State Reports for 2004
| Ohio - project reports |
| 1) Project Title: Biocontrol of striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) on pumpkin Investigators: Stephanie Miller (MS candidate) and Celeste Welty, Dept. of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Contact: Stephanie Miller (navigate1999@hotmail.com) Project Description: A survey of parasitism of A. vitattum by the tachinid Celatoria setosa was continued in 2004 at 8 sites. Field trials were conducted on enhancement of C. setosa by a flowering border of Phacelia at 3 sites. Field trials were conducted on efficacy of the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as foliar sprays in late summer to control the adult beetles at two sites. 2) Project Title: Habitat Characteristics and Entomopathogenic Nematode Persistence in Agroecosystems Investigators: Casey Hoy and Parwinder Grewal, Dept. of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH Contact: Casey Hoy (hoy.1@osu.edu) Project Description: Our specific objectives are to test the relative importance of and interactions among environmental conditions hypothesized to impact persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes in agroecosystems. To identify habitat characteristics required for entomopathogenic nematode population persistence and enhanced biological control, we are surveying vegetable production landscapes for endemic entomopathogenic nematode populations in areas having essentially the same soil type but differences in the environmental conditions hypothesized to influence entomopathogenic nematode persistence. For each of 600 sample sites representing 6 different habitat classes and varying conditions within each, we will be measuring soil biotic and abiotic conditions, vegetation, and management history. Nematode faunal analysis is planned to gain insight into the food web conditions associated with endemic populations and the environmental data will be analyzed by canonical correspondence analysis. The project was recently funded and is just beginning. 3) Project Title: The impact of ant attendance on the ability of natural enemies to control the soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Heteroptera: Aphididae) Investigators: John Herbert, Ronald B. Hammond and David J. Horn, Dept. of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster & Columbus, OH Contact: Dave Horn (horn.1@osu.edu) Project Description: Surveys for the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) have shown an association between soybean aphid and various ant species. The objective of this study was to determine if ant attendance affected predation and parasitism rates of A. glycines. We tested the ability of the ant Monomorium minimum to deter predation and parasitism of A. glycines by Harmonia axyridis, Orius insidiosus, and Aphidius spp. M. minimum directly interfered with predators, driving them from the plant; Aphidius spp. were unaffected. We propose that M. minimum protects colonies of A. glycines and thus locally reduces the impact of natural enemies, allowing aphid numbers to increase where ants are present. Addenda: Late additions to this report may be forthcoming. We are preparing for a CSREES review which may distract some of our faculty from completing other reports (such as for NCR-125) in a timely manner. The biological control quarantine facility at The Ohio State University is operational and continues to be occupied by a captive culture of the federally endangered American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus). Quarantine rearing is not required for N. americanus but the security provided by the facility is useful. Back to top of web page |
| Ohio - Addenda |
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Prepared by: David J. Horn New NCR-125 Representative: Luis Cañas Back to top of web page View reports from other state |