2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of the cooperative effort between the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University (Rutgers University) and the ARS Mosquito and Fly Research Unit (MFRU) is to demonstrate an effective strategy for the area-wide control of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) while demonstrating the public health importance and socio-economic benefits of the area-wide control approach. The technologies developed, implemented and found effective in New Jersey will be extended to end-users responsible for controlling the Ae. albopictus mosquito across the U.S. Rutgers University has a long and revered tradition in the development of mosquito management and control strategies in the northeastern part of the country. Similarly, the MFRU has a long history in the development of novel strategies and approaches for surveying, controlling and protecting people from nuisance mosquitoes as well as those that transmit pathogens. Economists from Brandeis University in Massachusetts will guide and direct the studies of the benefits of the area-wide program. Together, these three institutions will utilize their expertise and human resources to collaborate and focus on a mosquito species that causes severe problems for residents of many areas of the U.S. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Rutgers University will establish collaborations with the organized mosquito control programs in Mercer and Monmouth Counties, recognized as two of the best programs in New Jersey. Localities infested with Ae. albopictus will be identified and used as field study sites in which to implement or improve existing strategies and develop new ones. 3.Progress Report This project relates to the in-house project Objective 1: Demonstrate a strategy for area-wide Aedes albopictus control; and Objective 2: Demonstrate the public health importance and socio-economic benefits of area-wide mosquito control. This was the first year of the Areawide Pest Management (AWPM) Program for the Asian Tiger Mosquito. During this year, a Core Team was created, an SCA was established with the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University, and meetings were held with project participants (including industry partners). ARS staff from National Program 104 and the Mosquito and Fly Research Unit met with project participants and visited potential field sites in Mercer and Monmouth Counties along with the leaders of the mosquito control programs in those two counties. Field and laboratory studies were initiated at Rutgers and in the two counties. A program manager was recruited and an electronic, central repository with information on a series of subprojects was created. An Annual Advisory Team was established and participated in a teleconference with participation of program participants to describe and discuss the AWPM. Progress was monitored during the year with several telephonic meetings held with the Core Team.