Report on Overseas Visit to Undertake Collaborative Research on the Evaluation of Pea Germplasm and Breeding Material for Pea Weevil Resistance |
FUNDED BY
Agriculture Western Australia and US Department of Agriculture,
Foreign Agricultural Service, International Cooperation and
Development, Research and Scientific Exchanges Division.
| Table of Contents |
Executive Summary
Aims of the Overseas Visit
Benefits for Growers
Itinerary
Agriculture Western Australia/USDA-ARS Collaborative Research Project to Develop Pea
Weevil Resistant Cultivars of Field Peas
Introduction
Project objectives
Benefits to Australian agriculture
Benefits to US agriculture
Cooperative arrangements
Research plan 61996 research outcomes
Recommendations 8Discussions with Scientists
University of Sydney scientists
USDA-ARS, Pullman scientists
Washington State University scientists
University of Idaho scientists
USDA-ARS, Prosser scientists
USDA-ARS, Yakima scientists
Other scientists
Entomological Specimens of Quarantine Significance Obtained or Collected in the US
Curated specimens from Washington State University and University of Idaho
Field collected specimens from Washington State
Seminars Presented 1618 June Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS) 1620 June
Department of Entomology (WSU)
Acknowledgements
.
| Executive Summary |
I was the visiting Adjunct Scientist at the United States
Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) Western Regional Plant
Introduction Station at Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, Washington State
during 421 June 1996.
During my stay at Washington State University we were able
to significantly progress research into the development of pea cultivars with resistance
to the pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum). I was able to observe research on other
agriculturally important insect species, that have recently entered Australia (i.e.
western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis) or could enter within the next
few years (i.e. Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia). I was also able to obtain
first hand knowledge of the latest genetic marker technologies, investigate insect
eradication procedures, gain access to germplasm specialists, collect specimens of
agriculturally important insects and make contact with Agricultural researchers who are
leaders in their field.
Aims of the Overseas Visit
Western Australia and Washington State both have problems
with pea weevil contaminating harvested pea seed. The main aim of the visit to the US was
to collaborate and synchronise research with USDAARS scientists in the development of
resistance in field peas to the pea weevil.
Other aims of the visit included: the acquisition of pest
and disease resistant pulse germplasm, examination of new pest management strategies for
broadacre crops, collection of specimens of pestiferous insect species exotic to Western
Australia, collect information on new insect eradication technologies and research
findings on the latest developments in pheromones and other insect attractants.
This visit to Washington State University provided me with an opportunity to update the Agency's ability to develop insect resistant crop plants. It was an opportunity to identify new sources of pea weevil resistant germplasm as well as other insect and disease resistant pulse germplasm in the USDA-ARS collection that may have application in the pea and chickpea breeding programs of Agriculture Western Australia. The visit also allowed me to gain first hand knowledge of new methods used in the identification of resistance mechanisms and new molecular techniques used for screening breeding lines for insect and disease resistance. The successful integration of pea weevil resistance into new varieties of field peas produced by Agriculture Western Australia will reduce the number of insecticide sprays required on this crop and in turn increase the "clean and green" image of broadacre produce grown in this State. This will enhance market opportunities and net returns for pulse producers in Western Australia.
Apart from host plant resistance work I investigated the integration of plant resistance with other pest management methods in crop production systems, field evaluation of existing and novel insect sampling methods, chemical control and the development of spray thresholds for various broadacre pest species.
I made contact with the curators of insect collections at Washington State University and the University of Idaho to obtain for identification purposes, specimens of pest species that are not present in Western Australia. These species would severely disrupt production and trade in agricultural produce if they became established in our State.
I also investigated recent developments in eradication
methodologies, parapheromones, food baits and trapping strategies for various
pestiferous insect species that are naturalised in Western Australia or a threat to
agriculture, if introduced.
