IOBCIOBC -- NRSNRS Newsletternewsletter International Organization for Biological Control SUMMER 2004 Nearctic Regional Section

IOBCIOBC -- NRSNRS NewsletterNewsletter International Organization for Biological Control SUMMER 2004 Nearctic Regional Section

Volume 26 Prospects for Biological Control of Teasel in the Midwest Number 2 Some plants that arrive in the Midwest from exotic as an invasive weed. Exploration of the native homes lack natural factors to keep their popula- range of teasel by USDA scientists has uncovered tions in check, and become invasive. Teasel spe- a few potential arthropod agents from southeast- President cies (Dipsacus fullonum [common teasel] and D. ern Europe, southwestern Asia and France. To date, Dr. Molly Hunter laciniatus [cut-leafed teasel]) are examples of such a flea beetle (Longitarsus strigicollis), a leaf beetle University of Arizona weeds. These Old World plants have been in North (Galeruca sp.), two leafrolling tortricid moths President-Elect America since the 1800s and in the Midwest for (Cochylis roseana and Endothenia Dr. Rob Wiedenmann Illinois Nat. History Survey many years. The first records of D. fullonum (re- gentianaeana), a nymphalid butterfly (Euphydryas ferred to as D. sylvestris) in the Herbarium of the aurenia) and a leafmining fly (Chromatomyia Past President Dr. Dan Mahr Illinois Natural History Survey date to 1934, but ramosa) have University of Wisconsin teasel recently has become more visible along road- been found. Vice President sides, pastures and untilled lands. Further explora- Dr. Nick Mills Teasel species are monocarpic perennials, tion in Turkey, Univ. of Calif. - Berkeley meaning they flower and set seed just once. Unlike Greece, Bulgaria Secretary/Treasurer true biennials, teasel can remain as a rosette for and France is Photo by Rene Sforza, USDA-ARS-EBCL Dr. Stefan Jaronski many years, until it reaches a size at which it bolts, planned for the USDA-ARS, Montana flowers and sets seed. Continual mowing likely had summer of 2004. Corresponding kept teasel plants small enough that they didn’t Teasel of- Secretary bolt. Mowing also is considered to be one of the fers a unique op- Dr. Susan Mahr primary means of spread of the weed; fewer portunity for University of Wisconsin mowings (and occurring later in the season) has biological con- Board Members- at- Large led to explosions of populations of the plant at trol. All species Dr. Jacques Broduer many sites, giving the appearance that it recently in the teasel Université Laval arrived. Fighting teasel has included herbicide ap- family Dr. George Heimpel plications, but costs of labor and chemicals, as well (Dipsacaceae) University of Minnesota as harm to non-target plants from drift and are exotic – there Dr. Sujaya Rao overspray, have resulted in reduced utility of that are no native Oregon State University approach. Biological control is one of the few re- relatives in the Author Brian Rector with a Newsletter Editor maining practical approaches. family and none Dr. Susan Mahr 3.43-m tall specimen of A partnership has been formed between sci- are economi- common teasel in Greece. entists at the USDA-ARS European Biological Con- cally important. trol Laboratory near Montpellier, France, the Illi- Thus, when conducting tests to assure specificity CONTENTS nois Natural History Survey, the USDA-ARS Inva- of arthropod agents, there are no close relatives to 1 .... Teasel BC sive Weeds test, meaning the initial assays will be conducted 2 .... From the Prez Research using relatives of teasel from the Old World. Al- 3 .... IOBC Elections Unit on the though host specificity of agents is still critical, the 7 .... IOBC Business campus of lack of close relatives may make the process of Publications the Univer- finding and evaluating biological control agents Job Pre-Notice sity of Illi- more promising. Newlsetter Info nois, and At the same time the foreign exploration is

8 .... Research Briefs Photo by Brian Rector, USDA-ARS-EBCL Millikin Uni- ongoing, we are studying the ecology of the plant 10 .. Meetings Leaf-feeding damage by the versity to in Illinois habitats. Our studies along Interstate 72 beetle Longitarsus strigicollis. tackle teasel — continued on page 2 FROM the PRESIDENT

