NE1332: Biological Control of Arthropod Pests and Weeds

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/15/2014] [03/06/2015] [03/22/2016] [02/01/2018] [03/19/2018]

Date of Annual Report: 04/15/2014

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/09/2014 - 01/09/2014
Period the Report Covers: 03/01/2013 - 03/01/2014

Participants

Ken Bloem, USDA APHIS Raleigh, NC;
Hannah Broadley, University of Massachusetts;
Richard Casagrande, University of Rhode Island;
Joe Elkinton, University of Massachusetts;
Fritzi Grevstad, Oregon State University;
Ann Hajek, Cornell University;
Judy Hough-Goldstein, University of Delaware;
Bob Nowierski, USDA NIFA;
Scott Salom, Virginia Tech;
Jil Swearingen, Cheverly, MD
Lisa Tewksbury, University of Rhode Island;
John Peter Thompson, NISC ISAC;
Bob Tichenor, USDA APHIS PPQ;
John Vandenberg, USDA ARS Ithaca;
Roy Van Driesche, University of Massachusetts;
Aaron Weed Dartmouth College;
Mark Whitmore Cornell University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The business meeting was moderated by the newly elected president, Roy Van Driesche. The first order of business was to decide on what to do about next year’s officers. It was decided to stick to the original plan for new officers to serve for two years and then move up, such that Roy Van Driesche will remain president until the group’s 2015 meeting, at which time Scott Salom would become president, Judy Hough-Goldstein would become president-elect, and a new secretary would have to be elected. The second item of business was to decide on the venue for the group’s next meeting. It was decided to hold the meeting with the ESA Eastern Branch meeting in March of 2015. (However, later it was learned that the meeting site was not favorable and the venue for the 2015 meeting was changed to be Annapolis, MD, as part of the USDA FS invasive species meeting, as in 2014.) Finally, there were general discussions of current biological control projects and Bob Nowierski presented information on new federal funding opportunities for biological control.

Symposium Program

Held in conjunction with USDA FS Invasive Species meeting, Annapolis, MD, January 9th (1:00-3:30), Roy Van Driesche moderator

1. Update on biological control of winter moth -Joe Elkinton and Hannah Broadley

2. Classical biological control of emerald ash borer: recent progress and potential for success-Jian Duan, Leah Bauer, Kris Abell, Juli Gould, Roy Van Driesche

3. Massachusetts state-listed butterfly Pieris oleracea prospers using the invasive form of cuckoo flower Cardamine pratensis--Megan Herlihy and Roy Van Driesche

4. Overview of weed biocontrol progress in region-Dick Casagrande

5. Mile-a-minute weed and weevil response to varying moisture and temperature regimes-Scott Berg and Judy Hough-Goldstein

6. Update on prospects for biological control of Japanese knotweed. Frizi Grevstad

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) Objective 1. To conserve natural enemies in blueberry production (F. Drummond, U. Maine) Outputs (events, publications) A summary of research on the ecosystem services that natural enemies provide in Vaccinium crops globally is forthcoming (Jones et al., in press) and a second publication was published illustrating how pesticides used in lowbush blueberry structure the ant community (Choate et al., 2013). Outcomes (change in status of system) Transition to newer types of pesticides, especially the shift away from organophosphate insecticides, has enhanced the diversity and abundance of Formica ants in lowbush blueberry. Impacts (benefits) Greater awareness by growers in the choices for selection of pesticides that have reduced impact on natural enemies, as well as, availability of a new educational bulletin (D'Appollonio-Cote et al., 2013) has resulted in less use of older, more toxic pesticides. Objective 2. To determine distribution and impact of Cotesia rubecula (R. Van Driesche, UMASS) Outputs (events, publications) The research of a masters student on this system was published (see two Herlihy papers listed), as was one paper for the general public (see Chew article) Outcomes (change in status of system) Competition from Cotesia rubecula has reduced levels of Cotesia glomerata. Impacts (benefits) The introduction of C. rubecula has had a positive effect on the conservation of a state-listed native butterfly (Pieris oleracea Harris) that was formerly suppressed by C. glomerata. Objective 3. To examine the effects of exotic plants on ecosystem function (P. Shrewsbury and M. Raupp, University of Maryland) Outputs (events, publications). Results of studies were presented at two invitational seminars: 1) The International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods in Pucon, Chile, and 2) Clemson University, Department Colloquium Series. Outcomes (change in status of system). The general trend is for increasing use of exotic plants with increasing urbanization. Data are mixed as to the impact of alien plants on arthropod communities and ecosystem services they provide. Results suggest the response of arthropods to native woody landscapes compared to exotic was somewhat taxon specific. Specifically, Lepidoptera appear to be responding to host plant origin (more diverse and abundant in native landscapes) more so than other taxa. Parasitoids were also more abundant and diverse in native landscapes than alien. However, predator diversity and abundance, and levels of predation on herbivores did not differ between native and alien landscapes. There was no difference in overall levels of feeding damage in native compared to exotic woody landscapes, suggesting minimal impacts of increased use of alien plants in landscapes on the ecosystem service of predation. Impacts (benefits). Discussions with gardening enthusiasts and Master Gardeners suggest there is increasing awareness of the importance of plant function rather than just plant origin. Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 4. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. (M. Mayer, New Jersey; M. Hoffmann, Cornell University) Outputs Trichogramma ostriniae were introduced into five vineyards to further evaluate their effect on number of grape clusters infested with grape berry moth larvae. Trials were conducted with a Y-tube olfactometer to determine whether T. ostriniae displayed a preference for high vs. low relative humidity. Egg cleaning aerodynamic sorting of parasitized and unparasitized host eggs was tested using a commercial seed sorter. Also, a retrospective on 20 years’ research on Trichogramma ostriniae was presented at the 2013 Eastern Branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America. An undergraduate student was mentored in scientific methods. Outcomes and impacts 1. Cornell University. When T. ostriniae was introduced to vineyards, there was a slight but significant reduction in the number of grape clusters infested by grape berry moth. This suggests the value of integrating biological control with insecticidal control or application to organic vineyards. Further research will confirm whether the effect can be amplified by optimizing the quantity, timing, and location of releases. Trichogramma ostriniae had a preference for high humidity over low humidity, but no preference when humidity levels were within 30% of each other. This suggests that humidity may play a role in field efficacy and that releases under dry conditions may be contraindicated. 2. New Jersey. In 2013, the Mexican bean beetle (MBB) Epilachna varivestis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) biological control program involved 31 growers and 40 survey locations with a history of Mexican bean beetle pressure. A total of 336,000 adult, were released at the survey locations with additional soybean field releases totaling 270,500 parasites to keep pressure on the Mexican bean beetle population. During the 2013 season a total of 606,500 P. foveolatus were released statewide. There were no reported insecticide treatments for Mexican bean beetle in soybeans in 2013 and there have been no treatments since 1987. Goal 3 (Classical Biological Control) Objective 5. To develop a biological control program for exotic Phragmites australis (R. Casagrande, URI; B. Blossey, Cornell Univ.) Outputs: Host range testing was completed in quarantine at URI for two potential biological control agents for P. australis: Archanara geminipuncta and A. neurica. Funding and research coordination was provided for experiments on these agents in outdoor behavioral trials by CABI in Switzerland. Outcomes: A. geminipuncta and A. neurica were found to be host-specific to P. australis. Preliminary data indicate that both agents oviposit on exotic P. australis in preference to native North American phragmites Objective 6. To develop a biological control program for swallowworts in North America (R. Casagrande, URI) Outputs: We revised and resubmitted a release petition for Hypena opulenta against swallowworts to USDA-APHIS. This request was recommended for USDA approval by TAG in August, 2013. Outcome: Canada granted immediate release approval and we made two shipments of H. opulenta to Canadian colleagues, who released these agents near Ottawa in September, 2013. Objective 7. To establish and evaluate herbivores released against mile-a-minute weed (J. Hough-Goldstein, University of Delaware). Outputs (events, publications). A Biological Control of Northeastern Weeds Cooperators Meeting was co-hosted by J. Hough-Goldstein and the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory at the New Jersey Public Health, Environmental and Agricultural Laboratory (PHEAL), on Feb. 19, 2013. The meeting was attended by 112 people from 11 states, and included talks by J. Hough-Goldstein and S. Berg as well as others; PowerPoints from the presentations have been posted on the web site at http://ag.udel.edu/enwc/research/biocontrol/mileaminute.htm. New publications include reports assessing use of restoration planting along with the mile-a-minute weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes, to enhance biological control of mile-a-minute weed (Cutting and Hough-Goldstein 2013, Lake et al. 2013), and a paper describing the role of phototaxis in host-finding behavior of the weevil (Smith and Hough-Goldstein 2013). Outcomes (change in status of system). During 2013, graduate student Scott Berg conducted the second year of a 2-year study on P. persicaria response to weevils and drought conditions. In addition, undergraduate Marisa DelCorso completed a third year of an experiment testing weevils and a restoration seed mix, separately and together, for their effects on mile-a-minute weed and the resulting plant community, on State Game Land property in PA, and undergraduate Jennifer Schoenstein conducted a second year of tests comparing R. latipes that had been mass-reared since 2004 with weevils collected from the field in Delaware. Scott Berg’s results support previous field observations that R. latipes is the most effective in controlling mile-a-minute weed in warm, low-moisture conditions. The results of the State Game Land study suggest, as in previous studies, that an integrated program that includes restoration planting along with the weevil can help restore a mostly native ecosystem and avoid the “invasive species treadmill,” where suppression of mile-a-minute weed leads to invasion by another aggressive invasive plant like Japanese stiltgrass. In the comparison of mass-reared and field weevils, the laboratory insects laid more eggs but had reduced survival in several cases, and had reduced responsiveness to diapause-inducing cues, but these differences were probably not all genetically based. Exposure to older plants had the greatest effect on induction of reproductive diapause in both laboratory and field weevils, with effects of day length and temperature less pronounced. At least a portion of the laboratory weevil population overwintered successfully. Results suggest that it is not necessary to add wild-type genetic material to the rearing colony at this time. Impacts (benefits). The weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes, first released in 2004 for control of mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata, is now well-established in the mid-Atlantic region and parts of surrounding states. In 2013, 86,060 weevils were reared and shipped from the NJ Department of Agriculture Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory and released in 10 states in the Northeast, from MA to VA, and west to WV. Also, since 2004, the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory has released 170,618 R. latipes adults into 13 New Jersey counties. Weevils have been recovered at all of the release sites (100%) as well as at 219 dispersal/non-release sites, 51 of which were found in 2013. All new 2013 release sites already had R. latipes present. Impacts (benefits). Overall conclusions reached so far are that the biocontrol weevil R. latipes will be extremely successful in controlling P. perfoliata on its own in certain circumstances, and will contribute to an integrated management program under other conditions. Objective 8. To develop an effective biological control program for the emerald ash borer (R. Van Driesche, UMASS, with K. Abell and federal cooperators J. Duan, L. Bauer, J. Gould) Outputs (events, publications) A key paper on the establishment and impact of the larval parasitoid Tetrastichus planipennisi was published (Duan et al., 2013) summarizing data for first five years following this species’ release in MI (2008-2012). A similar paper summarizing establishment and impacts of the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili for the MI study plots for the same time period is in preparation. Outcomes (change in status of system) Tetrastichus planipennisi is now widespread and abundant in study areas in MI and is causing significant (ca 20%) levels of larval mortality Impacts (benefits) Emerald ash borer population growth rates in our study plots has now fallen to below the level of replacement, showing that the population is now collapsing in that area. This is due to both reduction in the ash resource due to EAB-caused tree mortality and to increased mortality from natural enemies suffered by remaining EAB attacking remaining ash trees in plots. Objective 9. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the hemlock woolly adelgid (J. Elkinton, UMASS; M. Mayer, New Jerswy) Outputs (events, publications). Leah Flaherty join the Elkinton lab at the University of Massachusetts as a postdoc and conducted a predator exclusion study on hemlock woolly adelgid in Banner Elk, North Carolina starting in February 2014. Banner Elk is where Laricobius nigrinus has been established in substantial numbers. Indeed we collected 2500 of these beetles at that location in three days in November 2014. Richard McDonald and his collaborators believe that Laricobius nigrinus has turned the corner of adelgid infestations in that region. We chose two sites in Banner Elk where beetles have been established and a third site about 50 km away where no beetles have been released. We put fine-mesh bags on understory trees and removed any beetles that we found on branches before placing the bags. We were disappointed to find no measurable difference in the disturbance rate of adelgid ovisacs by predators and no differences in adelgid population growth or survival inside versus outside the bags. We note the beetles tend to aggregate toward sunlit branches either the top of the canopy in the forest or on the forest edge so perhaps this explains our negative results. We note further that Bud Mayfield reported more positive results when he worked on upper-level branches at a Laricobius release site in Georgia. We plan to continue these studies in the fall 2014. Outcomes and Impacts. A total of 10,915 L. nigrinus have been released in New Jersey since 2005. In 2013, 848 L. nigrinus larvae and 285 adults were recovered which was the largest number of hemlock woolly adelgid predators ever recovered in New Jersey in a single year and the total is greater than all previous years combined for all species. There were two first time recoveries from release sites as well as over 100 dispersal site recoveries. We have confirmed dispersal of L. nigrinus over 17 miles from the Delaware Water Gap north to past Buttermilk Falls. Objective 10. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth (J. Elkinton, UMASS) Outputs (events, publications). Nothing to report. Outcomes (change in status of system). The winter moth (Operophtera brumata: Geometridae: Lepidoptera), has continued to spread west and south across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Outbreak populations occurred in 2013 for the first time in SE Connecticut and other populations have been found in SW Connecticut. Also in 2013, defoliation by winter moth occurred for the first time in coastal Maine. Both of these areas will receive our attention for parasitoid releases in 2014. We have introduced several thousand Cyzenis albicans (Diptera: Tachinidae) at 22 sites in eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. We have expanded our yearly effort to collect C. albicans in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2013, we released 1600 flies at each of seven sites: Jamestown, RI, Bristol RI, Cape Elizabeth, ME; Harpswell Neck, ME; Lexington, MA; Mattapoisett, MA and Halibut Point MA. All the flies were mated and fed before we released them. At each of our Cyzenis release sites from previous years, and at other permanent non-release sites we continued to monitor year-to-year changes in winter moth density. We collected approximately 12,000 winter moth pupae from these collections and reared them to the adult stage. We recovered flies for the first time at one of our 2011 releases sites in Newton MA. Impacts (benefits) In 2013, we recovered C. albicans at all six of the pre-2011 release sites. At most sites, parasitism was low (<5%) but substantial parasitism occurred at four sites: 30% parasitism at Wellesley, 10 % at Hingham, and 8% at two other sites. Winter moth densities have declined by 95% at our site in Wellesley where parasitism rates have been higher than 30 % for two years in a row. Objective 11. To distribute and evaluate Peristenus relictus, a parasitoid of the tarnished plant bug. Nothing to report for 2013. Objective 12. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) (B. Blossey, Cornell University) Nothing to report for 2013 Objective 13. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast. Outputs (events, publications). Nothing to report Outcomes (change in status of system) 1. Knotweed Biological Control. We anticipate an APHIS permit for release of a biological control agent, knotweed psyllid (TAG approval obtained) from research underway by cooperators Fritzi Grevstad (Oregon) and Dick Shaw (CABI Great Britain). 2. Plum Curculio: During 2012-13, four commercial organic apple orchards and three research apple orchards were inoculated with persistent NY strains of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) as biological control agents of plum curculio. Follow-up soil samples show the gradual establishment of EPN populations, which is reflected in plum curculio larval bioassays and reductions in fruit damage over the 2-year period. Results have been shared with grower and researcher audiences at grower meetings, professional meetings, and in trade publications. (A. Agnello, NYS Agric. Expt. Sta., Geneva, New York) 3. Japanese Beetle. Surveys were done to determine the distribution and timing of occurrence of the Japanese beetle parasitoids Tiphia vernalis and T. popilliavora in other New England states such as Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Tiphia vernalis was found in these Massachusetts counties: Worcester, Middlesex, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin. Wasps were collected from Rockingham and Hillsborough counties in New Hampshire. Wasps were not collected from Cheshire County, but only one location was visited in this county. Nevertheless, T. vernalis was found in the neighboring Hillsborough County, New Hampshire to the east and Worcester County, Massachusetts in the south. Tiphia popilliavora wasps were found in the following three of the seven Massachusetts counties visited: Worcester, Hampshire and Essex. Tiphia popilliavora is present in Rockingham, Hillsborough and Cheshire counties in New Hampshire. (A. Legrand, Univ. of CT). Impacts (benefits). Nothing to report Goal 4 (Evaluation and Education) Objective 14. To distribute information on the successful biological control of the birch leafminer throughout the northeastern states (R. Casagrande, URI) Outputs (events, publications). The success of this project was discussed by Dick Casagrande (URI) in presentations to Massachusetts Horticultural Society – May 2013, Rhode Island Wild Plant Society – July 2013, New England Grows! - January 2014, Ecological Landscaping Association – February 2013. A chapter on this program was included in a Forest Service publication edited by Roy Van Driesche. Outcomes (change in status of system). Over 2,000 stakeholders were made aware that birch leafminer is under complete biological control from Maine through New Jersey and west through Minnesota. Impacts (benefits). Informed stakeholders will discontinue insecticide applications against this pest. Objective 15. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs (P. Shrewsbury, University of Maryland; Tony Shelton, Cornell University) Outputs (events, publications). 1) University of Maryland. The University of Maryland continued to produce a weekly electronic newsletter “Landscape and Nursery IPM Pest Alert” throughout the 2013 growing season to provide timely information on pest identification and management tactics particularly emphasizing biological controls. In addition to overall newsletter contributions I write the “Beneficial of the Week” segment for the newsletter. This collaborative project involves several Extension personnel (led by Stanton Gill) and Master Gardeners, landscapers, nursery producers, and government agency staff. The newsletter is emailed weekly to over 2,200 stakeholders in over 20 states weekly. 2) Cornell University. The highly popular web site, Natural Enemies: a Guide to Biological Control Agents in North America, http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol, is the most widely accessed web site on biological control according to Google. It is accessed by students from grade school to graduate school, and by the general public and the scientific community. Through this site, field workers attempting to initiate programs are able to find researchers who can guide them. Contributors are enthusiastic about this project and the public response to it, and often answer questions from site visitors. Outcomes (change in status of system). 1) University of Maryland. UMD research has determined degree day (DD) information on target life stages of key scale insects. This information is incorporated into the newsletters. The web site has been updated to be more user-friendly and provide an archive of past reports with a search engine. 2) Cornell University. This last year we added two new natural enemies to the website. We are currently looking to put it on another platform besides html, which causes the website to look differently on different devices. Impacts (benefits). 1) University of Maryland. Surveys of the newsletter consistently provide excellent ratings (13 years). Moreover, these surveys document that the Pest IPM Alert has increased knowledge, changed practices, reduced pesticide inputs, reduced costs, and increased the adoption of IPM practices – all standard measures of the impacts of an extension program. For example, from the 2013 survey when recipients were asked: Are the Pest Alerts useful to you and your business 91% ranked the Alert at the highest ranking; Do the Pest Alerts help you to effectively identify pest insects, diseases, and/or weeds, 90% ranked the Alert the highest; Are you making fewer or more accurate pesticide applications – 82% ranked the Alert the highest. Related specifically to the Beneficial of the Week segment questions on improving recognition of beneficials and altering pest management strategies ranked 80% and 60% respectively. 2) Cornell University. We continue to get about 50,000 hits per month on the site. This attests to the sites popularity. A report on the site was presented at the W-3185 meeting on Oct. 2, 2013: Spreading the word on biological control: the 15th anniversary of the website on natural enemies in North America. Objective 16. To publish the results of biological control research in refereed journals, books, and proceedings. (See list of new publications below)

