2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Objective 1: Investigate novel interception strategies by deploying attractant-baited traps as a threshold between commercial nurseries and the overwintering woodlots of Xylosandrus crassiusculus and X. germanus. Objective 2: Optimize trapping as a monitoring and mass trapping tool for ambrosia beetles. Objective 3: Develop a push/pull strategy for ambrosia beetle pest management by screening repellents and attractants. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Exotic ambrosia beetles belonging to the subfamily Scolytinae are increasingly being recognized as key pests of field-grown nursery crops. The granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, has become a significant pest of ornamental nursery crops stock since accidentally being introduced into the U.S. from Asia. Studies aimed at improving monitoring and detection techniques are necessary for predicting attacks and closely timing insecticide applications with the flight activity of X. crassiusculus. Experiments on repellents and attractants could also be used to develop a “push-pull” management strategy, whereby ambrosia beetles are “pushed” or repelled away from vulnerable nursery stock and “pulled” or attracted into destructive traps. The objectives of this proposal are to investigate novel interception strategies for X. crassiusculus, to optimize trapping as a monitoring and mass trapping tactic, and to develop a push/pull strategy for use in the nursery agroecosystem. Traps will be deployed to test potential volatile attractants for X. crassiusculus, which will be correlated with environmental data. Trap trees will also be developed for testing repellents, reduced-risk insecticides, and mass trapping purposes. 3.Progress Report Cooperator continued to investigate improved detection and management strategies for ambrosia beetles attacking ornamental nursery stock. Collaborative research was conducted with ARS scientists into developing a trap tree strategy for detecting and monitoring ambrosia beetles. Cooperator also compared the efficacy of conventional insecticides and environmentally-friendly botanical insecticides for reducing attacks by ambrosia beetles. The ADODR maintained frequent contact via e-mail and telephone conversations with cooperator to monitor progress of the research project. The ARS Scientist also organized and led a discussion of ambrosia beetle research progress that took place at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America.