IPMnet NEWS August 2003, Issue no. 116 ISSN: 1523-7893 Š Copyright 2005 IPM NEWS --- international IPM news and programs E. Africa Aims for Biopesticide Harmonization Pesticide registration officers from five east African nations met recently in an effort to begin a process of harmonizing biopesticide registration requirements across the region and even beyond. Representatives from DJIBOUTI, ETHIOPIA, KENYA, TANZANIA, and UGANDA gathered in Arusha, TANZANIA, to participate in a workshop and mock review of a biopesticide, an exercise designed to highlight the variations in how such a product would be treated according to differing national guidelines. The group, whose ultimate goal is to develop guidelines that can be uniformly adopted throughout the region, committed itself to revising and unifying guidelines by September 2003. After review and revision, a single document will be presented for consideration by all member countries of the Southern and Eastern African Committee on Harmonization, a non-governmental organization comprising government regulators from countries spanning South Africa and Madagascar to Ethiopia. Adoption of a uniform policy would help eliminate unnecessary barriers to registration of natural, environmentally friendly plant protection products, as well as enlarge and stabilize market potential, according to a press release from one of the workshop's sponsors. *> M.S. Rich, MRich@vt.edu. excerpted with thanks from the Afrik-IPM Listserv site, Afrik-IPM@listserv.vt.edu . EC Backs Crop Co-existence The European Commission (EC) recently published guidelines to help EC member states develop practical, workable strategies and best practices to ensure that genetically modified (GM) crops can successfully co-exist alongside conventional and organic crops. The guidelines state the general principles, plus technical and procedural aspects, to be taken into account, and provide a list of possible actions that could be tailored for implementation at national, regional, or local levels. A press release (IP/03/1096) announcing the guidelines was
dated 23 July 2003 and can be found at (multi-line address) europa.eu.int.rapid An EC official stated that, "We want to ensure that farmers are able to cultivate the types of agricultural crops they choose be it GM crops, conventional, or organic crops. This is why we need measures to ensure their coexistence. The recommendations are based on the latest available research results, and provide a sound basis on which member states should build their approaches." The guidelines list a variety of measures that could be taken including: on-farm procedures including isolation distances, buffer zones, and pollen barriers (such as hedgerows); cooperation between neighboring farms (e.g., sharing information about sowing plans; use of crop varieties with staggered flowering times); providing training and advisory services for farmers; establishing monitoring and notification schemes; and, encouraging active information exchange efforts. thanks to Agnet July 24/03-II for information. GLOBAL IPM: BITS AND PIECES The Council of Australian Weed Science Societies and partners have endorsed formation of a physical weed control methods working group in AUSTRALIA to develop, apply, and promote strategies such asvarious tillage regimes, barriers, mulching, competition, and flaming. *> A. Bishop, Andrew.Bishop@dpiwe.tas.gov.au. Comparing maize grown in wheat straw mulch to maize growing over bare soil, researchers found: significantly lower Dalbulusmaidis (corn leafhopper) populations for up to a month following emergence; lower incidence of corn stunt disease; and, 25 percent higher yields. *> C.G. Summers, CGSummers@ucdavis.edu. Authors of a new pest management text present ample evidence that acarine biocontrol agents could be beneficially incorporated into IPM programs. *> U. Gerson, Gerson@agri.huji.ac.il. The U.S. Agency for International Development-funded IPM Collaborative Research Support Program, managed and led by Virginia Tech. (U.S.), recently received US.4 million for an 11th year of global activity. *> E.A. Heinrichs, IPM-dir@vt.edu . back to top IPM MEDLEY --- publications and other IPM information resources PUBLICATIONS PERUSED (4 in this issue) INSECTS AND TROPICAL FRUIT Insects, both harmful and beneficial, play a large