. claratris always preferred the environment with higher UV intensity. Furthermore, natural thrips populations around the greenhouses were captured during the majority of control dates in lower numbers on sticky traps on the outer sidewalls of greenhouses clad with UV-absorbing materials compared with UV-transmitting materials. The immigration of thrips into the UV-absorbing greenhouses also was impeded, as measured by sticky traps on the inner side walls. UV-absorbing plastic roofs showed the most pronounced deterrent effect for thrips movement toward greenhouses, and the UV-absorbing net effectively reduced thrips numbers crossing the net barrier into the greenhouse. A simple extension of UV-absorbing plastic roof around conventional greenhouses clad with UV-transmitting plastic and net reduced thrips capture rates inside the greenhouse up to 77% when thrips was released at 1 m distance from the net walls. These results are discussed in the context of wavelength dependent insect vision and the dilemma of tropical greenhouse constructions, i.e., physical pest exclusion versus appropriate ventilation to ensure a conducive microclimate for plant growth.

Plant-derived essential oil products, in general, are considered minimum-risk pesticides and are exempt from Environmental Protection Agency registration under section 25 (b) of the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. However, many of the plant-derived essential products available to consumers (homeowners) have not been judiciously evaluated for both efficacy and plant safety. In fact, numerous plant-derived essential oil products labeled for control of arthropod pests have not been subject to rigorous evaluation, and there is minimal scientific information or supporting data associated with efficacy against arthropod pests. We conducted a series of greenhouse experiments to determine the efficacy and phytotoxicity of an array of plant-derived essential oil products available to consumers on arthropod pests including the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso); western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande); twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch; sweetpotato whitefly B-biotype, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius); and green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Although the products Flower Pharm (cottonseed, cinnamon, and rosemary oil) and Indoor Pharm (soybean, rosemary, and lavender oil) provided >90% mortality of citrus mealybug, they were also the most phytotoxic to the coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd, plants. Both GC-Mite (cottonseed, clove, and garlic oil) and Bugzyme (citric acid) were most effective against the twospotted spider mite (≥90% 0ortality). However, SMC (canola, coriander oil, and triethanolamine), neem (clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil), and Bug Assassin (eugenol, sodium lauryl sulfate, peppermint, and citronella oil) provided >80% mortality. Monterey Garden Insect Spray, which contained 0.5% spinosad, was most effective against western flower thrips with 100% mortality. All the other products evaluated failed to provide sufficient control of western flower thrips with <30% mortality. In addition, the products Pest Out (cottonseed, clove, and garlic oil), Bang (Pipereaceae), and Fruit & Vegetable Insect Spray (rosemary, cinnamon, clove oil, and garlic extract) had the highest flower (transvaal daisy, Gerbera jamesonii [H. Bolus ex Hook.f]) phytotoxicity ratings (≥4.5 of 5) among all the products. None of the plant-derived essential oil products provided sufficient control of sweetpotato whitefly B-biotype or green peach aphid 7, 14, and 21 d after application. Furthermore, the products Bug Assassin (eugenol, sodium lauryl sulfate, peppermint, and citronella oil) and Sharpshooter (sodium lauryl sulfate and clove oil) were phytotoxic to the poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch, plants. This study is one of the first to quantitatively demonstrate that commercially available plant-derived essential oil products vary in their effectiveness against certain arthropod pests stated on the label and are phytotoxic.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), heat, and chemical lure (1-octen-3-ol and L-lactic acid) were tested as attractants for bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. (Heteroptera: Cimicidae), by using pitfall traps. Both CO₂ and heat were attractive to bed bugs. CO₂ was significantly more attractive to bed bugs than heat. Traps baited with chemical lure attracted more bed bugs but at a statistically nonsignificant level. In small arena studies (56 by 44 cm), pitfall traps baited with CO₂ or heat trapped 79.8 ± 6.7 and 51.6 ± 0.9% (mean ± SEM) of the bed bugs after 6 h, respectively. Traps baited with CO₂ heat, CO₂ chemical lure, or CO₂ heat chemical lure captured ≤86.7% of the bed bugs after 6 h, indicating baited pitfall traps were highly effective in attracting and capturing bed bugs from a short distance. In 3.1- by 1.8-m environmental chambers, apitfall trap baited with CO₂ heat chemical lure trapped 57.3 ± 6.4% of the bed bugs overnight. The pitfall trap was further tested in four bed bug-infested apartments to determine its efficacy in detecting light bed bug infestations. Visual inspections found an average of 12.0 ± 5.4 bed bugs per apartment. The bed bugs that were found by visual inspections were hand-removed during inspections. A pitfall trap baited with CO₂ and chemical lure was subsequently placed in each apartment with an average of 15.0 ± 6.4 bed bugs collected per trap by the next morning. We conclude that baited pitfall traps are potentially effective tools for evaluating bed bug control programs and detecting early bed bug infestations.

