Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research
Project Number: 6042-30400-001-001-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 30, 2026
End Date: May 30, 2027
Objective:
1. Assess the potential of bacterial metabolites for control of key pecan pests such as pecan aphids.
2. Investigate entomopathogenic bacterial and fungal metabolites for control other model pests such as whitefiles.
3. Investigate plant-insect-metabolite interactions and systemic acquired resistance upon introduction of entomopathogens.
Approach:
The proposed approach will explore entomopathogenic metabolites derived from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria as well as fungal metabolites derived from Cordyceps or Beauveria species (or similar). Beneficial host-pathogen relationships, such as systemic acquired resistance, that result from entomopathogen or metabolite application will also be investigated. Laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments will be implemented. Bacteria and fungal sources will include unique USDA isolates as well as commercial strains.