role in the global production of tropical fruit. To address the interplay of the two groups and emphasize the role and increasing importance of IPM techniques in successfully managing pest insect populations, J.E. Pena and co-editors aggregated material from 28 international authorities to yield a timely new text, TROPICAL FRUIT PESTS AND POLLINATORS Biology, Economic Importance, Natural Enemies and Control. The hardbound volume's content is arranged in 13 chapters by crop or crop group and focuses on all critical aspects of the topic including the variety of management strategies deployed. The 2002 work includes a 16-page section of 90+ close-up color photos (but no other illustrations) in its 437 pages. *> CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE, UK. CABI@cabi.org . Fax: 44-0-1491-833508. Phone: 44-0-1491-832111. Web: www.cabi RESISTING NEMATODES' DAMAGE
An informally published 1990 manual (Host Resistance Committee of the Society of Nematologists) has been significantly expanded and augmented by a 2002 text, PLANT RESISTANCE TO PARASITIC NEMATODES, that describes methods for evaluating the resistance, and tolerance of, plant cultivars to the most devastating parasitic nematode species including cyst, root-knot, and reniform. Editors J.L. Starr, et al, and an international legion of contributing authors, discuss the concepts, needs for, and consequences of resistance, all with an eye to practical application. The 268-page, hardbound work includes 10 color plates and other illustrations across 13 nematologically organized chapters. The goal of the publication, notes Dr. Starr, "is to stimulate increased activity in the identification, characterization, development and employment of resistance to important nematode species." *> CABI Publishing (contact particulars as above). ORCHARD PESTS PROFILED A new, handy set of TREE FRUIT PEST IDENTIFICATION AND MONITORING CARDS is a "take-it-to-the-orchard" reference for doing just what the title says. The full-color, laminated 32-card pack covers pest insects, and mites, as well as several important diseases. While based on deciduous tree fruit and nut crops in California, the information presented by authors C. Pickel, et al can have far wider use. Each pest is identified by a description and close-up photos of important life stages. The peer reviewed information is applicable for both growing and dormant seasons. Management data is not included, but references to the relevant management and control documents stressing IPMare. Each 13 x 8.9 cm. (5.25 x 3.5 in.) card is printed on both sides. The pack was published in 2003 as ANR Pub. #3426. *> ANR, Communication Svcs., Univ. of California, 6701 San Pablo Ave., 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94608-1239,USA. Fax: 1-510-643-5470. Phone: 1-510-642-2431. Web: ANRcatalog.ucdavis.edu. PLANT-MICROBE LINKAGES Twelve chapters contributed by more than 30 international authorities comprise the 2003 work, PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS, Vol. 6, the latest addition to an ongoing series. The 376-page monograph was edited by G. Stacey and N.T. Keen, and is dedicated to the latter who passed away from leukemia in early 2002. In addition to exploring interesting plant-microbe interactions, this hardbound volume expands the discussion into nematode-plant relationships. *> APS Press, 3340 Pilot Knob Rd., St. Paul, MN 55121-2097, USA. APS@scisoc.org . Fax: 1-651-454-0766. Phone: 1-651-454-7250. Web: www.apsnet.org PUBLICATION & CD NOTES METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES DISCUSSED The Spring 2003 issue of the METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES newsletter (vol. 9, no. 1) summarizes a series of ongoing field scale demonstrations and validation studies for alternatives to methyl bromide (MeBr) in plastic mulch culture in the U.S. state of Florida. The 12-page document discusses the results of MeBr alternatives on Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Fragaria sp. (strawberry), and flower crops grown under mulch in a near tropical climate. A background section offers insights into the U.S. government's commitment to seek out effective alternatives. *> N. Ragsdale, USDA, ARS
