IPMnet NEWS March 2004, Issue no. 123 ISSN: 1523-7893 Š Copyright 2005 IPM NEWS --- international IPM news and programs Support Sought to Halt African Locust Threat Early stages of a dramatic desert locust upsurge in Africa's western Sahellian region threaten to explode into a plague unless immediate massive control operations are launched, according to a U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warning. A second locust outbreak is also occurring on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia with potential to rapidly spread into Jordan, southern Iraq, and western Iran, FAO's Desert Locust Information Service (DLIS) cautioned. FAO, citing dwindling resources, has appealed to donors for US million in urgently needed additional support, especially pesticides, to augment and reinforce current control operations. Existing resources "are running out, threatening to halt further operations, while ecological conditions continue" to favor quick population build up, DLIS noted. "If control operations have to slow down or be interrupted," FAO specialists said, "more locusts added to those already there, could contribute to eventually transforming the current situation into a plague." Exceptional rainfall in the summer and fall of 2003 accelerated locust breeding over wide areas of the impacted region producing the swarms now poised to generate a plague. Locust that escape control are likely to migrate into Algeria and Morocco within a matter of weeks or even days, where a further cycle of breeding may take place in spring. According to FAO, highly mobile "swarms that are not sprayed will move south in June/July and, if this year's rains are good, a plague affecting the whole of the western region (West and North-West Africa) could follow." Invading swarms can inflict devastating crop damage. *> Desert Locust Information Service, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, ITALY. eclo@fao.org . Fax: 39-06-570-55271. Phone: 39-06-570-52420. Web: www.fao.org (scroll down under "newsroom"). excerpted from various FAO sources; thanks to P.C. Jepson for information. U.S. Builds Biotech Information Site
Several U.S. governmental agencies have jointly prepared and launched the United States Regulatory Agencies Unified Biotechnology Website to serve as a source of information about the U.S. oversight system for products of modern biotechnology. The site, usbiotechreg.nbii.gov (NBIINational Biological Information Infrastructure), includes information concerning the roles of regulatory agencies and links to relevant statutes and regulations. The centerpiece of the website is a searchable database containing information on all genetically engineered crop plants intended for food or feed that have completed the recommended or required reviews for food, feed, or planting use in the U.S. A "frequently-asked-questions" section lists, and provides answers to, more than a dozen issues such as, "What kinds of products are included in the database?" Instructions are also set out for conducting efficient searches of the database. Other sections cover the Role of U.S. Agencies, Laws and Regulations, and offer a list of additional pertinent sites. The website and data base available to all were constructed by the United States: Department of State; Department of Agriculture; Envirpnmental Protection Agency; Food and Drug Administration, and the Geological Survey. thanks to C.Y. Hu and P.C. Jepson for information. GLOBAL IPM SNAPSHOTS A broadly insecticide-resistant strain of Spodoptera littoralis (cotton leaf worm) showed susceptibility to Spinosad during research trials in Egypt. *> S.A. Temerak, STemerak@hotmail.com. ยก@ The combined impact of five biocontrol agents tested in South Africa against Lantana camara was insufficient to reduce this key weed to manageable levels. *> J-R. Baars, JanRobert.Baars@ucd.ie. ยก@ The U.S. state of Montana, in conjunction with the Montana Weed Con- trol Association, offers special vehicle license plates to promote environment and habitat protection against impacts of noxious weeds. Web: www.mtweed.org. ยก@ Two biocontrol agents, Aphthona lacertosa and A. nigriscutis, are reducing the biomass of Euphorbia esula (leafy spurge), in an 18,600 ha (45,960 ac.) area of a U.S. national park. *> D.L. Larson, DLarson@usgs.gov . back to top IPM MEDLEY --- publications and other IPM information resources Online Plant Path Challenge Here's an opportunity to simultaneously exercise your plant pathology acumen, gaming skills, and intuition in a contest to thwart a nasty virtual pathogen attempting to invade an innocent maize crop. The aim of the on-line "aMaizing Plant Disease Game," courtesy of The British Society for Plant Pathology (BSPP), is to "grow" a maize crop, and do it profitably, with in a matrix of various input alternatives and a threat of disease capable of destroying the crop (not to mention bruising one's self-esteem in the process). To begin, game players must choose between three maize varieties, three fertilizers, and three
