Alternative Herbicides in Turfgrass and Organic Agriculture

Volume XXXII, Number 5/6, May/June 2010 Alternative Herbicides in Turfgrass and Organic Agriculture

By William Quarles Innovations Bio Marrone of courtesy Photo

number of alternative herbicides have been developed A and are now either commercially available, or waiting for EPA approval. Major markets for these herbicides include the turfgrass industry and organic agriculture. Demand for “green” herbicides in turfgrass is being driven both by environmental concerns and regulatory action. For instance, a number of provinces in Canada have banned cosmetic application of chemical pesticides such as 2,4-D for broadleaf weed control on lawns. Cultural methods can relieve some weed pressures, but alternative herbicides can make weed management less labor intensive (Abu- Dieyeh and Watson 2009; Hashman 2011; Bailey et al. 2010; Boyetchko et al. 2009). In organic agriculture, weeds are Alternative herbicides can be effective. Pictured here is an irrigation chan- the number one pest management nel that has been treated with GreenMatch®, a reduced risk herbicide con- problem and conventional synthetic taining d-limonene. herbicides cannot be used. Current organic options include hand weed- commonly used lawn herbicides— weeds is to ignore or tolerate them. ing, cultivation, mulching and flam- 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP. About Some “weeds” are even aesthetically ing (Quarles 2004; Sivesind et al. 77% of the Canadian population is pleasing and break up the monoto- 2009). Alternative herbicides can benefiting from reduced exposure to ny of a “perfect” lawn. When lawn reduce or eliminate costs of hand synthetic lawn and garden pesti- weeds reach levels where they can- weeding (Evans and Bellinder 2009; cides (Ottawa 2010). Regulations on not be tolerated, active controls Avila-Adame et al. 2008). cosmetic pesticides in Toronto led Alternative Herbicides in to a 57% reduction in use on lawns between 2003 and 2007, and the Turfgrass use of alternatives has increased. In In This Issue Canadian provinces of Ontario, 2004, 49% of all households with Quebec, and New Brunswick have lawns reported some use of natural banned cosmetic application of pes- lawn care methods. In 2007, this Alternative Herbicides 1 ticides on lawns. More than 166 proportion was 67% (Toronto 2009). ESA Report 9 Canadian cities have joined in the The regulatory ban of synthetic Provincial Bans. As a result, urban herbicides does not mean that turf- Calendar 8 streams in Ontario have seen an grass weeds cannot be managed. 80% reduction of the three most The easiest treatment for lawn 2 Update

rwn yDaeKuhn Diane by Drawing such as hand pulling, mechanical The IPM Practitioner is published six times removal, flaming, or hot water can per year by the Bio-Integral Resource be used (see Resources). Flaming Center (BIRC), a non-profit corporation undertaking research and education in inte- can kill broadleaf weeds while spar- grated pest management. ing turfgrass (see Quarles 2003ab). Managing Editor William Quarles Organic management and good cul- Contributing Editors Sheila Daar tural methods such as overseeding, Tanya Drlik fertilizing, and mulching can be Laurie Swiadon effective. Special tools such as the Editor-at-Large Joel Grossman Weed Hound make mechanical Business Manager Jennifer Bates methods easier (Quarles 2003ab; Artist Diane Kuhn Quarles 2008; Quarles 2009ab). For media kits or other advertising informa- War on the Dandelion? tion, contact Bill Quarles at 510/524-2567, [email protected]. But aesthetic thresholds for lawn Advisory Board Lawn weeds can be managed weeds vary considerably from per- George Bird, Michigan State Univ.; Sterling by hand weeding and other son to person. When very low weed Bunnell, M.D., Berkeley, CA ; Momei Chen, populations are demanded, integra- Jepson Herbarium, Univ. Calif., Berkeley; methods. Sharon Collman, Coop Extn., Wash. State tion of reduced risk herbicides into Univ.; Sheila Daar, Daar & Associates, the IPM management program may

Berkeley, CA; Walter Ebeling, UCLA, Emer.; Ash Steve courtesy Photo be necessary. Many of the new Steve Frantz, Global Environmental Options, alternative herbicides target the Longmeadow, MA; Linda Gilkeson, Canadian Ministry of Envir., Victoria, BC; Joseph humble dandelion, Taraxacum offic- Hancock, Univ. Calif, Berkeley; Helga inale. The dandelion is a perennial Olkowski, William Olkowski, Birc Founders; weed that overwinters in the soil as George Poinar, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; Ramesh Chandra Saxena, seeds or as perennial roots. Plants ICIPE, Nairobi, Kenya; Ruth Troetschler, PTF may live 10-13 years, and popula- Press, Los Altos, CA; J.C. van Lenteren, tions may vary considerably in age Agricultural University Wageningen, The Netherlands. and genetic composition (Abu- Dieyeh and Watson 2007b). Manuscripts Weeding tools make the job The IPMP welcomes accounts of IPM for any One reduced risk pre-emergent pest situation. Write for details on format for easier. product already on the market for manuscripts or email us, [email protected]. dandelion and lawn weed control is Citations corn gluten meal. Vinegar, essential The material here is protected by copyright, Engineering Flame courtesy Photo oils, citric acid, and soaps are avail- and may not be reproduced in any form, either written, electronic or otherwise without able for spot treatments (see written permission from BIRC. Contact Resources). New products include William Quarles at 510/524-2567 for proper iron chelates, sold under the brand- publication credits and acknowledgement. names Iron-X, Fiesta, and EcoSense Subscriptions/Memberships (see Resources). A number of micro- A subscription to the IPMP is one of the bene- bial herbicides are also in the fits of membership in BIRC. We also answer pest management questions for our members pipeline. These include formula- and help them search for information. tions based on Phoma macrostoma, Memberships are $60/yr (institutions/ libraries/businesses); $35/yr (individuals). Sclerotinia minor (Sarritor™), and Canadian subscribers add $15 postage. All Streptomyces sp (MBI 005). other foreign subscribers add $25 airmail postage. A Dual membership, which includes a combined subscription to both the IPMP Corn Gluten Meal and the Common Sense Pest Control Quarterly, costs $85/yr (institutions); $55/yr Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a (individuals). Government purchase orders waste product left over from the accepted. Donations to BIRC are tax- processing of corn to produce corn deductible. FEI# 94-2554036. syrup. Corn gluten meal is 60% protein and approximately 10% Change of Address When writing to request a change of address, nitrogen (N) by weight. It has been please send a copy of a recent address label. used as an ingredient in dog food, © 2011 BIRC, PO Box 7414, Berkeley, CA fish food, and other animal feeds 94707; (510) 524-2567; FAX (510) 524-1758. (Christians 1991; Christians 1995). All rights reserved. ISSN #0738-968X Its high nitrogen content and her- Handheld flamers are another bicidal properties make corn gluten option for lawn weeds. meal a near ideal “weed and feed”

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 2 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 3 Update

