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The biological
control program is in a time of transition. The biological control
program for the Russian wheat aphid concluded. A classical biocontrol
phase, which ran from 1988 to 1996, involved introducing six species
of predators and twelve species of parasitic wasps to feed on Russian
wheat aphids. Several of these species are now established in Idaho.
Efforts continued to enhance the effectiveness of aphid predators.
We sought to identify the crop preferences and seasonal movement
patterns of ladybugs in northern Idaho. Our goal was to find ways
to retain more ladybugs in crop fields by coordinating the pattern
of adjacent or nearby crops. We found that the adult ladybugs are
sufficiently mobile to locate the more heavily infested crops, regardless
of the adjoining crops. We are also concluding work with Dr. Nilsa
Bosque-Pérez on integrating resistant wheat varieties with
biological control agents. The goal is to ensure that the resistant
plants do not have a negative impact on the aphid predators and
parasites, thus achieving optimal pest control with minimal use
of insecticides.
Dr. James Barbour
is studying the role and effectiveness of Peristenus howardi, a
native braconid wasp, that parasitizes lygus bugs. Parasitism rates
of lygus bugs on numerous host plants is the initial focus of this
program. Dr. Juan Manuel Alvarez is studying impacts of predators
on Colorado potato beetle and aphids in potatoes.
For more information contact:
James
B. Johnson
Phone: 208-885-7543
Fax: 208-885-7760
E-mail: djohnson@uidaho.edu
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