Publications

Ballard, M., J. Hough-Goldstein, and D. Tallamy. 2013. Arthropod communities on native and non-native early successional plants. Environmental Entomology 42:851-859. Chew, F. S., R. G. Van Driesche, and R. A. Casagrande. 2012. Native butterfly confronts exotic plants and parasitoids Massachusetts Butterflies No. 39, Fall, pp. 1-6. Choate, B. and F. Drummond. 2013. The role of insecticides in structuring Formica mound ant communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Maine lowbush blueberry. J. Econ. Entomol. 106(2): 716 – 726. Cutting, K., and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2013. Integration of biological control and native seeding to restore invaded plant communities. Restoration Ecology 21: 648-655. D'Appollonio-Cote, J., D. E. Yarborough, and F. Drummond. 2013 Maine Wild blueberry pesticide chart – 1 of 3. http://umaine.edu/blueberries/files/2010/05/2013-ME-Wild-BB-Pesticide-Chart-Insecticides.pdf Duan, J.J., L. S. Bauer, K.J. Abell, J. P. Lelito, R. Van Driesche. 2013 Establishment and abundance of Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Michigan: Potential for success in classical biocontrol of the invasive emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 106:1145-1154. Frye, M.J. and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2013. Plant architecture and growth response of kudzu (Fabales: Fabaceae) to simulated insect herbivory. Environmental Entomology 42: 936-941. Herlihy, M. V. and R. G. Van Driesche. 2013. Effects of Cotesia rubecula (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on survival of larval cohorts of Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on collards: impact evaluation of the impact of an introduced biological control agent. Florida Entomologist 96: 360-369. Herlihy, M. V., D. L. Wagner, and R. G. Van Driesche. 2014. Persistence in Massachusetts of the veined white due to use invasive form of Cardamine pratensis. Biological Invasions in press. Jones, M.S. H. Vanhanen, R. Peltola, and F.A. Drummond. 2014. A Global Review of Arthropod-Mediated Ecosystem-Services in Vaccinium Berry Agroecosystems. Terrestrial Arthopod Reviews 5(x): in press Lake, E., K. Cutting, and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2013. Integrating biological control and native plantings to restore sites invaded by mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata, in the mid-Atlantic US. pp. 254-261 In Y. Wu, T. Johnson, S. Sing, R. Rhagu, G. Wheeler, P. Pratt, K. Warner, T. Center, J. Goolsby, and R. Reardon (eds.) Proceedings of the XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2012-07. 530 pp. Obeysekara, P. T., and A. Legrand. 2014. Analysis of Tiphia parasitoids preovipositional behaviors and of their scarab host defensive responses. Biological Control 69: 97-106. Obeysekara, P.T., A. Legrand and G. Lavigne. 2014. Use of herbivore-induced plant volatiles as search cues by Tiphia vernalis and Tiphia popilliavora to locate their below-ground scarabaeid hosts. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 150: 74–85. Smith, J.R. and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2013. Phototaxis, host cues, and host-finding in a monophagous weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes. Journal of Insect Behavior 26:109–119.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 03/06/2015

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/14/2015 - 01/15/2015
Period the Report Covers: 03/01/2014 - 03/01/2015

Participants

1. Bernd Blossey,Cornell University;

2. Richard Casagrande, University of Rhode Island;

3. Joe Elkinton, University of Massachusetts;

4. Ann Hajek,Cornell University;

5. Mike Hoffmann, Cornell University;

6. Mark Mayer, New Jersey Department of Agriculture;

7. Chris Peterson;

8. Max Ragozzino;

9. Richard Reardon, USDA Forest Service;

10. Elwod Roberts;

11. Scott Salom, Virginia Tech;

12. Lisa Tewksbury, University of Rhode Island;

13. Aaron Weed, Dartmouth College;

14. Mark Whitmore, Cornell University

Brief Summary of Minutes

1) Officers. The business meeting was moderated Dick Casagrande. Judy Hough-Goldstein will serve as Chair of NE1332 for the next two years. Scott Salom will serve as “Incoming Chair” and will serve as Chair following Judy’s appointment. Lisa Teuksbury will serve as Secretary for two years, rotating into “Incoming Chair” and “Chair” positions in sequence.

2) Venue for next meeting. The next meeting of NE1332 will be held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, a joint meeting with Northeastern Weed Science Society, Northeast Division of the American Phytopathological Society, Northeastern American Society of Agronomy, and Northeastern Branch of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. January 4-8, 2016, Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel, Philadelphia, PA. NE1332 will sponsor a weed biocontrol symposium at that meeting.

3) USDA APHIS biocontrol permitting process delays. There was considerable discussion about current substantial delays in approvals of TAG-recommended release petitions for weed biological control. The group decided to prepare a “Letter of Concern” to USDA and USFWS administrators about this situation. Dick Casagrande will prepare a draft for consideration of NE1332 and other regional biological control projects.

4) Funding opportunities for biological control. Advisor, Mike Hoffmann updated the group on organizational changes and funding opportunities that impact on biological control at the national and regional levels.

Symposium Program:

As part of the Research Forum, the regional project ran a symposium on 1/15 from 1-3PM that included 6 presentations by NE1332 members.

1. Biological control of winter moth in New England- Joe Elkinton, Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts

2. Predation on winter moth pupae. Hannah Broadley, Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts

3. New developments with emerald ash borer parasitoids-Dave Jennings and Jian Duan, USDA ARS BIRL Newark, DE

4. Spraying entomopathogenic fungi within hydromulch for control of Asian longhorn borer Tarryn Anne Goble, Ann Hajek, and Mark Jackson, Department of Entomology, Cornell University

5. Developing a SNP-array to measure pre- and post-introduction genetic diversity and levels of hybridization between two host races of knotweed psyllid, candidates for the biological control of Japanese knotweed - Jeremy C. Andersen*, Fritzi S. Grevstad, Robert S. Bourchier, Nicholas J. Mills, and Roy G. Van Driesche, *Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley

6. Biological Control of Phragmites australis-Dick Casagrande, Department of Plant and Insect Science, University of Rhode Island.