2 June 1996 :Perth - Sydney
3 June 1996 :Sydney (University of Sydney)
4 - 5 June 1996 :Sydney - San Francisco - Spokane - Pullman
6 June 1996 :Pullman - Ralston - Pullman (Ralston field day)
7 June 1996 :Pullman (laboratory research)
8 June 1996 :Pullman (laboratory research)
9 June 1996 :Sunday
10 June 1996 :Pullman (laboratory research)
11 June 1996 :Pullman (laboratory research)
12 June 1996 :Pullman - Farmington - Pullman (field research)
13 June 1996 :Pullman - Moscow - Pullman (University of Idaho)
14 June 1996 :Pullman (field research)
15 June 1996 :Saturday
16 June 1996 :Pullman - Prosser
17 June 1996 :Prosser - Yakima (Prosser Extension Centre)
18 June 1996 :Yakima - Pullman (Yakima Research Laboratory - seminar)
19 June 1996 :Pullman - Farmington - Pullman (field research)
20 June 1996 :Pullman (laboratory research - seminar)
21 June 1996 :Pullman (laboratory research)
22 -24 June 1996 :Pullman - Spokane - San Francisco - Sydney - Perth
Agriculture Western Australia/USDA-ARS Collaborative Research Project to Develop Pea Weevil Resistant Cultivars of Field Peas
Field peas, Pisum sativum are grown on more than 440,000 ha
in Australia and on 80,000 ha in the US Pacific Northwest (Washington State and Idaho). In
the United States, this crop is generally produced for human consumption on world markets.
In Australia the bulk of the production is for stockfeed, domestic and foreign; however,
Australian producers hope to expand their position in world human food markets in the
future.
The pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum is a major
constraint to field pea production around the world, including Australia and the US. Adult
weevils lay eggs on pods and larvae burrow into developing seeds, where their feeding
decreases seed yield and quality. Pea producers use insecticides to control adult weevils
before they lay eggs on pods. The compelling reasons to limit the use of insecticides
include cost, the uncertainties about retaining the use of many insecticides in
"minor crops" in the US including field peas, and increasing global concern over
the use of insecticides in agro-ecosystems. The development of resistant cultivars may
overcome or reduce the need for chemical control measures.
Entomologists and plant breeders have had no success in
locating weevil resistance in P. sativum germplasm for use in breeding
programs. However, my initial discovery of high levels of resistance to pea weevil attack
among accessions of wild pea, Pisum fulvum provides optimism for the development of
resistant cultivars.
Efforts to work with this univoltine weevil throughout the
year have been limited, so researchers are limited to a 23 month window of time in which
they can research plant resistance in the field: MayJune in the US and AugustOctober
in Australia, periods of pea weevil activity in each country. Hence, a coordinated
Australian/US program to exchange and evaluate germplasm and breeding material would
greatly accelerate the process of cultivar development to control pea weevil.
Benefits to Australian agriculture
The development of pea weevil resistant field pea cultivars
will eliminate the vulnerability of this crop to the pea weevil, reduce management inputs
of A$ 16.00-32.00/ha depending on the number of insecticide sprays required each year for
this pest and increase the production profitability of field peas. The persistent presence
of pea weevil larvae and adults in pea seed also decreases the likelihood of Australian
pea grain being sold into the human consumption end of the market.
Results will be shared with pea breeders (Dr. T.N. Khan,
Perth, Australia; Dr. F. Muehlbauer, Pullman, Washington). Dr. Clement and I will report
on our findings at scientific meetings and jointly publish our results in a scientific
journal.
Depending on the product used, an insecticide spray by air
costs an estimated US$17.0032.00/ha to control pea weevil in Idaho and Washington. More
than one application may be needed in some years to control two other pests, the pea leaf
weevil, Sitona lineatus and the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Costly
insecticide sprays and other production inputs help make US peas relatively expensive in
world markets, as pointed out in a recent brochure entitled "Cool Season Food Legume
Research Program" produced by the US Dry Pea and Lentil Council, the Washington and
Idaho Dry pea and Lentil Commissions, and the University of Idaho.
This activity aims to increase pea yields and cut
production costs through improved pest control. Research of this type is critical to the
continued and increased competitiveness of US peas in world markets. Further, in the
present climate of general public opinion about insecticide use patterns in
agro-ecosystems, it is critical to develop new, albeit more environmentally friendly, pest
control measures.
Dr. Clement and I will exchange germplasm and breeding
materials for evaluation. I have direct access to 30 P. fulvum accessions at
Agriculture Western Australia and Dr. Clement has direct access to 46 P. fulvum
accessions at the USDAARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman,
Washington, (the Pullman collection includes 15 accessions recently obtained from ICARDA
by Drs. F. Muehlbauer and W. Kaiser USDAARS, Pullman, Washington).
