Evaluation of yellow sticky traps at various heights for monitoring cotton insect pests

Sticky yellow traps 60, 80, 100, and 120 cm above ground level were assessed in various developmental stages of cotton for their relative efficiency in capturing the following pests in the Cukurova region of Turkey in 2001 and 2002: leafhoppers, Asymetresca decedens Paoli and Empoasca decipens Paoli, cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Genn., and western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). The leafhopper catch was significantly higher at 60 cm than 80, 100, and 120 cm when plant heights were less than 80 cm. The number of leafhoppers on traps at 80 cm was similar to 60 and 100 cm but significantly higher than at 120 cm when plant heights were more than 80 cm. The numbers of western flower thrips were similar at 60, 80, and 100 cm but significantly lower at 120 cm when plant heights varied from 100 to 120 cm. Total catches of leafhoppers were similar at 60 and 80 cm but significantly lower at 100 and 120 cm. Numbers of whiteflies were highest at 60 cm and lowest at 120 cm trap heights at all plant heights. Trap height did not influence the total catches of western flower thrips, which were more abundant in late-season cotton. Most flights of thrips occurred within the plant canopy

Bacillus thuringiensis as a pest management tool for control of the squash vine borer, Melittia cucurbitae (Lepidoptera : Sesiidae) in South Carolina

A commercial formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Mattch) was evaluated under field conditions at Clemson, South Carolina, USA for control of the squash vine borer, Melittia cucurbitae (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), on yellow crookneck squash, Cucurbita pepo in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Two application methods were used: injection of the B. thuringiensis formulation directly into the main stem and spray foliage application. These were compared to an insecticide standard, endosulfan (Phaser), and an untreated check. In most cases, B. thuringiensis treated plots had significantly less damage than untreated plots and generally gave control equal to that of the insecticide standard, enclosulfan. In a trial 1998, the two methods were directly compared, the foliage sprays gave control equal to or better than the injection treatments. Even during the heaviest pest pressure (second trial, 1998), the B. thuringiensis treatments were as effective as enclosulfan in reducing the squash vine borer damage

Natural occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida : Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in South Carolina

One-hundred thirty soil samples from five ecologically diverse habitats in 10 locations in South Carolina were assessed to detect natural populations of entomopathogenic nematodes using the Galleria baiting technique. Twenty-two soil samples (16.9%) in eight sites contained entomopathogenic nematodes. Sixteen samples (12.3%) were positive for Heterorhabditis. Heterorhabditids in 13 samples were identified as H. bacteriophora. Two sites produced H. zealandica, and one isolate was H. megidis. Six samples (4.6%) yielded Steinernema. Four of these samples were identified as S. glaseri, and the other two samples were Steinernema sp. Only one site yielded both Heterorhabditis and Steinernema. The soil texture of positive soils were sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam with strongly acidic (pH 4.3) to neutral (pH 7.0) and average of 3% organic content for Heterorhabditis-positive soil samples, and loamy sand and sandy loam with strongly (pH 4.3) to weak (pH 6.0) acidic and average of 4% organic content for Steinernema-positive soil sample

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida : Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) against the squash vine borer, melittia cucurbitae (Lepidoptera : Sesiidae) in South Carolina

Laboratory bioassays and field experiments were conducted to study the effects of entomopathogenic nematodes on squash vine borer (SVB), Melittia cucurbitae (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). In the laboratory, SVB larvae were exposed to Steinernema riobrave TX strain, S. feltiae SN strain, S. carpocapsae All strain, S. carpocapsae Sal strain, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Hb strain, and H. sp. Hbl strain. Steinernema riobrave was the bestperforming nematode (overall), producing earlier and greater rates of mortality than the other strains. Species and strains of Steinernema were more effective than either heterorhabditid nematodes. Field experiments were carried out on yellow crookneck squash, Cucurbita pepo, in six trials over the course of 3 years (1997-99) in Clemson, South Carolina. The same nematodes as used in lab bioassays except S. carpocapsae Sal strain and H. bacteriophora Hb strain were compared to an insecticide standard, endosulfan (Phaser), and an untreated check. Two application methods were employed: soil and stem spray, and injection into the main stem. Infection of SVB larvae in the main stem of squash plants ranged from 19-61% in 1997, 9-27% in 1998, and 0-2% in 1999 trials. In the second trial of 1997, the injection treatment did not differ from the untreated check through the entire trial. However, the soil and stem sprays of both nematode species provided control equal to that of endosulfan. In the first trial of 1998, both S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae were equal to endosulfan in minimizing damage. As in 1997, the injection method did not perform well. In the first trial of 1999, S. carpocapsae and S. riobrave were not statistically different from the untreated check. In second trial, S. riobrave differed significantly from the untreated check and provided the same protection as endosulfan. Steinernematid nematodes thus may be promising biological control agents against SVB