Accomplishments

Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) Objective 1. To conserve natural enemies in blueberry production (F. Drummond, U. Maine) • Outputs (events, publications): I presented two talks on the insect predators and pathogens of the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in Maine to wild blueberry growers at the Agricultural Trade Show in Augusta, Maine (January 8, 2015). Data was shown which supports the need to conserve the ground beetle natural enemies and fungal entomopathogens (identified as significant predators and pathogens in laboratory bioassays) since rates as high as 90% predation of pupae occurred at two field sites. • Outcome (change in status of system): Behavioral changes in growers towards selection of softer pesticides to control SWD and at the same time conserve natural enemies in the field has not occurred. However, St. Johnswort infestation in wild blueberry fields has dropped significantly and has had an effect on grower concerns about this noxious invasive plant. It has not been shown if this drop in infestation is due to introduced biocontrol agents. • Impacts (benefits): none at this time. Objective 2. To determine distribution and impact of Cotesia rubecula (R. Van Driesche, UMASS) Objective 3. To examine the effects of exotic plants on ecosystem function (P. Shrewsbury and M. Raupp, University of Maryland) Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 4. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. (Mark Mayer, NJ Dept of Agricultur; M. Hoffmann, Cornell University) New Jersey. In 2014, the Mexican bean beetle (MBB) Epilachna varivestis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) biological control program involved 31 growers and 42 survey locations with a history of Mexican bean beetle pressure. A total of 463,500 adult Pediobius foveolatus were released statewide to keep pressure on the Mexican bean beetle population. There were no reported insecticide treatments for Mexican bean beetle in soybeans in 2014 and there have been no treatments since 1987. Cornell University • Outputs: Research was conducted on the efficacy of Trichogramma ostriniae in controlling grape berry moth. A new approach was tested – releasing the parasitoids into surrounding woods and hedge rows to target first generation grape berry moth eggs. Additional studies evaluated the role of relative humidity in host-finding behavior by Trichogramma ostriniae. •Outcomes and impacts 1. Two undergraduates and a recent graduate were mentored in scientific methods and the execution of research trials. 2. Research collaborations for on-site trials were established with two vineyard managers and new methods were developed to release Trichogramma into vineyards. Two research assistants were trained to conduct releases of biological control agents. 3.In an attempt to stem migration of grape berry moth from wild areas into vineyards, Trichogramma ostriniae egg parasitoids were released into diverse vegetation surrounding vineyards. These initial releases were followed by repeated weekly releases of the parasitoid during the second and third generations of the berry moth. Releases targeted the perimeter vines of six vineyards because berry moth damage is largely focused on vines at the margins of vineyards. Berry and cluster damage were evaluated, but showed no differences between vineyards receiving releases of the parasitoid and those not receiving releases. However, the lack of differences within a single year was not surprising considering the confounding factors of varying and multiple insecticidal sprays, poor fruit set, hail damage, and a relatively small number of replications. To test which environmental conditions have an effect on Trichogramma search efficiency, trials were conducted to determine the effect of relative humidity on the search behavior. Two-arm olfactometer studies failed to detect an effect of humidity unless there was a large difference between two humidity regimes, viz. Trichogramma ostriniae preferred high humidity to low humidity, but only when the difference in humidity was greater than approximately 50%. Subsequent no-choice studies in petri dishes are currently being analyzed to determine if host egg acquisition, direction change and search intensity are affected by humidity. 4.We participated in a monitoring network for western bean cutworm, an emerging pest in the northeastern United States. Trap and field monitoring indicated that the cutworm numbers in traps are increasing from year to year, but economic damage has yet to be identified Goal 3 (Classical Biological Control) Objective 5. To develop a biological control program for exotic Phragmites australis (R. Casagrande, URI; B. Blossey, Cornell Univ.) •Outputs: Additional host range tests with increased replicates were conducted in quarantine, confirming host specificity of Archanara geminipuncta and A. neurica. Behavioral tests conducted in Europe supported earlier results that A. geminipuncta and A. neurica oviposit almost exclusively on introduced (USA) Phragmites australis when given a choice between that and the native U.S. subspecies. • Outcomes: Through 17 years of research, we have selected two European insects which we consider appropriate for release in North America for biological control of Phragmites australis. We have begun writing a release petition for submission to the USDA for field release of Archanara geminipuncta and A. neurica. Objective 6. To develop a biological control program for swallowworts in North America (R. Casagrande, URI) • Outputs: We reared and shipped 10,000 Hypena opulenta to Canadian colleagues for release near Ottawa and Toronto, Canada. We also taught these colleagues how to successfully rear this agent. Nearly 20,000 agents were released in Canada last summer. We prepared and submitted two additional documents to US Fish & Wildlife describing potential environmental impacts of releasing H. opulenta in the USA. We prepared a Letter of Concern, endorsed by the three regional research projects on biological control and the IOBC, encouraging expedited processing of release permits by USFWS and USDA-APHIS. • Outcomes: Hypena opulenta reproduced and caused damage to target plants at both Canadian release sites during the 2004 field season. Samples next spring will determine if it is established. Objective 7. To establish and evaluate herbivores released against mile-a-minute weed (J. Hough-Goldstein, University of Delaware). •Outputs (events, publications). New publications include reports assessing use of restoration planting along with the mile-a-minute weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes, to enhance biological control of mile-a-minute weed (Lake et al. 2014), papers describing the impact of herbivory on mile-a-minute weed seed production and viability (Smith and Hough-Goldstein 2014) and increasing viability of green mile-a-minute seed from late summer through fall (Smith et al. 2014), and one summarizing the performance of field weevils with ones from the mass-reared laboratory colony (Hough-Goldstein et al. 2014). •Outcomes (change in status of system). During 2014, weevils were reared at different temperatures in growth chambers to determine the lower developmental threshold and the number of degree-days required for development from egg to adult. These results, along with studies of direct and indirect effects of moisture, will be compared to field data to attempt to explain or predict effects of the biocontrol weevils under different environmental conditions. •Impacts (benefits). Preliminary results suggest that the weevil will be most effective under warm, dry conditions, whereas other control methods might be required when the spring and summer are wet and cool. Objective 8. To develop an effective biological control program for the emerald ash borer (R. Van Driesche, UMASS, with K. Abell and federal cooperators J. Duan, L. Bauer, J. Gould) • Outputs (events, publications) A key paper (Duan et al., 2014) analyzes (2008-2014) seven years of life table data on the interaction between introduced natural enemies, other mortality factors, and emerald ash borer population growth rates. This analysis showed that the number of live EAB larvae per unit of phloem (bark surface area) had dropped between 2009 and 2014 in our Michigan plots by over 90%, driven by a rise in levels of parasitism, especially of the introduced species, especially Tetrastichus planipennisi (25-30%). A second paper (Abell et al., 20914) compared a new method to measure the impact of the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili to a previous method and found that levels of parasitism in our Michigan release plots is now relatively high (ca 20%) and appears to be rising. • Outcomes (change in status of system) Tetrastichus planipennisi is now widespread and abundant in study areas in MI and is causing significant (ca 25-30%) levels of larval mortality • Impacts (benefits) Emerald ash borer population growth rates in our study plots has now fallen nearer to the level of replacement (about 1.5), and the large (>90%) decline in live larval density shows that the population is now collapsing in that area. This is due to both reduction in the ash resource due to EAB-caused tree mortality and to increased mortality from natural enemies suffered by remaining EAB attacking remaining ash trees in plots. Objective 9. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the hemlock woolly adelgid(J. Elkinton, UMASS; M. Mayer, New Jersey) • Outputs (see listed publications by Pezet on hemlock tissue chemistry and by Sussky on hemlock woolly adelgid population dynamics • Outcomes and Impacts. In 2014, the Elkinton lab collected 2500 Laricobius nigrinus beetles from North Carolina where they had been established by way of earlier releases of beetles collected in Seattle. Half of each of these beetles were released at two sites in Massachusetts. • The Elkinton lab initiated predator exclusion studies in Seattle and in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The new postdoc Aaron Weed was the leader of this project. Much effort has been devoted to collect and release L. nigrinus at sites throughout the eastern United States. But this is the first time anyone has attempted to document the impact on naturally occurring adelgid populations in the Pacific Northwest. Adelgid populations are fairly high in city environments such as Seattle. We are working in Washington Park Arboretum where we can study adelgid populations and the impact of predators via bag exclusions trials on both eastern and western hemlocks in the park. In the Cascade Mountains, hemlock woolly adelgid is virtually absent from western hemlocks, which dominate the understory vegetation. We created adelgid populations on these trees and put on predator exclusion bags on half of them. We hope this work will lead to a new understanding of adelgid population ecology and the impact of predators on these populations •We have also joined with researchers in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia to try and document the impact of L nigrinus on adelgid populations in the East. Again, the approache uses predator exclusion bags. The site we chose was at the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey in collaboration with Mark Mayer. That is the northernmost site where L nigrinus has been established in significant numbers. Objective 10. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth (J. Elkinton, UMASS) •Outputs (events, publications). Three publications (see papers below by Elkinton, Gwiazowski, Simmons). • Outcomes (change in status of system). The winter moth (Operophtera brumata: Geometridae: Lepidoptera) has continued to spread west and south across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The insect has expanded along the coast of CT and ME. In 2014, we released 28,000 flies spread over fourteen sites. All the flies were mated and fed before we released them. At each of our Cyzenis release sites from previous years, and at other permanent non-release sites, we continued to monitor year-to-year changes in winter moth density. We collected approximately 16,000 winter moth larvae from these sites and reared them to the adult stage in order to document percent parasitism and establishment of C albicans. • Impacts (benefits) We recovered C. albicans at all six of the pre-2011 release sites (and 11 of the 15 pre-2013 release sites. Parasitism from C. albicans has reached or exceeded 20% at several of these sites. Until 2012, we had recovered only a handful of flies and parasitism was less than 1%. We have been waiting for C. albicans to cause high levels of mortality, as it did in Nova Scotia in the 1950s, where parasitism surged from 0 to 10% to 60% over a three year period that preceded the general and permanent collapse of winter moth populations there. That is what we need in New England, if C. albicans is going to control winter moth, and we think it is starting to happen. At our site in Wellesley, MA parasitism has now been in the 30-40% range for the past two years. Furthermore, population densities of winter moth at the release site in Wellesley are now far lower than at any of the other sites, where we have been monitoring winter moth densities over the past few years. In Wellesley in 2014, we launched an effort to document the spread of C. albicans from the initial site of release. We collected larvae at 14 sites spread across the town up to more than a mile away from our initial release site. We found levels of parasitism approaching 50% at sites more than a mile from our initial release site. Densities of winter moth have remained low at our initial release site, but were much higher at these peripheral sites. That means we produced millions of C. albicans across the town of Wellesley and these flies are now poised to spread into neighboring towns next year. Objective 11. To distribute and evaluate Peristenus relictus, a parasitoid of the tarnished plant bug. No longer an active objective. Objective 12. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) (B. Blossey, Cornell University) No longer an active objective Objective 13. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast. • Outputs (events, publications). See publications on Japanese beetle parasitoids • Outcomes (change in status of system) 1. Knotweed Biological Control. Application to APHIS for a permit to release knotweed psyllid (TAG approval obtained) continued to be unresolved. Cooperators Fritzi Grevstad (Oregon) continued to develop and provide additional data and information to reviewing bodies. 2. Plum Curculio: (A. Agnello, NYS Agric. Expt. Sta., Geneva, New York). During 2014, an eighth site (a research orchard) was added to the group of apple orchards inoculated with persistent NY strains of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) as biological control agents of plum curculio. Follow-up evaluations of soil core samples have determined successful establishment of these native NY EPNs at adequate levels in all sites following a single application/ inoculation. Plum curculio larval bioassays were continued during the 2014 season, with results in several of the orchard sites indicating levels of PC mortality approaching those seen in plots where nematodes were treated directly by hand, indicating that the EPN populations may ultimately contribute significantly to the reduction of PC numbers and damage in these test sites. Fruit quality assessments in the longest-established research plots show further decreases in PC-damaged fruits compared with untreated orchard sections. Results were shared with grower and researcher audiences at several grower meetings, including organic fruit production conferences and workshops, as well as at an international (IOBC) conference on pome fruit and stone fruit production. 3. Japanese Beetle. (A. Legrand, Univ. of CT). Tiphia vernalis (Spring Tiphia) and Tiphia popilliavora (summer Tiphia) were introduced as part of the biological control effort against Japanese beetle. The objective of a study completed during this report period was to determine if the use of peonies in the landscape can conserve and enhance parasitism of Japanese and oriental beetle grubs in turfgrass. Results from this project indicate that peonies are the best plants to provide nectar to the Tiphia vernalis. We found that in 2 out of 3 years, more grubs were parasitized in areas 1 meter away from the peonies as compared to areas 30 meters away from the peonies. A second study completed examined the influence of host species and location in the host detection ability of tiphiid wasps. Tiphia popilliavora wasps were able to successfully discriminate the trails containing either Japanese beetle larvae body odor or frass from trails without cues. Japanese beetle frass trails elicited stronger responses than body-odor trails. In addition, we also determined the detection of host cues by tiphiid wasps in a dual-choice test for cues presented at varying soil depths. Tiphia vernalis and T. popilliavora were able to detect Japanese beetle cues significantly more often when cues were buried at a depth of 2 cm whereas wasps were unable to detect oriental beetle cues at a depth of 2 cm. Neither Tiphia wasps could respond to cues buried at a depth of 5 cm. A possible explanation for this inability may be that host-derived substances may travel only short distances through soil and may act as contact cues for host searching. • Impacts (benefits). Nothing to report Goal 4 (Evaluation and Education) Objective 14. To distribute information on the successful biological control of the birch leafminer throughout the northeastern states (R. Casagrande, URI) No longer an active objective Objective 15. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs (Tony Shelton, Cornell University) • Outputs (events, publications). The highly popular web site, Natural Enemies: a Guide to Biological Control Agents in North America, http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol, is the most widely accessed web site on biological control according to Google. It is accessed by students from grade school to graduate school, and by the general public and the scientific community. Through this site, field workers attempting to initiate programs are able to find researchers who can guide them. Contributors are enthusiastic about this project and the public response to it, and often answer questions from site visitors. • Outcomes (change in status of system). We continue to add units on additional biological control agents on a regular basis and are in the process of adding one on Bacillus thuringiensis. • Impacts (benefits). We continue to get about 50,000 hits per month on the site. This attests to the sites popularity.

Publications

Abell, K. J., L. S. Bauer, J. J. Duan, and R. G. Van Driesche. 2014. Long-term monitoring of the introduced emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) egg parasitoid, Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), in Michigan, USA and evaluation of a newly developed monitoring technique Biological Control 79: 36–42. Duan, J. J., K. J. Abell, L. S. Bauer, J. Gould and R. Van Driesche. 2014. Natural enemies implicated in the regulation of an invasive pest: a life table analysis of the population dynamics of the emerald ash borer. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 79: 36-42. published on line DOI: 10.1111/afe.12070 Casagrande, R. A., F. S. Chew, and R. G. Van Driesche. 2014. Ecological traps and weed biological control, pp. 105-11. In: Impson, F. A. C, C. A. Kleinjan, and J. H. Hoffmann (eds.). Proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. 2-7 March, 2014. Krugar National Park, South Africa. University of Cape Town, South Africa. Elkinton, J. S, A. M. Liebhold, G. H. Boettner and M. Sremac. 2014. Invasion spread of Operophtera brumata in northeastern United States and hybridization with O. bruceata Biol. Invasions 16: 2263-2272. Gardner, J. and M. P. Hoffmann. 2015. Aerodynamic sorting of insect host eggs for quality assurance in parasitoid mass production. BioControl Science and Technology (accepted). Gautam, S., D. Olmstead, J-C Tian, H. Collins, and A. M. Shelton. 2014. Tri-trophic studies using Cry1Ac-resistant Plutella xylostella demonstrate no adverse effects of Cry1Ac on the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Journal of Economic Entomology 107: 115-120. Gwiazowski, R. S. J. S. Elkinton, J. R. Dewaard and M. Sremac. 2013. Phylogeographic diversity of the winter moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Operophtera), O. brumata, and O. bruceata in Europe and North America. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 106: 143-151. Herlihy, M. V., D. L. Wagner, and R. G. Van Driesche. 2014. Persistence in Massachusetts of the veined white butterfly due to use of the invasive form of cuckoo flower. Biological Invasions DOI 10.1007/s10530-014-0698-x (published on line in April 2014) Hough-Goldstein, J., A. R. Stout, and J. A. Schoenstein. 2014. Fitness and field performance of a mass-reared biological control agent, Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Environmental Entomology 43: 923-931. Kumar, R., J. Tian, S. Naranjo and A. M. Shelton. 2014. Effects of Bt cotton on Thrips tabaci and its predator, Orius insidiosus. Journal of Economic Entomology 107: 927-932. Lake, E., J. Hough-Goldstein, and V. D’Amico. 2014. Integrating management techniques to restore sites invaded by mile-a-minute weed, Persicaria perfoliata. Restoration Ecology 22: 127-133. Liu, X. X., M. Chen, H. L. Collins, D. W. Onstad, R. T. Roush, Q. Zhang, E. D. Earle and A.M. Shelton. 2014. Natural enemies delay insect resistance to Bt plants. PLoS One DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0090366 Morton, T. A. L., A. Thorn, J. M. Reed, R. Van Driesche, R. A. Casagrande, F. S. Chew. 2014. Modeling the decline and potential recovery of a native butterfly following serial invasions by exotic species. Biological Invasions in press McKenzie, E. A. J. S. Elkinton, R. A. Casagrande, E. L. Preisser and M. Mayer. 2014. Terpene chemistry of eastern hemlocks resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid. J. Chem. Ecol. DOI:10.1007/s10886-014-0495-0. Obeysekara, P. A. 2013. Host Selection of Spring Tiphia (Tiphia vernalis) and Summer Tiphia (Tiphia popilliavora). PhD. Dissertation. University of Connecticut. Obeysekara, P. T. and A. Legrand. 2014. The influence of host species and location in the host detection ability of Tiphiid (Hymenoptera:Tiphiidae) parasitoids. Environmental Entomology 43: 1594-1602. http://ee.oxfordjournals.org/content/43/6/1594 Pezet, J, and J. S. Elkinton. 2014. Hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) induces twig volatiles of eastern hemlock in a forest setting. Environ. Entomol. 43: 1257-1285. Pezet, J, and J. S. Elkinton. 2014. Hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) induces twig volatiles of eastern hemlock in a forest setting. Environ. Entomol. 43: 1257-1285. Simmons, M. J., T. D. Lee, M. J. Ducey, J S. Elkinton, G H. Boettner, and K. J. Dodds. 2014. Effects of invasive winter moth defoliation on tree radial growth in eastern Massachusetts. Insects 5: 301-318. Smith, J.R, and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2014. Impact of herbivory on mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) seed production and viability. Biological Control 76: 60-64. Smith, J.R., J. Hough-Goldstein, and E.C. Lake. 2014. Variable seed viability of mile-a-minute weed (Devil’s tearthumb, Persicaria perfoliata). Invasive Plant Science and Management 7: 107-112. Sussky, E. M. and J. S. Elkinton. 2014. Density-dependent survival and fecundity of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). Environ. Entomol. 43: 1157-1167. Sussky, E. M. and J. S. Elkinton. 2015. Survival and near-extinction during summer aestivation of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in a hemlock plantation. Environ. Entomol. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvu007. Tian, J-C., L-P. Long, X-P. Wang, S. Naranjo, J. Romeis, R. Hellmich, P. Wang, and A. M. Shelton. 2014. Using resistant prey demonstrates that Bt plants producing Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Cry1F have no negative effects on Geocoris punctipes and Orius insidiosus. Environmental Entomology 43: 242-251.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 03/22/2016