Agriculture Western Australia and the USDAARS Western
Regional Plant Introduction Station will provide laboratory/glasshouse facilities and
field plot space to complete the objectives stated above. Technical support under the
supervision of Dr. Clement and I is available to help execute the planned studies.
It is proposed that I visit Pullman, Washington for 23
weeks in June 1996 and Dr. Clement visit Perth, Australia, for 23 weeks in September or
October 1997. These times coincide with the activity periods of the pea weevil.
Cooperative glasshouse tests and field nurseries for evaluation of germplasm and breeding
lines will be established each year in the US (MayJune) and Australia
(SeptemberOctober).
I was the visiting Adjunct Scientist at USDA-ARS Western
Regional Plant Introduction Station at Washington State University (WSU), Pullman,
Washington State during 421 June 1996.
Dr Clement and I compared our glasshouse screening
technique for pea weevil resistance and developed a standard protocol for future use to
screen the pea weevil antibiosis mechanism in Pisum accessions. We then used the
new screening protocol to test the recently acquired P. fulvum accessions in the
USDA-ARS collection. The glasshouse screening trial at WSU will be completed by the end of
September 1996 providing pea weevil biotype responses from both countries to at least 30 P. fulvum
accessions. Results from the preliminary screening work prior to my visit to the US
indicate that both populations of pea weevil respond in a similar way to the various P.
fulvum tested accessions so far (Graph 1). If this trend is confirmed in the latest
screening tests, it will indicate the absence of weevil biotype differences between
Australia and the US. This will increase the likelihood of developing pea weevil resistant
cultivars and indicates the effectiveness of the resistance mechanism. Further
collaborating evidence on the efficacy of the pea weevil antibiosis mechanism was obtained
from the visit by Dr Hernan Norambuena (INIA, Chile) to WSU during my stay. Results from
field trials in Chile during 1995 had demonstrated that a high level of resistance to the
pea weevil was present in the six P. fulvum accessions supplied to Dr Hernan
by Dr clement.
Graph 1. Comparison of pea weevil resistance ratings in glasshouse screening trials for accessions of P. fulvum and a P. sativum control line in Western Australia and Washington State during 1995.
Dr Clement and I also field screened a number of the new P.fulvum
accessions from the USDA-ARS collection for antixenosis and antibiosis resistance to the
pea weevil. They concluded that it would be of most benefit to pea breeders if they could
identify the underlying chemical factor, or develop a molecular marker for the antibiosis
resistance to the pea weevil found in most of the P. fulvum accessions tested. Both
researchers agreed that antibiosis to the pea weevil was the most important mechanism and
that antixenosis could be screened for in field plots of later generation material in
which the antibiosis mechanism had been fixed.
Dr Clement and I agreed that the collaborative work on pea
weevil should continue because of the parallel levels of antibiosis to the pea weevil
found in both countries. We agreed that Dr Clement should complete the screening of
available P. fulvum material found in the USDA-ARS collection and compare it to my
screening results and provide Dr Norambuena with the best accessions for testing under
field conditions in Chile. Both researchers agreed that ATC 113 was the best all round P.
fulvum line tested to date. ATC 113 displays extremely high levels of antibiosis and a
moderate level of antixenosis to the pea weevil, it is one of the more vigorous P.
fulvum accessions, generates an adequate amount of biomass and crosses easily with P.
sativum lines tested to date. Dr Clement will begin a crossing and screening program
using ATC 113 and Alaska or Colombia as parents. I will continue to screen F3
progeny for antibiosis to the pea weevil and commence research into developing a molecular
marker for the antibiosis mechanism. Dr Clement will visit Perth in September 1997 to
complete research on the collaborative project.
A major achievement of the visit to the US was in the
number of scientists of international prominence that I was able to have discussions with.
I spoke with entomologists, plant breeders, agronomists, plant pathologists, molecular
biologists, germplasm curators, weed scientists, chemical ecologists and obtained over 100
journal reprints and scientific articles. These contacts will be highly useful in
obtaining new sources of pulse germplasm, exchange of quarantine specimens and information
on pest control, containment and eradication.
