The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), belongs to a family of beetles known as sap beetles. As an agricultural pest they feed upon damaged, overripe fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, corn, melons, tomatoes, and raspberries. The small hive beetle is a major parasite of honey bee hives worldwide. The beetle lives in the honey bee hive and feeds on honey, pollen, and honey bee brood. Fruit volatiles collected from overripe fruit provide for an effective attractant for both sexes of the small hive beetle. A laboratory trapping assay was performed using ripe fruit and a fruit-semiochemical attractant blend containing ethanol, ethyl butyrate, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, and acetaldehyde. Results indicated that the synthetic fruit blends captured beetles at the same rate as the cut fruit. The blend with the highest concentration had significantly more beetles captured. The key to an effective trapping system is a good attractant. The isolated fruit volatiles show promise as a possible attractant for control and monitoring of small hive beetle.

The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important pest of stored grains, predominantly maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum L. spp.), rice (Oryza L. spp.), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) (all Poaceae). Weevil infestations occur in the field and weevils are carried to the storage facility after harvest. Infestation also occurs in the grain storage facility. There is no effective field or storage trapping system for control. They are commonly parasitized by Pteromalidae Dalman (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) spp. parasitoids in the Tropics; however, there is no biocontrol use of these Hymenoptera. Therefore, pesticide application and the development of resistant grain are the current control strategies; although, studies have indicated that odors associated with the grain upon which the weevils feed, mate, and oviposit are attractive to the weevil. Host plant produced volatiles and their associations with the maize weevil have not been investigated fully. To better understand the weevil's attraction to crop plants, a study was initiated to investigate the weevil's preference for immature host plants. Weevils that had been reared on 4 types of grain for several generations were presented immature plants of all 4 types of grains in choice tests to determine if they prefer grains of the host plant on which they had been reared. This research demonstrated that immature rice plants have the greatest attraction, and that previous feeding did not influence the weevil's host plant attraction. The isolation of key rice plant semiochemicals will be the focus in the development of an attractant for S. zeamais and may also prove effective for the control of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

There are several kinds of commercial traps available in the market for surveillance and control of female mosquitoes. Usually these traps target only host–seeking or gravid individuals but not both. This study examined whether CDC gravid, BG-Bowl, and a fan-operated CDC-autocidal gravid ovitrap, each baited with a BG lure and southern live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill.; Fagaceae) leaf litter infusion, could collect host-seeking and gravid Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) simultaneously. These traps were evaluated initially in a semi-field environment that consisted of outdoor screened enclosures where 200 female Ae. aegypti were released (half were gravid). For the field study, traps were placed at 3 sites in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, USA. All traps captured host-seeking and gravid females in the semi-field enclosures, but some did not collect both physiological stages in the field study. Only the BG-bowl trap in the semi-field and field studies collected the greatest number of females that included host-seeking and gravid Aedes.

Wild bees are major contributors to pollination of economically important crops. However, widespread habitat conversion to agriculture and pesticide exposure are associated with declines in wild bee abundance and biodiversity. A growing number of studies have investigated the incorporation of a variety of flower species in agroecosystems to augment resource and habitat availability to wild bees and pollination of nearby crops. Here we investigated if wildflower strips containing Gaillardia pulchella Foug. (Asteraceae) in 2018 and G. pulchella, Rudbeckia hirta L. (Asteraceae), and Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. (Lamiaceae) in 2019 could promote pollinator abundance and pollination of nearby peanut and cotton. We used bee bowls in crop fields to capture bees and identified the pollen on the bees. We captured a total of 291 bees in peanut and 89 bees in cotton that were comprised of 2 families (Apidae and Halictidae) with 10 species represented from these families. The species in peanut were comprised mostly of Melissodes communis Cresson and Melissodes bimaculatus Lepeletier (Apidae). The bee species in cotton was comprised of mostly Lasioglossum reticulatum Robertson (Halictidae), M. communis, and M. bimaculatus. At peak abundance in peanut, 48% of bees bore both G. pulchella and peanut pollen. At peak abundance in cotton, 37% of bees bore 1 or more wildflower strip pollen and cotton pollen. Throughout the season, 62% of the bees captured in cotton had unidentified pollen from surrounding sources. These results indicate that the wildflower buffers had provided pollinators and bee foragers to these crops in early season. By studying bee foraging between crop fields and wildflower strips based on identification of pollen grain on bee bodies, we showed the potential to increase pollination in crop fields through the provision of floral resources throughout the growing season.

The eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) transmits rose rosette virus to rose (Rosa spp.; Rosaceae) while feeding, which causes serious disease referred to as rose rosette disease. Although there is no cure once rose plants are infected with rose rosette virus, understanding the response of P. fructiphilus and rose rosette disease to abiotic factors such as relative humidity may help to develop management strategies for the disease. The major objective of the current study was to determine the effect of relative humidity on the abundance of P. fructiphilus, as well as the incidence and severity of rose rosette disease symptoms. An experiment was conducted in environmentally controlled chambers where potted pink double knock-out rose plants were maintained at 20, 60, and 95% relative humidity after introducing about 20 P. fructiphilus individuals by attaching a 7-cm-long, field-collected terminal to the branches of potted plants. The densities of P. fructiphilus were recorded at biweekly intervals for 12 wk. The proportion of terminals with rose rosette disease symptoms (disease incidence) and severity of rose rosette disease symptoms was assessed using the Horsfall-Barratt scale at biweekly intervals for 14 wk. The results show that the number of P. fructiphilus individuals was significantly greater under a moderate 60% relative humidity than under a high (95%) or low (20%) relative humidity (P < 0.05). However, the incidence and severity of rose rosette disease symptoms were significantly higher under 95% relative humidity relative humidity regimen than under 20% relative humidity regimen (P < 0.05). The implications of these results on the breeding program and management of P. fructiphilus and the incidence of rose rosette disease are discussed.

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a serious threat to citrus production because it transmits the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Jagoueix (Hyphomicrobiales: Rhizobiaceae), that causes huanglongbing. Currently, there is no cure for huanglongbing, and vector management is implemented to reduce the spread of pathogen. In Florida, calendar-based insecticide application had been used widely for D. citri management, but the evolution of insecticide resistance in D. citri and associated reductions of natural enemy populations mandate more sustainable approaches. The objective of our study was to compare the effects of organic management versus intermittent use of conventional insecticides on population suppression of D. citri by natural enemies in Florida. We conducted a survey of natural enemies in citrus groves that were managed organically versus intermittently treated with conventional insecticides from Mar to Dec 2019. We also compared mortality of D. citri in those groves by deploying sentinel psyllids on leaf flush with or without exclusion cages. The abundance of natural enemies was recorded by visual observations made on tree branches for 2 min intervals. Finally, we estimated tree flush density and monitored adult D. citri populations. Survival of sentinel D. citri was significantly lower on uncaged flush when natural enemies had access to eggs and nymphs during spring, summer, and fall in organic groves; however, such a difference was not observed between caged and uncaged D. citri in intermittently sprayed groves, particularly during summer and fall. Similarly, organic sites had lower numbers of adult D. citri compared to intermittently sprayed sites throughout most of the sampling period, suggesting that natural enemies contributed to regulation of D. citri populations in organic groves more so than in the intermittently treated conventional groves. The most common natural enemies found were Coccinellidae, Chrysopidae, Formicidae, Eulophidae, Syrphidae, Dolichopodidae, and Arachnida. Among these groups, formicids were most abundant in organic groves, whereas dolichopodids and coccinellids were most abundant in intermittently managed groves. Our results suggest that intermittent spraying for D. citri with conventional insecticides could affect activity of natural enemies even though such practices did not entirely eliminate their populations.

Novel strategies for the management of soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are needed due to its increasing importance, costs, and challenges of management in soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr.; Fabaceae) in the Americas. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption may be 1 such novel strategy, but an effective tool for estimating mating disruption success must be found. The technique of trapping male moths using pheromone baited traps is a common method for assessing mating disruption technology. This paper reports on the testing of 2 trap types and 3 commercially available lures containing (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate as the major active component. Trapping was conducted at 5 locations in the southern USA in the summer of 2019. Universal moth traps and delta traps were tested in combination with the Alpha Scents, Bio Pseudoplusia, and Scentry brand lures along with unbaited traps. Overall, both trap types were effective at capturing C. includens male moths, with universal traps having a higher capture rate. The Alpha Scents and Bio Pseudoplusia lures both had a significantly higher capture rate than the Scentry lure regardless of trap design. The active components of the Scentry lure differed from the others with the inclusion of 2 known minor pheromone components (esters) of C. includens, (Z)-7-dodecenyl propionate and (Z)-7-dodecenyl butyrate. The amount of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate of the Scentry lure also was lower than the Alpha Scents and Bio Pseudoplusia lures. The additional esters or unidentified components (impurities) of the Scentry lures may have influenced C. includens captures. A large number of Ctenoplusia oxygramma (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were captured in traps at 3 of the locations, though not in those traps baited with the ester-containing Scentry lure. Taken together, the data provide insight into effective trapping methods for C. includens and elucidates the need for researchers to understand the effectiveness of trapping components available in a region and the need for researchers to plan for captures of non-target species in pheromone-related research.

Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 5E-2.0311, “Performance Standards and Acceptable Test Conditions for Preventive Termite Treatments for New Construction,” approved in 2003, currently remains without change as originally written. This Code requires broad revision to include updating existing and new termite management methods and technologies, describing acceptable testing protocols that objectively evaluate termite management product efficacy, and clearly and accurately define product performance standards required for approval and use in Florida, USA. This manuscript provides modification and expansion of the existing Code, first in outline form, then followed by a proposed complete revision including detailed explanations for each outline heading and sub-heading. Efficacy requirements, acceptable test conditions, and performance standards requirements are described for termite management products, materials, and non-chemical physical exclusion barriers. We also include testing protocols for field plot and structure efficacy tests. Minimum performance standards also are described for field plots and structure tests to include: (1) termiticide applications to soil, (2) termite baiting systems, (3) pesticides applied directly to wood and building components, (4) pesticide combination mixtures, and (5) new application technologies, products, and methodologies. Although this manuscript addresses revision of a specific Florida Administrative Code, it also is appropriate for consideration by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as well as regulatory entities in other states responsible for pesticide regulation and consumer protection services when writing or revising their code requirements for termite management.

The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acarina: Ixodidae), is the most abundant tick species found in Arkansas and is involved in the transmission of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. When not feeding, most non-nidicolous tick species shelter in the soil and leaf litter where they may be exposed to and potentially infected with entomopathogenic fungi that reside naturally in the soil. Entomopathogenic fungi in the genus Metarhizium Sorokīn (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) have shown promise as biological control agents of ticks. Here, the first study to isolate and identify Arkansas-derived isolates of Metarhizium from A. americanum ticks is presented. We exposed 320 ticks artificially to native soil from Savoy. Of these soil exposed ticks, 2.5% of adults and 1.5% of nymphs displayed signs of infection with Metarhizium. Of the infected Savoy adults, 3.3% were females and 1.7% were males. Similarly exposed ticks from West Fork resulted in only 2.4% of nymphal ticks being infected with this fungus. Eight isolates of Metarhizium were cultured from infected ticks exposed to soil from these locations. Four of these Metarhizium isolates (3 from Savoy and 1 from West Fork) were identified to species by sequencing of the ITS locus and the EF1-α genes. Three Savoy strains (P10N1, P10AF1, and P2AM1) had identical sequences and were identified as Metarhizium robertsii (Bischoff, Rehner & Humber) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). The strain from West Fork (P9N2) was identified as Metarhizium guizhouense (Chen & Guo) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). The ITS and the EF1-α sequences of the Savoy strains showed 100% similarity to M. robertsii strains ARSEF 2575 and ART 500, respectively. The ITS and EF1-α sequences of the West Fork strain showed 99% similarity to M. guizhouense strains ARSEF 977 and CBS 258.90, respectively. This study demonstrates that entomopathogenic fungi M. guizhouense and M. robertsii are pathogenic to and can be isolated from A. americanum. Furthermore, the EF1-α genetic marker was shown to be a very effective tool for distinguishing different species of Metarhizium from ticks when used in conjunction with ITS sequence data. Standardizing the use of ticks in soil exposure methods for isolating entomopathogenic fungi could be useful for obtaining isolates that are highly virulent to A. americanum. The isolation and identification of Metarhizium spp. from A. americanum in Arkansas indicates that further exploration of entomopathogenic fungi as biological agents to control A. americanum is warranted.

The invasive woodboring beetle emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) first was detected in the US in 2002 near Detroit, Michigan, USA. Since then it has continued to expand its range into the southern and midwestern sections of the country. Emerald ash borer was discovered in North Carolina, USA, in 2013, and is currently reported from more than 60 counties in the state. The present study was undertaken to begin determining the phenology of emerald ash borer in its newly expanded range below 40 °N latitude in North America. Here we report 4 yr of data on the overwintering stages of emerald ash borer in north-central North Carolina, obtained by debarking infested trees harvested from a single site near the northern border with Virginia, USA, with 1-yr additional data from a site about 39 km away. Results indicated that most emerald ash borers overwinter as fourth instars, with a small proportion advancing to the J-larva stage. Parasitoids that emerged from cocoons collected from emerald ash borer galleries and from logs held in emergence cages also were identified. These Hymenoptera include specimens of Xorides (Exomus) humeralis (Say) (Ichneumonidae), Atanycolus cf. cappaerti Marsh and Strazanac (Braconidae), Balcha indica (Mani & Kau) (Eupelmidae), Spathius sp. Nees (Braconidae), and Wroughtonia sp. Cameron (Braconidae).