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/04/2016 - 01/04/2016
Period the Report Covers: 03/01/2015 - 02/29/2016

Participants

1. Jeromy Biazzo USDA-ARS, Ithaca, NY
2. Dick Casagrande URI
3. Antonio DiTommaso Cornell Univ.
4. Donna Ellis U. Conn.
5. Brian Eshenaur NYS IPM Cornell Extension
6. Heather Faubert URI
7. Fritzi Grevstad Oregon State Univ.
8. Ann Hajek Cornell Univ.
9. Judith Hough-Goldstein Univ. of Delaware
10. Ellen Lake USDA-ARS, Fort Lauderdale, FL
11. Carri Marschner Cornell Univ.
12. Tom McAvoy Virginia Tech.
13. Lindsey Milbrath USDA-ARS, Ithaca, NY
14. Joe Neal NC State Univ.
15. Bob Nowierski USDA-NIFA, Wash. DC
16. Jan Nyrop Cornell Univ.
17. Stephen Pietruszka ACDS Research, Inc.
18. Bert Schon ACRES Research, WV, IA
19. Lisa Tewksbury URI

Brief Summary of Minutes

1) Officers. The business meeting was moderated by Judy Hough-Goldstein, current Chair of NE1332. Because Judy is retiring, Scott Salom will take over as Chair this year, and serve for the next two years. Lisa Tewksbury will serve as “Incoming Chair” and will serve as Chair following Scott’s appointment. Ann Hajek will serve as Secretary for two years, rotating into “Incoming Chair” and “Chair” positions in sequence.

2) Venue for next meeting. The next meeting of NE1332 will be held in conjunction with the 27^th USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species, Lowes Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis, MD, in January 2017. NE1332 is planning to sponsor a symposium at that meeting, honoring Dick Reardon.

3) USDA APHIS biocontrol permitting process. Concern continues regarding delays in approvals of TAG-recommended release petitions for weed biological control, although a breakthrough may have occurred, as noted in Dick Casagrande’s talk. Anwar Rizvi, of USDA APHIS, offered help with applications concerning pathogens.

4) New Administrative Advisor. Jan Nyrop, of Cornell University, will act as the group’s new academic advisor. Jan was present and made some remarks.

5) Funding opportunities for biological control. Bob Nowierski, National Program Leader for Bio-Based Pest Management, USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), updated the group on funding opportunities that impact biological control at the national and regional levels.

Symposium Program

As part of the Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference in Philadelphia, PA, the regional project ran a symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, on 1/4/16 from 8:45 – 11:20 AM, followed by the business meeting. Seven presentations were given by NE1332 members and other invited speakers:

Weed biological control - dead in the water? R. Casagrande, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

What is really a risk and what is not? T. McAvoy and S. Salom, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Demographic modeling in weed biocontrol. L. Milbrath, A.S. Davis, and J. Biazzo, USDA-ARS, Ithaca, NY

Weed biocontrol in landscape restoration. E.C. Lake and J.A. Hough-Goldstein, USDA-ARS, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and University of Delaware, Newark, DE

The consequences of photoperiodism for newly introduced insects. F. Grevstad and L. Coop, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Transferring West Coast successes to East Coast problems. L. Tewksbury and H. Faubert, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Pathogens in weed biocontrol: Opportunities and limitations with the use of biopesticides. J.C. Neal, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

Accomplishments

Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) Objective 1. To conserve natural enemies in blueberry production (F. Drummond, U. Maine) Update: Focus has been on spotted wing drosophila (SWD) for the last two years. Main findings: <ol> <li>survey of native parasitoids of SWD larvae and pupae in 32 blueberry fields (2014 and 2015): no parasitoids found.</li> <li>Predation of SWD pupae: in both 2014 & 2015 predation was high, at 70-95%. Using different mesh size cages, we hypothesize that most of the predation is by arthropod predators and not small mammals or birds. Of the arthropods, by using remote field cameras and lab experiments, carabids and field crickets appear to be the dominant predators. I will continue to assess these two groups and try to better quantify natural predation under field conditions.</li> </ol> Objective 2. To determine distribution and impact of Cotesia rubecula (R. Van Driesche, UMASS) No longer an active objective Objective 3. To examine the effects of exotic plants on ecosystem function (P. Shrewsbury and M. Raupp, University of Maryland) No longer an active objective Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 4. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. (Mark Mayer, NJ Dept of Agriculture; M. Hoffmann, Cornell University) Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory (PABIL) A total of 39,700 Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils were shipped to cooperators in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Virginia, and North Carolina under the terms of a USDA/APHIS/PPQ rearing agreement. In addition, 22,700 were purchased by private property owners and 10,500 adults were released on mile-a-minute in New Jersey to augment existing populations. Mexican bean beetle populations were low but there were some problems on organic farms and in community gardens. A total of 488,000 Pediobius foveolatus adults were released during the 2015 field season in soybean fields, in community gardens and on organic farms.   Overall this season, a total of 10,000 Cybocephalus nipponicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) have been released on elongate hemlock scale and 4,500 beetles were released on euonymus scale. Surveys for Laricobius nigrinus beetles on hemlock woolly adelgid have shown that they have dispersed 33 miles into Pennsylvania, are throughout the Delaware Water Gap NRA, a length of 34 miles, wherever there are adelgids present.   The beetles have been recovered twelve miles into NJ and were recovered in seven new sites in 2015. L. nigrinus has been recovered in a total of 188 sites in New Jersey and Northwestern Pennsylvania as of 2015. PABIL reared and supplied federal and state investigators with Halyomorpha halys adults, nymphs, and egg masses for ongoing laboratory and field studies. Goal 3 (Classical Biological Control) Objective 5. To develop a biological control program for exotic Phragmites australis (R. Casagrande, URI; B. Blossey, Cornell Univ.) Phragmites australis Biocontrol: We have roughed-out a release petition for releasing two potential biological control agents against P. australis in the USA. The completion of this permit awaits confirmation of favorable preliminary results with Type I (Gulf Coast) plants and the resolution of the regulatory bottleneck in weed biocontrol. We conducted experiments in quarantine with host preferences of Type I and exotic P. australis and experimented with rearing techniques in the past 12 months.  Objective 6. To develop a biological control program for swallowworts in North America (R. Casagrande, URI) We continued to provide specimens and expertise to colleagues in Canada and at Cornell University for rearing and release (in Canada). A total of 360 Hypena opulenta were sent to Lindsey Milbrath at Cornell and 600 to Rob Bourchier in Canada.  In preparation for eventual release in the USA, we reared 4 generations of H. opulenta in our quarantine laboratory while experimenting with optimizing rearing conditions.  We have worked hard to encourage and assist both USDA-APHIS and USFWS in the evaluation of H. opulenta for USA release.  To this end, we prepared and distributed a Letter-of-Concern about a 5-year regulatory bottleneck to USDA and APHIS. This letter was endorsed by the three USA regional projects on biological control and the International Organization on Biological Control with signatures of 41 individual scientists (USDA employees could not sign.)  In apparent response to this and several other encouragements, the regulatory agencies seem to now be moving on evaluation, if not approval of pending release permits.  Objective 7. To establish and evaluate herbivores released against mile-a-minute weed (J. Hough-Goldstein, University of Delaware). <ul> <li>Outputs (events, publications). New publications include two key papers that relate laboratory studies on effects of moisture levels (Berg et al. 2015) and temperature (Hough-Goldstein et al. 2016) on field populations of both the mile-a-minute weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes, and mile-a-minute weed. Results suggest that the weevil will be most effective under warm, dry conditions, whereas other control methods might be required when the spring and summer are wet and cool. In addition, the USDA Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team booklet, Biology and Biological Control of Mile-a-Minute Weed was extensively revised to reflect research conducted since 2008 (Hough-Goldstein et al. 2015).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Outcomes (change in status of system). During 2015, weevils continued to be shipped from the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insects Laboratory, Trenton, NJ, free to USDA/APHIS/PPQ cooperators and for a charge of $1.00 per weevil to cooperators not affiliated with USDA/APHIS/PPQ.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Impacts (benefits). The weevil continues to flourish and spread in North America. New research helps to explain why it is extremely effective in some places and in some years, and less so in other places and years.</li> </ul> Objective 8. To develop an effective biological control program for the emerald ash borer (R. Van Driesche, UMASS, with K. Abell and federal cooperators J. Duan, L. Bauer, J. Gould) <ul> <li>Outputs (events, publications) A key paper (Duan et al., 2015a) analyzes seven years of life table data (2008-2014) on the interaction between introduced natural enemies, other mortality factors, and emerald ash borer (EAB) population growth rates. This analysis showed that the number of live EAB larvae per unit of phloem (bark surface area) had dropped between 2009 and 2014 in our Michigan plots by over 90%, driven by a rise in levels of parasitism, especially of the introduced species, especially Tetrastichus planipennisi (25-30%). A second paper (Abell et al., 2014) compared a new method to measure the impact of the egg parasitoid Oobius agrili to a previous method and found that levels of parasitism in our Michigan release plots is now relatively high (ca 20%) and appears to be rising. In addition, a new EAB larval parasitoid, Spathius galinae has been approved by the US regulatory agency for field releases in 2016 (Duan et al. 2015b).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Outcomes (change in status of system) Tetrastichus planipennisi is now widespread and abundant in study areas in MI and is causing significant (ca 25-30%) levels of host larval mortality (Duan et al. 2015a).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Impacts (benefits) Emerald ash borer population growth rates in our study plots has now fallen nearer to the level of replacement (about 1.5), and the large (>90%) decline in live larval density shows that the population is now collapsing in that area. This is due to both reduction in the ash resource due to EAB-caused tree mortality and to increased mortality from natural enemies suffered by remaining EAB attacking remaining ash trees in plots.</li> </ul> Objective 9. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the hemlock woolly adelgid       (S. Salom, Virginia Tech.; J. Elkinton, UMass; M. Mayer, New Jersey) Virginia Tech: <ul> <li>Outputs:   Mass Rearing and Releases of HWA predators</li> </ul> Laricobius nigrinus is a key predator species being released operationally for biological control of the hemlock woolly adelgid in the eastern U.S. An interior strain that is more cold hardy is now a focal point with our lab. Attempts to rear this strain have not been as successful as with the coastal strain. Starting adults: 387; Larvae produced: 7,769 ; Adult emergence from aestivation: 1,750 (22%); Early emergence 1400 adults before HWA broke diapause (35% mortality). L. osakensis has also become a priority of our rearing group. In 2010, USDA/APHIS approved its release from quarantine. Releases began in 2012. L. osakensis (F3 Generation from 2012 Japan Collections); Starting adults: 100; Larvae produced: 3,044; Adult emergence from aestivation: 1,495 (52%) Early emergence 158 adults before HWA broke diapause ~5% mortality; L. osakensis - (F5) Starting adults: 242; Larvae produced: 9,122; Adult emergence post-aestivation: 5,510 (60%); Early emergence 482 adults before HWA broke diapause (~16% mortality). <ul> <li>Outcomes:</li> </ul> <ol> <li> L. nigrinus Releases: 1 release – 500 beetles – Mark Whitmore (NY) – 10/28/15</li> <li> L. osakensis (F3 & F5) Releases: – 2015 Releases: 6,065 beetles released at 11 locations in PA, OH, MD, VA</li> </ol> 2015 Japan Collecting Trip for L. osakensis October 25 – November 7, 2015; 6 sites visited, 4 yielded beetles; Nyukasa, Shiga Kogen Objective 10. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth (J. Elkinton, UMASS) The tachinid fly Cyzenis albicans was released at 40 locations from coastal Maine to southeastern Connecticut, and established at 17 of those locations. The spread of the fly was documented along transects from the release site in Wellesley, MA, up to 8 km away. Winter moth densities in Wellesley have declined markedly now that there is substantial parasitism all across town. Objective 11. To distribute and evaluate Peristenus relictus, a parasitoid of the tarnished plant bug. No longer an active objective Objective 12. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) (B. Blossey, Cornell University) No longer an active objective Objective 13. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast. Knotweed Biological Control. Application to APHIS for a permit to release knotweed psyllid (TAG approval obtained) continued to be unresolved. Cooperators Fritzi Grevstad (Oregon) continued to develop and provide additional data and information to reviewing bodies. Additional projects at URI (R. Casagrande). We released Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils for mile-a-minute vine at two additional sites in RI during the past season, bringing our total to 11 sites and 60,000 weevils released.  We continue to monitor these sites for control of this invasive plant.  In 2015 we released Larinus obtusus at four sites in RI and began monitoring these sites and one control site for establishment and impact.  We conducted preliminary experiments with Lilioceris cheni, the agent released against air potato in Florida to determine the possible impact of parasitoids released against L. lilii in the Northeast. Preliminary tests with Tetrastichus setifer showed no attack of L. cheni, but this needs to be repeated with larger sample sizes.  Determination of the causes and consequences of native coccinellid decline (J. Losey, Cornell University) <ul> <li>Outputs:</li> </ul> Working in conjunction with the citizen science program, the Lost Ladybug Project (www.lostladybug.org), substantial progress has been made in determining the causes and consequences of the decline of several native coccinellid species in North America. In Brandt et al (2015) we document comparative development rates and survival of a focal native species, Coccinella novemnotata reared on a range of aphid prey. In Turnipseed et al. (2015) we examine the interactions between C. novemnotata and C. septempunctata, an introduced species suspected of having played a role in the demise of the native species. Subsequent to the period covered in this report we have continued to investigate the biology of native coccinellid species and the potential for interaction with introduced species including Harmonia axyridis. As we have gained a fuller understanding of why C. novemnotata decline we have begun to consider the potential for reestablishment and conservation of this species in areas where it formerly flourished. <ul> <li>Outcomes:</li> </ul> Based primarily on data from the Lost Ladybug Project, several native coccinellid species were listed as “species of greatest conservation need” in New York and they are being considered for protection at a national scale in Canada. In addition, the development of a proposal to provide international protection for these species (through the IUCN) was initiated. Goal 4 (Evaluation and Education) Objective 14. To distribute information on the successful biological control of the birch leafminer throughout the northeastern states (R. Casagrande, URI)            No longer an active objective Objective 15. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs (J. Losey, Cornell University) <ul> <li>Outputs</li> </ul> Educational outreach includes our successful Lost Ladybug Project citizen science program, the public can gather information and participate via our project website (www.lostladybug.org), Facebook page activities, and other social media. The public also receives notices and information surrounding educational offerings through public events and programming with school, youth and community groups. A wide range of individuals have been trained and are developing their skills through participation in Lost Ladybug Project web-based outreach: undergraduate students, extension and teaching specialists, 4H youth educators, parents, classroom teachers, environmental educators, graduate students, and faculty members. <ul> <li>Outcomes</li> </ul> This year, we have reached 200,000 people (with a total of over 1,200,000 since 2008) through our project website (www.lostladybug.org), Facebook page activities, and other social media. Over 1,000 people (total of 12,500 since 2008) have submitted ladybug images, as individuals or in families or other groups. An additional estimated 8,000 people (total of 58,000 since 2008) have participated in programs and event activities. Over 34,000 images of ladybugs have been submitted to the Lost Ladybug database by citizen scientists from every state. Participation also includes email questions and requests for materials, Lost Ladybug Project Facebook “Likes” at 8,078 (up from 7,800 in 2014 and 6,700 in 2013, and 1,000 in 2012) and Facebook conversation/question activity.  Because this is a public project with free materials on the internet, some people and organizations interact with us while others use our materials but have little or no contact.