University of Sydney scientists
I discussed a range of plant breeding issues with Professor
Don R. Marshall (Director, Plant Breeding Institute) and Dr Fred L. Stoddard (Research
Fellow), including the incorporation of pest and disease resistance in broadacre crop
species. Dr Stoddard outlined the current areas of plant breeding research at the
Institute. They are: a study on the population genetics of Ascochyta fabae, a study
on the population genetics Uromyces viciae-fabae, breeding V. faba for
resistance to Botrytis fabae, a F1 hybrid systems (i.e. developing
Cytoplasmic Male Sterility) in V. faba, genetic markers for the mitochondrial
genome in V. faba, quality factors in Lupinus albus, molecular markers
associated with rust resistance in wheat and oats and two projects looking at aspects of
chickpea breeding.
Discussions at the University of Sydney were also held with
Dr Alfie Meats (Reader, Entomology), Dr Marianne Frommer (Associate
Lecturer, Molecular Biology) and Ms Merryl Robson (Director, Fruit Fly Research
Centre) at the Fruit Fly Research Centre in the School of Biological Sciences. The
discussions centred around the Papaya fruit fly (Bactrocera papayae) eradication
campaign in Queensland and efforts to distinguish between species of fruit flies in the Bactrocera
tryoni (Queensland fruit fly), B. aquilonis and B. neohumeralis
complex. Dr Meats thought the eradication of papaya fruit fly was on target and paralleled
the eradication of Melon fly (B. cucurbitae) in the southern islands of Japan. He
was not concerned about the few hot spots around Mareeba and believed that eradication
could be achieved with the current male annihilation strategy. Dr Frommer was familiar
with the taxonomic difficulties of trying to separate B. tryoni and B. aquilonis
using morphological characters and the interstate trade implications this has for the
north-west of Western Australia, and especially Kununurra. B. tryoni is a fruit fly
species native to Queensland and a major pest of most fruit and some vegetable crops, it
has already been eradicated twice from Western Australia in the last six years for a
combined cost of $8.5 million. The quarantine problem for Western Australia is that B. aquilonis
another native species which is not a pest of cultivated fruit and vegetables has a
natural range that includes the northern section of the State and is morphologically
indistinct from B. tryoni. To complicate matters further both species are attracted
to the same para-pheromone. Dr Frommer agreed the only solution to the surveillance
problem in Western Australia was to find a species specific molecular marker for either B. tryoni
or B. aquilonis and develop a laboratory diagnostic kit. The Sydney group is
involved in sequencing the B. tryoni complex for species differences and agreed to
provide Agriculture Western Australia with regular updates on their progress. I was keen
to foster a collaborative approach in solving the B. tryoni complex, issue and
undertook to provide Dr Frommer with specimens of various species of fruit fly collected
from around Western Australia and Christmas Island. Dr Frommer indicated the new source of
fruit flies specimens from Western Australia would greatly enhance the joint Sydney and
Queensland University project chances of success.
Dr Ray Clark (Director, Western Region Plant
introduction Centre) outlined how the USDA Plant Introduction Service operated and what
the National Germplasm System is and the objectives of the organisation.
Apart from the collaborative research work on resistance to
the pea weevil, Dr Steve Clement (Research Entomologist) and I discussed the effect
of pea weevil oviposition on the Np mutant gene in peas. Dr Clement also outlined
his current research on the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia), including the
population dynamics of this pest species under conventional, minimum and no till
production systems with resistant and susceptible wheat and barley cultivars. He also
described his work with fungal endophytes in grasses and their link with insect
resistance, and the potential for manipulating these mycosymbionts to enhance the ability
of infected plants to resist insect attack. Dr Clement discussed the development of a
forecasting model for predicting outbreak years for pea enation and pea streak viruses
based on the numbers of pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) caught in suction traps.
Ms Leslie Elberson (Entomologist) was involved in
Russian wheat aphid research. She had developed a sequential binomial sampling plan and
decision support algorithms for managing the Russian wheat aphid in wheat and other small
grain crops. Ms Elberson had also been involved in the development of a bio-fumigation
process utilising stubble from oilseed rape and mustard crops for use against the black
vine weevil (Otiorrhynchus sulcatus).
Dr Walter Kaiser (Plant Pathologist) outlined his
research on endophytic fungi in grasses, disease resistance in chickpeas, field peas and
other pulse crops, breeding potential in wild pulse crops, and resistance breeding in
pulse crops.