Two of the most serious agricultural pests, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are similar in their appearances. To distinguish them, morphological characters of female internal genitalia were re-examined. Specimens were collected from 7 regions in 17 countries. All specimens were identified in advance by molecular methods. Significant differences were observed in the length of the bursa copulatrix, ductus bursa, and pigmented area on the base of appendix bursa. Helicoverpa armigera had dense spicules on the luminal surface of the appendix bursa which were absent on the corresponding surface in H. zea. Additionally, differences of length on these parts in female genitalia will be helpful for identification. We are confident these morphological characters will advance resolution of noctuid speciation by taxonomists to properly identify these species based on distinguishing features of the female genitalia.

Insect pollinators contribute significantly to global food production impacting both crop yields and quality, but the dependence of specific crops on insect pollinators can vary across production regions and cultivars. The state of Florida has a unique agroecosystem that supports temperate and tropical fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and these specialty crops likely have a high dependence on pollinators. We conducted a systematic review to quantify the role of insect pollinators for Florida agriculture, and to identify crops and cultivars for which recent research on pollination is lacking. For all crops, we determined the average yield losses incurred without insect pollination (“pollinator contribution value”) by synthesizing previously reported values. We found that insect pollinators are required or beneficial for 47 different crops in Florida, or 43% of all plant crop species grown in the state. Major crops in the state with complete to high dependence on insect pollinators include blueberries, mangoes, melons, squashes, and tangelos; for these crops, insect pollinators contribute 75 to 100% of crop productivity. Other major crops in Florida that are moderately to highly dependent on pollinators include avocadoes, cucumbers, field tomatoes, grapefruits, green beans, oranges (select cultivars), peppers, southern peas, and strawberries, with pollinator contributions ranging from 30 to 74%. The contribution of insect pollinators exceeds $50 million per crop per yr in Florida for 7 of its most valuable crops. Using production data at the county level, we found that pollinators contribute to agriculture in almost all Florida counties. Our review identified a number of crops for which little information on pollination requirements exists, especially for modern cultivars. We discuss gaps in our knowledge of crop pollination requirements and recommendations for future research. Estimates of pollinator contributions are invaluable for farm management and policy decisions around pollinator conservation.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) causes extensive damage to crops. The entomotoxic peptides fragments from Jack bean urease, Jaburetox and its truncated version Jaburetox Δ-β, present potential for controlling some insect species, and could provide an alternative for pest insect control in agricultural crops. This paper evaluated the effectiveness of these 2 peptides on consumption by and survival of the H. armigera larvae in 2 different instars of the larval stage. Neonates were fed leaves for 8 d with 2 peptide topical leaf treatments: (T1) 16 µg of Jaburetox, (T2) 16 µg of Jaburetox Δ-β; and 2 control treatments: (T3) sodium phosphate buffer, and (T4) distilled water. Leaves coated with either of the peptides induced higher mortality than the controls. The Jaburetox Δ-β induced the greatest mortality during the first d of feeding, but after 6 d both peptides were effective equally and caused about 75% mortality. Both peptide versions caused a delay in larval development, but the larger peptide caused a greater reduction in feeding. In a second experiment, third instar larvae were fed 1 of 2 treatments for 9 d: (T1) 80 µg of Jaburetox, and (T2) buffer control. Jaburetox treatment induced a delay in the larval development and a significantly higher mortality than the control. By 9 d, Jaburetox treatment caused 100% mortality. These results support further evaluation of the use of Jaburetox peptide in control strategies for H. armigera, including transgenic expression of this peptide in crops plants.

Mortality and virus titer were monitored in Solenopsis invicta colony fragments to examine the impact of diet sucrose supplementation. Mortality on d 21 reached a mean of 111.8 ± 22.0 worker ants in Solenopsis invicta virus 3-treated colonies without sugar supplementation, which was significantly greater (F = 10.0; df = 3,14; P < 0.0009) than the Solenopsis invicta virus 3-infected colonies with sugar supplementation (33.5 ± 5.8), Solenopsis invicta virus 3-uninfected colonies without sugar supplementation (17.3 ± 10.7), and Solenopsis invicta virus 3-un-infected colonies with sugar supplementation (6.7 ± 2.5).