Greetings, again from Brisbane. I am doing these small things (e.g. dues mem- our Distinguished Scientist and Out- winding down my stay here, and am look- berships, CRIS reports, meeting abstract standing Student awards. ing forward to seeing many of you at the submissions, President’s letters, etc.) There is also a more existential side International Congress of Entomology about a day before something horrible to this request. While we may join be- here in Australia before I head home to is going to happen if they don’t. Our cause we value the interaction with our toasty Tucson. problem is just this: Nothing horrible colleagues in biological control that Recently, Stefan Jaronski, our trea- happens. I’m not actually suggesting it IOBC-NRS enables, and support its func- surer, was lamenting the sorry state of should (although maybe it bears think- tions and its relationship to the interna- our members’ ability to remember to pay ing about) but rather am asking you all tional community in IOBC-global, I won- their dues. As someone that has been in to think about why you belong to IOBC- der if IOBC-NRS could or should be do- arrears before myself, I am sympathetic NRS, and what would make it a more ing more for its members? If you can with both Stefan and all of the absent- compelling task to keep your member- think of something that would be useful minded types out there. So why do we ship paid up. There is, of course, a fi- for the community that we’re not cur- have this problem? At a mere $25/year, I nancial incentive for this request — rently doing, please let me really don’t think it’s about the money. I we’re a shoestring operation and non- ([email protected]), or someone think that part of the modern condition renewals or dues paid only on alternate on the Board, know. of having way too many things to do years detract from our ability to pay for Thanks, and see you soon. and too much information to process is things like the newsletters, the mixers at — Molly Hunter that many people adopt a strategy of our annual meeting and symposium, and

Announcing Joint IOBC and BNC Conference in 2005 The IOBC Neartic Regional Section research in biological control. This con- Thank you for making the beautiful and the Biocontrol Network of Canada ference will offer a unique opportunity hills of Magog-Orford your spring con- are pleased to announce a historic first to showcase the latest results and bring ference destination for 2005. meeting of the two organizations for May together biocontrol researchers and 8-11, 2005 in Magog-Orford, Quebec, stakeholders. Yours truly, East of Montreal. The second Summer School of the The Organizing Committee: This conference will cover all as- Biocontrol Network will also be timed to Jacques Brodeur and Guy Boivin, pects of biological control and will in- coincide with this event. Biocontrol Network (committee Co- clude a special symposium on “Trophic Please mark your 2005 calendar and Chairs); and Guild Interactions in Biological Con- be sure not to miss this key event. De- Molly Hunter and Rob Wiedenmann, trol” featuring invited keynote speakers tails of the program, registration proce- President and President-elect IOBC- and a special IOBC Global 50th anniver- dure, transportation arrangements from NRS; sary session. Montreal international airport and hotel Joop van Lenteren, representative of Elucidating the complex interactions reservations will be sent to you at a later IOBC Global; and taking place in biological control and date. Please also forward this announce- Jean-Louis Schwartz, co-leader of the understanding how to manipulate them ment to anyone who may be interested Biocontrol Network. for optimum results is at the forefront of and who may not have received it.

Teasel Biocontrol — Continued from page 1 near Decatur and at Clinton Lake State to determine if any native insects or mites of arthropod agents and help us fit bio- Recreation Area have shown mowing may be feeding on the plant, and assess- logical control into the current manage- increases the size of teasel patches, and ing other control methods, such as the ment regimens. that seeds are also dispersed by wind, optimal timing of mowing to minimize — Robert N. Wiedenmann, Center for rather than by vehicular traffic. Although seed spread and whether combinations Ecological Entomology, Illinois Natu- wind may disperse seed a short distance of mowing and herbicide use may make ral History Survey and Brian G. Rector, downwind, mowing may move seed the plant more vulnerable to the multiple USDA-ARS, European Biological Con- heads up to several kilometers to form tactics. We hope that these studies will trol Laboratory new patches. We currently are looking prepare us for the potential introduction

2 IOBC-NRS Vol. 26, No. 2 IOBC-NRS BUSINESS Elections for IOBC-NRS Officers It is time to select new officers of the Nearctic Regional Section Governing Board. Please read the following short biographies to help make your selection for the candidates of your choice on the enclosed ballot. Candidates for each office are listed in alphabetical order, and incumbents are noted.