fungicides, each item having different characteristics and unit costs. As the game continues and the crop "grows," disease appears and slowly begins to reduce crop yield (see those leaves turn yellow at the click of a button). The trick is to decide which, if any, of the fungicide options to follow at various points throughout the growing season. Game authors advise caution, as application timing is important, repeat applications are costly, and there is a graduated environmental tax (spray more, pay more). At the end of the growing season, players are awarded scores between 0-100 percent dependent on crop yield and income, and cost of the seed, fungicide, and fertilizer used. The game, open to all, is on the BSPP website at: www.bspp.org.uk (scroll down). The "aMaizing Plant Disease Game" was originally developed by R. Clayton, et al, with software written by I. Finlayson, and the web version developed by M. Sergeant. The program was jointly funded by the BSPP, the Association for Crop Protection in Northern Britain, and the Committee on the Public Understanding of Science. PUBLICATIONS PERUSED Bt BROAD OVERVIEW Eight review articles and four research papers comprise Bacillus thuringiensis, A CORNERSTONE OF MODERN AGRICULTURE, a 2003, softbound publication that, according to the publisher, presents "a well-rounded discussion of the most pressing issues surrounding Bt technology," such as its use, impact, and emerging concerns. In 264 pages, editor M. Metz includes work by more than 30 authors from academia, industry, and government, building on two common themes: safety of Bt to non-target organisms (including humans), and the importance of developing and implementing effective resistance management strategies. Bt technologies are evaluated in comparison to other pest management approaches. Dr. Metz concludes his articulate preface by noting that, "Bt has been and will likely continue to be at the forefront of innovations for, and deliberations about, modern agriculture." *> Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice St., Binghampton, NY 13904-1580, USA. orders@HaworthPress.com . Fax: 1-607-771-0012.Phone: 1-607-722-5857. Web: www.haworthpressinc.com . IPM: EDUCATION FOR YOUNGSTERS IPM is a demanding enough concept for adults to comprehend. Now, a lively, 2003 booklet meets the challenge of effectively exposing the younger set to IPM. The 30 pages of JOIN OUR PEST PATROL, A Backyard Activity Book for KidsOn Integrated Pest Management, present a mind-boggling range of activities that can incorporated into reading, science, and even math and art classes. While the text, originally prepared by IPM specialist J. Ciborowski and colleagues in the state of Minnesota's Dept. of Agriculture and then adapted for nationwide use by staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is geared toward grade levels 3-5, it can be easily adjusted for higher or lower grades. Each of the many activities within the various sections, e.g., "Fighting Pests with the 3Ps, Predators, Parasites, and Pathogens," include factoids and even practical "tips for grownups." There are puzzles, quizzes, games, and abundant graphics, as well as numerous listings of relevant websites so educator's can expand the range of information for their students. Copies of the softbound, black/white publication (no. 735-F-03-002) are free. *> USEPA/NSCEP, PO Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419, USA. ncepimal@one.net . Phone: 1-513-489-8190. thanks to K. Seikel for providing material. INTEGRATED CONTROL OF WEEDS IN PULSES Cool season pulse crops (leguminous
plants whose seed is consumed by humans pea, bean, lentil, etc.) serve as a favored rotation crop because of their ability, while producing a crop themselves, to reduce the incidence of some crop pathogens and add to the mineral nitrogen pool. A recent, extensively illustrated publication, WEEDS IN WINTER PULSES INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS, points out that a pulse crop's positive effect relys on it being either grown weed-free, or with very levels of weed incidence. Authors D. Carpenter and A. Bowcher approached the topic by creating "a guide to the management of weeds in winter pulse crops, looking at the whole farm business and developing strategies involving a wide range of techniques." After establishing the basis of weeds as a problem, a section lays out all the techniques for "tipping the balance towards the pulse not the weeds." The 72-page, graphically pleasing text also discusses cultural and chemical control. While the focus is Australian, the information presented has far wider geographical and operational application. Copies can be freely downloaded in PDF copy (1,957kb) from the CRC website at: www.weeds.crc.org.au (scroll down).