An evaluation of several insecticides, namely, 0.01% fipronil, 0.05% indoxacarb, and 2% boric acid in liquid bait formulations were carried out against field populations of the longlegged ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The baits were formulated in brown cane sugar solution (50%, wt:wt) and placed in an experimental bait station. Each bait was evaluated against populations of A. gracilipes at four buildings. Fipronil, indoxacarb, and boric acid were effective against A. gracilipes, with >90% reduction of workers within 3 d posttreatment. Total reduction (100%) was achieved within 7 d for fipronil, 14 d for indoxacarb, and 56 d for boric acid. The performance of fipronil and indoxacarb baits did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in all postbaiting sampling intervals. Reduction of A. gracilipes resulted in an increase in other ant species [Monomorium pharaonis (L.), Monomorium floricola (Jerdon), Monomorium orientale Mayr, Monomorium destructor (Jerdon), Tapinoma indicum Forel, Pheidole sp., and Camponotus sp.] at the baited locations.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a gene family generally associated with detoxification and plays an important role in detoxifying exogenous compounds. The silkworm Bombyx mori is an important economic animal for silk production. However, it is liable to infection by a number of viruses and chemical agents that can contaminate its food and growing environment. Here we conducted a comparative study of strain- and tissue-specific expressions of GST in the silkworm under infections by Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) and Bombyx mori densonucleosis virus (BmDNV) and under the stress of pesticides (insecticide and herbicide). BmDNV induced an increase of GST at 24 h and a decrease at 48 and 72 h in the midgut of the DNV-susceptible strain and a decrease at 24 h and increase at 48 and 72 h in the midgut of the DNV-tolerant strain. BmDNV induced a significant increase of GST from 24 to 72 h in the fat body of both DNV-susceptible and DNV-tolerant strains. In contrast, BmNPV induced a significant decrease of GST in both the fat body and midgut of the NPV-susceptible strain and induced increase of GST from 24 to 48 h in the midgut and at 72 h in the fat body of the NPV-tolerant strain. All of these results suggest that BmGST activity varies with the strain, tissue, feeding behavior, and developmental stage of the silkworm. On treating silkworm larvae with pesticides (insecticide and herbicide), expression of the BmGSTS2 gene increased noticeably in the midgut and reached a peak at 6 to 12 h. The mRNA level of BmGSTS2 in the midgut increased during administration of the chemicals, suggesting that the induction of BmGSTS2 is part of the defense mechanism against exogenous chemicals.

Susceptibility to the Cry1Ac toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis in tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is usually measured by performing bioassays under laboratory conditions. Accurate comparison of Cry1Ac susceptibility among H. virescens samples conducted in different places is challenged by several important methodological aspects, especially if different insect artificial diets are used to perform bioassays. In this study, we compared Cry1Ac susceptibility of four different-origin H. virescens colonies when challenged with this toxin incorporated into four different insect artificial diets. Our data show that Cry1Ac susceptibility was lower in all the H. virescens colonies for one of the commercial diets (Bio-Serv). Bio-Serv diet was one of the least significantly consumed diets by larvae of the four different colonies, which indicates that insects encountered less Cry1Ac toxin due to lower consumption of diet. Larvae fed Bio-Serv diet also seemed to display slower Cry1Ac toxin activation compared with larvae fed any of the other three diets tested. In contrast, a wheat germ-soybean diet (ARS) was one of the most consumed diets by the four H. virescens colonies. The increased consumption of ARS diet probably led to the high level of Cry1Ac susceptibility observed in all the H. virescens colonies. Our data highlight the importance of using common diets and use a standard tobacco budworm colony when comparing Cry1Ac susceptibility between diverse H. virescens strains or across time.