Publications

Berg, S. A., J. A. Hough-Goldstein, E. C. Lake, and V. D’Amico. 2015. Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) and weevil (Rhinoncomimus latipes) response to varying moisture and temperature conditions. Biological Control 83: 68-74. Brandt, D.M., Johnson, P.J., Losey, J.E., Catangui, M.A. and Hesler, L.S. 2015. Development and survivorship of a predatory lady beetle, Coccinella novemnotata, on various aphid diets. BioControl 60: 221-229. Duan, J. J., L. S. Bauer, K. J. Abell, M. Ulyshen and R. G. Van Driesche. 2015a. Population dynamics of an invasive forest insect and associated natural enemies in the aftermath of invasion: implications for biological control. Journal of Applied Ecology 52: 1246-1253. Duan, Jian J., J. Gould, and R. W. Fuester. 2015b. Evaluation of the host specificity of Spathius galinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Northeast Asia. Biological Control 89: 91 – 97. 2015. Fischer, Melissa J., Carlyle C. Brewster, Nathan P. Havill, Scott M. Salom, and Loke T. Kok. 2015. Assessment of the potential for hybridisation between Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) and Laricobius osakensis, predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), Biocontrol Science and Technology, 25:12, 1467-1482, DOI:10.1080/09583157.2015.1061099 Fischer, Melissa J., Nathan P. Havill, Carlyle C. Brewster, Gina A. Davis, Scott M. Salom, and Loke T. Kok. 2015. Field assessment of hybridization between Laricobius nigrinus and L. rubidus, predators of Adelgidae. Biological Control 82: 1-6. Hough-Goldstein, J., E. Lake, R. Reardon, and Y. Wu. 2015. Biology and Biological Control of Mile-a-Minute Weed. USDA Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, FHTET-2008-10. Revised July 2015. 75 pp. Hough-Goldstein, J., E.C. Lake, K.J. Shropshire, R.E. Moore, and V. D’Amico. 2016. Laboratory and field-based temperature-dependent development of a monophagous weevil: implications for integrated weed management. Biological Control 92: 120-127. Tumminello, G., Ugine, T.A. and Losey, J.E., 2015. Intraguild interactions of native and introduced Coccinellids: The decline of a flagship species. Environmental Entomology 44: 64-72. Ugine, T.A. and Losey, J.E., 2014. Development times and age-specific life table parameters of the native lady beetle species Coccinella novemnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and its invasive congener Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Environmental Entomology 43: 1067-1075. Elkinton, J., G. Boettner, A. Liebhold and R. Gwiazdowski. 2015. Biology, spread and biological control of winter moth in the eastern United States. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2014-07

Impact Statements

We continue to have consistent website and social media visits by the public as well as participation via web-based photo submissions and attendance at events. Our online program provides the tools for other educators and researchers to participate and to hone and expand their skills. On our website, participants are assisted through email communication and posted content to increase their information and skills for the project. On the Lost Ladybug Project Facebook page we provide informative posts and answer questions from participants to increase proficiency in everything from specific project skills through understanding biodiversity and rare species information.

Date of Annual Report: 02/01/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 01/11/2017 - 01/11/2017
Period the Report Covers: 03/01/2016 - 02/28/2017

Participants

1. Richard Casagrande URI
2. Joe Elkinton U. Mass.
3. Ann Hajek Cornell Univ.
4. Ellen Lake USDA-ARS, Fort Lauderdale, FL
5. John Losey Cornell Univ.
6. Tom McAvoy Virginia Tech
7. Robert Nowierski USDA-CSREES-PAS
8. Scott Salom Virginia Tech
9. Mark Schwazländer Univ. of Idaho
10. Lisa Tewksbury URI

Brief Summary of Minutes

1) Officers. The business meeting was moderated by Lisa Tewksbury, 2017 Chair of NE1332. John Losey volunteered to serve as Incoming Chair for 2018.

2) Venue for next meeting. The next meeting of NE1332 will be held in conjunction with the Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch - 2018 Meeting held from March 17-19, 2018 in Annapolis, MD at the Westin Annapolis. NE1332 is planning to sponsor a symposium for that meeting entitled, Biocontrol of Introduced and Invasive Insect and Weed Pests of Forests/Woody Plants. Lisa Tewksbury will be organizing the symposium

3) Funding opportunities for biological control. Bob Nowierski, National Program Leader for
Bio-Based Pest Management, USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA),
updated the group on funding opportunities that impact biological control at the national and regional levels. He gave a background of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). And discussed availability of funding through Plant Health and Production and Plant Products. One area of focus is on Pests and Beneficial Species in Ag Production Systems.

Symposium Program

As part of the XXVIII USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species in Annapolis, MD, the regional project ran a symposium on Honoring 27 Years of Leadership by Dick Reardon in Research and Implementation of Biological Control of Forest Pests.

Eight presentations were given by NE1332 members and other invited speakers:

Over 20 years of biological control for hemlock woolly adelgid: Not a very predictable case study. Scott Salom, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Biological control of winter moth in the Northeastern US. Joe Elkinton, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

The long-term perspective of emerald ash borer biocontrol: can introduced natural enemies protect North American ash in the aftermath forests of invasion? Jian Duan, USDA, ARS, Newark, DE

Native Sirex-Amylostereum-Deladenus meet Invasive Sirex noctilio; Ann Hajek, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Global progress in the biological control of weeds. Mark Schwarzländer, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

Biological control for invasive knotweeds (Fallopia ) in North America. Fritzi Grevstad, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

A decade of using Verticillium nonalfalfae as a biocontrol of the invasive Ailanthus altissima in the eastern U.S. Matt Kasson, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Outrunning the invasive species treadmill: integrating biological control and other management techniques to restore invaded sites. Ellen Lake USDA/ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale and Judy Hough-Goldstein, University of Delaware

