Project Number: 5358-22000-037-06
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Sep 01, 2011
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
1. Evaluate and compare pest, natural enemy, and beneficial insect (bees, butterflies) populations in habitat-restored and conventional vineyards. 2. Engage with growers and other stakeholders to transfer knowledge and IPM systems through established public-private partnerships.

Approach:
Twelve to twenty five species will be selected for monitoring and evaluation. Potential native plant species that may be used include: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Lupines (Lupinus spp)., Blanket flower (Gaillardia), Penstemon spp., and Buckwheats (Eriogonum spp.). Naturally occurring stands of selected plant species will be located in the Columbia Basin and nearby areas. These stands will be monitored and evaluated for their attractiveness to beneficial (and pest) insects during the season using sticky cards and vacuum sampling. Stands will be visited bi-weekly or monthly (according to flowering), sticky cards collected/replaced and vacuum sampling conducted (using a modified gas powered leaf vacuum unit). Insects in the vacuum samples will be frozen, identified to family/genus or species and counted. Insects on the sticky cards will be similarly identified and counted. Plants will also be assessed for occurrence of open flowers with dates of first, last and peak bloom recorded for each species.