The effects of maize, Zea mays L., phenology on establishment, damage, and adult emergence of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, on MON863 transgenic maize expressing the Cry3Bb1 protein and its isoline was evaluated in field trials in 2002 and 2003. As expected, plant damage, western corn rootworm larval recovery, and adult emergence were significantly lower on MON863 than isoline maize. The average weight of larvae and adults recovered from MON863 and isoline maize was generally not significantly different. If western corn rootworm larvae were able to establish on transgenic rootworm-resistant plants, larval growth was relatively normal. Plant damage, the number of western corn rootworm larvae recovered, and adult emergence from MON863 did not significantly differ between egg hatch times from widely varying phenologies in either year of the study. Although the extractable level of Cry3Bb1 decreased significantly from vegetative (V) 4 to V9 maize in previous studies, in the current study, the amount of Cry3Bb1 did not vary from V3 to R3 in a way that affected neonate survival by western corn rootworm larvae in the field.

Many low-income housing units in the United States continue to have chronic German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), infestations and high prevalence of cockroach allergens despite the availability of highly effective cockroach control products. Several studies have demonstrated the greater effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) compared with routine chemical interventions in apartment buildings and the benefit of cockroach allergen reduction using IPM. Yet, there has been little information on the cost and benefit of community-wide cockroach IPM, which is critical for voluntary adoption of IPM programs. We evaluated a community-wide IPM program in two low-income apartment complexes in Gary, IN. The program included education of staff and residents, monthly monitoring, and nonchemical (laying sticky traps) and chemical treatment based on monitoring results. One complex of 191 apartments was treated with cockroach gel bait, boric acid dust, and sticky traps by state licensed entomologists from Purdue University (E-IPM group). The other complex of 251 apartments was treated by pest management professionals (PMPs) from a contractor (C-IPM group) following the same protocol as the E-IPM group. Purdue University researchers trained Gary Housing Authority (GHA) staff on cockroach biology and management and cockroach allergen reduction techniques. GHA staff educated all residents in the two complexes on cockroach control and allergen reduction through printed materials, demonstrations, or both. Purdue University entomologists conducted the initial and monthly monitoring in both complexes (laying six sticky traps per apartment and retrieving them the next day) with the assistance from GHA to evaluate program effectiveness, guide insecticide applications, and identify apartments with poor sanitation conditions. Dust samples were collected from kitchen floors of 72 cockroach-infested apartments at the beginning, and again at 6 and 12 mo to evaluate changes in cockroach allergen Bla g 1 concentration. E-IPM resulted in significantly faster cockroach trap count reduction than C-IPM. At 12 mo, the number of cockroach-infested apartments decreased by 74% in both treatment groups. Geometric mean cockroach trap counts decreased from 99.7 at baseline to 0.4 (99.6% reduction) by E-IPM and from 76.0 at baseline to 1.3 (98.3% reduction) by C-IPM. From the first quarter to the fourth quarter, cockroach bait use decreased by 88.5 and 92.7% for E-IPM and C-IPM group, respectively. From month 0 to month 12, geometric mean Bla g 1 concentrations decreased from 27.8 to 2.2 U per gram of dust (U/ g) in the E-IPM group and from 5.8 to 2.4 U/g in the C-IPM group. Assuming salary rates at $60/h for PMPs and $19/h for housing authority staff, the mean monthly cockroach management (material and labor expenses) cost was $7.5 USD/apartment for both groups excluding education cost. The cost for subsequent years service is expected to be lower due to reduced cockroach infestations. The effectiveness of both IPM programs was affected by the lack of assistance from housing authority with periodic inspections of the apartments, lack of proper maintenance of the properties, and inadequate cooperation from residents.

The greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major aphid pest of small grains and sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Greenbugs extract juice and inject toxin, killing seedlings or limiting the yield of older plants. Understanding greenbug biology and how biotypes develop is important for evaluating and developing sorghum with durable resistance. Prereproductive period, fecundity, and longevity of greenbug biotypes E and I were assessed on susceptible ‘RTx430’ sorghum at four cycling temperatures of 10–23, 14–27, 18–31, and 22–35°C in an incubator. A photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h corresponded with daily warm and cool temperatures. Greenbug fitness was more affected by temperature than biotype. Greenbug prereproductive period, total fecundity, and longevity did not differ among temperature regimes except at the warmest regime (22–35°C), at which all parameters were greater for biotype E than biotype I. The prereproductive period of greenbug biotypes E and I combined was more than twice as long at the coolest temperature of 10–23°C as at 22–35°C. Greenbugs produced a maximum average of 3.3 more nymphs per day at warmer than cooler temperature regimes. Average total fecundity was greatest at 10–23°C, with fewest nymphs being produced at 22–35°C. Longevity of greenbug biotypes E and I combined was 6 times longer at 10–23°C than at 22–35°C. This study provides information on optimal temperatures under which to evaluate damage to sorghum being developed for resistance to different biotypes of greenbug.