Dr Chuck Simon (Geneticist, Curator) is the curator
for cool seasons food legumes program and gave me a tour of the germplasm collection and
facilities at Washington State University. I was shown the Marx collection of
morphological pea mutants growing in the screen house. Dr Simon provided me with a
catalogue for the Marx collection, a print-out of the wild Cicer database and a
demonstration of GRIN (USDA-ARS Germplasm Resources Information Network) which is now
available on the web at http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/.
Dr RC Johnson (Agronomist) is responsible for
regeneration and enhancement of all germplasm at the Pullman station. He was involved in
experiments to determine and conserve genetic variability and viability in germplasm
stocks. We discussed measures used to conserve rare alelles in germplasm collections.
Dr Fred Muehlbauer (Research Geneticist /Agronomist)
is the cool seasons grain legume plant breeder for the Pacific Northwest area. Dr
Muehlbauer took me to several of grain legume evaluation trial sites in the Pullman area.
I was shown the winter and spring pea, lentil and chickpea trials and the perennial Cicer
plots. He was also shown the hydroponically grown F1 chickpea crosses in the
glasshouse. Dr Muehlbauer discussed his F6 inbred recombinant DNA genetic
marker research and the Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabei) resistance breeding in
chickpeas that was undertaken with Dr Kaiser.
Mr Dave Stout (Curator) demonstrated how the
USDA-ARS Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database works and how it
facilitates the management and operation of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS).
GRIN aids the (NPGS) by, enhancing communication with scientists regarding the location
and characteristics of germplasm, permitting flexibility to users in storing and
retrieving information, reducing unneeded redundancy of data, and relating pertinent
information about each accession. GRIN is managed by the Database Management Unit (DBMU)
of the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA.
Ms Vicki Bradley (Agronomist Curator) discussed
problems of multiplying seed from outcrossing species. Ms Bradley and I visited field
plots of wild barley (Hordeum sp.), wheat (Triticum sp.) and safflower
(Carthamus sp.) accessions at Central Ferry Station, Washington.
Washington State University scientists
Dr Thomas Lumpkin (Professor, East Asian
Agriculture) described his research into new crops for east Asian markets and the impact
some insect species had on these crops and how the shortage of registered crop protectants
hampered the development of these crops. Dr Lumpkin had experience with the following food
crops; azuki bean (Vigna angularis), Wasabia japonica, the speciality
soybean edamame, Chinese milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) and green manure species
of neotropical Azolla.
Dr Garrell E Long (Chairman, Department of
Entomology) specialises in Integrated Pest Management and discussed his work in on the
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), European red mite (Panonychus
ulmi), pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae),
the vespid wasp (Vespula pensylvanica) and the larch case-bearers (Coleophora
laricella).
Dr John Stark (Associate Professor, Environmental
Toxicological Program) discussed his work on tephritid fruit flies in the Hawaiian island
group. He worked on population dynamics, habitat preference, and seasonal distribution
patterns of the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) and melon fly (Bactrocera
cucurbitae) in various tree crops as well as the toxicity, penetration, and metabolism
of various insecticides in several fruit fly species. His recent work has concentrated on
whether the population effects of pesticides can be predicted from demographic
toxicological studies.
Dr John Dunley (Assistant Entomologist) discussed
his work pesticide resistance in codling moth and fruit pest Integrated Pest Management
(IPM). Dr Dunley has a keen interest in the dispersal and gene flow of pesticide
resistance traits in several insect species including predatory (Phytoseius spp.)
and spider (Tetranychus spp.) mites.
Dr Gary L. Piper (Associate Professor, Entomology)
discussed his research into the Biological Control of Weeds. He currently has projects
assessing bio-control agents for yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.) and
field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis).
University of Idaho scientists
Dr Larry O'Keeffe (Departmental Head, Entomology)
discussed his long involvement with insect pests of pulses and other broadacre crops. Dr
O'Keeffe and Dr Muehlbauer screened P. sativum germplasm for pea weevil
resistance in the early 1980s. He was the first person to identify an Np gene
response to the pea weevil and investigated field control for this pest using synthetic
pyrethroids. He has also investigated chemical control and plant resistance to the pea
leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) in field peas, faba beans, lentils, lucerne and
several species of clover. Dr O'Keeffe has developed sampling plans for several insect
pests of pulses (lygus bugs, Lygus hesperus in lentils; pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon
pisum in peas, lentils and Medicago spp.; wireworms in various crops) and is
part of a team at the University of Idaho involved in the development of garbanzo chickpea
as a new crop.