President-elect — understudy to President for 2 years, then assumes office of President.

Marshall W. Johnson is an extension specialist and research entomologist in the Department of Entomol- ogy at the University of California, Riverside, located at the UC Kearney Agricultural Center at Parlier, CA. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in entomology (1972 & 1974, respectively) from North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of California, Riverside, in 1979. Prior to joining the UC Riverside faculty in 2002, Johnson spent 19 years at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, HI) where he was a Professor of Entomology and Entomologist focusing on conservation biological control. Much of his research focuses on the integration of natural enemies into pesticide dominated agroecosystems. Johnson has been associated with several western regional research committees focusing on biological control of arthropod plant pests and weeds; has served as a member of the Customer Advisory Group of the National Biological Control Institute, USDA-APHIS; and was Chair of ESA SubSection Ca (Biological Control). He has been a member of the IOBC since he was a graduate student.

Vice-President — also serves as symposium program chair.

George E. Heimpel received his B.S. at the University of California, Berkeley, M.S. at the University of Delaware, and Ph.D. at the University California, Davis in 1995. He then spent two years as a USDA postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin. He is Associate Professor of Entomology at the University of Minnesota in a 70% research/ 30% teaching split. His research emphases lie in the fields of biological control and parasitoid ecology. Current projects include investigations of sugar-feeding by parasitoids in the field and implications for conservation biological control, classical biological control of soybean aphid, genetics of sex determination in parasitic Hymenoptera, and effects of natural enemies on the evolution of resistance to transgenic crops by insect pests. Most projects are focused on parasitoids, but predators and reproductive parasites are represented as well. Dr. Heimpel teaches Biological Control and Insect Behavior. For additional information, see http://www.entomology.umn.edu/Faculty/heimpel/heimcv.htm

Secretary/Treasurer

Stefan Jaronski (incumbent) obtained his Ph.D. (1978) in insect pathology from Cornell University, where he studied Microsporida. After two postdoctoral appointments concerning biocontrol of mosquitoes, he did an abrupt left turn and (a) left the academic community for industry, and (b) changed from medical entomology to agricultural pests. Jaronski worked at Abbott Laboratories from 1983 to 1992, during which time his research involved commercial development of Beauveria bassiana, then Bacillus thuringiensis against a wide variety of insects. In 1992 he switched to Mycotech Corp., Butte MT, commercializing Beauveria-based mycoinsecticides. Jaronski joined USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT in March 2000 as Research Entomologist. Jaronski’s research at Sidney centers on grasshopper pathogens on U. S. rangeland, and on development of a fungal biocontrol of the sugarbeet root maggot (SBRM). Jaronski has been a member of the NRS Section since 1993, and served as IOBC-NRS Board member-at-large 2000-2002. He has also been member-at-large of the Microbial Control Division of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology (2000-2002).

Corresponding Secretary — is newsletter editor and website manager

Susan Mahr (incumbent) received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1989 and has worked on a variety of extension and research projects mainly on vegetable crop insects and biological control, including North Central Regional extension publications in biological control of insects (one on cabbage pests and another on greenhouse pests), and extensive reports on pesticide use for USDA technical bulletins. She was Chair of Section Ca of the Entomological Society of America, and has been the Coordinator of the Wisconsin Master Gardener Program since 1999.

IOBC-NRS Vol. 26, No. 2 3 Board Members-at-Large

Doug Landis received his BA in Biology from Goshen College and his MS and PhD in Entomology from North Carolina State University. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University with research and teaching responsibilities in insect ecology and biological control. He has formerly served IOBC-NRS as Secretary/Treasurer (1995-96) and is currently a subject editor for BioControl, the Journal of the IOBC.

Ruth Hufbauer earned her undergraduate degree from University of California - Berkeley, and received her PhD in Entomology from Cornell University. She has been an assistant professor in the Department of Bioagricultural Science and Pest Management at Colorado State University since 2000. Her current research focuses on better understanding the basic ecological and evolutionary processes underlying invasions, the role of release from natural enemies in facilitating invasion, and the use of natural enemies for management through classical biological control. Ruth is a member of the Entomological Society of America, the Ecological Society of America, the Society for the Study of Evolution, the Western Society of Weed Science, and the IOBC-NRS. Ruth serves as an ad hoc grant reviewer and panel member for the USDA NRI and is an active participant in the western region committee on biological control (now W-1185, previously W-185).