The midge Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a major and endemic pest throughout Asia. The pest is difficult to manage in view of a mixture of biotypes co-occurring in the same location and showing variable response to cultivated rice, Oryza sativa L., varieties and differentials. To develop an understanding of the resistance mechanism (s), studies were initiated during wet 2005 and 2006 in Coastal Karnataka. Antibiosis was the predominant resistance category. The maggots survived but as first instar only on all the resistant genotypes. On susceptible genotypes, larvae reached second instar at 7 d after release, third instar at 14 d after release, and pupal stage at 18 d after adult release. However, in certain resistant genotypes, maggot mortality was evident in the absence of the susceptible plant silver shoot condition. In all resistant genotypes, distinct antibiosis was observed at 14 d after adult release. Antixenosis was evident in few genotypes. So, the midge resistance in rice is manifested as a mixture of antixenosis and antibiosis. Estimation of biochemical constituents in rice shoot apices of selected resistant genotypes revealed higher levels of total phenols and total free amino acids compared with susceptible genotypes. But, the amount of total sugars, reducing sugars, crude proteins, and amino acids were not related to resistance. Biochemical profiles in relation to midge infestation showed increased phenol and decreased proline and indole acetic acid content in the growing apical meristem of resistant genotypes compared with susceptible genotypes.

Several transgenic lines of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., expressing a synthetic cry1A gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), were examined in replicated field trials in 2003–2007 for suppression of naturally occurring population densities of lepidopteran pests and the resultant crop injury that they caused. Bt soybean and negative controls (isogenic segregants and parental lines) were evaluated against velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner); soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker); and green cloverworm, Hypena scabra (F.). Population densities of these lepidopteran species were essentially absent in each of the Bt soybean entries evaluated throughout the growing season in every year of the study compared with moderate (5–10 larvae per row-m) to large (20–30 larvae per row-m) peak population densities in the negative control soybean entries. These lepidopteran populations caused significant plant injury in the non-Bt soybean plots, ranging from 53% defoliation in 2003 to 17.5% in 2007, compared with <1.5% defoliation (mostly 0.0% defoliation) in the Bt soybean plots. When two or three foliar insecticides were applied in August or September, as lepidopteran populations approached or exceeded economic threshold levels, pest populations were suppressed and defoliation was minimal in the treated non-Bt entries similar to results in Bt soybean. Soybean 100-seed weights and harvested yields were similar between the Bt and non-Bt entries each year of this study. It seems that Bt transgenic soybean provides excellent season-long control of lepidopteran pests and have yields equal to the standard cultivars examined in this study. Once available to producers, this Bt technology has the potential to provide an effective insect pest management option similar to that being used in Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and Bt corn, Zea mays L., and enhance the sustainability and profitability of soybean production in the southern region where lepidopteran pests cause annual economic losses to the crop.

The evaluation of potato germplasm for resistance to potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a valuable component of integrated pest management; however, few attempts have been made to identify natural genetic tuber resistance to tuberworm on potato germplasm. The objective of this study was to screen potato germplasm with potential tuberworm resistance for tuber resistance under field and laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted over a 2-yr period at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Hermiston, OR. Of 125 germplasm that were tested in 2006, q13 were selected for further screening in 2007. These germplasm were: A0008-1TE, A97066LB, NY123, PA00N10-5, PA99N2, PA99N82, Paciencia, Q174-2, Russet Burbank, Rubi, Ranger Russet, Spunta G2, and T88-4. Tuber resistance of potato germplasm was determined based on the number of mines per tuber and the number of live larvae. Tubers of transgenic clone Spunta G2 were resistant to tuberworm damage. All other germplasm tested in this study, including Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet, were susceptible to tuberworm in the field and laboratory experiments. Incorporation of host plant resistance to tuber penetration by larvae together with appropriate cultural practices including limiting exposure time of tubers in the field may provide the best management option in the future.

