ARS | Publication request: Application and Evaluation of Entomopathogens in Crucifers and Cucurbits

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: March 2, 2007
Publication Date: October 1, 2007
Citation: Vandenberg, J.D., Shelton, A.M., Wraight, S.P. 2007. Application and Evaluation of Entomopathogens in Crucifers and Cucurbits. In: Lacey, L.A., Kaya, H.K. editors. Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology, 2nd edition. The Netherlands:Springer, Dordrecht. p. 361-374.

Technical Abstract: Cruciferous and cucurbitaceous vegetable row crops comprise many species and varieties and are cultivated worldwide in many climates. Lepidopterous pests of crucifers are many, and in North America include diamondback moth, beet armyworm, cabbage looper, and imported cabbage worm. Other major pests of crucifers include silverleaf whitefly, onion thrips, flea beetles, cabbage root maggot, and cabbage aphid. Major insect pests of cucurbits in the U. S. include the silverleaf whitefly, the melon aphid, striped and spotted cucumber beetles, the squash bug, and several Lepidoptera species including pickleworms, melonworms and the squash vine borer. In this chapter, we present an overview of selected microbial control agents, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes, effective against some of these pests. Using lepidopterous pests of crucifers and whitefly pests of cucurbits as examples, we present procedures for the application and evaluation of microbial control agents, with special emphasis on the fungus Beauveria bassiana. We cover topics such as plot design, monitoring of pest populations, and assessing deposition and persistence of microbial control agents. This chapter is part of a book addressing techniques useful in field research of microbial control agents.