Megha Parajulee earned his M.S. (1991) and Ph.D. (1994) in entomology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. His Ph.D. research examined the ecology and behavior of Lyctocoris campestris, an anthocorid predator of stored grain insects, and developed the first population dynamics model for a predator of stored product insects. Dr. Parajulee participated in a 2-year postdoctoral research program at Texas A&M Univer- sity Department of Entomology (1994-1996) where he developed a climatic data-based boll weevil survivor- ship and emergence model. Dr. Parajulee then moved to the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES) in Vernon as a cotton research entomologist/Research Scientist where he quantified the potential of relay strip cropping system to enhance predator activity and suppress cotton aphid populations in cotton. He joined TAES in Lubbock as a cotton research entomologist and Assistant Professor in 2001 where his research focus is on developing a biologically and ecologically intensive arthropod management approach in cotton agroecosystems. He has 75% research appointment with TAES and 25% teaching appointment with Texas Tech University where he teaches Insect Ecology and Insect Pest Management. He has authored or co-authored 65 research articles in national and international journals and cotton research proceedings.

Les Shipp obtained his Ph.D. in Entomology from Iowa State University in 1981. After which, he joined Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Lethbridge Research Centre in southern Alberta to study the ecology and pest management of biting flies that attack livestock. In 1987, he transferred to the Green- house and Processing Crops Research Centre, Ontario to work in greenhouse pest management. His research emphasis is on the development of non-chemical IPM strategies for pests of greenhouse veg- etables and ornamentals. Dr. Shipp is a member of the NSERC Biocontrol Network in Canada and Associate Graduate Faculty member at the University of Guelph. He is co-chair of the NRS Greenhouse, Nursery and Ornamental Landscape IPM Working Group. The Working Group has been active in co-organizing an International Thrips Research Workshop and an ESA Section F and C symposium in 2000; a joint NRS and WPRS international workshop in 2002; and joint NRS and APRS ICE symposium in 2004.

Bill Snyder is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University. Bill completed undergraduate research working with Larry Hurd at the University of Delaware, studying pray- ing mantid ecology, and his Ph.D. with David Wise at the University of Kentucky, studying the effectiveness of ground beetles and wolf spiders as biocontrol agents. Before starting his faculty position at WSU in the fall of 2000, he completed a postdoc with Tony Ives at the University of Wisconsin, examining interactions among pea aphid natural enemies. Bill’s research focuses on the complex ecological links between generalist predators, other natural enemies, and prey. For more, see hi web site: http:// entomology.wsu.edu/personal/bill_snyder/index.html

Please VOTE on the attached ballot. (detach before mailing)

4 IOBC-NRS Vol. 26, No. 2 International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) Nearctic Regional Section (NRS)

Official Election Ballot 2005-2006 Governing Board

Vote for one person for each office with the exception of Members-at-Large, where you should vote for three.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

President-elect (Vote for 1) Marshall Johnson ______

Vice-President (Vote for 1) George Heimpel ______Return Ballots by Aug. 13 to:

Secretary/Treasurer (Vote for 1) Susan Mahr, Corresp. Secretary Stefan Jaronski IOBC-NRS Department of Horticulture ______1575 Linden Dr. University of Wisconsin Corresponding Secretary (Vote for 1) Madison, WI 53706 Susan Mahr ______

Members at Large (Vote for 3) Doug Landis Ruth Hufbauer Megha Parajulee Les Shipp Bill Snyder ______Place postage here

Susan Mahr, Corresp. Secretary IOBC-NRS Department of Horticulture 1575 Linden Dr. University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706 IOBC-NRS BUSINESS