Accomplishments

Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) No reports for this goal included. Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 1. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. (Mark Mayer, NJ Dept of Agriculture; M. Hoffmann, Cornell University) Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory (PABIL).  A total of 30,700 Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils were shipped to cooperators in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York City, Virginia, and North Carolina under the terms of a USDA/APHIS/PPQ rearing agreement. In addition, 7,700 were purchased by private property owners and 5,500 adults were released on mile-a-minute in New Jersey to augment existing populations. Mexican bean beetle populations were low but there were some problems on organic farms and in community gardens.  A total of 226,500 Pediobius foveolatus adults were released during the 2016 field season in soybean fields, in community gardens and on organic farms.  There were some rearing issues with the Mexican bean beetle colony due to pesticide contaminated seed that was used early on to rear them.  The first instar larvae dropped off the plants and did not survive.  Once this was discovered the rearing staff switched to the old seed and there were no further problems although the parasite production was affected.   Some P. foveolatus were also provided to out-of-state organic farmers. Surveys for Laricobius nigrinus beetles on hemlock woolly adelgid have shown that they have dispersed 33 miles into Pennsylvania, are throughout the Delaware Water Gap NRA, a length of 34 miles, wherever there are adelgids present.   The beetles have been recovered twelve miles into NJ and were recovered in five new sites in 2016.  L. nigrinus has been recovered in a total of 193 sites in New Jersey and Northwestern Pennsylvania as of 2016. Overall this season, a total of 6,250 Cybocephalus nipponicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) have been released on elongate hemlock scale and 4,700 beetles were released on euonymus scale. A total of 2,875 Peristenus relictus were released in NJ with 3,300 shipped to cooperators.  Additionally, 2,050 Peristenus digoneutis were shipped to cooperators.  The parasitoids are parasitic on Lygus sp. PABIL reared and supplied federal and state investigators with Halyomorpha halys adults, nymphs, and egg masses for ongoing laboratory and field studies.  Trissolcus japonicus was recovered at two sites in NJ. Objective 2. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast. (John Losey, Cornell University) OUTPUTS Working in conjunction with the citizen science program, the Lost Ladybug Project (www.lostladybug.org), substantial progress has been made in determining the causes and consequences of the decline of several native coccinellid species in North America especially in regards to their interaction with invasive species.  In Roy et. al. (2016) we worked with a large international team to investigate and report on the biology of the coccinellid species that has risen to unprecedented global dominance, Harmonia axyridis.  Drilling down into a specific aspect of H. axyridis biology, we reported on the susceptibility of this species to parasites (Halewaters et al. 2016).  This research has important implications as any factor leading to a decline for the dominant species could cause a substantial decrease in pest suppression.  In Dienbrock et al. (2016), we examine specific impacts of introduced coccinellids on native species.  Finally, in Ditommaso et al. (2016) we go beyond documenting composition shifts and investigation of causes to present a broad management strategy for weeds that could greatly facilitate the services insects provide including biological control. OUTCOMES Based primarily on data from the Lost Ladybug Project, the North American native coccinellid species, Coccinella novemnotata was listed as endangered at a national scale in Canada and we consulted directly on the development of a conservation plan for the Province of Ontario.  As the invasive coccinellid, Harmonia axyridis continues to increase its density and dominance and susceptibility to parasites has been demonstrated, conservation of other species is vital if we do not want a gap in biological control services placing food production at risk.  This is a global issue for biological control with potentially profound implications for our region.  To organize at a larger scale, I submitted a proposal to the IUCN to form a specialist group to evaluate native coccinellid species and to coordinate conservation efforts. Objective 3.  To examine the effects of exotic species on ecosystem function and conserve existing natural enemies (Ann Hajek, Cornell University) The Hajek laboratory has been studying how the invasive Eurasian woodwasp, Sirex noctilio and its associated fungal symbionts and parasitic nematodes are impacting native siricid communities. We found that when it occurs in the same trees as the native wood boring beetle Serropalpus substriatus, the parasitic nematodes thought to have been introduced with S. noctilio were parasitizing this native beetle, but at very low levels. Parasitism levels were too low to evaluate potential impacts on the biology and ecology of this beetle. To further evaluate the potential for non-target impacts of this S. noctilio-parasitic nematode (Deladenus siricidicola, non-sterilizing strain), studies were conducted to demonstrate that it would use the same fungus (when in its mycophagous phase) as the strain of D. siricidicola sold for biological control (Kamona). We think this indicates that non-targets also associated with these fungi would have the greatest chance for contacting this nematode.  We also tested whether the gypsy moth fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga would have the side-effect of infecting nun moth (Lymantria monacha) larvae in Europe. If there was infection in this non-target, this could provide control of a pest both in Europe and if this species invaded North America. With optimal conditions during laboratory and field studies, we found minimal levels of infection. Objective 4.  To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents (Ann Hajek, Cornell University) The Hajek laboratory conducted trials with microsclerotia of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum F52, against adults of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis. We found that 3 carriers that could be used to formulate this fungus did not change the impact of the fungus. When microsclerotia were formulated with hydromulch and a sticker and applied to forest trees, we found that 4 weeks were required before conidial production peaked. Periods with greater rainfall had greater conidial production and infection of Asian longhorned beetles. We also studied whether mating and aging impacted susceptibility of Asian longhorned beetle adults to M. brunneum. There was increased susceptibility of mature male beetles that were mated versus unmated (compared with young or old). Young unmated male beetles were more susceptible than mature or unmated old beetles. Basically, we did not see a strong pattern of immunosenescence that we had predicted for these beetles with long-lived adults. Joanna Fisher also investigated the impacts of imidacloprid and starvation on immune responses to M. brunneum in Asian longhorned beetle adults. There was synergy between the fungus and pesticide that was not completely due to starvation, as the immune response was depressed when beetles were treated with imidacloprid but not when they were starved.   The Sirex-parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola Kamona strain, sold for biological control, was tested in experimental trials against Sirex noctilio in northeastern North America. Goal 3 (Classical Biological Control) Objective 5. To catalogue of pathogens and nematodes introduced for classical biological control around the world (Ann Hajek, Cornell Univ.) A catalogue of pathogens and nematodes introduced for classical biological control around the world was updated and republished. With a group of authors from many countries summarized current knowledge about the environmental safety of classical biological control, both synthesizing the past literature and discussing the present practices that ensure environmental safety of this practice. Objective 6.  Impact assessment of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech and Joe Elkinton, Univ. Massachussetts) Relevance:  Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) is a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). We are currently trying to control HWA through several different methods including through the use of predators such as L. nigrinus. Releases of this predator began in 2003, now since over a decade has passed since these initial releases, it has allowed for sufficient time for Ln to establish at these field sites and to assess their efficacy as a predator. Response:  We set up nine field sites in six different states, from far north as New Jersey and as far south as Georgia.  This spans plant hardiness zones 6a – 7a. The field sites were chosen based on high densities of HWA, recovery of Ln, and Ln releases at least four years prior to the start of the study.  Exclusion cages studies were set up to assess the impact Ln was having on sistens and their progrediens eggs. Emerging Results 2014-2016: This is the first large scale effort carried out to assess the potential efficacy of L. nigrinus on HWA populations. After two years, we have shown that there is significant disturbance to HWA ovisacs, containing adults and eggs on branches exposed to predators compared to branches where cages excluded the predators. At some sites the impact was > 80 %, at others it was significant but at a lower level, and at a few there was no impact.  There was also a relationship between presence of L. nigrinus collected off of the branches and disruption of ovisacs which equates with HWA mortality.  This is the first large-scale effort to quantify the impact of this predator on the winter generation of HWA.  Work will continue for the next 2 years to try to quantify the impact on a 2nd spring/summer generation of HWA. Objective 7.  Release and colonization of Laricobius osakensis, a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid     (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech.) In 2010, following four years in quarantine, USDA, APHIS PPQ found that Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a biological control agent for the hemlock woolly adelgid, was not a significant risk to the environment, and was removed from quarantine.  After rearing at Virginia Tech lead to the production of a sufficient number of adults, release of the northern strain began in 2012.  Rearing of the southern strain at the University of Tennessee lead to its release beginning in 2013.   By 2015, a total of 9,528 northern strain adult beetles were released at 12 locations (mostly VA, but also in WV, MD, PA, and OH) and 1,973 southern strain adult beetles have been released at three locations (all in TN).  Additionally, eggs/larvae were released at a few locations during the spring of 2013 and 2014. The 2015- 2016 field season yielded 5 adult recoveries, 4 from Hungry Mother State Park, and 1 from the Cherokee National Forest in TN. Spring larval collections yielded 88 larvae from several sites. After running a genetic analysis on the larvae recovered, it was found that 14 were L. osakensis, 22 were L. nigrinus, 41 were L. rubidus, and 11 were undetermined.  That means a total of 19 L. osakensis were collected in the 2015-2016 field season. Such low recovery numbers can be attributed to the extremely low winter temperatures in the January 2014 and February 2015, which resulted in a decrease in adelgid density. Low adelgid numbers make it difficult for L. osakensis to colonize, and resulted in low recovery numbers. It is expected that as the winter temperatures become closer to the long-term average, the HWA numbers will rebound, and as a result the numbers of L. osakensis recovered will increase. Also, some of the 2015. Objective 8.  Biological studies and evaluation of Scymnus coniferarum, a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid from western North America (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech.) A small, native lady beetle, Scymnus (Pullus) coniferarum, (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) that was found on hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in the western United States is known to prey on adelgids on pine and hemlock, but no other insect groups.  In the 125 years since the discovery of S. coniferarum in the western United States, there have been no reports of it causing harmful effects to plants, animals or humans, other than adelgids. Currently, no predators of consequence are effectively impacting the HWA progrediens generation.  The presence of S. coniferarum in the spring when progrediens are present motivated a group of researchers to pursue further study of this insect.  Subsequently, an Environmental Assessment was submitted to USDA, APHIS to consider issuing permits for interstate movement of this insect and provide a “Categorical Exclusion” to allow for its release in eastern U.S. states impacted by hemlock woolly adelgid.  Without adequate knowledge of this insect in its native habitat, we studied the life history of S. coniferarum and associated adelgid prey species in the western U.S.  To relate seasonal abundance of S. coniferarum and HWA and other adelgid species, we sampled six sites near Tacoma, WA twice monthly, for one full year (Oct 2015 – Nov 2016).  These sites were a mixture of pure hemlock stands, pure conifer stands (most commonly including shore pine, Douglas-fir, and western white pine), and mixed stands of hemlock and other native conifers.  In beat sheet sampling, S. coniferarum was collected from all P. contorta and P. monticola host trees. These results indicate that S. coniferarum is likely a predator of P. pini, P. strobi, and A. tsugae in the western United States. In the sampling that has occurred between October 24, 2015 and November 20, 2016, a total of 215 adult S. coniferarum were recovered.  119 S. coniferarum were collected from P. contorta, 54 from P. monticola, 42 from T. heterophylla and 0 S. coniferarum were collected from P. menziesii.  It seems that S. coniferarum feeds on multiple adelgid species throughout the year within its native range. High densities of adult S. coniferarum beetles were collected on adelgid-infested P. contorta and P. monticola between February and April 2016, and again in July and August. S. coniferarum were found feeding on adults and eggs of Pineus pini on P. contorta, and Pineus strobi on P. monticola for the first time in the western U.S.  These conifer sample trees are often nearby western hemlock stands, which suggests S. coniferarum feeds on a number of adelgid species for optimal fitness. Due to the behavior of these phylogenetically similar species, and because A. tsugae aestivates from June-October in the Pacific Northwest and southwest Virginia, we believe that S. coniferarum feeds on multiple adelgid species throughout the year within its native range. Objective 9. To develop a biological control program for exotic Phragmites australis (R. Casagrande, L. Tewksbury, URI; B. Blossey, Cornell Univ.): We have conducted additional host specificity testing at CABI Switzerland and assessed suitability of two biocontrol agents to survive under southern climates (Gulf Coast Region).  We have roughed-out a release petition for releasing two potential biological control agents against P. australis in the USA. The completion of this permit awaits confirmation of favorable preliminary results with Type I (Gulf Coast) plants and the resolution of the regulatory bottleneck in weed biocontrol. We conducted experiments in quarantine with host preferences of Type I and exotic P. australis and experimented with rearing techniques.   Objective 10. To develop a biological control program for swallowworts in North America (R. Casagrande, L. Tewksbury URI) We continued to provide specimens and expertise to colleagues in Canada and at Cornell University for rearing and release (in Canada). A total of 491 Hypena opulenta were sent to Lindsey Milbrath at Cornell and 438 to Rob Bourchier in Canada.  In preparation for eventual release in the USA, we reared 4 generations of H. opulenta in our quarantine laboratory while experimenting with optimizing rearing conditions.  Objective 11. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) (B. Blossey, Cornell University) No longer an active objective since garlic mustard is not the driver in ecosystem deterioration.  Deer are. Objective 12. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth (J. Elkinton, UMASS)             No report submitted Additional projects at URI (L. Tewksbury, R. Casagrande). We released over 2,000 Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils for mile-a-minute control in 7 new sites in RI in 2016.  We released 1,750 Larinus obtusus for control of black knapweed at 3 sites in RI.  All of these sites are monitored to evaluate the efficacy of the biocontrol agents.  We continued to monitor the establishment and spread of lily leaf beetle parasitoids.  We conducted preliminary experiments with Lilioceris cheni, the agent released against air potato in Florida to determine the possible impact of parasitoids released against L. lilii in the Northeast.  Preliminary tests with Tetrastichus setifer showed no attack of L. cheni, but this needs to be repeated with larger sample sizes.  We also collaborate with Joe Elkinton from the University of Massachusetts to release and monitor the establishment of Cyzenis albicans, the biocontrol agent for winter moth. We also maintain a URI biological control website to provide information on our classical biological control projects, and R. Casagrande and L. Tewksbury give many presentations in RI and in the Northeast about classical biological control. Goal 4 (Evaluation and Education) Objective 13. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs (J. Losey, Cornell University) OUTPUTS Educational outreach includes our successful Lost Ladybug Project citizen science program, the public can gather information and participate via our project website (www.lostladybug.org), Facebook page activities, and other social media.  The public also receives notices and information surrounding educational offerings through public events and programming with school, youth and community groups. A wide range of individuals have been trained and are developing their skills through participation in Lost Ladybug Project web-based outreach: undergraduate students, extension and teaching specialists, 4H youth educators, parents, classroom teachers, environmental educators, graduate students, and faculty members. OUTCOMES Our successful citizen science program has reached a total of over 1,350,00 (up from 1,200,000 in 2015, 1,000,000 in 2014, 700,000 in 2013 and 400,000 in 2012) people through our project website (www.lostladybug.org), Facebook page activities, and other social media; an estimated total of 65,000 (up from 58,000 in 2015, 50,000 in 2014, 40,000 in 2013 and 25,000 in 2012) people have participated in programs and event activities of the project; and over 13,200 (up from 12,500 in 2015, 11,500 in 2014,10,000 in 2013 and 8,000 in 2012) total people have submitted ladybug images, as individuals or in families or other groups. Over 38,000 (up from 34,000 in 2015, 27,000 in 2014, and 22,000 in 2013) images of ladybugs have been submitted to the Lost Ladybug database by citizen scientists from every state. Participation also includes email questions and requests for materials, Lost Ladybug Project Facebook “Likes” at 8,660 (up from 8,078 in 2015, 7,800 in 2014 and 6,700 in 2013, and 1,000 in 2012) and Facebook conversation/question activity.  Because this is a public project with free materials on the internet, some people and organizations interact with us while others use our materials but have little or no contact. In 2016, several targeted Facebook notices were used for public education and to invite LLP participation in new initiatives. The largest post:  23,410 people were reached, 122 people responded electronically, 66 people wrote comments and questions, 160 people messages for more information, and 295 people shared the post with others.

Publications

Bittner, T., Hajek, A.E., Liebherr, J.K. 2016. Associations among Serropalpus substriatus (Coleoptera: Melandryidae) and Sirex (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) communities. Grt. Lks. Entomol. 49 (1-2): 19-26 (plus cover). Bittner, T.D., Hajek, A.E., Liebherr, J.K. 2016. Associations among Serropalpus substriatus (Coleoptera: Melandryidae) and Sirex (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) communities. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2016-09: 49. Blossey, B., 2016a. The future of biological control: a proposal for fundamental reform In: Van Driesche, R., Simberloff, D., Blossey, B., Causton, C., Hoddle, M., Marks, C., Heinz, K., Wagner, D., Wagner, K., Eds.), Integrating Biological Control into Conservation Practice. Wiley, Chichester, UK,  pp. 314-328. Blossey, B., 2016b. Measuring and evaluating ecological outcomes of biological control introductions. In: Van Driesche, R., Simberloff, D., Blossey, B., Causton, C., Hoddle, M., Marks, C., Heinz, K., Wagner, D., Wagner, K., Eds.), Integrating Biological Control into Conservation Practice. Wiley, Chichester, UK,  pp. 161-188. Blossey, B., Casagrande, R., 2016a. Biological control of invasive Phragmites may safeguard native Phragmites and increase wetland conservation values. Biological Invasions 18, 2753-2755. Blossey, B., Casagrande, R.A., 2016b. Response to Bhattarai et al.: Trait differences between native and introduced genotypes results in subspecies level specificity in select Phragmites herbivores. Biological Invasions 18, 2759-2760. Blossey, B., Randall, C.B., Schwarzländer, M., 2016. Biology and Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife, 2nd edition. USDA, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, FHTET-2015-3, Morgantown, WV. Caetano, I.A.L., Morris, E.E., Hajek, A.E. 2016. Growth of the Sirex-parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola on the white rot fungus Amylostereum. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 134: 12-14. Darr, M. N., T. J. McAvoy, C. C. Brewster, and S. M. Salom.  2016.  Field-Cage evaluation of survival, reproduction, and feeding behavior of adult Scymnus coniferarum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predator of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae).  Environ. Entomol. 45(6): 1527-1535. Diepenbrock, L. M., Fothergill, K., Tindall, K. V., Losey, J. E., Smyth, R. R., & Finke, D. L. (2016). The Influence of Exotic Lady Beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Establishment on the Species Composition of the Native Lady Beetle Community in Missouri. Environmental Entomology. 45:855-864. DiTommaso, A., Averill, K., Hoffmann, M., Fuchsberg, J. and Losey, J.  (2016). Integrating insect, resistance, and floral resource management in weed control decision-making. Weed Science 64:743-756. Fisher, J.J., Hajek, A.E. 2016. The role of starvation on the synergy between a fungal pathogen and a pesticide. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2016-09: 55.  Fisher, J.J., Hajek, A.E. 2016. Influence of mating and age on susceptibility of Asian longhorned beetle to a fungal pathogen. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 136: 142-148. Goble, T.A., Gardescu, S., Jackson, M.A., Hajek, A.E. 2016. Evaluating different carriers of Metarhizium brunneum F52 microsclerotia for control of adult Asian longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Biocontr. Sci. Technol. 26: 1212-1229. Goble, T.A., Gardescu, S., Jackson, M.A., Fisher, J.J., Hajek, A.E. 2016. Conidial production, persistence, and pathogenicity of hydromulch formulations of Metarhizium brunneum F52 microsclerotia under forest conditions. Biol. Control 95: 83-93. Goble, T.A., Hajek, A.E., Gardescu, S., Jackson, M. 2016. Metarhizium F52 microsclerotia applied in hydromulch to control Asian longhorned beetles. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2016-09: 57. Haelewaters, D., Zhao, S.Y., Clusella-Trullas, S., Cottrell, T.E., De Kesel, A., Fiedler, L., Herz, A., Hesketh, H., Hui, C., Kleespies, R.G. and Losey, J.E., 2016. Parasites of Harmonia axyridis: current research and perspectives. BioControl.  1:1-17. HE Roy, PMJ Brown, T Adriaens, N Berkvens, I Borges, S Clusella-Trullas, RF Comont, P De Clercq, R Eschen, A Estoup, EW Evans, B Facon, MM Gardiner, A Gil, AA Grez, T Guillemaud, D Haelewaters, A Herz, A Honek, AG Howe, C Hui, WD Hutchison, M Kenis, RL Koch, J Kulfan, LL Handley, E Lombaert, A Loomans, J Losey, AO Lukashuk, DMaes, A Magro, KM Murray, G San Martin, Z Martinkova, IA Minnaar, O Nedved, MJ Orlova-Bienkowskaja, N Osawa, W Rabitsch, HP Ravn, G Rondoni, SL Rorke, SK Ryndevich, M Saethre, JJ Sloggett, AO Soares, R Stals, MC Tinsley, A Vandereycken, P van Wielink, S Viglá&scaron;ová, P Zach, IA Zakharov, T Zaviezo, Z Zhao.  (2016).  The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis: global perspectives on invasion history and ecology.  Biological Invasions (2016) 18: 997. doi:10.1007/s10530-016-1077-6. Hajek, A.E., Hurley, B.P., Kenis, M., Garnas, J.R., Bush, S.J., Wingfield, M.J., van Lenteren, J.C., Cock, M.J.W. 2016. Exotic biological control agents: a solution or contribution to arthropod invasions? Biol. Invasions 18: 953-969. Hajek, A.E., Hurley, B.P., Kenis, M., Garnas, J.R., Bush, S.J., Wingfield, M.J., van Lenteren, J.C., Cock, M.J.W. 2016. Challenges facing biological control of invasive arthropods. USDA Forest Service, FHTET-2016-09: 39-40. Hajek, A.E., Gardescu, S., Delalibera Jr., I. 2016. Classical Biological Control of Insects and Mites: A Worldwide Catalogue of Pathogen and Nematode Introductions. USDA Forest Service. FHTET-2016-06, 57 pp. [Catalogue] <a href="https://blogs.cornell.edu/hajek/files/2013/08/BiocontrolCatalog081516-DC-bookmarked-1m0vxoh.pdf">https://blogs.cornell.edu/hajek/files/2013/08/BiocontrolCatalog081516-DC-bookmarked-1m0vxoh.pdf</a> Mooneyham, Katlin L., Scott M. Salom, and Loke T. Kok. 2016.   Release and colonization of Laricobius osakensis (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae.  Northeastern Naturalist.  23: 141-150. Pilarska, D., Hajek, A.E., Keena, M., Linde, A., Kereselidze, M., Georgiev, G., Georgieva, M., Mirchev, P., Takov, D., Draganova, S. 2016. Susceptibility of larvae of nun moth, Lymantria monacha (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera), to the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu and Soper (Entomophthorales) under laboratory and field conditions. Acta Zool. Bulg. 68: 117-126. Van Driesche, R., Simberloff, D., Blossey, B., Causton, C., Hoddle, M., Wagner, D., Marks, C., Heinz, K., Warner, K. Eds.), 2016. Integrating Biological Control into Conservation Practice. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

Impact Statements

Our online program provides the tools for other educators and researchers to participate and to hone and expand their skills. On our website, participants are assisted through email communication and posted content to increase their information and skills for the project. On the Lost Ladybug Project Facebook page we provide informative posts and answer questions from participants to increase proficiency in everything from specific project skills through understanding biodiversity and rare species information.