(Hakatak®) used on Hakea sericea; al. 2004; Abu-Dieyeh and Watson 4. C. gloeosporioides (BioMal® or 2007ab; Hashman 2011). Mallet®) used on various mallow weeds, Malva spp.; 5. The rust MBI 005 (Streptomyces) pathogen, Puccinia canaliculata (Dr. MBI 005, which was developed by BioSedge®) used on sedges such as Marrone Bio Innovations, is expect- Cyperus esculentus; 6. The bacteri- ed to receive EPA registration in um Xanthomonas campestris pv September of 2011. The microbial poae (Camperico®) used on annual Streptomyces acidiscabies is grown bluegrass, Poa annua; in a production facility where it pro- 7.Cylindrobasidium laeve duces herbicidal secretions. The liv- (Stumpout®) used on Acacia; (8) ing organism is then killed and har- Chondrostereum purpureum vested along with the herbicide it (BioChon®) used on broadleafed has produced. This method of pro- trees (Charudattan 2001; Bailey duction allows the use of a broad- and Mupondwa 2006; Boyetchko spectrum microbial that poses no and Rosskopf 2006). Also, non-target problems in the field. Alternaria cassiae (Casst®) is some- Since it is not alive, it cannot grow Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale times sold for the control of sickle- and spread beyond the release pod, Senna spp. (BIRC 2010). point. According to Tom Hashman Microbial herbicides have been of Marrone Bio Innovations, “Our product. The product can be slow to catch on in the IPM market- testing and review of activity shows applied to mature turfgrass as a top place. Problems have been high cost both preemergent and postemergent dressing and fertilizer. Over time, it and generally narrow host range. activity across a variety of acts as a pre-emergence herbicide When the host range is too narrow, broadleaf, grass and sedge weeds. that suppresses growth of annual so that only one weed is targeted, There is excellent crop tolerance in weeds such as crabgrass, Digitaria then the market is limited. If the grassy crops such as cereals, rice spp., clover, Trifolium spp., and host range is too broad, there are and corn; we also see excellent util- dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. possible risks to economic crops. ity in various turf species” Reductions of about 90% were seen Because microbials developed have (Hashman 2011). over a 4-year period (Bingaman and not been broadspectrum materials, Christians 1995; Christians 1991; they have been sporadically avail- Phoma macrostoma Strain Christians 1995; Quarles 1999). able only in niche markets 94-44B Corn gluten meal can be purchased (Charudattan 2001; Hallett 2005; Phoma macrostoma was isolated at feed stores and from a number of Bailey and Mupondwa 2006). from Canada thistle, Cirsium garden suppliers (see Resources). arvense, which was growing in New Microbial Herbicides Microbial Herbicides Saskatchewan (Graupner et al. The new microbial herbicides now 2003). It is a weak plant pathogen Several microbials have shown being commercialized have a wider promise as herbicides. Divine® and spectrum of efficacy, and thus more Collego® were commercialized in market potential. Possible problems 1982. Devine was for control of with broader host range materials stranglervine, Morrenia odorata, can be minimized if they have either and Collego was for postemergence short persistence or limited disper- control of northern jointvetch, sal (Hallett 2005; Goettel et al. Aeschynomene virginica (Bailey and 2001). One new microbial, Phoma Mupondwa 2006). Since then, very macrostoma, has limited dispersal few microbials have been commer- and relatively short persistence. cially developed. When released, it lives about four A review written in 2001 found months. Another microbial, the fun- only 8 microbial herbicides had gus Sclerotinia minor, does not been commercialized since 1980. spread from the release point and These included 1. Phytophthora only lasts about 11 days in a turf- palmivora (DeVine) used on stran- grass environment. Yet another glervine, Morrenia odorata; 2. product, MBI 005, uses the Bacillus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f.sp. thuringiensis strategy. The microbe aeschynomene (Collego) used on itself is killed before release into the Large crabgrass, northern jointvetch, Aeschynomene environment, limiting dispersal Digitaria sanguinalis virginica; 3. C. gloeosporioides from the application site (Zhou et

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 3 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 4 Update widely distributed in nature that is ommended that this bioherbicide S. minor has a broad host range. saprophytic and lacks a sexual should not be applied when the soil This fact means that it can success- stage. When applied to soil, it kills is saturated” (Bailey et al. 2010). fully attack many genetic variants several important weeds, including Scotts Co. of Marysville, OH of dandelion. Young plants are more Canada thistle, dandelion, applied for EPA registration March vulnerable than old ones. Grass Taraxacum officinale; chickweed, 10, 2010 and for California regis- competition increases efficacy of Stellaria media, scentless tration January 6, 2010. According dandelion control. The microbial chamomile, Matricaria perforata, to Karen Bailey, the researcher who plus overseeding reduced dandelion and others. It colonizes plant leaves isolated the fungus, it should populations 70-80% in the first and roots, secreting compounds receive EPA approval by September year, increasing to 95% in the sec- called macrocidins that bleach 2011 (Bailey 2011). ond year (Abu-Dieyeh and Watson weeds and cause chlorosis 2007b; Abu-Dieyeh and Watson (Graupner et al. 2006). Sclerotinia minor 2009). Field tests have shown it effective IMI344141 (Sarritor) Sclerotinia minor was registered for dandelion (68%), annual sow in Canada on September 22, 2010, Sclerotinia minor was isolated thistle (97%) and wild mustard and according to Jerry Walker of from diseased lettuce plants in (82%). Soil moisture and uniform Sylvan BioProducts, U.S. registra- Quebec. It has a broad host range application rates are needed for tion should be completed soon. It is product effectiveness, and it works sold as a granular formulation best on emerging seedlings. The under the brandname Sarritor (see fungus attacks broadleaf plants Resources). such as canola and lentil, but grasses, and monocots such as Effectiveness of Microbials wheat, barley, and oats are unaf- Microbials act in a different way fected. Field tests in Guelph, than chemical pesticides. Since Ontario found 92% dandelion con- they are living organisms, they trol at 84 days after application must have a food supply and a (Bailey 2009ab). favorable environment for growth. A series of tests found application Efficacy can sometimes be compro- to soil gave 36-100% control of dan- mised by environmental conditions. delion depending on doses used Lack of optimal growing conditions and isolates employed. It persists in of temperature and moisture can soil for about four months, and is lead to product failure. Even if the not detectable after a year. It is a material is broadspectrum, effec- poor competitor, and soils with high tiveness can be a factor of timing microbial activity restrict its growth. Canada thistle, and the age of the weed. So to make Commercial application rates are Cirsium arvense proper use of microbials, more expected to be 16-32 g/m2 (5-10 knowledge is needed than with the oz/100 ft2), and it has limited application of chemical controls mobility in soil. Field tests found it and 37 broadleaf turfgrass weeds (Templeton and TeBeest 1979; 1-8 cm (0.4-3.1 in) deep in the soil, are vulnerable. Damage to weeds is Watson 1991; Hallett 2005). but the fungus was not detected 30 variable and depends on degree of For instance, although Sarritor and 60 cm (12-24 in) away horizon- contact with the microbial and envi- can kill 37 different species of turf- tally from where it was applied ronmental conditions. The fungus grass weeds, it is most effective (Zhou et al. 2004). especially attacks and kills dande- against dandelion. Herbicidal effects Generally, the fungus and its lion seeds and seedlings. It is may be due to secretion of oxalic metabolites stay where they are applied in granular form as the for- acid. Successful use depends on applied. However, the macrocidins mulation Sarritor. When applied temperature, moisture, and espe- are water soluble. This solubility pre-emergent, the fungus reduced cially relative humidity. Seedlings increases efficacy because plant dandelion emergence by 78%; post- and young dandelion plants are colonization may not be necessary emergent application 10 days after destroyed, but older plants may for herbicidal effectiveness. Weeds sowing dandelions led to a 97% resprout from the root crown. The may also absorb macrocidins reduction. Grasses show no best time for application is in the through their roots. Macrocidins longterm damage from the fungus. fall and spring, and especially the are released from the fungus with Grass germination experiments spring. Sarritor works best with rainfall, and when soil is not satu- showed a slight reduction of vigor help from vigorous turfgrass rated with water, bioactivity at one week, but four weeks later growth. Thus, overseeding and good remains on site. When soil is satu- the treated grasses were more cultural methods, such as high rated, macrocidins might be carried robust than controls (Abu-Dieyeh mowing height increases the effec- offsite with runoff; “hence, it is rec- and Watson 2007a). tiveness. After application, turf