Information Staff, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705-5129, USA. Fax: 1-301-504-1641. E-mail: nnr@ars.usda.gov .Web: www.ars.usda.gov . WEB, VIDEO, & OTHER RESOURCES SUPPORT FOR BIOHERBICIDES A global alliance of involved research scientists and others actively investigates, develops, and fosters the application of biological herbicides. Known as the International Bioherbicide Group (IBG), the organization held its 6th International Workshop during April 2003 in Canberra, AUSTRALIA, in conjunction with the 11th International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. Abstracts of papers presented at the IBG workshop are posted at ibg.ba.cnr.it . In addition, the group publishes the free IBG NEWS on line (contact: M. Vurro, editor, Maurizio.Vurro@ispa.cnr.it ).*> G. Bourdot, IBG Chair, AgResearch, PO Box 60, Lincoln, NEW ZEALAND. Graeme.Bourdot@agresearch.co.nz. thanks to M. deJong for information. WHEAT: INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES A 135-page, illustrated field handbook, WHEAT DISEASES AND PESTS: A GUIDE TO FIELD IDENTIFICATION, published by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in 1986, has been more recently recast into an HTML version by others (with permission) and is found at: wheat.pw.usda.gov . The original was designed "as a quick guide for identifying wheat and triticale diseases in the field," plus insect pests, nematodes, and physiologic and genetic disorders, according to the preface. While a lot of grain has been harvested since the Guide first saw the light of day, a large portion of the information is still useful, especially the list of symptoms that lead directly to discussions and (somewhat grainy) photos of specific disorders. Regrettably, weeds receive zero attention. HERBICIDE RESISTANCE The Queensland Department of Primary Industries offers THE NORTHERN HERBICIDE RESISTANCE REPORTER, a periodic web-based multi-page newsletter covering regional research and developments concerning herbicide resistance (wwwweeds.crc.org.au ). The very colorful and graphically appealing publication includes material on many aspects of herbicide resistance, an increasingly troublesome occurrence. The newsletter is hosted by the website of the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management.*> M. Widderick, PO Box 2282, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, AUSTRALIA.Michael.Widderick@dpi.qld.gov.au . PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Candidates are sought for: PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENTIST Nairobi, KENYA * Participate in development and implementation of control methods for pests, including insects and pathogens on annual and perennial crops, and weeds in the natural environment. * Requires: MS in a relevant subject or BSc/BA with at least 3 years experience;
experience with trials and research on pests and their control, and with participatory programs; excellent written and oral communication skills appropriate to a multicultural environment; awareness of constraints facing smallholder farmers in E. Africa; under age 32 at application; developing country or trust territory nationality (as recognized by The Netherlands). * Contact: Director, CAB International, PO Box 633-00621, Nairobi, KENYA. R.Holderness@cabi.org . Web: www.minbuza.nl . EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, & SERVICES DEVICE AIDS PITFALL TRAP USE Pitfall traps are commonly used to sample arthropods that travel on the ground. A trap is usually some sort of small container (often a vial) buried up to its rim in the soil. The process of extracting a container from the soil can be difficult when the soil dries around it, not to mention having to stoop or kneel down at each trap site and risk brushing unwanted soil into the trap during removal. Two researchers engineered a device that overcomes the problems and allows for fast, safe removal. In their paper, "A Simple Device to Assist with Pitfall Trap Sampling," FLA. ENTOM., 86(1), 94-95, March 2003, J.T. Vogt and D.K. Harsh, describe a low cost pitfall trap container retriever constructed from tubing and a few inexpensive bolts. Squeezing a trigger lifts a threaded rod that in turn compresses a round rubber head inside the trap. Friction holds the trap while it is extracted, and without any loss or entry of soil, or need for bending over or kneeling. *> J.T. Vogt, JVogt@ars.usda.gov . back to top IPM RESEARCH/TECHNICAL PAPERS --- categories and topics related to IPM FEATURED PAPER Kaolin Film Deters Bollworms The last few years have witnessed increased possibilities for incorporating kaolin particle film into programs for protecting crops against pest insects. In recently reported lab and field studies, M.S. Sisterson, et al, found that when Gossypium hirsutum (cotton) bolls were treated with kaolin film the result had an overall deterrent effect on Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm). In their paper, "Effects of Kaolin Particle Film on Oviposition, Larval Mining and Infestation of Cotton by Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae),"the authors conclude that the film, in conjunction with other management tactics, may effectively hinder P. gossypiella and thus contribute to control of this serious insect pest of cotton. excerpted with thanks from JRNL. OF ECON. ENTOM., 96(3),805-810, June 2003. THIS MONTH'S SELECTED TITLES General "Chemical Protection of Spring Barley Against Diseases and Pests and its Influence on Grain Yield and Economic Indices," Kaniuczak, Z. * JRNL. OF PLANT PROT. RESCH., 42(4), 323-330, 2002. "Fluorescent Tracer Technique for Measuring the Quantity of Pesticide Deposited to Soil Following Spray Applications," Barber, J.A., and C.S. Parkin. * CROP PROT., 22(1), 15-21, February 2003. Biocontrol
"Augmentative Biological Control of Arthropods in Latin America," Van Lenteren, J.C., and V.H.P. Bueno. * BIOCON., 48(2), 123-139, April 2003." Incidence of Parasitoids and Parasitism of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Numerous Crops," Simmons, A.M., et al. * ENVIRON. ENTOM., 31(6), 1030-1036, December 2002. "Manipulation of Parasitoids for Aphid Pest Management: Progress and Prospects," Powell, W., and J.A. Pickett. * PEST MGMT. SCI., 59(2), 149-155, February 2003. Phytopathology "Effect of Diseases on Soybean Yields in the United States and Ontario (1999 to 2002)," Wrather, J.A., et al. * PLANT HLTH PROG., March 2003. Web: www "Plant Viruses Transmitted by Whiteflies," Jones, D.R. * EURO. JRNL. OF PLANT PATH., 109(3), 195-219, March 2003. "The Theoretical Basis and Practical Application of Relationships Between Different Disease Intensity Measurements in Plants," McRoberts, N., et al * ANNLS. OF APPLD. BIOL., 142(2), 191-211, April 2003. Weed Management "Application of Decision-support Software for Postemergence Weed Control," Berti, A., et al. * WEED SCI., 51(4), 618-627, July 2003. "Economics of Factor Adjusted Herbicide Doses: A Simulation Analysis of Best Efficacy Targeting Strategies (BETS)," Nordblom, T.L., et al. * AGRIC. SYST., 76(3), 863-882, June 2003. "Mechanical Versus Herbicidal Strategies for Killing a Hairy Vetch Cover Crop and Controlling Weeds in Minimum-tillage Corn Production," Teasdale, J.R., and R.C. Rosecrance. * AMER. JRNL. OF ALTERN. AGRIC., 18(2), 95-102, June 2003. Entomology "Development and Implementation of a Reduced Risk Peach Arthropod Management Program in New Jersey," Atanassov, A., et al. * JRNL. OF ECON. ENTOM., 95(4), 803-812, August 2002. "Phytotoxicity in Pearl Millet Varies Among In-row Insecticides," Kennedy, C.W. * CROP PROT., 21(9), 799-802, November 2002. "Spatial Distribution of Pest Insects in Oilseed Rape: Implications for Integrated Pest Management," Ferguson, A.W., et al. * AGRIC., ECOSYS., & ENVIRON., 95(2-3), 509-521, May 2003. Special Bt sub-Section "Effect of Bt-toxin (Cry1Ac) in Transgenic Cotton on the Adult Longevity of Four Heteropteran Predators," Ponsard, S., et al. * ENVIRON. ENTOM., 31(6), 1197-1205, December 2002. Vertebrates "Increasing Sowing Depth to Reduce Mouse Damage to Winter Crops," Brown, P.R., et al. * CROP PROT., 22(4), 653-660, May 2003. back to top U.S. REGIONAL IPM CENTERS AND THE IPM-CRSP --- news, developments Weed Science Site Offers Multiple Choices The weed science group at the Univ. of Illinois has launched a lively website, "Weed Science," at weeds.cropsci.uiuc.edu . Not only are there items of interest broadly specific to Illinois, (e.g., 2003 ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK freely available for downloading in PDF format), but universally useful information such as "Utilizing Herbicide Site of Action to Combat Weed Resistance to Herbicides," another free PDF file of wide interest.