*> CRC for Australian Weed Management, PMB 1, Waite Campus, Univ. of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, AUSTRALIA. Fax: 61-8-8303-7311.crcweeds@adelaide.edu.au . TIPS FOR VERTEBRATE MANAGEMENT Wildlife management is a serious matter, but it also has a lighter side as expressed in CONTROLLING CRAFTY CRITTERS, a practical guide for homeowners and others faced with managing nuisance vertebrates. D. Hershey, based on his decades of experience, shares observations, tips, and effective (and often non-lethal) techniques in this 176-page work. The softbound, 2002 guide includes dozens of photos, drawings, and diagrams, of particular interest to the do-it-yourself individual interested in useful, generally inexpensive methods. *> D. Molstad, Voyageur Press, 123 N. 2nd. Str., Stillwater, MN 55082, USA. books@voyageurpress.com . Fax: 1-651-430-2211. Web: www.voyageurpress.com . Phone: 1-651-430-2210. PUBLICATION & CD NOTES USEFUL NEW WEED CD PROGRAM A comprehensive newer bilingual double CD program, "Weed Identification, Biology and Management / Identification, Biologie et Gestion des Mauvaises Herbes," offers an in-depth resource relating to more than 100 important weed species. Information includes nomenclature, distribution, habitat, morphology, life history, biology, and management options. Weeds are arranged by Latin name, but are also indexed by plant family, common name, and by attributes including flower color and seedling morphology, as well as a vegetative key for common grass weeds. Authors A. DiTommaso and A.K. Watson include an illustrated glossary, plus reference and selected readings sections. A ton of high quality photos form a critical part of the program and a worthy complement to the text. The program, originally developed for use by undergraduates at McGill Univ., Canada, to use in gaining knowledge and recognition of important agricultural, environmental, and urban weeds, was subsequently revamped and expanded. The weed species covered are not restricted to one geographic region of North America, but represent an informed selection of important, widely found species problematic in agricultural as well as natural areas. Information about the program, including a PowerPoint presentation and ordering details, is online at: www.css.cornell.edu /. *> A. DiTommaso, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences, 903 Bradfield Hall, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Fax: 1-607-255-3207.ad97@cornell.edu . Phone: 1-607-254-4702.
CD INTERACTIVE COURSE AVAILABLE The Crop Adviser Institute (CAI) at Iowa State Univ. (USA) recently announced completion of "Soybean Aphid," Aphis glycines) the latest CAI interactive course module on CD-ROM. The course discusses the insect's: life cycle; identification; potential for damage to crops; geographical distribution; and management. The CD, by P. Pedersen, et al, contains numerous clear photos, video microscopy of live aphids, graphics, and summaries of recent research results. Interactive segments are designed to enhance the user's learning experience, while an included optional examination can be completed for various purposes. The course, #P20024, is the seventh in a series. *> B.A. Brueland, CAI, 004 Curtiss Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA 50011-1050. cai@iastate.edu . Fax: 1-515-294-1924.Phone: 1-515-294-7546. Web: www.cai.iastate.edu IPM TRIUMPH IN BANGLADESH The latest addition (no. 4) to the IPM CRSProgress series of papers describes and illustrates how "Bangladeshi Farmers Benefit from IPM." The text points out that, "Bangladeshi farmers now have fewer worms in their eggplants and fewer maggots in their squash, and the best part is they have drastically reduced the number of pesticide applications." The 6-page report discusses the methodology employed and notes advances in other crops as well, plus the extensive collaboration with a range of national organizations. The CRS Progress series can be accessed at: www.ag.vt.edu . *> IPM CRSP, 1060 Litton Reaves Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. ipm-dir@vt.edu . Fax: 1-540-231-3519. WILDLIFE RESEARCH REPORT "National Wildlife Research Center Accomplishments 2003" summarizes the U.S. national wildlife agency's work under the heading of "Innovative Solutions to Human-Wildlife Conflicts." Reports cover bird and mammal research as well as disease investigation and product development. The liberally illustrated, 54-page document is miscellaneous publication no. 1591. *> NWRC, 4101 LaPorte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521-2154, USA. Fax: 