Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research
Project Number: 6042-22000-024-030-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2024
End Date: Sep 30, 2027
Objective:
Objective 1: To determine pathogenic potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) against soil dwelling stages of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) and apple maggot fly (AMF) in laboratory, greenhouse, and field cage trial.
Objective 2: To determine virulence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) against soil dwelling stages of SWD and AMF in laboratory, greenhouse, and field cage trial.
Objective 3: To determine type of interaction between EPNs and EPF against soil dwelling stages of SWD and AMF in laboratory, greenhouse, and field cage trial.
Objective 4: To deliver the project information with growers via grower’s meetings and through the extension personnel.
Approach:
Byron lab will be intricately involved in objectives 1-3. Various species and strains of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi will be screened for virulence against the target insects. Subsequently combinations of the microbial pathogens will be assessed for synergy. The best treatments will then be tested under greenhouse and field conditions for biocontrol efficacy.