IOBC Symposium at Entomological Society Meeting, 2004 The 2004 IOBC Symposium, Emerging of aphids into the North American envi- trol? These are some of the critical is- Issues in the Biological Control of ronment including the Russian wheat sues that will be addressed by the sym- Aphids, will be held at the Entomologi- aphid, brown citrus aphid and soybean posium and the speakers will provide cal Society of America meeting in Salt aphid. In addition to these recent invad- exciting new insights from their recent Lake City, November 14-17. ers, numerous other exotic aphids remain research on both the theory and prac- Aphids, as crop pests, are unparal- important pests in a variety of agricul- tice of biological control. leled in their potential for population in- tural systems. How feasible is it to tackle The Symposium will be preceded by crease due to their parthenogenetic re- aphid invaders through classical biologi- the Business Meeting of the IOBC-NRS, production, precocious development, cal control? Are specialist parasitoids including presentation of the IOBC-NRS and short generation time, and thus rep- more important than generalist predators Distinguished Scientist Award and the resent a unique target group for biologi- in the suppression of aphid populations? IOBC-NRS Student Award, and will be cal control. In recent years there have How do natural enemy interactions in- followed by a reception and mixer. been several important new invasions fluence the potential for biological con-

2004 IOBC SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM: Emerging Issues in the Biological Control of Aphids • Classical biological control of aphids: Lessons from programs against the brown citrus aphid and the Russian wheat aphid. J.P. Michaud, Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Center - Hays, 1232 240th Ave., Hays, KS • Biological control of soybean aphid: Aiming for a balanced approach. George Heimpel, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave. St. Paul, MN • The role of biodiversity in pea aphid biological control. Anthony R. Ives, Kelley Tilmon, Brad Cardinale, Chad Harvey and Andy Forbes, Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI • Intraguild predation and use of generalist predators in cotton aphid biological control. Jay Rosenheim, Department of Entomology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA • Variations on a theme of aphidophagy: ladybirds in Utah alfalfa. Edward Evans, Department of Biology, Utah State Univer- sity, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT

PUBLICATIONS JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS NEWSLETTER INFO Reissue of Seasonal Pre-Announcement — Please Submit Articles! Adaptations of Insects Weed Biological Control Submission of news items from the mem- Oxford University Press has reissued The Center for Ecological Entomology bership is what makes this newsletter of “Seasonal Adaptations of Insects” by at the Illinois Natural History Survey value to all. Anything related to biologi- M.J. Tauber, C.A. Tauber and S. Masaki. anticipates gaining approval to search cal control will be considered for publi- This book had been out of print and re- for an Assistant Professional Scientist cation: interesting research findings, cently was selected as one of Oxford’s to develop a research program on bio- proposed projects, theses or disserta- volumes that is now available on de- logical control of weeds, particularly tion abstracts, publication reviews, mand. weeds of natural areas, using arthropod awards, short review articles, and more. In addition to covering environmen- agents. Upon approval to conduct the Get your name in print the easy way tal and intrinsic influences on seasonal- search, the full position announcement — just send me your articles (preferably ity in insects, the book also considers may be accessed on the Natural History by email). Although a deadline is set for the evolution of seasonal cycles and its Survey’s website at www.inhs.uiuc.edu/ the editor’s sake, you may submit at any role in speciation. Species that are high- opportunities/index.html, or by contact- time for future newsletters (my address lighted include predators, parasitoids ing Rob Wiedenmann at is on the back page). and pests. Among the featured topics is [email protected]. Items for the Fall Newsletter are due a discussion of the role of seasonality in by 15 September 2004 insect pest management, including biological control.