Dr Joseph McCaffrey (Professor, Entomology) outlined
his research into the use of industrial rapeseed stubble as a bio-fumigant for the control
of the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus assimilis), the wireworm (Limonius
californicus) and the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). The biology of
cabbage seedpod weevil and the black vine weevil were also discussed in depth.
Dr Sanford Eigenbrode (Assistant Professor, Chemical
Ecologist) was very interested in the oviposition antixenosis mechanism in some P.
fulvum accessions to the pea weevil discovered by me. Dr Eigenbrode is very interested
in the role played by plant epicuticular lipids on insect herbivores and host plant
resistance to insects as part of integrated pest management strategies in vegetable crops,
especially for cabbage moth (Plutella xylostella).
Dr Dennis Schotzko (Research Associate, Entomology)
collaborates with Dr O'Keeffe on most of his research projects, but does have special
interests in integrating plant resistance with pest management methods in crop production
systems. He has also used geo-statistics to measure spatial variation in insect
populations to determine the degree of association and dependence for Russian wheat
aphids, lygus bugs and wireworms.
Dr John Kraft (Research Geneticist/Agronomist)
specialises in breeding canning and freezer peas for resistance to a range of root rots
and foliar diseases. Dr Kraft is also the Research Leader of the Prosser Irrigated
Agricultural Research & Extension Centre and gave me an extensive tour of Centre. The
Prosser Centre undertakes research on over 80 crops, including vegetables, tree crops and
broadacre crops. Dr Kraft showed me his pea breeding field plots and glasshouse research
on pea enation virus.
Dr Stephanie Greene (Forage Legume Curator)
specialises in the conservation of lucerne (Medicago sativa) germplasm and was
surprised that Western Australia was free of lucerne seed wasps (Bruchophagus spp.)
and other lucerne pests. Seed wasps infest and destroy up to 30% of lucerne seed in the
Prosser area. Dr Greene provided me with specimens of seed wasps for the Western
Australian collection.
Dr Carrol Calkins (Research Leader, Entomology)
showed me over the Entomological facilities at the new Yakima Agricultural Research
Laboratories. The laboratories cost US$ 13.5M and are for research into the management of
insect pests of temperate fruit tree crops and potatoes. The facility has eight Research
Entomologists and 63 support staff. Dr Calkins discussed his current research on codling
moth (Cydia pomonella), Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
and the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). He previously worked on insect
attractants, ecology and behaviour of the plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar)
and was involved in studies on fruit fly behaviour, especially the quality control of
fruit flies mass reared for sterile release programs.
Dr Alan Knight (Research Entomologist) is a codling moth (Cydia pomonella) specialist and summarised his work for me on the toxicity and field efficacy of insecticides, mating disruption, diurnal patterns of adult moth activity, flight activity and determining the economic effects of resistance to organo-phosphate pesticides for this pest species.
Dr Peter Landolt (Research Entomologist) discussed
his work on insect attractants for cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni), the
vespid wasp (Vespula maculifrons), Caribbean fruit fly (Anastrepha suspensa),
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), papaya fruit fly (Toxotrypana
curvicauda), the paper wasp (Polistes exclamans), the Noctuid moths Mocis
latipes & Anticarsia gemmatalis, western grape-leaf skeletoniser (Harrisina
brillians), green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) and other pest species.
Dr Harold Moffit (Research Entomologist)
concentrates on the post-harvest disinfestation of codling moth (Cydia pomonella)
from apples. Dr Moffit explained his research into the use of methyl bromide and
controlled atmosphere treatments.
Dr Stephen C. Welter (Associate Professor,
University of California) was visiting the Department of Entomology at WSU and discussed
his research recent findings on codling moth (Cydia pomonella) with me. Dr Welter
is currently working on the characterisation of insecticide resistance in codling moth in
four western states in the US and has worked on feeding damage on cucumber caused by mixed
species infestations of melon (Thrips palmi) and western flower thrips (Frankliniella
occidentalis). All of these pest species are of special interest to Entomologists at
Agriculture western Australia.