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 4 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 5 Update

ht oreySsnLws hr Solutions Pharm Lewis, Susan courtesy Photo cy increases with the percent of acetic acid. Researchers at the USDA tested vinegar as an herbicide in 2002. They found vinegar at 10, 15, or 20% acetic acid concentration provided 80-100% kill of selected annual weeds, including giant foxtail, Setaria faberi; up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height, common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album; up to 5 inches (12.7 cm), smooth pigweed, Amaranthus hybridus; up to 6 inches (15.2 cm), and velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti; up to 9 inches (22.9 cm). Control of annual weeds with table vinegar at the 5% acetic acid concentration was variable. Shoots of Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense; were highly susceptible to 5% vinegar. However, there was regrowth from Strong vinegar is corrosive, so personal protection is needed when spray- the roots (Quarles 2002; Miller ing. It degrades to carbon dioxide and water, leaving no toxic residues. 2007). must be watered for at least three of rainfall or irrigation. Once EPA Registration of Strong days if rainfall is not present. watered in, they present less Vinegar During hot summer months, inhalation risk (Canada 2010). Sarritor is generally ineffective When registration of these micro- Commercial development of vine- unless turf is covered for at least bials is complete, we will report on gar herbicides has been hampered three days after application with any new information in future until recently due to lack of EPA jute or other material to increase issues of the IPM Practitioner. registration. In February 2011 a the relative humidity (Abu-Dieyeh commercial formulation of vinegar and Watson 2007ab; Abu-Dieyeh Alternative Herbicides in called Weed Pharm® was given EPA and Watson 2009). Organic Agriculture approval for use in organic crops (Lewis 2011). Earlier, Weed Pharm Microbial Safety Synthetic pesticides cannot be EPA registration had been obtained used in organic agriculture, but for non-crop uses. The active ingre- The microbials being developed natural or non-synthetic materials dient of Weed Pharm is 20% acetic occur naturally in the environment, are allowed. Commercially available acid. A disadvantage of Weed and the product registration infor- materials include vinegar and Pharm is that concentrated vinegar mation available suggests few prob- essential oils such as clove and is corrosive, so care must be used lems. For instance, the S. minor lemongrass oil (see Resources). during application. Respiratory pro- fungus present in Sarritor is not Eventually, some of the new micro- tection, gloves, safety glasses, and toxic to birds, bees, wild mammals, bials may be registered for organic long sleeved shirts are needed. insects, or earthworms. But care agriculture (Hallett 2005; Bailey Sprayers must be cleaned carefully must be taken not to destroy non- 2009b). Vinegar is obtained by the after use, or corrosion will result. target plants, especially aquatic aerobic bacterial oxidation of The advantage is that once it is plants. The formulation should not ethanol, producing acetic acid. The applied, it is degraded to carbon be applied to water or to areas characteristic odor of vinegar is due dioxide and water, leaving no toxic where the broadspectrum herbicide to acetic acid, and effectiveness of residues in the environment. will produce negative results. So, vinegar as a weed killer increases Several studies have shown the lawn clippings should not be with its concentration. For instance, effectiveness of strong vinegar as a applied to gardens or allowed to 200 grain vinegar contains 20% weed control product. As mentioned contaminate water (Canada 2010). acetic acid. This product is much above, mortality may vary with the Possible problems with microbials stronger than table vinegar, which species. For instance, 20% acetic include allergies (Goettel et al. contains about 5% acetic acid acid led to 100% mortality of two- 2001). The granular formulation (Evans et al. 2009). leaf redroot pigweed, Amaranthus Sarritor has potential to irritate Vinegar is a broadspectrum her- retroflexus, 9 days after treatment. skin and lungs, and the dust bicide, but some weed species are But velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti, should not be inhaled. The granules killed easier than others. It is more showed only 18% mortality when should be applied within 12 hours effective for small weeds, and effica- treated this way. Younger and

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 5 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 6 Update smaller weeds are more susceptible liter/ha (34 gal/acre) led to similar fields with heavy weed pressure, than older ones. Treatment is more yields as hand weeding (Evans and yields from vinegar treatments are effective when the sun is shining Bellinder 2009). similar to those seen with and temperatures are warm. handweeding (Evans and Bellinder Increasing application volume can Organic Onions and 2009). compensate for reduced concentra- Potatoes tions. So 15% vinegar applied at Clove Oil in Organic 636 liter/ha (68 gal/acre) gives sim- Vinegar is also useful in organic Agriculture ilar results as 30% vinegar at 318 onions and potatoes. Application of liter/ha (34 gal/acre). Since con- 15% vinegar at 636 liter/ha (68 Effectiveness of clove oil depends centrated solutions of acetic acid gal/acre) early in the season gave on the concentration. For redroot are corrosive, reducing concentra- about 6% damage to onions one pigweed 1.7% clove oil was margin- tion makes the material easier to DAT, but the crop recovered before ally effective, but 3.4% applied at handle (Evans et al. 2009). harvest, and yields were similar to the rate of 318 liter/ha (34 totally handweeded onions. gal/acre) gave 94% control after six Vinegar Herbicide in However, the early vinegar treat- days to the four leaf stage of the Organic Corn ment led to a 60% reduction in the weed. Velvetleaf is harder to control amount of handweeding necessary with clove oil. The same 3.4% treat- Weed management with vinegar in to produce high yields (Evans and ment resulted in 60% control of the organic agriculture is a balancing Bellinder 2009). four leaf stage after six days (Evans et al. 2009).

ht oreyo arn i Innovations Bio Marrone of courtesy Photo Clove oil is more effective on small weeds than large ones, and is more effective for broadleaf weeds than grasses. In field tests conducted in sweet corn, onion, and potato, clove oil did not control grassy weeds. Applications of 3.4% clove oil at 318 liter/ha (34 gal/acre) rate also did not give effective control of typical crop weeds such as lambsquarters, Chenopodium album; purslane, Portulaca oleracea, chickweed, Stellaria media and others. Weed control averaged about 43%. In these tests vinegar was more economical and “showed a greater potential for broadspectrum weed control” (Evans and Bellinder 2009). Other researchers have found that This organic farmer is spraying GreenMatch® to suppress weeds clove oil must be used at higher before transplanting celery. concentrations to give effective control of broadleafed weeds (Abouziena et al. 2009; Boyd and Brennan 2006). act. Vinegar must be concentrated Other treatments for onions enough to kill the weeds, but not so include cultivation, flaming, and the concentrated that it kills the crop. application of corn gluten meal. GreenMatch® and Best results are obtained when Corn gluten meal applied to spring GreenMatch EX® applications are made early in the transplanted onions at 4,000 kg/ha Another alternative herbicide for season. Smaller weeds are more gave about 72% total weed control organic agriculture is GreenMatch. vulnerable, and early application and 83% broadleaf weed control for GreenMatch is approved by the gives the crop time to recover before 46 days after planting. This is a Organic Materials Review Institute harvest. In one study, there was very large application rate, and cost (OMRI) for use in organic agricul- 91% control of small weeds one Day might be too great for commercial ture, and it has California EPA reg- After Treatment (DAT) with 20% production (Webber et al. 2007; istration for a large number of vinegar at 636 liter/ha (68 Quarles 2004; Sivesind et al. 2009). crops. The active ingredient of gal/acre). Average control over all Potato foliage is extensively GreenMatch is 55% d-limonene, weed sizes tested was 83%. Early injured by both early and late sea- which is a major component of treatment of Trinity or Avalon sweet son vinegar sprays. However, the orange oil. Orange oil has been corn with 20% acetic acid at 318 crop mostly recovers from injury. In commercialized as a reduced risk