IOBC-NRS Vol. 26, No. 2 7 RESEARCH BRIEFS Managing Disease in Beneficial Insects Beneficial insects are used in biologi- hyacinth, an exotic aquatic weed clog- have also been used because the cal control programs in environmentally ging waterways and wildlife habitats. The healthier insects in a colony can develop sound and effective ways to stop un- research team determined that the more quickly than infected ones when wanted insect pests or other organisms microsporidia were decreasing weevil exposed to low temperatures. They can from affecting agriculture. These insects survival rates by 30 percent and reduc- then be separated from sick ones. are mass-reared to ensure that a steady ing reproductive capacity by 72 percent Several different approaches to con- supply is available for researchers and in one weevil species and 62 percent in trolling disease have been studied in farmers. the other. Gainesville. Nosema disease of parasi- But what if these beneficial insects This demonstrates the types of prob- toids is a serious problem affecting in- become infected with disease — as hap- lems that can occur when organisms sect integrated pest management pro- pened recently with two species of wee- used in biological control programs are grams. The disease shortens the life of vil? They’re too valuable to kill or let sidelined with disease. If it’s determined parasitoids and reduces their fertility die, and they’re in demand to control to be economically practical to treat wee- and fitness. harmful pests. vil colonies, researchers will have to de- Two parasitic wasp species used to The USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Re- velop a method to cure them of the dis- target house and stable flies were in- search Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, ease. fected by a microsporidium in the Florida, screens beneficial insects for “There are different approaches to Nosema genus. Becnel, another ARS use against invasive, nonnative plants. treating diseases in beneficial insects,” entomologist with the ARS Mosquito James J. Becnel, an entomologist at Becnel explains. “Often, combining treat- and Fly Research Unit, Christopher J. ARS’s Center for Medical, Agricultural, ments works best to extend the window Geden, and cooperators found a way to and Veterinary Entomology in of opportunity for the therapy to take treat female wasps’ food with different Gainesville, Florida, and Theresa Rebelo, hold in a colony.” drug therapies, which lessens the a postdoctoral researcher from Portugal, The Pasteur method is one way to disease’s spread to their offspring. This worked with the laboratory to determine eliminate disease in insect colonies when treatment was very effective when com- what was infecting the beneficial wee- infection rates are low. This method bined with short exposure of infected vils. screens out infected eggs and adults, parasitoids to high temperatures. They suspected a newly discovered leaving only healthy ones for the colo- — From the April 2004 issue of Agricul- microsporidian species was harming two nies. Another method uses heat shock tural Research magazine, by Jim Core closely related South American weevils to cure insects of disease, an effective at www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/ (Neochetina eichhorniae and N. bruchi) tool for eliminating some microsporidian apr04/insect0404.htm used since the 1970s to control water species but not others. Cold treatments

Predator Releases For Suppression of Spruce Spider Mites on Juniper Spruce spider mite (SSM), Oligonychus fallacis and G. occidentalis, was evalu- based on grower perceptions — the re- ununguis, is one of the most destruc- ated for reducing pest mite densities and lease program began when the nursery tive conifer feeding spider mites in the injury, and economic costs on Juniperus grower first noted the SSM infestation US, attacking a wide range of needled chinensis ‘Sargentii’ in an outdoor nurs- — and the sampling technique used to evergreen species grown in nurseries, ery. Sequential releases of predator spe- estimate predator release rates. landscapes, and forest systems. The cies, individually and in combination, When initial populations of SSM feeding — stippling on and browning were compared with two commonly used are high, it is unlikely that sequential re- of needles, needle drop, branch dieback, miticides. leases of predator species will suppress and ultimately tree death — results in Predator releases were more expen- spider mite populations. To increase the loss of aesthetic and economic value. sive (2.5-7 times) and provided less ef- likelihood of success of augmentative A laboratory trial evaluated four fective suppression of SSM than chemi- releases, growers need to monitor early phytoseiid species for their potential as cal controls; high SSM populations re- and accurately estimate pest densities. biological control agents of SSM. Three sulted in unsalable plants in all treat- — Shrewsbury, P. M. and M. R. Hardin. (Galendromus occidentalis, G. ments. There was no difference in con- 2003. Evaluation of Predatory Mite helveolus, and Neoseiulus fallacis) of trol of SSM when single or multiple (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Releases to Sup- the four species tested equally reduced predator species were released. press Spruce Spider Mites, Oligonychus spruce spider mite populations. Unsatisfactory levels of biological ununguis (Acari: Tetranychidae), on An augmentative biological control control seem related to under estima- Juniper. J. Econ. Entomol. 96( 6): 1675 approach, using the predatory mites N. tions of actual spider mite abundance - 1684.

