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Submitted to: Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/19/2018 Publication Date: 2/16/2018 Citation: Steffan, S.A. 2018. Bio-insecticides and mating disruption in cranberries. Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. V26 (Jan 24-25, 2018) pgs. 24-25. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Surveys of native entomopathogenic nematodes in Wisconsin have produced a new bio-insecticide involving two particular nematode species (Oscheius onirici and Heterorhabditis georgiana). In field studies, these nematodes have shown high virulence against flea beetles; in the laboratory, these nematodes have also been shown to readily kill cranberry fruitworm and sparganothis fruitworm. The multi-species mating disruption (MD) program continues to be tailored for the cranberry industry. Early evidence suggested that black-headed fireworm and cranberry fruitworm populations can be significantly reduced using a paraffin emulsion carrier. Importantly, berry infestation rates can be reduced below that of insecticides alone. The mechanization of MD deployment has explored retrofitting drones and the creation of novel extrusion devices for boom-arm applications. Both have worked but have also revealed drawbacks. Future work is examining wax beads as potential pheromone carriers. |
