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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #381580
Research Project: Cranberry Genetics and Insect Management

Location: Vegetable Crops Research

Title: Novel Bio-insecticide Manufacturing, Application, and Efficacy in Cranberries

Author
item Steffan, Shawn

Submitted to: Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: A novel bio-insecticide has been created by ARS Researchers (the Steffan Lab). Past efficacy data will be presented to stakeholders in the US cranberry industry, as well as some basics of nematode biology, mass-propagation, and application.

Technical Abstract: Two nematode species that are native to the wild peatlands of central Wisconsin, Oscheius onirici and Heterorhabditis georgiana, have been cultured and shown to be highly virulent bio-control agents for insect pests of US cranberries. Efficacy in the field when targeting cranberry flea beetle larvae (Systena frontalis) has ranged from 60-95%. Mass propagation efforts of the nematodes have been refined to minimize inputs and maximize nematode virulence and concentrations. Preliminary studies have also revealed that the nematodes kill various dipteran pests, such as mosquito larvae and spotted-wing drosophila. Optimal application modes, timings, and rates continue to be investigated.