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 6 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 7 Update treatment for ants and drywood termites (Mashek and Quarles 2009). Resources The d-limonene dissolves the waxy cuticle of plants, causing them to Essential Oils Streptomyces (MBI 005)—Marrone Bio desiccate and die. GreenMatch is Clove oil (Matran II®) EcoSmart Innovations, see above more effective for broadleaf weeds Technologies, 318 Seaboard Lane, Miscellaneous than grassy weeds. Good coverage Suite 208, Franklin, TN 37067; Acetic Acid (20% vinegar, Weed 888/326-7233, Fax 615/261-7301; Pharm®)—Pharm Solutions Inc., is necessary for good weed control, www.ecosmart.com PO Box 1500, Cambria, CA 93428; and application rates of 60 gal/acre Clove oil (Burn Out®) St. Gabriel 805/927-7500; 805/927-7501; (560 liter/ha) or more are required. Laboratories, 14044 Litchfield Rd., www.organicpesticides.org. For broadcast operation, it is dilut- Orange, VA 22960; 800/801-0061, Citric acid, garlic (All Down®) ed to about 14% of original 540/672-0866, Fax 540/672-0052; Summerset Products, 130 strength. Spot applications use a www.milkyspore.com Columbia Court, Chaska, MN Clove oil and cinnamon oil (Weed 55318; 800/237-7583, 952/556- dilution to 20% (Marrone 2010). 0075, Fax 952/361-4217; Treatment of younger weeds is Zap®) JH Biotech Inc., 4951 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, CA 93006; www.summersetproducts.com more effective than older ones. For 800/428-3493; 805/650-8933; Fax Corn gluten meal—Gardens Alive, see instance, GreenMatch gives 96% 805/650-8942; www.jhbiotech.com below. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, PO Box 2209, 125 control of 19-day old broadleaf d-limonene (GreenMatch®) Marrone Clydesdale Court, Grass Valley, CA weeds such as pigweed, Bio Innovations, 2121 Second St., 95945; 530/272-4769, Fax Amaranthus spp. and black night- Suite B-107, Davis, CA 95618; 530/272-4794; shade, Solanum nigrum; but only 530/750-2800; www.marronebioin- www.groworganic.com. Grain 17% control of 26-day old plants novations.com Processing Corporation, 1600 (Lanini 2010). Weed populations of Lemongrass oil (GreenMatch EX®) Oregon St., Muscatine, IA 52761; Marrone Bio Innovations, see above wild mustard, buckhorn plantain, 563/264-4265, Fax 563/264-428; hairy fleabane, lambsquarters and Microbials www.grainprocessing.com Phoma macrostoma strain 94-44B— Iron Chelate—(Iron X®) Gardens Alive, shepherd’s purse are reduced 90% Scotts applied March 10, 2010 for 5100 Schenley Place, at 28 days after treatment (Marrone EPA registration and January 6, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025; 812/537- 2010). 2010 for California registration. 8650, Fax 812/537-8660; GreenMatch EX contains 50% Sclerotinia minor strain IMI 344141 www.gardensalive.com lemongrass oil, which is an EPA (Sarritor®) Sylvan BioProducts, 198 Iron Chelate—(EcoSense®, Fiesta®, 25b exempt material (Quarles Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201. Ortho Elementals®) Scotts Co., 866-352-7520; 724/316-6729. Marysville, OH. www.scotts.com 1996a). According to company data, Greenmatch EX at 10-15% dilution and applied at 100 gal/acre (935 ronmental problems seen with con- Grass overseeding and a fungus combine to ventional chemical herbicides. control Taraxacum officinale. J. Appl. Ecol. liter/ha) gave excellent control 44:115-124. against “spurge and thistle, good In organic agriculture, weeds are Abu-Dieyeh, M.H. and A.K. Watson. 2007b. control against bindweed, clover, the number one pest management Efficacy of Sclerotinia minor for dandelion and crabgrass; and satisfactory problem, and conventional synthet- control: effect of dandelion accession, age, and grass competition. Weed Res. 47:63-72. control against bermudagrass.” ic herbicides cannot be used. Abu-Dieyeh, M.H. and A.K. Watson. 2009. Smooth crabgrass was highly sensi- Current organic options include Increasing the efficacy and extending the tive to the product. Poor efficacy hand weeding, cultivation, effective application period of a granular turf bioherbicide by covering with jute fabric. was seen with henbit and dandelion mulching and flaming. Alternative Weed Technol. 23(4):524-530. (Avila-Adame et al. 2008). herbicides may be able to relieve Avila-Adame, C., L. Fernandez, B. Campbell, E. weed pressures, reducing or elimi- Tan, M. Koivunen and P. Marrone. 2008. Field evaluation of GreenMatch EX: a new Conclusion nating costs of hand weeding. broadspectrum organic herbicide. Proc. A number of alternative herbi- Calif. Weed Sci. Soc. p. 127. Bailey, K.L. and E.K. Mupondwa. 2006. cides have been developed and are Developing weed control products: commer- now either commercially available, William Quarles, Ph.D. is an IPM cial, biological and technological considera- or waiting for EPA approval. Major Specialist, Managing Editor of the tions. In: Singh et al., pp. 431-473 of 892 IPM Practitioner, and Executive pp. markets for these herbicides Bailey, K.L. 2009a. Phoma macrostoma: a bio- include the turfgrass industry and Director of the Bio-Integral herbicide in the making. Sports Turf organic agriculture. Cultural meth- Resource Center (BIRC). He can be Manager Summer: 11-12. ods such as overseeding, fertilizing, reached by email at [email protected]. Bailey, K.L. 2009b. Phoma as weed control. Interim Report Organic Sector Market and mulching reduce weed popula- Development Initiative (OSMDI), The tions in turfgrass, but alternative References Canadian Wheat Board. 8pp. herbicides may make weed manage- Bailey, K.L., W.M. Pitt, J. Derby, S. Walter, W. Abouziena, H.F.H., A.A.M. Omar, S.D. Sharma Taylor and S. Falk. 2010. Efficacy of Phoma ment less labor intensive. and M. Singh. 2009. Efficacy comparison of macrostoma, a bioherbicide, for control of Integration of alternative herbicides some new natural product herbicides for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) following into IPM programs may produce weed control at two growth stages. Weed simulated rainfall conditions. The Americas Technol. 23(3):431-437. J. Plant Sci. Biotechnol. 4 (Special Issue effective results without the envi- Abu-Dieyeh, M.H. and A.K. Watson. 2007a.