8 IOBC-NRS Vol. 26, No. 2 RESEARCH BRIEFS Using Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Asian Longhorned Beetle The efficacy of entomopathogenic method used. In addition, oviposition genicity and decreased the sublethal fungi against adult Asian longhorned scars per cage and daily oviposition rate oviposition reduction effect. One other beetles (ALB), Anoplophora glabri- per female were also reduced by both B. bassiana strain and one Metarhizium pennis, was tested in three caged field strains, showing a sublethal effect of the anisopliae strain reduced male ALB lon- tests in Anhui, China. entomopathogens. After 10 days, gevity. None of the four strains tested In the first cage experiment, two conidial viability was still high on the had any significant effect on ALB when commercially available Beauveria spp. bands but was drastically reduced when applied as 15-day-old bands in a third strains, B. bassiana and B. brongniartii, sprayed onto tree trunks. field experiment. applied as cultures in fiber bands fas- In the second cage experiment, four —Dubois, T., A. E. Hajek, H. Jiafu, and tened around tree trunks, were compared strains, proven to be highly pathogenic Z. Li. 2004. Evaluating the efficiency of with trunk sprays. Longevity of ALB in the laboratory, were applied as bands entomopathogenic fungi against the was decreased by both strains com- alone. During this experiment, daily tem- Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora pared with controls, with females killed peratures were much higher and relative glabripennis (Coleoptera: Ceram- earlier by B. brongniartii than by B. humidities were much lower than during bycidae), by using cages in the field. bassiana. This decrease in longevity the first cage experiment, and these con- Environ. Entomol. 33(1): 62-74. was independent of the application ditions probably reduced fungal patho-

Synergy of Diatomaceous Earth and Beauveria bassiana Diatomaceous earth (DE) has been re- 16-fold decreases in the median lethal on the pathogenic fungus. The exact ported to cause abrasion, and therefore concentration of B. bassiana at 56 and mechanisms by which DE interacts with might improve penetration of Beauveria 75% RH, respectively. Conidial attach- B. bassiana are not clear but may in- bassiana through the host integument. ment to larvae was significantly greater volve a combination of increased avail- Experiments with the red flour beetle with 190 mg/kg DE than without it. ability of water and other nutrients, re- (RFB), Tribolium castaneum, showed Cuticular lipids act as a barrier to moval or mitigation of inhibitory materi- that both adults and larvae of the RFB the loss of water from the insect’s body als, alteration of adhesive properties, and are very tolerant to B. bassiana and DE and protect insects from pathogenic mi- physical disruption of the cuticular bar- when either was tested alone. The adults croorganisms. The partial analysis of lip- rier. were especially tolerant and did not show ids taken up by DE from the larvae re- — Waseem Akbar, W., J. C. Lord, J. R. a dose response to B. bassiana. Against vealed the removal of phospholipids and Nechols and R. W. Howard. 2004. Di- larvae, however, DE at 190 mg/kg grain long-chain fatty acids. Damage to the atomaceous earth increases the efficacy enhanced the efficacy of B. bassiana at cuticle due to the abrasive, and perhaps of Beauveria bassiana against Tribolium all concentrations ranging from 33 to the absorptive, properties of DE may castaneum larvae and increases 2,700 mg of conidia per kilogram of grain. have caused the release of subcuticular conidia attachment. J. Econ. Entomol. The presence of DE resulted in 17- and compounds that had a positive effect 97(2): 273 - 280.

Are Early Releases Better Than Late Releases for Citricola Scale Parasitoids? The encyrtid parasitoid Metaphycus sp. sion was found on adjacent trees. Early citricola scale in an open-field situation. nr flavus was released against citricola and intermediate releases resulted in less However, early releases in fall or winter scale, Coccus pseudomagniolarum, in pronounced scale suppression than late when scales are shorter than 1.3mm will three citrus orchards in the San Joaquin releases. Intermediate and late, but not not allow the parasitoid to increase its Valley of California. Three parasitoid re- early, releases were associated with an population. Data also suggest the po- lease timings (“early” = 14 October-13 increase in the numbers of recovered tential value of M. helvolus or C. November, “intermediate” = 4 January-5 female M. sp. nr flavus. Early releases, lycimnia as biological control agents of February, and “late” = 26 February-16 however, increased the numbers of re- citricola scale. March) were compared with a no-release covered male Metaphycus spp. Thus, at — Schweizer, H., R. F. Luck and J. G. check. Approximately 2,400 female para- the time of early releases, the scales may Morse. 2003. Augmentative releases of sitoids were released per central release have been too small for the production Metaphycus sp. nr flavus against tree. of female parasitoids. citricola scale on oranges in the San Late releases were associated with The results of this and other stud- Joaquin Valley of California: Are early reduced scale survival on the release ies suggest that M. sp. nr flavus effec- releases better than late ones? J. Econ. trees but no evidence of scale suppres- tively parasitizes and suppresses Entomol. 96(5): 1375 - 1387.