Dr Norm F. Weeden (Associate Professor, Cornell
University) was visiting the grain legume curator, Dr Chuck Simon at WSU and discussed his
work on the development of genetic markers with me. Dr Weeden has developed isozyme and
molecular markers for numerous plant traits including markers for disease and virus
resistance genes in legume species. Dr Weeden and I discussed problems associated with
developing markers for insect resistance in pulse species like Cicer, Vicia
and Pisum.
Dr Hernan L. Norambuena (Entomologist-Biological
Control, INIA Chile) was visiting the Department of Entomology at WSU and discussed the
pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum) problem in Chile and the impact this pest species has
on the production of clean seed by peasant farmers.
Entomological Specimens of Quarantine Significance Obtained or Collected in the US
I made every effort to obtain specimens of exotic pest species that were not part of the Agriculture Western Australia Quarantine Entomological Collection. I made personal contact with Dr Richard Zack (Curator, Washington State University Entomological Collection) and Dr James (Ding) Johnson (Curator, University of Idaho Entomological Collection) and obtained specimens from both collections and arranged for the future exchange of specimens. I also field collected several exotic pest species.
Curated specimens from Washington State University and University of Idaho
Coleoptera
Scarabaeidae
Popilio japonica Newman, Japanese beetle
Chrysomelidae
Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, Colorado beetle
Bruchidae
Acanthoscelides pauperculus Le Conte
Acanthoscelides mixtus Horn
Acanthoscelides aureolus Horn
Acanthoscelides fraterculus Horn
Acanthoscelides aureolus Horn
Acanthoscelides biustulus Fall
Acanthoscelides pullus Fall
Acanthoscelides obtectus Say
Algarobius prosopis Le Conte
Callosobruchus chinensis Linnaeus
Callosobruchus macultus Fabricius
Gibbobruchus mimus Say
Neltumius texanus Schaeffer
Merobruchus julianus Horn
Merobruchus placidus Horn
Mimosestes amicus Horn
Mimosestes nubigens Motschulsky
Mimosestes protractus Horn
Gibbobruchus mimus Say
Zabrotes pectoralis Sharp
Zabrotes subfasciatus Bohemann
Althaeus hibisci Olivier
Mimosestes amicus Horn
Stator limbatus Horn
Stator sordidus Horn
Stator pruininus Horn
Sennius morosus Sharp
Amblycerus robiniae Fabricius
Megacerus sp.
Curculionidae
Otiorrhynchus ovatus Linnaeus
Otiorrhynchus sulcatus Fabricius, Black vine weevil
Diptera
Tephritidae
Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh
Rhagoletis cingulata indifferens Curran, North American Cherry fruit fly
Lepidoptera
Lymantriidae
Orgyria antiqua Linnaeus, Rusty tussock moth
Orygira pseudotsugata McDunnough, Douglas fir tussock moth
Hymenoptera
Vespidae
Dolichovespula maculata Linnaeus
Vespula atropilosa Sladem
Vespula consobrina Ses?
Vespula germanica Fabricius
Dolichovespula aerinaria Fabricius
Vespula pennsylvanica Saussure
Vespula vulgaris Linnaeus
Formicidae
Camponotus vicinus Carpenter ant
Camponotus modoc Carpenter ant
Camponotus herculeanus Carpenter ant
Field collected specimens from Washington State
Hemiptera
Aphidae
Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), pea aphid
Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), Russian wheat aphid
Thysanoptera
Thripidae
Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), male, western flower thrips
Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), dark form, western flower thrips
Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), bi-colour form, western flower thrips
Coleoptera
Chrysomelidae
Bruchus brachialis, vetch weevil
Curculionidae
Ceutorhynchus assimilis Paykull, cabbage seepod weevil
Sitona lineatus (L.), pea leaf weevil
Hymenoptera
Eurytomidae
Bruchophagus sp.
Seminars Presented
18 June Yakima Agricultural
Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS)
Seminar title: A review of the eradication of codling moth
(Cydia pomonella) from Western Australia.
20 June Department of Entomology
(WSU)
Seminar title: 'Clean and Green' Entomology in Western
Australia.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Agriculture Western Australia and US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, International Cooperation and Development, Research and Scientific Exchanges Division for financial support. The hospitality and kindness of USDA-ARS and WSU staff are gratefully acknowledged. Special thanks to Steve, Mary and Kevin Clement for making my stay in the US a most enjoyable experience.