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 7 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 8 Update Calendar

2):35-42. Lanini, T. 2010. Organic herbicides—do they January 3-6, 2011. 23rd Advanced Landscape IPM Bailey, K.L. 2011. Pers. com, Karen Bailey, work? W.T. Lanini, Dept. Plant Sciences, UC Short Course. College Park, MD. Contact: U. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Davis, CA. UC Davis Field Day, September Saskatoon, SK, Canada. 8, 2010. [email protected]. Maryland, 301/405-3913; Ex 3911. Bingaman, B.R. and N.E. Christians. 1995. Lewis, S. 2011. Vinegar herbicide approved for Greenhouse screening of corn gluten meal crop use. Press Release, Pharm Solutions, January 22, 2011. Annual Bay Area Environmental as a natural control product for broadleaf Cambria, CA. February 15, 2011. 1 pp. Education Fair (BAEER). Civic Center, San and grass weeds. HortScience 30(6):1256- Miller, T.W. 2007. Natural herbicides and Rafael, Marin County, CA. Contact: 510/657-4847; 1259. amendments for organic weed control. In: [email protected] BIRC (Bio-Integral Resource Center). 2010. 2010 Felsot and Racke, pp. 174-185. Directory of Least-Toxic Pest Control Marrone (Marrone Bio Innovations). 2010. January 26-29, 2011. 31th Annual Ecofarm Products. BIRC, PO Box 7414, Berkeley, CA GreenMatch burndown herbicide. Factsheet, Conference. Asilomar, CA. Contact: Ecological 94707. 52 pp. www.birc.org Marrone Bio Innovations, Davis, CA. 2pp. Farming Association, 406 Main St., Suite 313, Boyd, N.S. and E.B. Brennan. 2006. Burning Mashek, B. and W. Quarles. 2008. Orange oil for Watsonville, CA 95076; 831/763-2111; www.eco- drywood termites: magic or marketing mad- nettle, common purslane, and rye response farm.org to a clove oil herbicide. Weed Technol. ness? IPM Practitioner 30(1/2):1-9. 20:646-650. Ottawa. 2010. Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa. Boyetchko, S.M. and E.N. Rosskopf. 2006. http://www.flora.org/healthyottawa/news- January 30-February 1, 2011. Annual Meeting Strategies for developing bioherbicides for flash.htm Association Applied IPM Ecologists. Embassy sustainable weed management. In:Singh et Quarles, W. 1996. EPA exempts least-toxic pesti- Suites, Monterey, CA. Contact: www.aaie.net al., pp. 393-430 of 892 pp. cides. IPM Practitioner 18(9):16-17. Boyetchko, S.M., K.L. Bailey and R.A. DeClerk- Quarles, W. 1999. Corn gluten meal: a least- February 1-2, 2011. National Bed Bug Summit. Floate. 2009. Current biological weed control toxic herbicide. IPM Practitioner 21(5/6):1-7. Washington, DC. Contact: www.epa.gov agents-their adoption and future prospects. Quarles, W. 2002. USDA tests vinegar herbicide. Prairie Soils and Crops 2:48-57. IPM Practitioner 24(8/9):9. February 7-10, 2011. Annual Meeting Weed www.prairiesoilsandcrops.ca Quarles, W. 2003a. Herbicide free lawns. Science Society of America. Portland, OR. Butt, T.M., C. Jackson and N. Magan, eds. 2001. Common Sense Pest Control Quarterly Contact: www.wssa.net Fungi as Biocontrol Agents. CABI 19(1):3-7. Publishing, Wallingford, Oxon, UK. 390 pp. Quarles, W. 2003b. Integrated weed control for Canada 2010. Registration Decision: Sclerotinia the home and garden. Common Sense Pest February 24-26, 2011. 22st Annual Moses Organic minor strain IMI 344141. Health Canada Control Quarterly 19(1):8-18. Farm Conference. La Crosse, WI. Contact: Moses, Pub. No. ERC2007-02, September 22, Quarles, W. 2004. Thermal weed management: PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767; 715/778- 2010.www.hc-sc.gc.ca hot alternatives for urban areas and organic 5775; www.mosesorganic.org Charudattan, R. 2001. Biological control of farms. IPM Practitioner 26(5/6):1-9. weeds by means of plant pathogens: signifi- Quarles, W. 2008. Mulch optimization in inte- March 6-8, 2011. California Small Farm cance for integrated weed management in grated pest management. IPM Practitioner Conference. Doubletree, San Jose, CA. Contact: modern agroecology. BioControl 46:229-260. 30(7/8):1-10. www.californiafarmconference.com Christians, N.E. 1991. Preemergence weed con- Quarles, W. 2009a. Organic and IPM manage- trol using corn gluten meal. U.S. Patent No. ment of turfgrass. IPM Practitioner May 12, 2011. EPA Conference, Indoor 5,030,268. 31(7/8):1-8. Environmental Quality in Schools. San Antonio, Christians, N. 1995. A natural herbicide from Quarles, W. 2009b. Rethinking the American TX. Contact: Stacy Murphy, corn meal for weed-free lawns. IPM lawn. Common Sense Pest Control Quarterly Practitioner 17(10):5-6. 25(1):3-10. [email protected] Evans, G.J. and R.R. Bellinder. 2009. The poten- Rimando, A.M. and S.O. Duke. 2006. Natural tial use of vinegar and a clove oil herbicide Products for Pest Management. ACS May 22-25, 2011. International Urban Wildlife for weed control in sweet corn, potato, and Symposium Series No. 927, American Management. Austin, TX. Contact: D. Foss, Texas onion. Weed Technol. 23(1):120-128. Chemical Society, Washington, DC. 319 pp. Parks and Wildlife, Houston, TX. 281/456-7029; Evans, G.J., R.R. Bellinder and M.C. Goffinet. Singh, H.P., D.R. Batish and R.K. Kohli, eds. Ext. 21; www.urbanwildlife2011.org 2009. Herbicidal effects of vinegar and a 2006. Handbook of Sustainable Weed clove oil product on redroot pigweed Management, Haworth Press, New York. 892 June 5, 2011. Organic Market Gardening. (Amaranthus retroflexus) and velvetleaf pp. Farmington, MN. Contact: MOSES, PO Box 339, (Abutilon theophrasti). Weed Technol. Sivesind, E.C., M.L. Leblac, D.C. Cloutier, P. Spring Valley, WI 54767; 715/778-5775 23:292-299. Seguin and K.A. Stewart. 2009. Weed Felsot, A.S. and K.D. Racke, eds. 2007. Crop response to flame weeding at different devel- June 19-23, 2011. 13th Annual IOBC Working Protection Products for Organic Agriculture. opmental stages. Weed Technol. 23:438-443. ACS Symposium Series No. 947, American TeBeest, D.O. ed. 1991. Microbial Control of Group, Insect Pathogens and Entomoparasitic Chemical Society, Washingon, DC. Weeds. Chapman and Hall, New York. 284 Nematodes. Innsbruck, Austria. Contact: her- Goettel, M.S., A.E. Hajek, J.P. Siegel and H.C. pp. [email protected] Evans. 2001. Safety of fungal biocontrol Templeton, G.E. and D.O. TeBeest. 1979. agents. In: Butt et al., pp. 347-375 of 390 Biological weed control with mycoherbicides. June 23-25, 2011. 68th Annual Convention, Pest pp. Ann. Rev. Phytopathol. 17:301-310. Control Operators of CA. Disneyland, Anaheim, Graupner, P.R. A. Carr, E. Clancy et al. 2003. Toronto. 2009. Final Evaluation of Toronto’s CA. Contact: www.pcoc.org The macrocidins: novel cyclic tetramic acids Pesticide Bylaw and Summary of New with herbicidal activity produced by Phoma Provincial Pesticide Regulation. August 6-10, 2011. Annual Meeting American macrostoma. J. Nat. Prod. 66:1558-1561. http://www.toronto.ca/health/pesticides/pd Phytopathological Society. Honolulu, HI. Contact: Graupner, P.R., B.C. Gerwick, T.L.Siddall et al. f/bylaw.pdf 12 pp. APS, 3340 Pilot Knob Rd., St. Paul, MN 55121; 2006. Chlorosis inducing phytotoxic metabo- Watson, A.K. 1991. The classical approach with 651/454-7270; www.aps.net lites: new herbicides from Phoma macros- plant pathogens. In: Tebeest, pp. 3-23 of toma. In: Rimando and Duke, pp. 37-47 of 284 pp. 319 pp. Webber, C.L., J.W. Shrefler and M.J. Taylor. August 7-12, 2011. 96th Annual Ecological Hallett, S.G. 2005. Where are the bioherbicides? 2007. Corn gluten meal as an alternative Society of America Conference. Austin, TX. Weed Sci. 53:404-415. weed control option for spring transplanted Contact: ESA, 1900 M St. NW, Suite 700, Hashman, T. 2011. Pers. Comm., Tom onions. Intl. J. Veg. Sci. 13(3):17-33. [CAB Washington, DC; 202/833-8773; [email protected] Hashman, Marrone Bio Innovations, Davis, Abstracts] CA. Zhou, L.C., K.L. Bailey and J. Derby. 2004. Plant November 13-16, 2011. ESA Annual Meeting, Hoagland, R.E. 2001. Microbial allelochemicals colonization and environmental fate of the Reno, NV. For more information contact the ESA and pathogens as bioherbicidal agents. Weed biocontrol fungus Phoma macrostoma. Biol. (10001 Derekwood Lane, Suite 100, Lanham, MD Technol. 15(4):835-857. Control 30(3):634-644. 20706; 301/731-4535; http://www.entsoc.org