IOBC-NRS Vol. 26, No. 2 9 MEETING CALENDAR Integrated Control in Glasshouses and Outdoor Nursery Stocks 2004 California Conference on April 10-14, 2005 Biological Control IV: Biological Turku, Finland Control and Organic Production The joint meeting of the NRS and WPRS greenhouse IPM working groups will feature four days July 13-15, 2004 of presentations and workshop discussions on Berkeley, California integrated pest and disease management in This conference will focus on elements of bio- glasshouses, and will include a research tour of logical control that are key to successful organic the glasshouse industry in the Turku region. In farming: The Use of Suppressive Soils and the addition, one day will be dedicated to “IPM in Importance of the Soil Microenvironment to Bio- outdoor nursery stocks.” logical Control; Habitat Manipulation and Management for For more information, visit the conference website at Biological Control and Organic Production; Natural Enemy Use www.agrsci.dk/plb/iobc/meet2005.htm. To be placed on the and Conservation within Current Organic Farming Regulations; mailing list to receive further details, please contact: and Opportunities/Research Needs for Providing Greater Use Irene Vanninen of Biological Control. Approximately $120 by July 2, 2004. To Agrifood Research Finland (MTT) be added to the mailing list and to request registration informa- Plant Production Research, Plant Protection tion, please e-mail Lynn LeBeck ([email protected]) 31600 Jokioinen, Finland or call (559) 360-7111. Phone: +358-3-4188 2580 Fax: +358-3-4188 2584 XXII International Congress of Entomology E-mail: [email protected] — Strength in Diversity August 15 - 21, 2004 IOBC-NRS and Biocontrol Network of Brisbane, Australia Canada Conference This Global Congress features a diverse program and a range May 8-11, 2005 of associated meetings and activities, including many in bio- Magog-Orford, Quebec, Canada logical control. The section on Biological Control, Entomopha- This conference will cover all aspects of biological control and gous Insects & Insect Pathology will include symposia on will include a special symposium on “Trophic and Guild Inter- Deployment of Transgenic Organisms - Compatibility With actions in Biological Control” featuring invited keynote speak- Biological Control & IPM; Movement of Natural Enemies of ers and a special IOBC Global 50th anniversary session. The Agricultural Pests: Increasing Abundance & Effectiveness; second Summer School of the Biocontrol Network will also be Egg Parasitoids; Conservation Biological Control in the Cot- timed to coincide with this event. ton Agroecosystem; Entomopathogenic Nematodes & Symbi- Details of the program, registration procedure, transpor- otic Bacteria: Past & Future; Working at the Interface of Art & tation arrangements from Montreal international airport and Science: How Best to Select an Agent for Classical Biological hotel reservations will be available at a later date. Control?; Genes, Variation, & The Ecology of Natural Enemies: For more information contact Guy Boivin, Biocontrol Net- Implications for Theory & Biological Control, and Contributed work (committee Co-Chair) at [email protected]. Papers in Insect Pathology. Registration cost varies by category and date. For more information see the conference website at www.ccm.com.au/icoe/home/default.htm. 2nd International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods Association of Natural Biocontrol September 12-16, 2005 Producers (ANBP) Conference Davos, Switzerland This is a continuation of the first international symposium on October 1-2, 2004 the biological control of arthropods in Hawaii in January 2002. Colorado Springs, CO The intent of these symposia is to create a meeting for practi- The conference entitled Commercial Bio-control: Private In- tioners, a forum for information exchange, an event to build dustry and Public Support will include numerous sessions cohesion among the research community and to foster discus- and keynote speakers. For more information visit the ANBP sions of issues affecting biological control work, particularly conference webpage at www.anbp.org/ pertaining to the use of parasitoids and predators as biological ANBP%20Conference%202004.htm or contact: control agents. Approximate costs of $300 registration, $120/ Maclay Burt, ANBP Executive Director night. For more information contact the ISBCA Symposium E-mail: [email protected] Secretary in Switzerland ([email protected]). Phone/fax: 714 544 8295

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