Control of adult striped cucumber beetle with a natural enemy parasitoid and an insect parasitic nematode

Control of adult striped cucumber beetle with a natural enemy parasitoid and an insect parasitic nematode

Summary

Ohio pumpkin growers must tolerate high damage and yield loss from striped cucumber beetle. The immediate outcome of this project will be to research two biological control methods; inundative applications of beneficial nematodes and the enhancement of a naturally occurring fly parasitoid. Field experiments are necessary for developing these recommendations. Pumpkins will be the test crop for this research, but results may be applicable to cucurbits in general. After the experimental results are determined, recommendations can be made and educational materials produced about the use of sustainable pest control methods for striped cucumber beetle.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The objectives of this project were to evaluate methods of biological control for striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum, in pumpkins. The initial collabortative objective was to assess the potential of adoption of biological control practices by pumpkin farmers which was determined by a questionnaire survey. The research objective was to conduct experiments on the efficacy of applying and enhancing biological control organisms in the field. Output objectives were: report research findings at agricultural field days and growers organizations, publish research results in Master of Science thesis and scientific journals, and to develop a fact sheet on the natural enemies of striped cucumber beetle for use by entomology extension. The overall educational objective of this project was to inform farmers of the presence of natural enemies in their pumpkin crops and to report research results that could lead to a sustainable pest control method for striped cucumber beetle.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Survey/ questionnaire of cucurbit farmers distributed and some reponses returned.

Experiments completed and data collected.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Research presented at agricultural extension field day to over 50 pumpkin growers.

Research presented at January 2005 Ohio Vegetable Growers Congress, Toledo, Ohio.

Collaborators: