Mating disruption for the management of oriental beetle in ornamental nurseries: A research and extension effort

Project Overview

LNE07-253
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2007: $106,876.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: Northeast
State: New Jersey
Project Leader:
Dr. James Lashomb
Email
Rutgers University

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Additional Plants: ornamentals

Practices

  • Pest Management: general pest management

    Proposal abstract:

    The root-feeding larvae of the oriental beetle are a major pest of ornamental nurseries in the Northeast. The industry heavily relies on insecticides for the control of this pest. Here we propose a research and extension effort to implement the use of mating disruption in New Jersey and southeast New York as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals. The objectives of the research component are to 1) test the efficacy of different rates of sex pheromone in commercial nurseries; 2) determine the susceptibility of key ornamental plants to oriental beetle; and 3) conduct a cost-benefit analysis to compare pesticides to mating disruption. The objectives associated with the extension effort are to 4) educate nurserymen about mating disruption; and 5) promote the adoption of mating disruption technology by providing participating nurseries with scouting service, technical assistance and follow-up surveys. At least 400 New Jersey and New York nurserymen will attend on-farm demonstrations, Extension meetings, or read information via an extension bulletins regarding mating disruption technology. By the end of this 3-year project, at least 20 nurseries will adopt this approach. In so doing, participants will significantly reduce their insecticides use. Overall, this project will greatly contribute to the Northeast SARE outcome statement by demonstrating the effectiveness of an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to pesticides. Project beneficiaries will improve their nurseries’ environment by reducing their workers’ exposure to pesticides, and contributing to more sustainable practices.

    Performance targets from proposal:

    MILESTONES
    Research component:
    (1) Evaluate the efficacy of different pheromone rates in commercial nurseries (four nurseries located in NJ, one located in NY). Duration: 2 field seasons, summers 2008 and 2009 (2 x 4 months). Summer 2010, if necessary.
    (2) Determine the susceptibility and damage function of various ornamental plants to different densities of oriental beetle larvae. This study will be conducted at the Rutgers Experiment Station in Cream Ridge (NJ). Duration: 3 years, 2008-2010.
    (3) Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to compare the cost of pesticide applications to mating disruption. Duration: 1 month.
    Extension component:
    (1) At least 400 nurserymen (NJ and NY combined) will learn about the use of mating disruption to manage oriental beetle larvae. Duration: 3 months, Fall 2007, 08, 09; and 3 months Summer 2008, 09, 10.
    (2) 30 nurserymen will accept to fill out a survey on their white grub management practices. Duration: 3 months, Winter 2008.
    (3) 25 nurserymen will agree to participate in a scouting program for oriental beetle and install pheromone dispensers on a portion of their farm for mating disruption purpose. Duration: 4 months, summer 2008.
    (4) 22 nurserymen will participate in the scouting program and install pheromone dispensers on a portion of their farm for mating disruption purpose. Results from research will be presented during the spring. Technical assistance will be provided to install the dispensers. Duration: 6 months, spring/summer 2009.
    (5) 20 nurserymen will participate in the scouting program and install pheromone dispensers on their farm for mating disruption purpose. Results from research will be presented during the spring. Duration: 6 months, spring/summer 2010.

    PERFORMANCE TARGET (FINAL MILESTONE)
    Of the 400 nurserymen educated on mating disruption, at least 18 will adopt this technology by the end of the project. In so doing, participants will reduce their insecticide use. Duration: 3 years.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.