This presentation, discussing some concepts of ecological based pest management and vegetable entomology research findings, was given by Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at the Alabama Food and Farm Forum, 2010, in Selma, AL (USA). Please acknowledge the author and Alabama Cooperative Extension System when using the data for education and training. The research data is preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. For further information about this or other slideshows contact Dr. A at 251-331-8416.

1. AL FOOD & FARM FORUM Sustainable Insect Pest Management Speaker: Dr. Ayanava Majumdar (Dr. A) Extension Entomologist, State SARE Coordinator Gulf Coast Research & Extension Center 8300 State Hwy 104, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 Cell phone: 251-331-8416 Email: bugdoctor@auburn.edu

2. Presentation Layout Extension IPM resources for farmers (IPM-CORE project) Ecological Based Pest Management (EBPM) concepts USDA Crop Pest Management Practice Standard Insect pest detection and monitoring program Sustainable management of critical pests Nethouse vegetable production

3. MAJOR VEGETABLE PESTS 2010

4. IPM-CORE PROJECT: Integrate Modern & Traditional Communication Channels To Benefit Producers CHECK OUT IPM Kiosk & Display, take handouts, newsletter signup & more AT HOME CHECK OUT THE AL Vegetable IPM website & Facebook links

5. THE IPM COMMUNICATOR (FREE electronic newsletter) 22 contributing authors 400+ subscribers 18 Weekly Issues (2010) SIGNUP AT THE EXHIBIT TODAY!

6. Join ‘Alabama Vegetable IPM’ on Facebook

7. Organic Approved Insecticides

8. Ecological Based Pest Management From Altieri, Nicholls, and Fritz (2005): Manage Insects on Your Farm (SARE) Ecologically Based Pest Management System or EBPM incorporates the broad knowledge of the agro-ecosystem to choose pest management tactics that are timely, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Goal of EBPM: Maintain Healthy Plants From Root to Foliage ‘Pillars’ of EBPM: Crop DiversityReduce Tillage RotationsMaintain Soil Cover Cover CropsAdd Organic Matter Plant BreedingNutrient Management

9. USDA Crop Pest Management Practice Standard (NOP) Level 1: Systems-based practices (cultural practices, sanitation, mulching, crop rotation) Level 2: Mechanical and physical practices (barriers, lures/traps, repellents, hand-picking) Level 3: Biorational & other material (OMRI approved insecticides)

10. Starting point for EBPM… Insect Detection/Identification: Use modern insect detection/scouting tools INSECT PHEROMONE TRAPS Trap Catch = Pest Density X Pest Activity Insect Monitoring Project in Alabama, 2009-2010 Average trap catches in slideshow (June-Sept.) Stink bug trap Sticky wing trap Corn rootworm trap

12. Detect low insect populations

13. Insect ID not needed

14. Nontoxic, no residue on food

15. Season long monitoring , reusable

17. No information about actual crop injury

18. Scouting is still needed

20. The numbers in slides indicate trap catches from one of more counties within a region. Only the highest AVERAGE trap catches are reported herein for comparison of pest pressures. Trap catch numbers may not be applicable per se to your farm!

21. Summary of Insect Trap Catches

22. What is it? Several outbreaks of these insects occurred in AL, 2009 & 2010 First seen in pastures Part of the midseason caterpillar complex Control: Grow early crop, control weeds (pigweed, amaranth), spinosad, Bt & Spod-X

23. Beet armyworm (Outbreak!) 2010 2009 13 moths/trap 10 moths/trap 11 moths/trap 21 moths/trap 46 moths/trap 53 moths/trap 53 moths/trap 55moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

24. Fall armyworm (outbreak!) 2010 2009 18 moths/trap 20moths/trap 26 moths/trap 29 moths/trap 5 moths/trap 14 moths/trap 37 moths/trap 36 moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

25. What is it? Numerous host plants Body color depends on food International pest status Part of mid-season caterpillar complex Control: Grow early crop, use Bt and virus formulations, spinosad Microspines below the big hair

26. Tomato fruitworm/Corn earworm 2010 2009 6 moths/trap 10 moths/trap 1 moths/trap 25 moths/trap 2 moths/trap 6 moths/trap 21 moths/trap 11 moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

27. What is it? Emerging concern for diversified farms Northward migration of moth Mixed moth population with fruitworm Appears more fuzzy than fruitworm Resistant to pyrethroids Spinosad and Bt for control Microspines numerous

28. Tobacco budworm (spreading north!) 2010 2009 5 moths/trap 2 moths/trap 3 moths/trap 7 moths/trap 6 moths/trap 3 moths/trap 8 moths/trap 3 moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

29. What is it? Severe outbreaks reported in 2010 Larvae live in silken tunnels/tubes Worse in south AL, sandy soils Threatens corn, beans and peas + peanuts Control by crop rotation, varieties

30. Lesser cornstalk borer (outbreak!) 2010 2009 27 moths/trap NA 90 moths/trap 142 moths/trap 140 moths/trap 119 moths/trap 90 moths/trap 143 moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

31. What is it? Body of larva narrow in front, broad at the end No microspines, less hairy than other loopers Prefers crucifer vegetables, but will feed on summer vegetables Late season buildup is most damaging to crops Often large fecal pellets seen sticking to the leaves Trichogramma parasitoid effective natural enemy Bt is an effective alternative insecticide

32. Cabbage looper 2010 2009 6 moths/trap 5moths/trap 4 moths/trap 3 moths/trap 5 moths/trap 10 moths/trap 13 moths/trap 9 moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

33. What is it? Caterpillar has black forelegs (not in cabbage looper) Spots on body, fuzzy caterpillar in early stages

34. Soybean looper 2010 2009 3 moths/trap 14 moths/trap 6 moths/trap 2 moths/trap 4 moths/trap 6 moths/trap 6 moths/trap 15 moths/trap Traps placed near vegetable fields

35. What is it? Prefer cucumber, squash, gourd. Larvae overwinter in soil. Females lay 150-200 eggs singly. Moths are clear-winged with bright red abdomen. Row covers & field sanitation are best management tactics. Azadirachtin, diatomaceous earth…

36. Squash vine borer (outbreak!) 2010 2009 19 moths/trap NA 6 moths/trap NA 14 moths/trap NA 20 moths/trap NA Traps placed near vegetable fields

38. APTIV, Inc. (OR)Stop by the IPM display for a detailed supplier list!

39. Nethouse Vegetable Production (A Preliminary Report on Successes and Challenges) Photos: Mike Powell, Polyproductosde Guatemala

40. First Nethouse in Alabama (2010) Location: Baldwin County, AL Dimensions: 150 ft long, 48 ft wide, 17 ft high center, 12 ft high sides Entrance: Double door Fabric mesh 30-50 as insect barrier. Mesh size depends on target insect & cost. Height provides air movement, fans can also be installed

41. Soil preparation with conventional equipment before sealing the structure Nethouse, 2010

42. Temperature and Humidity Challenge* *Year 2010 was an unusually dry and hot year in Alabama which affected plant growth and increased disease pressure under the insect nethouse.

43. Bell peppers were grown with success (Year 1 Research) 40% black shade cloth for cooling down the interior

45. Armyworm caterpillars (<0.2 larvae/plant) & few stink bugs were removed manually.

47. Disease Issues in Nethouse (2010) Heat stress and diseases like blight & wilt were observes on tomatoes. Total exclusion of beneficials & pollinators is also a concern. Overall, the nethouse technology can provide major relief from insect pests and reduce dependence on insecticides. However, disease management is very essential.