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 8 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 9 Conference Notes ESA 2010 Annual Meeting Highlights – Part 1

By Joel Grossman products and are pests of poultry Texas, broadcast baits similar to houses, silkworm culture, museums, those used against red imported fire hese Conference Highlights and a variety of stored foods,” said ant, Solenopsis invicta, provide less are from the Dec. 12-15, Jeff Lord, (USDA-ARS, 1515 College than 50% L. humile control, so T 2010, Entomological Society Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502; improvement is needed. of America (ESA) annual meeting in [email protected]). The bio- Field experiments against large San Diego, California. ESA’s next control fungi Beauveria bassiana, populations of L. humile in annual meeting is November 13-16, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria Somerville Lake, Texas, in April to 2011, in Reno, Nevada. For more fumosorosea all have “mycoinsecti- August 2010 compared bait matrices information contact the ESA (10001 cide registration, broad host ranges, of corn, soybean oil, fish oil, fish, Derekwood Lane, Suite 100, and variation in potency for target and sugar. These bait matrices were Lanham, MD 20706; 301/731-4535; insects.” Moisture usually makes the formulated with toxicants: metho- http://www.entsoc.org fungi more effective against insects. prene, fipronil, abamectin, boric However, stored product insects are acid, hydramethylnon, and pyriprox- The squash bug, Anasa tristis, can most susceptible under dry condi- yfen. Each bait product was placed transmit cucurbit yellow vine disease tions when there is desiccation on a plastic lid on the ground in a (CYVD) bacteria, Serratia marce- stress. circle; numbers of ant workers scens. “Non-chemical control of A. “Of the three fungi tested, B. attracted and amount of bait taken tristis in cucurbit crops is almost bassiana is the most efficacious for was monitored every 30 minutes for impossible without knowing their D. maculatus larvae,” said Lord. two hours. population dispersal from overwin- “Like several previously tested stored Argentine ants were significantly tering sites and within-field popula- product beetles, hide beetles are more attracted to and removed more more susceptible to B. bassiana particles of fish powder, fish oil, tion dynamics,” said Vimal Varghees under desiccation stress than at Advance Carpenter Ant Bait (ACAB; (West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV under higher moisture conditions, contains fish products), ACAB 375A, 26506; [email protected]). exclusive of saturation. Substrates and pyriproxfen (Esteem™) plus fish “A. tristis overwinters in plant debris effect the persistence of fungal powder. Fish powder and confection- and woods, but much information inoculum, and conidia that come to ers sugar increase attraction to less- regarding overwintering ecology of A. rest on woody surfaces quickly lose preferred baits. Bait attraction is tristis is still not known.” viability.” highest in the warmest months, par- In organic pumpkin plots, squash ticularly July and August. Bait test- bug eggs, adults, and nymphs were Argentine Ant Baits ing is continuing in larger infested found aggregated along the borders. areas. Similar bait selection test regi- “The Argentine ant, Linepithema Among the possible explanations: mens are recommended in other humile, is an invasive ant considered More sunshine makes field edge areas. a serious threat to urban, agricultur- plants more vigorous and attractive al and natural environments that to squash bugs; or adjacent wood- exhibits strong associations with Argentine Ant Bait Station lands and grasslands may be over- sap-feeding insects (i.e. aphids, A heavy infestation of Argentine wintering sites, with the field edges scales),” said Cesar Valencia (Texas ants, Linepithema humile, threatens offering easy egg-laying access. A&M Univ, College Station, TX endangered chicks of least tern, Whatever the cause, the field edge 77843; [email protected]). L. Sterna antillarum browni, at aggregation effect “indicates that humile is best managed using toxic Oceanside, California’s White Beach, only areas with squash bug aggrega- liquid baits with sugar attractants or where pesticide sprays are prohibit- tion can be controlled to reduce pes- solid protein bait formulations. ed. Thus, a PVC pipe bait station ticide input and management cost, Workers collect and distribute these (with access holes and caps on the justifying a site-specific pest control,” baits within the colony via trophal- top and bottom) containing sucrose said Varghees. In other words, laxis. but lacking a toxicant was developed pumpkin borders can be treated like “Management of L. humile in small and tested in 2008 and 2009. “The a squash bug trap crop. areas (less than 8 ha or 20 acres) is novel bait station was referred to as best achieved by using liquid bait a ‘virtual bait station’ because the Biocontrol Fungi Beat stations containing boric acid,” said sucrose solution bait itself did not Valencia. “For larger areas the man- contain any toxicant,” said Dong- Museum Beetles agement using this strategy becomes Hwan Choe (Univ of California, “Hide beetles, Dermestes macula- notoriously difficult, so broadcast ESPM, Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA tus, feed on carrion and dried animal baits are recommended.” In central 94720; [email protected]).