Effects of temperature on development and reproduction of a predatory beetle, Nephus includens Kirsch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The effect of different temperatures on some biological properties of Nephus includens Kirsch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was investigated. This species is one of the most important predators of Planococcus citri Risso (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). The development time, mortality and fecundity were determined at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C and at the variable temperatures, 25-35°C (12 hours 25°C, 12 hours 35°C). Life tables were also constructed for 25, 30, 35, and 25-35°C. The mortality was lower and the mean generation time was shorter at 30°C than at all other temperatures except 35°C. The intrinsic rate of increase was the highest at 30°C (0.081), followed by 0.076 at 25-35°C. The net reproductive rate was higher at 25-35°C than at 30°C. From biological data and population growth parameters calculated from the life tables, 30°C and 25-35°C were determined to be the most suitable temperatures for mass rearing of Nephus includens. However, mass rearing at a temperature as high as 35°C could cause deterioration of sprouted potatoes on which the citrus mealybug is reared. Therefore, 30°C would be better than 25-35°C

Trap monitoring squash vine borers in cucurbits

Populations of the squash vine borer, Melittia cucurbitae (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), were monitored using pheromone-baited traps in cucurbit fields at Clemson University, Clemson, SC, and at the United States Vegetable Laboratory (USVL), Charleston, SC, from 1997-2004. Male squash vine borer moths were first captured from mid May to early June at both locations. Adults were captured for the next 4-5 months until mid September at Clemson, and until late September to mid October at the USVL. There appears to be two widely overlapping generations of squash vine borers per year in South Carolina. Nine types of pheromone-baited traps were tested at the USVL, 2003-2004. A commercially available, small wire mesh Heliothis trap was the most effective trap for capturing male squash vine borer moths. A large (50-75 cm) Heliothis trap (Harstack trap) and a commercially available, collapsible nylon Heliothis trap were the second and third most effective traps. The universal moth trap (yellow funnel, white bottom, green top) also caught a significant number of male squash vine borer moths. The Multipher 3 trap, Pherocon 1C sticky trap, Japanese beetle trap, and boll weevil trap were not effective for monitoring male squash vine borer moths. The commercially available, small wire-cone trap baited with squash vine borer pheromone lure offers a practical monitoring technique for this pest species

Distribution of Steinernematids and Heterorhabditids (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in the Southern Anatolia Region of Turkey

WOS: 000392892600015This study was conducted to isolate and identify entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species in different agricultural areas in the Southern Anatolia region of Turkey. Out of 193 soil samples, 20 (10.33%) turned out to be positive for the presence of EPNs, belonging to the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. Morphological and molecular (ITS-RDNA) characterizations were performed for the 20 EPN isolates. Six isolates were identified as H. bacteriophora, 2 as H indica and 6 as S. feltiae. Two isolates were undescribed Steinernemas pecies. H. indica was recorded for the first time in the southern Anatolia region of Turkey. Molecular analysis confirmed the morphological identification of Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae species. Comparative analysis of the ITS sequences revealed interspecific polymorphism among the tested isolates. Additionally, intraspecific polymorphism was observed within S. feltiaeand H bacteriophorapopulations, but no intraspecific polymorphism was detected in the H indicapopulation.TUBITAK (Turkey Scientific and Technical Research Council) [111O786]This study was funded by TUBITAK (Turkey Scientific and Technical Research Council) Project No. 111O786