Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research
Project Number: 6042-21220-014-010-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2023
End Date: Jun 30, 2026
Objective:
The overall objective of this research is to evaluate the potential of developing metabolic toxins extracted from the symbiotic bacteria of EPNs as novel biopesticides for managing arthropod pests and diseases using pecan as a model crop system and assess the non-target effects on natural enemies for promoting ecological sustainability. The specific objectives are:
(1) Conducting laboratory bioassays on target and non-target organisms.
(a) insecticidal effects of metabolites against important pecan insect pests from different ecological niches.
(b) toxicity of metabolic toxins to important predators and parasitoids in pecan orchards.
(2) Evaluating the abundance of arthropod pests and natural enemies and disease occurrence post application in pecan orchards.
(a) Effectiveness of metabolic toxins in reducing densities of arthropod pests and residual time.
(b) Efficacy of metabolic toxins in suppression of pecan diseases and residual time.
(c) Survey of the diversity and abundance of arthropod natural enemies post application.
(3) Exploring for the mechanism of insecticidal toxicity and factors associated with control success.
(a) Expand our identification of bioactive compounds for insecticidal toxicity.
(b) Characterization of bacterial secretome and insecticidal proteins.
(c) Stability and shelf-life of metabolic concentrates.
Approach:
We will evaluate the potential of metabolic toxins secreted by symbiotic bacteria of entomopathogenic nematodes as novel biopesticides to manage arthropod pests and diseases of pecan. In the proposed project, we will explore for the mechanism and factors affecting control success. Specific approaches include: 1) conducting laboratory bioassays on target and non-target organisms; 2) evaluating the abundance of arthropod pests and natural enemies and disease occurrence post application in pecan orchards; 3) exploring for the mechanism of insecticidal toxicity and factors associated with control success. The project will result in new tactics for managing arthropod pests and diseases of pecan, possibly extending to other crops, and will promote food safety and ecosystem sustainability by potentially reducing insecticide use.