In addition there is a weed photo gallery with dozens of full color plates and extensive accompanying information. The new website pulls together material on research, extension, and teaching as well as resource and reference items. The latter, in turn, leads to a wide selection of links ranging from other university weed science web pages to industry sources and professional societies. back to top U.S. AID's IPM-Collaborative Research Support Program (IPM CRSP) back to top IPMNET CALENDAR --- recent additions and revisions to a comprehensive global Current as of 31 July 2003. (N) 06-07 August * INVASIVE PLANTS: ISSUES, IMPACTS & ACTION, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Contact: Morris Arboretum, Ed. Dept., 100 Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118, USA. Fax: 1-215-247-7862. Phone: 1-215-247-5777, ext. 156. Web: tncweeds.ucdavis.edu (N) 20-21 August * 1ST BIENNIAL CONFERENCE, DEVELOPMENTS IN WEED MANAGEMENT, Bendigo, VIC, AUSTRALIA. Contact: WSV, PO Box 42, Meredith, VIC 3333, AUSTRALIA. Phone: 61-03-5286-1533. Richardson@weedinfo.com.au . Web: home.vicnet.au (N) 17-19 September * INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON GREENHOUSE TOMATO: INTEGRATED CROP PROTECTION AND ORGANIC PRODUCTION, Avignon, FRANCE. Contact: Secretariat, Ctifl Centre de Balandran, BP 32, 30127 Bellegarde, FRANCE. tomate2003@ctifl.fr . Fax: 33-4-6601-6228. Phone: 33-4-6601-1054. Web: www.fruits (N) 01-03 October * CONFERENCE INVASIVE PLANTS: UNDERSTANDING THE THREAT, Calgary, AB, CANADA. Contact: K. Chambers, Conference Coordinator, Box 49068, 7740 * 18 Street S.E. Calgary, ABT2C 3W5, CANADA. invasiveplants@shaw.ca . Fax: 1-403-236-0719. Phone: 1-403-236-1771. Web: www.aaaf.ab.ca (N) 19-22 October * 4TH ANNUAL NATIONAL (US) PESTICIDE STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE CONFERENCE, Tucson, AZ, USA. Contact: K. Brooks, NPSA, PO Box 5204, Takoma Park, MD 20913, USA. Phone: 1-877-920-6772. KBrooks@arrowchase.com .Web: www.npsalliance.org. (N) 08-12 December * 6TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON Septoria/ Stagonospora DISEASES OF CEREALS, Tunis, TUNISIA. Contact: M. Harrabi, INAT, 43 Ave. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, TUNISIA. Fax: 216-71-799-391. Phone: 216-71-840-270. Harrbi.Moncef@inat.agrinet.tn . Web: www.cimmyt.org (N) 21-24 March * 16TH BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL PLANT RESISTANCE TO INSECTS WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Contact: M. Stout, MStout@agctr.lsu.edu.
(N) 07-12 August * 12TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INSECT-PLANT RELATIONSHIPS (SIP), Berlin, GERMANY. Contact: SIP Conference, Freie Univ. Berlin, Inst. of Biology, HaderslebenerStr. 9, D-12163 Berlin, GERMANY. SIP12@zedat.fu-berlin.de . Fax: 49-30-8385-3897. Phone: 49-30-8385-3918. Web: www.biologie.fu (N) 22-27 August * 11TH INTERNATIONAL CEREAL RUST AND POWDERY MILDEW CONFERENCE, Norwich, UK. Conctact: 11th Rust/Mildew Conference, John Innes Centre, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK. Fax: 44-1603-450045. Phone: 44-1603-450794. Web: www.jic.bbsrc.ac.uk (N) 10-14 April * INTEGRATED CONTROL IN GLASSHOUSES AND OUTDOOR NURSERY STOCKS, Turku, FINLAND. Contact: I.Vanninen, Agrifood Research Finland (MTT), Plant Production Research, Plant Protection, 31600 Jokioinen, FINLAND. Fax: 358-3-4188-2584. Irene.Vanninen@mtt.fi . Phone: 358-3-4188-2580. (N) June * 13TH EUROPEAN WEED RESEARCH SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM, Bari, ITALY. (N) June * 7TH INTERNATIONAL BIOHERBICIDE GROUP WORKSHOP, Bari, ITALY. Contact: M. Vurro, Inst. of Sci. of Food Prod., C.N.R., Viale Einaudi, 51, 70125 Bari, ITALY. Fax: 39-0805-486063. Maurizio.Vurro@ispa.cnr.it . Phone: 39-0805-912817. 2006, 2007, and 2008 No (N) ew or [R]evised entries to cite in this issue.