The Russian wheat aphid, Diruaphis noxia (Kudjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is globally one of the most devastating pests of wheat, Tritium aestivum L., and barley, Hordeum vulgare L. Host plant resistance is the foundation of cereal insect pest management programs, and several D. noxia resistance (Dn) genes from wheat have been introduced in commercial cultivars of wheat to manage Russian wheat aphid (RWA). Emergence of D. noxia biotype 2 (RWA2) in Colorado has made all known Dn genes, except the Dn7 gene from rye, Secale cereale L., vulnerable and has warranted exploration for sources of resistance to RWA1 and RWA2. Here, we report antibiosis resistance to RWA1 and RWA2 identified in the wheat breeding line KS94H871. Additional experiments indicated that tolerance and antixenosis are not operating in KS94H871. Segregation studies involving F₂-derived F₃ families indicated that KS94H871 resistance to RWA1 is controlled by one dominant gene and one recessive gene, whereas resistance to RWA2 is controlled by only one dominant gene. This new genetic resource may serve as a good source of resistance in future breeding programs with proper understanding of the genetics of resistance.

A choice test revealed that Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), adults deposited ≈3 times more eggs on wheat (Triticum spp.), seedlings than on barley (Hordeum spp.) or rice, Oryza sativa L., seedlings. On a barley seedling, 49.4% of eggs were deposited on either the abaxial leaf surface or the coleoptile and first leaf sheath (C&FLS), where newly hatched larvae die due to their inability to migrate into the interspace between leaf sheaths. In comparison, only 14% of eggs were deposited on the abaxial leaf surface or C&FLS on a wheat seedling. The average death rate of Hessian fly larvae in seedlings of an apparently susceptible barley line was 60%, compared with only 10% in seedlings of a susceptible wheat cultivar. The development of Hessian fly larvae was also much slower in barley seedlings than in wheat seedlings. It took 12 d for Hessian fly larvae to finish the first and second instars in susceptible barley seedlings, compared with 10 d in susceptible wheat seedlings under the same conditions. These results indicate that barley is not a good host for the Hessian fly. Our results also confirmed that rice is a nonhost for the Hessian fly. The resistance mechanism in rice was different from that in R gene resistant wheat. Hessian fly larvae grew a little and died more slowly in rice seedlings, whereas Hessian fly larvae died quickly without growth in resistant wheat.

We evaluated the efficacy of three diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations, Dryacide, Protect-It, and Insecto, against three Psocoptera species, Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein) (Liposcelididae), Lepinotus reticulatus Enderlein (Trogiidae), and Liposcelis decolor (Pearman), in the laboratory. Bioassays were conducted in three grain commodities, wheat, rice and maize, at 30°C and 75% RH, and the DEs were applied at the recommended dose rates of 1,000, 400, and 500 ppm for Dryacide, Protect-It, and Insecto, respectively. Differences in adult mortality were found among grains and DEs for L. entomophila and L. reticulatus, but these trends were not consistent for all combinations tested. Type of grain and DE did not affect L. decolor mortality significantly. Moreover, mortality increased with increasing exposure time for L. entomophila and L. reticulatus, but there was no effect of exposure time on L. decolor. After 7 d of exposure, mortalities of L. entomophila, L. reticulatus, and L. decolor were 56, 55, and 40%, respectively, and the respective mortality levels after 14 d were 63, 71, and 42%. Progeny production after 30 d was significantly suppressed for all species in the treated grains. However, progeny production was still high in the treated grains and reached 54, 42, and 76 individuals/10 g of grain for L. entomophila, L. reticulatus, and L. decolor, respectively. Progeny production did not vary with commodity. Our results suggest that DEs, when used alone, will not provide effective control of psocids.

The present work reports research efforts toward development and evaluation of a unified framework for automatic bioacoustic recognition of specific insect pests. Our approach is based on capturing and automatically recognizing the acoustic emission resulting from typical behaviors, e.g., locomotion and feeding, of the target pests. After acquisition the signals are amplified, filtered, parameterized, and classified by advanced machine learning methods on a portable computer. Specifically, we investigate an advanced signal parameterization scheme that relies on variable size signal segmentation. The feature vector computed for each segment of the signal is composed of the dominant harmonic, which carry information about the periodicity of the signal, and the cepstral coefficients, which carry information about the relative distribution of energy among the different spectral sub-bands. This parameterization offers a reliable representation of both the acoustic emissions of the pests of interest and the interferences from the environment. We illustrate the practical significance of our methodology on two specific cases: 1) a devastating pest for palm plantations, namely, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier and 2) a pest that attacks warehouse stored rice (Oryza sativa L.), the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (both Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Dryophorinae). These pests are known in many countries around the world and contribute for significant economical loss. The proposed approach led to detection results in real field trials, reaching 99.1% on real-field recordings of R. ferrugineus and 100% for S. oryzae.

The confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a stored-product pest that contaminates a wide range of food products, from flour and cereals to spices. The insect reduces food quality and is responsible for large economic losses every year. Although several methods for detection of stored-product pests are common and widely used, they are time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, establishing molecular methods of detection of stored-product pests could provide a useful alternative method. We have undertaken attempts to establish methods of detection of T. confusum based on molecular biology techniques of standard and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Total DNA of T. confusum and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), used as a negative control, was isolated from insects and used as a template in standard and real-time PCR reactions. Specific primers have been designed on the basis of sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment of rDNA and subunit I of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase of T. confusum available in the GenBank database. Standard PCR reactions with primers specific to the ITS fragment proved to be reliable and sensitive. Real-time PCR reactions with primers specific for mitochondrial DNA are considered to serve as a supplemental detection method for quantitative assessment of the infestation level.

Manual sampling of insects in stored grain is a laborious and time-consuming process. Automation of grain sampling should help to increase the adoption of stored grain integrated pest management. A new commercial electronic grain probe trap (OPI Insector) has recently been marketed. We field tested OPI Insector electronic grain probes in two bins, each containing 32.6 tonnes of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., over a 2-yr period. We developed new statistical models to convert Insector catch into insects per kilogram. We compared grain sample estimates of insect density (insects per kilogram of wheat) taken near each Insector to the model-predicted insect density by using Insector counts. An existing expert system, Stored Grain Advisor Pro, was modified to automatically read the Insector database and use the appropriate model to estimate Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) density from trap catch counts. Management decisions using Insector trap-catch estimates for insect density were similar to those made using grain sample estimates of insect density for most sampling dates. However, because of the similarity in size of R. dominica and T. castaneum, the software was unable to differentiate counts between these two species. In the central and southern portions of the United States, where both species frequently occur, it may be necessary to determine the proportion of each species present in the grain by manual inspection of trap catch. The combination of SGA Pro with the OPI Insector system should prove to be a useful tool for automatic monitoring of insect pests in stored grain.

The development, survival, and reproduction of Liposcelis paeta Pearman (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), an important insect pest of stored products, were evaluated at nine constant temperatures (20–40°C). Few insects could complete the development or reproduce at 20 or 40°C. Between 22.5 and 37.5°C, the developmental period from egg to adult varied from 45.4 d at 22.5°C to 11.5 d at 37.5°C. The lower temperature developmental thresholds were estimated at 18.1–21.9°C, and the upper temperature thresholds were 40.4–42.0°C. The percentage of survival from egg to adult was 52.79% at 32.5°C and 18.79% at 22.5°C. After emergence, the adult had a short preoviposition period that ranged from 6.3 d at 22.5°C to 0.8 d at 37.5°C. L. paeta produced the most eggs at 27.5°C and the fewest at 37.5°C. The population reared at 32.5°C had the highest intrinsic rate of increase compared with the other temperatures. Based on our data, the optimal range of temperature for L. paeta population growth was 30–35°C. These data give us better understanding of L. paeta population dynamics, and they can be used to develop effective management strategies for this psocid.

Psocids are an emerging problem in grain storage, handling, and processing facilities in the United States. We used data from two steel bins each containing 32.6 metric tonnes of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., to develop sampling plans for Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein), Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (both Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), and a mixture of the two species. Taylor's coefficients a (a sampling factor) and b (an index of aggregation) for these pests were calculated and incorporated into sampling protocols to improve accuracy. The optimal binomial sample sizes for estimating populations of these psocids at densities of <25 psocids per refuge were large; therefore, we recommend the use of numerical sampling within this range of densities. Numerical sampling of L. entomophila and L. decolor at densities of <25 psocids per refuge should not be too laborious given the low psocid numbers involved; we recommend using 10 refuges per bin. For presence-absence sampling of L. entomophila or L. decolor, 20 refuges per bin should be used at densities of 25–100 psocids per refuge. The sampling plans we have developed based on the use of cardboard refuges are convenient for use in steel bins containing wheat because they are inexpensive, provide a rapid assessment of psocid population incidence, and are easy to implement. These sampling plans can be used to monitor populations of and the efficacy of management strategies used against L. entomophila and L. decolor.