Date of Annual Report: 03/19/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/18/2018 - 03/18/2018
Period the Report Covers: 03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018

Participants

1. Lisa Tewksbury, URI
2. Joe Elkinton, U. Mass. Amherst
3. Ann Hajek, Cornell Univ.
4. Ellen Lake, USDA-ARS, Fort Lauderdale, FL
5. Juli Gould, USDA - APHIS
6. Robert Nowierski, USDA-CSREES-PAS
7. Scott Salom, Virginia Tech.
8. Moses T. Kairo, University of Maryland E. Shore
9. Mauri Hickin, USDA-APHIS
10. Art Agnello, Cornell Univ. – NYSAES
11. Hannah Broadley, U. Mass. Amherst
12. Theresa Murphy, USDA-APHIS

Brief Summary of Minutes

Attached as PDF.

Minutes Attachment:

NE1332_2018 Annual_Report_02.18.2019.pdf

Accomplishments

Goal 1 (Conservation of existing natural enemies) No reports for this goal included.   Goal 2 (Augmentation programs) Objective 1. To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents and educate the public about their role in pest management. (Mark Mayer, NJ Dept of Agriculture; M. Hoffmann, Cornell University) Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory (PABIL).  A total of 30,700 Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils were shipped to cooperators in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York City, Virginia, and North Carolina under the terms of a USDA/APHIS/PPQ rearing agreement. In addition, 7,700 were purchased by private property owners and 5,500 adults were released on mile-a-minute weed in New Jersey to augment existing populations. Mexican bean beetle populations were low but there were some problems on organic farms and in community gardens.  A total of 226,500 Pediobius foveolatus adults were released during the 2016 field season in soybean fields, in community gardens and on organic farms.  There were some rearing issues with the Mexican bean beetle colony due to pesticide-contaminated seed that was used early on to rear them.  The first instar larvae dropped off the plants and did not survive.  Once this was discovered, the rearing staff switched to the old seed and there were no further problems although the parasite production was affected. Some P. foveolatus were also provided to out-of-state organic farmers. Surveys for Laricobius nigrinus beetles on hemlock woolly adelgid have shown that they have dispersed 33 miles into Pennsylvania and are throughout the Delaware Water Gap NRA, a length of 34 miles, wherever there are adelgids present. The beetles have been recovered twelve miles into NJ and were recovered in five new sites in 2016. L. nigrinus has been recovered in a total of 193 sites in New Jersey and Northwestern Pennsylvania as of 2016. Overall this season, a total of 6,250 Cybocephalus nipponicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) have been released for control of elongate hemlock scale and 4,700 beetles were released on euonymus scale. A total of 2,875 Peristenus relictus were released in NJ with 3,300 shipped to cooperators.  Additionally, 2,050 Peristenus digoneutis were shipped to cooperators. These parasitoids are parasitic on Lygus sp. PABIL reared and supplied federal and state investigators with Halyomorpha halys adults, nymphs, and egg masses for ongoing laboratory and field studies. Trissolcus japonicus was recovered at two sites in NJ. Objective 1.  Augmentation programs involving repeated rearing and release. (Michael Hoffmann, Cornell University) For a third season of experimentation, there continued to be no discernible difference in fruit damage between vines receiving releases of the parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae and those not receiving releases. This strongly suggests that T. ostriniae will do little to prevent berry moth damage and thus this particular parasitoid does not appear to be a good candidate for berry moth control. Objective 2. To investigate potential new biological control projects for the northeast.             (Michael Hoffmann, Cornell University) Introduction of new natural enemies against invasive pests: Results with T. ostriniae strongly suggest that over a distance of millimeters to centimeters, either sight or random encounter are substantially more important than smell, but that there probably is some small interaction with olfactory cues. This suggests that attempts to manipulate efficacy by manipulating volatiles may not work well, but that suitable target pests may be those that have eggs that are more visually apparent to the parasitoid, either because of size, contrast, odor, or an interaction of the factors. Results from releases in beans and corn suggest that efficacy in corn is greater than that in beans. Additionally, T. ostriniae were sent to a cooperator in Nebraska who determined that there is dispersal in beans but dispersal in beans is not as great as in corn. This implies that for T. ostriniae to be useful for controlling western bean cutworm in beans, higher rates of release will be necessary.  (John Losey, Cornell University) OUTPUTS:  Working in conjunction with the citizen science program, the Lost Ladybug Project (www.lostladybug.org), substantial progress has been made in determining the causes and consequences of the decline of several native coccinellid species in North America especially in regard to their interaction with invasive species.  In Roy et. al. (2016) we worked with a large international team to investigate and report on the biology of the coccinellid species that has risen to unprecedented global dominance, Harmonia axyridis.  Drilling down into a specific aspect of H. axyridis biology, we reported on the susceptibility of this species to parasites (Halewaters et al. 2016).  This research has important implications as any factor leading to a decline for the dominant species could cause a substantial decrease in pest suppression. In Dienbrock et al. (2016), we examined specific impacts of introduced coccinellids on native species. Finally, in DiTommaso et al. (2016) we went beyond documenting composition shifts and investigation of causes to present a broad management strategy for weeds that could greatly facilitate the services insects provide, including biological control. OUTCOMES: Based primarily on data from the Lost Ladybug Project, the North American native coccinellid species, Coccinella novemnotata was listed as endangered at a national scale in Canada and we consulted directly on the development of a conservation plan for the Province of Ontario. As the invasive coccinellid Harmonia axyridis continues to increase its density and dominance and susceptibility to parasites have been demonstrated, conservation of other species is vital if we do not want a gap in biological control services, placing food production at risk.  This is a global issue for biological control with potentially profound implications for our region.  To organize at a larger scale, I submitted a proposal to the IUCN to form a specialist group to evaluate native coccinellid species and to coordinate conservation efforts. Objective 3.  To examine the effects of exotic species on ecosystem function and conserve existing natural enemies (Ann Hajek, Cornell University) The Hajek laboratory has been studying how the invasive Eurasian woodwasp, Sirex noctilio and its associated fungal symbionts and parasitic nematodes are impacting native siricid communities. We found that when it occurs in the same trees as the native wood boring beetle Serropalpus substriatus, the parasitic nematodes thought to have been introduced with S. noctilio were parasitizing this native beetle, but at very low levels. Parasitism levels were too low to evaluate potential impacts on the biology and ecology of this beetle. To further evaluate the potential for non-target impacts of this S. noctilio-parasitic nematode (Deladenus siricidicola, non-sterilizing strain), studies were conducted to demonstrate that it would use the same fungus (when in its mycophagous phase) as the strain of D. siricidicola sold for biological control (Kamona). We think this indicates that non-targets also associated with these fungi would have the greatest chance for contacting this nematode.  We also tested whether the gypsy moth fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga would have the side-effect of infecting nun moth (Lymantria monacha) larvae in Europe. If there was infection in this non-target, this could provide control of a pest both in Europe and if this species invaded North America. With optimal conditions during laboratory and field studies, we found minimal levels of infection. Objective 4.  To release and evaluate augmentative biological control agents (Ann Hajek, Cornell University) The Hajek laboratory conducted trials with microsclerotia of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum F52, against adults of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis. We found that 3 carriers that could be used to formulate this fungus did not change the impact of the fungus. When microsclerotia were formulated with hydromulch and a sticker and applied to forest trees, we found that over time production of infective conidia increased, peaking at 4 weeks. Periods with greater rainfall had greater conidial production and infection of Asian longhorned beetles. We also studied whether mating and aging impacted susceptibility of Asian longhorned beetle adults to M. brunneum. There was increased susceptibility of mature male beetles that were mated versus unmated (compared with young or old). Young unmated male beetles were more susceptible than mature or unmated old beetles. Basically, we did not see a strong pattern of immunosenescence that we had predicted for these beetles with long-lived adults. Joanna Fisher also investigated the impacts of imidacloprid and starvation on immune responses to M. brunneum in Asian longhorned beetle adults. There was synergy between the fungus and pesticide that was not completely due to starvation, as the immune response was depressed when beetles were treated with imidacloprid but not when they were starved.   The Sirex-parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola Kamona strain, sold for biological control, was tested in experimental trials against Sirex noctilio in northeastern North America.   Goal 3 (Classical Biological Control) Objective 5. To catalogue of pathogens and nematodes introduced for classical biological control around the world (Ann Hajek, Cornell Univ.) A catalogue of pathogens and nematodes introduced for classical biological control around the world was updated and republished. With a group of authors from many countries, we summarized current knowledge about the environmental safety of classical biological control (paper in Biol Invasions), both synthesizing the past literature and discussing the present practices that ensure environmental safety of this practice.   Objective 6.  Impact assessment of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech. and Joe Elkinton, Univ. Massachussetts) Relevance:  Laricobius nigrinus (Ln) (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) is a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). We are currently trying to control HWA through several different methods, including through the use of predators such as L. nigrinus. Releases of this predator began in 2003; now, over a decade has passed since these initial releases, and this has allowed sufficient time for Ln to establish at these field sites and for us to assess efficacy of this small beetle as a predator for control of HWA. Response:  We set up nine field sites in six different states, from as far north as New Jersey and as far south as Georgia. This spans plant hardiness zones 6a – 7a. The field sites were chosen based on high densities of HWA, recovery of Ln, and Ln releases at least four years prior to the start of the study.  Exclusion cages studies were set up to assess the impact that Ln was having on sistens and their progrediens eggs. Emerging Results 2014-2016: This is the first large scale effort carried out to assess the potential efficacy of L. nigrinus on HWA populations. After two years, we have shown that there is significant disturbance to HWA ovisacs, containing adults and eggs on branches exposed to predators compared to branches where cages excluded the predators. At some sites the impact was > 80 %, at others it was significant but at a lower level, and at a few there was no impact.  There was also a relationship between presence of L. nigrinus collected off of the branches and disruption of ovisacs which equates with HWA mortality.  This is the first large-scale effort to quantify the impact of this predator on the winter generation of HWA. Work will continue for the next 2 years to try to quantify the impact on a 2nd spring/summer generation of HWA.     Objective 7.  Release and colonization of Laricobius osakensis, a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech.) In 2010, following four years in quarantine, USDA, APHIS PPQ found that Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a biological control agent for the hemlock woolly adelgid, was not a significant risk to the environment, and it was removed from quarantine. After rearing at Virginia Tech led to the production of a sufficient number of adults, release of the northern strain began in 2012. Rearing of the southern strain at the University of Tennessee led to its release beginning in 2013. By 2015, a total of 9,528 northern strain adult beetles were released at 12 locations (mostly VA, but also in WV, MD, PA, and OH) and 1,973 southern strain adult beetles have been released at three locations (all in TN). Additionally, eggs/larvae were released at a few locations during the spring of 2013 and 2014. The 2015-2016 field season yielded 5 adult recoveries, 4 from Hungry Mother State Park, and 1 from the Cherokee National Forest in TN. Spring larval collections yielded 88 larvae from several sites. After running a genetic analysis on the larvae recovered, it was found that 14 were L. osakensis, 22 were L. nigrinus, 41 were L. rubidus, and 11 were undetermined.  That means a total of 19 L. osakensis were collected in the 2015-2016 field season. Such low recovery numbers can be attributed to the extremely low winter temperatures in the January 2014 and February 2015, which resulted in a decrease in adelgid density. Low adelgid numbers make it difficult for L. osakensis to colonize and resulted in low recovery numbers. It is expected that as the winter temperatures become closer to the long-term average, the HWA numbers will rebound, and as a result the numbers of L. osakensis recovered will increase. Objective 8.  Biological studies and evaluation of Scymnus coniferarum, a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid from western North America (Scott Salom, Virginia Tech.) A small, native lady beetle, Scymnus (Pullus) coniferarum, (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) that was found on hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in the western United States is known to prey on adelgids on pine and hemlock, but no other insect groups. In the 125 years since the discovery of S. coniferarum in the western United States, there have been no reports of it causing harmful effects to plants, animals or humans, other than adelgids. Currently, no predators of consequence are effectively impacting the HWA progrediens generation. The presence of S. coniferarum in the spring, when progrediens are present, motivated a group of researchers to pursue further study of this insect.  Subsequently, an Environmental Assessment was submitted to USDA, APHIS to consider issuing permits for interstate movement of this insect and to provide a “Categorical Exclusion” to allow for its release in eastern U.S. states impacted by hemlock woolly adelgid.  Without adequate knowledge of this insect in its native habitat, we studied the life history of S. coniferarum and associated adelgid prey species in the western U.S. To relate seasonal abundance of S. coniferarum and HWA and other adelgid species, we sampled six sites near Tacoma, WA twice monthly, for one full year (Oct 2015 – Nov 2016). These sites were a mixture of pure hemlock stands, pure conifer stands (most commonly including shore pine, Douglas-fir, and western white pine), and mixed stands of hemlock and other native conifers.  In beat sheet sampling, S. coniferarum was collected from all P. contorta and P. monticola host trees. These results indicate that S. coniferarum is likely a predator of adelgids on P. pini, P. strobi, and A. tsugae in the western United States. In the sampling that has occurred between October 24, 2015 and November 20, 2016, a total of 215 adult S. coniferarum were recovered.  119 S. coniferarum were collected from P. contorta, 54 from P. monticola, 42 from T. heterophylla and 0 S. coniferarum were collected from P. menziesii.  It seems that S. coniferarum feeds on multiple adelgid species throughout the year within its native range. High densities of adult S. coniferarum beetles were collected on adelgid-infested P. contorta and P. monticola between February and April 2016, and again in July and August. S. coniferarum were found feeding on adults and eggs of Pineus pini (pine woolly aphid) on P. contorta, and Pineus strobi (pine bark adelgid) on P. monticola for the first time in the western U.S.  These conifer sample trees are often nearby western hemlock stands, which suggests S. coniferarum feeds on a number of adelgid species for optimal fitness. Due to the behavior of these phylogenetically similar species, and because A. tsugae aestivates from June-October in the Pacific Northwest and southwest Virginia, we believe that S. coniferarum feeds on multiple adelgid species throughout the year within its native range. Objective 9. To develop a biological control program for exotic Phragmites australis (B. Blossey, Cornell Univ., L. Tewksbury, URI): Bernd Blossey’s lab conducted vegetation sampling of all long term Phragmites plots.  In 2017 we visited all sites in both May and August/September.  In early May 2017 we were able to find the vast majority of quadrats since markers were either in place and visible, had fallen to the ground (potential frost upheaval) or were obscured by years of tall decomposing materials (see Figs. 1, 5, 8).  We placed existing markers upright, replaced PVC stakes as necessary and flagged quadrats for easier relocation in fall 2017. In September 2017 we collected vegetation data including Phragmites stem density and estimated percent cover, and recorded presence and estimated percent cover of all plant species rooted within each quadrat.  One site, Martens marsh, was accidentally mowed in September 2017 by a DEC contractor.  When the contractor realized the existence of quadrats markers, mowing was stopped saving a few quadrats.  We were able to relocate all quadrats at this location due to the ability to find transects and remaining stakes in the ground, so we re-established this site.  We further discussed with DEC personnel the continued “safety” of the site since they scheduled herbicide treatment for Martens marsh later in fall 2017.  We came to an agreement to allow this research and potential biocontrol agent release at this location and we established a buffer zone to avoid accidental treatment of the site. Native Phragmites is considered increasingly rare in the US, particularly in the East where introduced P. australis is expanding its range locally and regionally.  However, native P. australis americanus seems to hold its own at the sites we monitored. Work at CABI Switzerland focused on maintaining and increasing the captive colony and providing eggs, and for the first time pupae for work at URI.  We mainly reared pupae of the two noctuid moths A. neurica and A. geminipuncta and sent 80 pupae of A. neurica and 60 pupae of A. geminipuncta to URI.  In addition, we shipped 60 pupae (Fig. CD) of A. neurica and 50 pupae of A. geminipuncta to Dr. Robert Bourchier (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge), for analysis of their pheromones (please note that Agri-Foods Canada is independently supporting part of the CABI work program).  Shipping pupae was experimental but was very successful with good survival and establishment rates at URI (see below).  This allows for a different release procedure than previously anticipated.  Release of moths will be easier than release of eggs or early emerging larvae that are rather delicate and would be more elaborate.  We will experiment with different release techniques once we obtain release permits.  In addition, if work by our Canadian counterparts to assess and identify pheromones is successful, it will faciliate later monitoring of insect establishment using pheromone traps.     In addition, by intensifying our care for the larval rearing, we were able to avoid the high mortality observed for A. geminipuncta in 2016 (Fig. 13).  We used the remaining moths that emerged from our larval rearing and that were not sent to North America to produce over 3000 eggs of A. neurica and slightly over 700 eggs of A. geminipuncta.  These eggs are being kept in a wooden shelter at ambient temperatures and will be available for additional work in 2018.   On 14 June 2017 URI received 82 A. neurica pupae and 60 A. geminipuncta pupae from Patrick Haefliger at CABI Switzerland. Survival of pupae during shipments was excellent and emergence for A. neurica was 93.4% and 90% for A. geminipuncta (Table 3).  There was a large difference in sex ration with almost twice as many females emerging for A. neurica while males and females emerged in almost a 1:1 ratio in A. geminipuncta.  Despite identical set-up, we had a much better success in obtaining large quantities of eggs (total and per female) for A. neurica than for A. geminipuncta (Table 3), and we are unable to explain these differences at the present time.  This is even more surprising given that we used similar procedures as is in place at CABI.  We will experiment with different set ups in 2018 varying the number of stems, times between stem changes etc. since total number of eggs obtained per female at CABI is typically >100/female.   We are repeating an overwintering experiment that was conducted using southern US climate conditions to address the potential for these moths to survive under those climate conditions using increased replication.  This will not only allow us to further assess the potential for the moths to colonize areas in the Mississippi Delta (see Task 2.3), but also allow us to make recommendations for the potential of A. neurica and A. geminipuncta to colonize areas in the southern and southeastern US that are currently experiencing rapid P. australis invasions.  Such areas may not be suitable for insect releases, at least not for the two species currently under consideration.    In order to determine if it is possible for Archanara eggs to hatch under Florida conditions and utilize Type I Phragmites in Florida, we set up an egg hatch experiment to compare egg hatch under Florida temperature/photoperiod with egg hatch under Switzerland temperature/photoperiod. On the first of November we set up 100 A. neurica and 100 A. geminipuncta eggs in one growth chamber set to temperature and photoperiod conditions of Fort Pierce, Florida, and 100 of each species were placed in a second growth chamber, set to the conditions of Basel, Switzerland.  The temperature and photoperiod data used to set the two chambers twice each week will be averaged from data taken from The Weather Underground (<a href="http://www.wunderground.com">www.wunderground.com</a>).  We will record egg hatch in the spring.  The remaining eggs are kept under Switzerland conditions.  They will be kept at 4°C until needed for larval rearing in the spring.        Objective 10. To develop a biological control program for swallow-worts in North America (R. Casagrande, L. Tewksbury URI)   We continue to maintain a colony of Hypena opulenta, the biological control agent for invasive swallow-wort species (Vincetoxicum spp.) in the University of Rhode Island containment facility and improve mass rearing techniques. The first U.S. releases of H. opulenta were made in the fall of 2017 in RI and MA. Objective 11. To establish and evaluate biological control agents for garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) (B. Blossey, Cornell University) No longer an active objective since garlic mustard is not the driver in ecosystem deterioration.  Deer are. Objective 12. To establish and evaluate natural enemies of the winter moth (J. Elkinton, UMASS)   Additional projects at URI (L. Tewksbury, R. Casagrande). We released over 5,000 Rhinoncomimus latipes weevils for mile-a-minute control in three new sites in RI in 2017.  We released 2,355 Larinus obtusus for control of black knapweed at five sites in RI. All sites are monitored to evaluate the efficacy of the biocontrol agents. We continued to monitor the establishment and spread of lily leaf beetle parasitoids. We conducted preliminary experiments with Lilioceris cheni, the agent released against air potato in Florida to determine the possible impact of parasitoids released against L. lilii in the Northeast. Preliminary tests with Tetrastichus setifer and Diaparsis jucunda showed no attack of L. cheni, but this needs to be repeated with larger sample sizes. We also collaborate with Joe Elkinton from the University of Massachusetts to release and monitor the establishment of Cyzenis albicans, the biocontrol agent for winter moth. We maintain a URI biological control website to provide information on our classical biological control projects, and R. Casagrande and L. Tewksbury give many presentations in RI and in the Northeast about classical biological control. Goal 4 (Evaluation and Education) Objective 13. To provide web-based information for growers, landscape managers, educators, and students on biological control programs (J. Losey, Cornell University)   OUTPUTS Educational outreach includes our successful Lost Ladybug Project citizen science program, through which the public can gather information and participate via our project website (www.lostladybug.org), Facebook page activities, and other social media. The public also receives notices and information surrounding educational offerings through public events and programming with school, youth and community groups.   A wide range of individuals have been trained and are developing their skills through participation in Lost Ladybug Project web-based outreach: undergraduate students, extension and teaching specialists, 4H youth educators, parents, classroom teachers, environmental educators, graduate students, and faculty members.   OUTCOMES Our successful citizen science program has reached a total of over 1,350,00 (up from cumulative totals of 1,200,000 in 2015, 1,000,000 in 2014, 700,000 in 2013 and 400,000 in 2012) people through our project website (www.lostladybug.org), Facebook page activities, and other social media; an estimated total of 65,000 (up from 58,000 in 2015, 50,000 in 2014, 40,000 in 2013 and 25,000 in 2012) people have participated in programs and event activities of the project; and over 13,200 (up from 12,500 in 2015, 11,500 in 2014,10,000 in 2013 and 8,000 in 2012) total people have submitted ladybug images, as individuals, families, or other groups.   Over 38,000 (up from 34,000 in 2015, 27,000 in 2014, and 22,000 in 2013) images of ladybugs have been submitted to the Lost Ladybug database by citizen scientists from every state. Participation also includes email questions and requests for materials, Lost Ladybug Project Facebook “Likes” at 8,660 (up from 8,078 in 2015, 7,800 in 2014 and 6,700 in 2013, and 1,000 in 2012) and Facebook conversation/question activity. Because this is a public project with free materials on the internet, some people and organizations interact with us while others use our materials but have little or no contact.   In 2016, several targeted Facebook notices were used for public education and to invite LLP participation in new initiatives. The largest post:  23,410 people were reached, 122 people responded electronically, 66 people wrote comments and questions, 160 people wrote messages for more information, and 295 people shared the post with others.

Publications

.  (See list of new publications below) Abram, Paul K., Kim A. Hoelmer, Angelita Acebes-Doria, Heather Andrews, Elizabeth H. Beers, J. Christopher Bergh, Ric Bessin, <a href="https://pennstate.pure.elsevier.com/en/persons/david-biddinger">David Biddinger</a>, Paul Botch, Matthew L. Buffington, Mary L. Cornelius, Elena Costi, Ernest S. Delfosse, Christine Dieckhoff, Rachelyn Dobson, Zachary Donais, Matthew Grieshop, George Hamilton, Tim Haye, Christopher Hedstrom<a href="https://pennstate.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/indigenous-arthropod-natural-enemies-of-the-invasive-brown-marmor"> & 29 others</a>. 2017. Indigenous arthropod natural enemies of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in North America and Europe. Journal of Pest Science. 90(4): 1009-1020. Bittner, T., Hajek, A.E., Haavik, L.J., Allison, J.D., and Nahrung, H. 2017. Multiple introductions of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in northeastern North America based on microsatellite genotypes, and implications for biological control. Biological Invasions 19(5) DOI 10.1007/s10530-016-1365-1. Bittner, T.D., Hajek, A.E., Liebhold, A.S., Thistle, H. 2017. Modification of a pollen trap design to capture airborne conidia of Entomophaga maimaiga and detection by quantitative PCR. Applied & Environmental Microbiology 83: 1-11. Broadley, H.J., E.A. Kelly, J.S. Elkinton, R. Kula, and G.J. Boettner. 2018. Identification and impact of hyperparasitoids and predators affecting Cyzenis albicans (Tachinidae), a recently introduced biological control agent of winter moth (Operophtera brumata L.) in the northeastern U.S.A. Biological Control 121:99-108. Casagrande, R.A., P. Häfliger, H.L. Hinz, L. Tewksbury, and B. Blossey. 2017. Grasses as appropriate targets in weed biocontrol: is the common reed, Phragmites australis, an anomaly? BioControl DOI: 10.1007/s10526-018-9871-y Duan, JJ, LS Bauer, and RG. Van Driesche. 2017. Emerald ash borer biocontrol in ash saplings: the potential for early stage recovery of North American ash trees. Forest Ecology and Management 394:64-72. Duan, J.J, L.S. Bauer, R.G. Van Driesche, and J.R. Gould. 2018. Progress and Challenges of Protecting North American Ash Trees from the Emerald Ash Borer Using Biological Control. Forests. 9(3), 142. doi:10.3390/f9030142. Elkinton, J., G. Boettner. 2017. Winter Moth Biological Control Report 2017. Dept. of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts. Gardescu, S., A.E. Hajek, T.A. Goble and M.A. Jackson. 2017. Metarhizium microsclerotia and hydrogel versus hydromulch: testing fungal formulations against Asian longhorned beetles. Golec, J.R., J.J. Duan and J. Hough-Goldstein. 2017. Influence of Temperature on the Reproductive and Developmental Biology of Ontsira mellipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Implications for Biological Control of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Environmental Entomology 46(4):978-987. Grab, H., B. Danforth, K. Poveda, G.M. Loeb. 2018. Landscape simplification reduces classical biological control and crop yield. Ecological Applications. 28(2):2-8. Hajek, A.E., D.C. Harris, and T.D. Bittner. 2018. Symbiont spillover from invasive to native woodwasps. Microb. Ecol. 75(1):7-9. Hajek, A.E. and J. Eilenberg. 2018. Natural Enemies: An Introduction to Biological Control. 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. Hajek, A.E., L.F. Solter, J.V. Maddox, W.F. Huang, A.S. Estep, G. Krawczyk, D.C. Weber, K.A. Hoelmer, N.D. Sanscrainte, J.J. Becnel. 2017. Nosema maddoxi sp. nov. (Microsporidia, Nosematidae), a widespread pathogen of the green stink bug Chinavia hilaris (Say) and the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål). Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12475 Hudson, W., C. Detweiler, M. Mayer, G. Robbins, A. Lovero and J. Beetle. 2017.      Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionindae) As A Biological Control Agent For Mile-a-minute, Persicaria perfoliata in New Jersey. Annual Report. Kenis, M., B.P. Hurley, A.E. Hajek, M.J.W. Cock. 2017. Classical biological control of insect pests of trees: facts and figures. Biological Invasions. DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1414-4 Mausel, D. L., L. T. Kok, and S. M. Salom.  2017. Numerical response and impact of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) on Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in their native range.  Environ. Entomol.  46: 544-551.  doi:10.1093/ee/nvx078 Murphy, T.C., R.G. Van Driesche, J.R. Gould, and J.S. Elkinton. 2017. Can Spathius galinae attack emerald ash borer larvae feeding in large ash trees? Tewksbury, L., R.A. Casagrande, N. Cappuccino and M. Kenis. 2017. Establishment of parasitoids of the lily leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in North America. Environmental Entomology. 46(2): 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvx049 Williams, D.W., Hajek, A.E. 2017. Biological control of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in the northeastern United States using an exotic parasitic nematode. Biological Control 107: 77–86.  DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2017.01.008

Impact Statements

Our online program provides the tools for other educators and researchers to participate and to hone and expand their skills. On our website, participants are assisted through email communication and posted content to increase their information and skills for the project. On the Lost Ladybug Project Facebook page, we provide informative posts and answer questions from participants to increase proficiency in everything from specific project skills through understanding biodiversity and rare species information.