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 9 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 10 Conference Notes

“Foragers were permitted to cross takes advantage of the fact that S. “The LE nootkatone provided 100% surfaces treated with diluted fipronil invicta tends to “quickly recruit and control of I. scapularis in 2009, while enroute to the sucrose solution bait dominate resources” (such as hot the garlic-based product suppressed dispensed in the bottom,” said Choe. dog lures). An area can be pre-baited tick activity for 4 weeks,” said “The workers picked up a dose that with hot dog lures; if large numbers Bharadwaj. “The LE and ME nootka- showed delayed toxicity over 3-5 of S. invicta show up in 45-60 min- tone provided 80% and 62% tick days. The fipronil was later trans- utes, then the active bait can be control 8 days post-application, ferred to nestmates by physical con- substituted for the lure. respectively, in 2010. Garlic provided tact.” Ant activity was significantly Environmental impacts and non- 89% and then 67% suppression of reduced, and ants were still visiting target effects are minimal, because ticks for 1 week and 4 weeks post- the bait station 10 weeks later. so little bait active ingredient is application, respectively.” Residual The “virtual bait station” was used. But the main advantage is that time was less than a week on filter buried in the sand to protect the fire ants, not native ants, are there paper disks placed in the treatment interior fipronil deposits. Bait car- first to take the bait. When LSB is area; persistence was longer in the tridges were refilled with sucrose or synchronized with boiling water soil. replaced (exchanged) each monitor- injections into fire ant mounds, ing period. Instead of fipronil, the native ant populations increase. German Roaches Return inner liner of the bait station could After 50 years, German cockroach- contain other compounds such as Botanical Tick Control es, Blattella germanica, are once insect growth regulators or micro- “Plant phytotoxicity and short again back as a major problem in bials. The inner lining containing the residual activity are two problems fipronil or other compound could North Carolina homes, said Richard that may limit the potential to use also be made replaceable or refresh- Santangelo (North Carolina State nootkatone, a component of essential able to improve bait station econom- Univ, Raleigh, NC 27695; rick_san- ics. oil derived from citrus, as a natural [email protected]). Traditionally, “Installation around residential acaricide to control the black-legged PCOs have targeted the kitchen and areas would be more practical with tick, Ixodes scapularis,” said Robert bathroom for German cockroach smaller size,” said Choe. “It could be Behle (USDA-ARS, 1815 N University treatments, as this is where the hidden in garden vegetation or St, Peoria, IL 61604; robert.behle@ major food and water sources are hedges. This will also help protect ars.usda.gov). “Maillard and lignin presumed to be. However, trapping bait stations from direct sunlight, encapsulated formulations reduced studies reveal that 50% of German heat, or pets without burying them volatility of nootkatone by 2.5x and cockroach populations are elsewhere, in the ground.” 5.0x, respectively when compared in living rooms and bedrooms. Thus, with emulsifiable formulation.” In whole-home gel-baiting by university Hot Dog Baits & Boiling other words, encapsulated nootka- researchers was compared with tra- tone formulations lasted 250% to ditional kitchen and bathroom gel- Water 500% longer. Encapsulated formula- baiting by PCOs. Central Texas landscapes have tions were just as toxic to tick A major end goal was reducing caves, endangered camel crickets, nymphs, and had less plant toxicity. German cockroach allergens (e.g. Bla native ant species needing protec- “Field trials to evaluate the ability g1). In Raleigh, NC, it was remark- tion, and red imported fire ants, of the plant-derived compounds ably easy to find homes with over 30 Solenopsis invicta, said Natalie nootkatone and garlic to control German cockroaches per two rooms. Cervantes (Texas Agrilife Ext Serv, nymphs of the black-legged tick, A helpful IPM approach included 3355 Cherry Ridge St, San Antonio, Ixodes scapularis, were conducted in persuading occupants to change two TX 78230; [email protected]. summer 2008-2010 at residential common practices: eating and stor- edu). IPM alternatives such as toxic properties in Connecticut,” said ing food in bedrooms. Water in bed- baits used to fight fire ants need to Anuja Bharadwaj (Connecticut Agric rooms was associated with perma- be used sparingly to protect native Exper Stn, 123 Huntington St, New nent cockroach aggregations. ants and endangered crickets in Haven, CT 06504; Anuja.Bharadwaj@ The PCOs, who were gel-baiting these areas. ct.gov). “An emulsifiable concentrate kitchens and bathrooms unaware of Though expensive and labor-inten- of nootkatone in 2008 provided the comparison aspect of the study, sive, pickaxes are used to break into 100% control within a few days after reduced German cockroach popula- fire ant mounds. Then trucks inject application, but control declined to tions 53%-76%. University boiling water into the mounds. 21% by 3 weeks. A lignin-encapsu- researchers treating whole homes Treatment of fire ant mounds is trig- lated (LE) nootkatone formulation reduced German cockroach popula- gered when 300 S. invicta are cap- was applied in 2009, and both the tions 97%-99%. Whole-home treat- tured per 10 bait hot dogs. Esteem® LE nootkatone and a Maillard-reac- ments eliminated cockroach reinfes- Ant Bait (pyriproxyfen) needs to be tion encapsulated (ME) were applied tations from populations outside used in a way minimizing impacts on in 2010. A minimal risk (25B) garlic- kitchens and bathrooms; thereby native ants and camel crickets. based product was also evaluated in reducing return visits. However, The lure-switch-bait (LSB) method 2009 and 2010.” whole-home gel-baiting requires