1-970-266-6010. nwrc@aphis.usda.gov . Phone: 1-970-266-6017. Web: www.aphis.usda.gov. . WEB, VIDEO, & OTHER RESOURCES COTTON PEST BIBLIOGRAPHIES Complete listings of world literature for Bemisia tabaci / Bemisia argentifolii (sweetpotato/silverleaf whitefly) and Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm) are maintained as the Cotton Pest Bibliographies (CPB) at www.wcrl.ars.usda.gov . These bibliographies include: journal articles, proceedings, books, and book chapters, as well as local, regional, and national reports, plus material from the "popular" press. Both bibliographies are revised annually in February with the 2004 editions now available for either download or on-line searching. Formats include Pro Cite, MS Word, and Text. thanks to S.E. Naranjo for information. INVASIVES PROGRAM SECRETARIAT The Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) has established a secretariat, launched a colorful newsletter, enhanced its website, and assumed the mantle of international clearing house and authority on invasive alien species (IAS). With funding from several sources, including the World Bank, GISP anticipates becoming an "enabling facility for various national, regional, and international IAS-focused programs and organizations," according to a January 2004 press release. GISP was established in 1997 to address global threats of invading species and to help implement the Convention on Biodiversity. The Program aims to conserve biodiversity and sustain human livelihoods by minimizing the
spread and impact of IAS. *> S. Sherley, GISP, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa. Fax: 27-21-797-1561.gisp@nbict.nbi.ac.za . Phone: 27-21-799-8836. Web: www.gisp.org . UK GM CROP FIELD TRIAL The November 2003 issue of the PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, Series B * Biological Sciences (vol. 358, no. 1439) is devoted to a range of papers considering the various outcomes, implications, and prognostications for the somewhat contentious farm scale evaluations of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops conducted during 2000-2002 in the UK. Web: www.journals.royalsoc.ac.uk . As the UK government considers the options for biotech crops, these papers are likely to be cited as authoritative information. PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PLANT DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC COORDINATOR, Columbia, MO, USA. * Manage all technical and administrative elements of the Univ. of Missouri's plant diagnostic clinic; collaborate with extension specialists to diagnose plant health problems and prepare written responses; work closely with other on-, and off-campus diagnostic groups; provide faculty with plant disease alerts; represent the lab at professional meetings. * Requires: MS in a plant-related field; professional experience in a plant diagnostic clinic, or in field diagnosis of crop or landscape problems; superior diagnostic problem solving ability; excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Contact: L. Sweets, 210 Waters Hall, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. SweetsL@missouri.edu . Phone: 1-573-884-7307. thanks to W. Hoffman for information. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, & SERVICES COURSES AND WORKSHOPS The Plant Health Research Group at the Cuban Instituto de Investigaciones de Sanidad Vegetal (INISAV) offers a variety of courses and workshops over the year. An example is "Taxonomia de Microorganismos Utiles para la Lucha Biologica (Taxonomy of Microorganisms Used in Biological Control)" scheduled for 26-30 April 2004. Contact: E. Fernandez, INISAV, Calle 110, No. 514, Habana, CUBA. Fax: 53-7-202-9366. Phone: 53-7-209-3683.EFernandez@inisav.cu . Web: www.inisav.cu . AVOIDING THE GRASP OF THE ASP Snake proof boots, chaps, or gaiters can be useful pieces of personal protect gear for crop protection personnel scouting or otherwise working on lands likely to be frequented by snakes, or negotiating briar or cactus patches. Boots provide full foot and leg protection, gaiters cover from ankle to knee, and chaps offer ankle-to-hip protection. Several manufacturers produce snake-proof gear, generally formed from 1000 denier, puncture-proof cordura nylon. Some designs include polycarbonate and styrene inserts. Straps and zippers facilitate both size adjustment and putting on/removal. Some lines are available in camouflage colors, and others include with water proofing treatment. See: www.cspoutdoors.com www.gemplers.com www.prospectorstore.com www.benmeadows.com and others. back to top