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 10 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 11 Conference Notes more time; the first visit was the traps stapled to a tobacco stick at hard to control, because they hide in longest, and thereafter visits lasted (corn) ear height,” said Sedlacek. the narrow spaces between inner 40 minutes per home. “Seven species of lady beetles, the leaves and are resistant to insecti- big-eyed bug, green lacewing, and cides. Onion cultivar resistance to Flowers Boost Lettuce brown lacewing were captured in the thrips is linked to factors such as Aphid Biocontrol conventional sweet corn. Five species leaf and bulb color and leaf struc- of lady beetles, the big-eyed bug, and ture. “Flowers are tried in many crops, green lacewing were caught in the “We screened 49 onion varieties but the ecological mechanisms are organic sweet corn. Pink lady beetle, and found that resistant varieties left untested,” said Erik Nelson (Univ Coleomegilla maculata, and big-eyed had yellow-green colored foliage com- of California, 137 Mulford Hall, bug, Geocoris sp. were the most pared to the susceptible ones that Berkeley, CA 94720; ehnelson@ abundant predators caught, repre- had blue-green color foliage,” said berkeley.edu). “Therefore, biocontrol senting over 75% and 17% of the Montano. “Most of the cultivars workers can’t evaluate flower plant- total number of individuals caught, resistant to onion thrips had lower ing as a general strategy. If we test respectively, during 2009 and 2010.” reflectance in the UV range com- the mechanisms, we can improve the pared to the susceptible checks. It is flower planting strategy.” Beneficial Bugs Induce possible that onion thrips prefer Observations of 370 syrphid flies onion cultivars with higher UV (aphid predators) revealed that males Tomato Resistance reflectance (270-400 nm) that pro- fed mainly on nectar, but females ate “The presence of generalist preda- vides them with shelter from heat pollen plus nectar. Field cage studies tors can work as an early cue of the and this characteristic may make contained 30 lettuce plants with closeness of herbivores, and may these onion cultivars more attracted aphids and 3 female syrphid flies, impact the induction of defense and susceptible to onion thrips.” Eupeodes spp. Cages with flowers genes in tomato,” said Helene had very few aphids. Cages without Quaghebeur (Pennsylvania State flowers had several hundred aphids. Univ, 501 ASI Bldg, University Park, Floral Greenhouse IPM Syrphid flies produced more off- PA 16802; [email protected]). North Ontario, Canada’s thriving floricul- spring in cages with flowers, result- American tomato fields commonly tural greenhouse industry needs to ing in higher aphid consumption have generalist predators preying on prevent cuttings from introducing (more biocontrol). soft-bodied herbivorous insect pests. western flower thrips, Frankliniella Among the common predators are occidentalis, into chrysanthemums Methyl Salicylate Lures minute pirate bugs, Orius insidiosus, and silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia and spined soldier bugs, Podisus “Exploiting chemical ecology in tabaci Biotype B, into poinsettia. maculiventris. Induction of jasmonic conservation biological control incor- “Reduced risk control methods would acid (JA) pathway defense genes by porates practices that attract insect permit growers to establish insect these two generalist predators was predators and parasitoids into crop pest-free and insecticide residue-free measured in 4-week old tomato systems,” said John Sedlacek cuttings from the outset, thus ensur- plants. ing that ongoing greenhouse biologi- (Kentucky State Univ, 400 East Main “The presence of Orius insidiosus St, Atwood Bldg, Rm 126, Frankfort, cal control programs are not affected adults significantly induces several negatively,” said Wendy Romero KY 40601; [email protected]). genes of defense regulated by the JA In hops and grapes, synthetic methyl (Univ of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G pathway,” said Quaghebeur. “The 2W1, Canada; wromero@uoguelph. salicylate attracts green lacewings, level of defense gene expression Chrysopa nigricornis, aphid eating ca). depends on the gender and repro- Greenhouse chrysanthemum cut- syrphid flies, predatory big-eyed ductive status of the predator. Mated tings can be disinfested with non- bugs, Geocoris pallens, seven-spot- females generally cause the highest, phytotoxic hot water. Hot water at ted lady beetles, Coccinella septem- most significant level of gene induc- 39°C (102°F) for 30 minutes or 41°C punctata, and spider mite eating tion. Podisus maculiventris adults (106°F) for 15 minutes produced over lady beetles, Stethorus punctum. and nymphs significantly induce JA- 80% thrips mortality. Cuttings can Methyl salicylate has also been regulated genes, but generally not as also be dipped into solutions of shown to attract a spider, strongly as Orius insidiosus.” Erigonidium graminicolum, to cot- insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, ton; and minute pirate bugs, Orius Onion Thrips Avoid spinosad, Beauveria bassiana (fungi), spp., to cotton and strawberries. and Steinernema feltiae (nematodes). In these experiments, lures of Yellow-Green Foliage Spinosad and insecticidal soap pro- methyl salicylate (PredaLure®; AgBio “Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci, is the vided 60-75% thrips mortality. Inc) were stapled to tobacco sticks at most important insect pest world- Horticultural oil killed 100% of crop canopy height in the center of wide of onions, Allium cepa,” and adults, and 64-82% of immature organic and conventional sweet corn can cause over 50% yield losses, said thrips. Beauveria bassiana killed plots. “Beneficial insects were sam- John Diaz-Montano (Cornell Univ, over 90% of immature and adult pled weekly during silking using 15 x NYSAES, Geneva, NY 14456; thrips. Steinernema feltiae provided 15 cm (5.9 x 5.9 in) yellow sticky [email protected]). Onion thrips are 50-60% thrips control.

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 11 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 12 Conference Notes

Silverleaf whitefly eggs and has established in natural stands in most doses. Sprayable formulations nymphs on poinsettia cuttings were the eastern U.S. causing widespread are necessary to knockdown stable stopped (>83% control) by horticul- mortality of the two hemlock species fly populations. tural oil plus washing. Insecticidal native to eastern North America.” In cattle tests, 15% catnip formu- soap killed over 90% of whitefly Pest management efforts are lations repelled flies from cattle legs. nymphs, but under 15% of eggs. Hot focused on classical biological con- Oil based formulations can supply water at temperatures safe to poin- trol with predatory beetles such as up to 14 hours repellency, versus 5 settia cuttings killed less than 20% Laricobius nigrinus, said Grubin. hours for water formulations requir- of whitefly eggs and nymphs. The native western North American ing higher dosages. A wax pallet with predatory flies Leucopis atrifacies, L. oatmeal is good for stable fly egg Microbial Beats Beet argenticollus and L. piniperda also development; but when catnip is Armyworm show potential as classical biocontrol added, larval growth is inhibited and agents for introduction to the east- pupal weight is lower. In Petri dish “A novel bacterium Burkholderia ern U.S. tests, catnip inhibits or suppresses spp. was isolated from a soil sample “In Great Smoky Mountains several different bacteria. Dairies are and is being developed into a micro- National Park (GRSM), hemlock beginning to use catnip for its com- bial bioinsecticide,” said Huazhang woolly adelgid (HWA) was first report- bined anti-bacterial activity, high rel- Huang (Marrone Bio Innovations, ed in 2002,” said Abdul Hakeem ative safety, and fly repellency. Good 2121 Second St, Suite B-107, Davis, (Univ of Tennessee, 205 Ellington repellents for the horn fly, CA 95618; hhuang@marronebio. Plant Sci Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996; Haematobia irritans, besides catnip com). “Other species in this genus [email protected]). “Since then include geranic acid, geraniol, are beneficial for plants, and are thousands of hemlock trees have octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, and known to promote plant growth and died due to excessive feeding of this decanoic acid. symbiosis.” Also, “B. xenovorans is invasive pest. In the southern U.S. known for its ability to degrade death of hemlock trees usually chlororganic pesticides and polychlo- occurs within 5-7 years after infesta- rinated biphenyls (PCBs).” tion.” “The insecticidal activities of this In the absence of effective native bacterium are due to multiple sec- natural enemies in the eastern U.S., ondary metabolites. One of the active half a million Asian lady beetles, compounds with a molecular weight Sasajiscymnus tsugae, were released of 540 has been purified and identi- at 166 sites in GRSM from 2002 to fied. The lethal median dose (LD50) 2008. Beat-sheet sampling and of this compound against 3rd instar upper canopy sweep-net sampling at larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera 56 sites revealed that S. tsugae was exigua, is 0.1 µg per individual by established at 18% of release sites, topical application.” This Burk- particularly older release sites; indi- holderia sp. also shows “good to cating 5-7 years for establishment excellent activity” against cabbage after release. looper, Trichoplusia ni; diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella; tufted apple Fly IPM With Natural bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis; Odors codling moth, Cydia pomonella; and Catnip, Nepeta cataria; tropical obliquebanded leafroller, sandalwood, Santalum album; and Choristoneura rosaceana. balsam torchwood, Amyris balsam- ifera contain good repellents against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, and Biocontrol other fly species, said Junwei Zhu “The hemlock woolly adelgid (USDA-ARS, Univ of Nebraska, 305B (HWA), Adelges tsugae, is an exotic Entomol Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583; pest of forest and ornamental hem- [email protected]). lock trees in the eastern United Catnip is one of the best repellents States,” said Sarah Grubin (Oregon against stable flies, house flies, horn State Univ, 321 Richardson Hall, flies, face flies, and other insects. Corvallis, OR 97331; Sarah.Grubin@ Beta-caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, oregonstate.edu). “Native to China, and ZE- and EZ-nepetalactone are Japan and western North America, among the catnip compounds HWA was first found in the eastern repelling stable flies. Catnip also has U.S. in 1951. As of 2009, 18 states good fumigant toxicity towards stable ranging from Maine to Georgia have flies and other flies, with less than reported infestations of HWA. HWA 10-20 minutes for knockdown at

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IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 13 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 14

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 14 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 15

IPM Practitioner, XXXII(5/6) May/June 2010 15 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 16

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