IPM RESEARCH/TECHNICAL PAPERS --- categories and topics related to IPM THIS MONTH'S SELECTED TITLES General "A Generic Method of Pesticide Dose Expression: Application to Broadcast Spraying of Apple Trees," Walklate, P.J., et al. * ANNLS. OF APPLD. BIOL., 143(1), 11-23, August 2003. "Integrated Management of Weeds and Diseases in a Cabbage Cropping System," Dillard, H.R., et al. * CROP PROT., 23(2), 163-168, February 2004. Phytopathology "Compatible Biological and Chemical Control Systems for Rhizoctonia solani in Potato," van den Boogert, P.H., and A.J. Luttikholt. * EURO. JRNL. OF PLANT PATH., 110(2), 111-118, February 2004. "Leaf Spot Diseases of Barley and Spring Wheat as Influenced by Preceding Crops," Krupinsky, J.M., et al. * AGRON. JRNL., 96(1), 259-266, January-February 2004. Weed Science "A Web-based Expert System for Advising on Herbicide Use in Great Britain," Thomson, A.J., and I. Willoughby. * COMPUTERS AND ELEC. IN AGRIC., 42(1), 43-49, January 2004. "Development of Chemical Weed Control and Integrated Weed Management in China," Zhang, Z.P. * WEED BIOL AND MGMT., 3(4), 197-203, December 2003. Entomology "Characterization of Alfalfa Germplasm Expressing Resistance to Silverleaf Whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii," Jiang, Y.X., et al. * JRNL. OF APPL. ENTOM., 127(8), 447-457, September 2003. "Host Suitability of the New World Stalkborer Diatraea considerata for Three Old World Cotesia Parasitoids," Wiedenmann, R.N., et al. * BIOCONTROL, 48(6), 659-669, December 2003. Bt sub-Section "Resistance Monitoring of Field Populations of the Corn Borers Sesamia nonagrioides and Ostrinia nubilalis After 5 Years of Bt Maize Cultivation in Spain," Farinos, G.P., et al. * ENTOMOLOGIA EX. ET APPLIC., 110(1), 23-30, January 2004. back to top U.S. REGIONAL IPM CENTERS AND THE IPM-CRSP --- news, developments Workshop Focuses on Soybean Aphid A serious insect pest first observed in North America in 2000, Aphis glycines (soybean aphid), was the focus of a recent workshop presented jointly by five entomologists from four Midwestern U.S. states and broadcast to an estimated audience of 800 gathered at 60 locations throughout those states. The participating scientists discussed soybean aphid biology and occurrences in North America, the A. glycines situation last year, ongoing research work, and thresholds and guidelines for making treatment decisions. A. glycines is the only aphid in the region able to develop large colonies on Glycine max (soybean). When large populations of the tiny sap sucking insects are present, their feeding can cause stunting, puckered yellow leaves, reduced pod set, and reduced seed size, not to mention their capability to transmit viruses from plant to plant.
Anyone interested can download and access the PowerPoint visuals that supported the presentations at the workshop, from the website:www.ipm.iastate.edu .*> M.E. Rice, MERice@iastate.edu . excerpted with thanks from material prepared by M.E. Rice, and from the North Central Soybean Research Program. 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 (N)ew or [R]evised Entries (only) 2004 (N) 09-14 March * 11TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON VIRUS DISEASES OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, Taichung, TAIWAN. Contact: T. Shih, TARI, 189, Chung-Cheng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung 413, TAIWAN. TedShih@wufeng.tari.gov.tw . Fax: 886-4-233-31089. Phone: 886-4-233-21508. Web: www.tari.gov.tw . (N) 03-07 May * 2004 AQUATIC WEED CONTROL SHORT COURSE, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA. Contact: T.J. Koschnick, CAIP, UF/IFAS, 7922 NW 71st. St., Gainesville, FL 32653-3701, USA. Fax: 1-352-392-3462. TJKoschnick@mail.ifas.ufl.edu . Web: conference.ifas.ufl.edu . Phone: 1-352-392-5126. (N) 24-28 May * V SEMINARIO CIENTIFICO INTERNACIONAL DE SANIDAD VEGETAL, Habana, CUBA. Contact: E.P. Montesbravo, EPerez@inisav.cu . Web: www.inisav.cu . (N) 10-12 August * 57TH NEW ZEALAND PLANT PROTECTION CONFERENCE, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND. Contact: L. McKay, NZPPS, AgResearch, PO Box 60, Lincoln, Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND. Fax: 64-03-983-3904. Phone: 64-03-983-3940. Lois.McKay@agresearch.co.nz . Web: www.hortnet.co.nz . (N) 30 August-02 September * 6TH AUSTRALASIAN PLANT VIROLOGY WORKSHOP, Gold Coast, QLD, AUSTRALIA. Contact: APVW, D. Persley, Food & Fiber, DPI, 80 Meiers Rd., Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, AUSTRALIA. Denis.Persley@dpi.qld.gov.au . (N) 15-18 October * JOINT MEETING, ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA AND ACADIAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, "Insects in the Landscape", Charlottetown, P.E.I., CANADA. Contact: ESC, 393 Winston Ave., Ottawa, ONT K2A 1Y8, CANADA. Fax: 1-613-725-9349. Phone: 1-613-725-2619. D. Giberson, Giberson@upei.ca . 2005-2009 No (N) ew or [R]evised events for these years to cite in this issue.