Assist farmers and others to more adequately protect their crops from insect attack. Assure more prompt detection of newly introduced insect pests. Lead to the development of a workable insect pest forecasting service. Aid manufacturers and suppliers of insecticides and control equipment to determine areas of urgent need. In case of necessity, provide a countrywide skeleton structure to be expanded as needed, to combat any attempts at biological warfare. (0914)
Sponsors: USDA, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Don Arnold
Investigate molecular events controlling regulation salivary secretion in ixodid ticks. Characterize the major phospho-proteins involved in regulating secretion. Study the source, change, and regulation of arachidonic acid and its metabolites and their function during tick feeding. (1446)
Sponsors: National Science Foundation, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: John Sauer, Richard Essenberg, Jack Dillwith
The goal of this project is to describe life systems of key insect pests and beneficial species in alfalfa. The role of these species as determinants of productivity and stand longevity of alfalfa is assessed. Influence of management practices including host resistance, grazing, and use of insecticides on insect populations and alfalfa productivity is determined. Comprehensive economic thresholds for key insect pests are developed. (1527)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Richard Berberet, Jack Dillwith, John Caddel
Recognize, identify, and research soilborne pathogens. Develop Actinoplanes supp. as biocontrol agents of oospores. Determine the mode of survival of mycelial and sporangial inoculant. Quantitate the effects of Actinoplanes supp. on Pythium oospores. Characterize Actinoplanes supp. isolates via restriction endonuclease fingerprinting. (1574)
Sponsors: Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Larry Singleton, Alexander Filonow, Gene Krenzer
Develop methods to identify and quantify resistance in peanut to Sclerotinia minor and Verticillium dahliae. Assist breeders to develop disease resistant cultivars. Identify cropping systems, which contribute to lowering pathogen populations in soil. (1661)
Sponsors: Oklahoma Peanut Commission, Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Hassan Melouk, John Damicone, Ken Jackson, Jim Kirby
Oviposition Studies: Determine the effect of abiotic factors on ovipositing females in three different field habitats. Fecundity Studies: Determine the percent survival of egg masses oviposited in three different field habitats. Estivation/Overwinter Survival Studies: Determine the percent morality of non fed larvae, nymphs, and adults in three different field habitats. Immature Stage Survival Studies: Determine the percent survival, premolting behavior and molting time of engorged larvae and nymphs in three different field habitats. Tick Distribution Studies: Elucidate the influence of bovine behavior during the adult tick seasonal activity to determine the drop-off pattern of ticks within pastures. Alternate Host Preference: Determine the major and minor hosts on the immature life stages by trapping rodents, birds and medium sized mammals. (1706)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Bob Barker
Development of Disease Resistant Wheat Germplasm and Studies of Selected Wheat Diseases
Development of improved
winter wheat varieties is facilitated through this project by screening breeder
lines and developing wheat germplasm with resistance to diseases that limit
wheat production such as wheat leaf rust and wheat soilborne mosaic virus (WSBMV).
Effective sources of resistance for these diseases have been identified in
wheat from several countries and states and incorporated into hard red winter
wheat backgrounds, which are then advanced into breeding programs for
evaluation of agronomic traits by breeders. Additionally, field and lab studies
of selected wheat diseases including barley yellow dwarf virus, WSBMV, and root
and foot rots are conducted to facilitate development of control
recommendations for these diseases. (1871)
Sponsors: Oklahoma
Agriculture Experiment Station, Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation
PIs: Robert M. Hunger, Jeanmarie Verchot, Brett F. Carver, Art Klatt
Determine the relationship between host plant suitability and aphid antioxidant enzymes in host plant utilization. Determine the role that ethylene production has in aphid plant interactions. Evaluate molecular markers for identification of aphid species and biotypes and their predators and parasites. (2001)
Sponsors: FMC Corporation, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PIs: Jack Dillwith, Richard Berberet
Determine the role of the exopolysaccharide alginate in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae strains infecting tomato and bean. Investigate factors that induce the expression of alginate in P. syringae. Isolate genes that are involved in the regulation of alginate production. Test compounds known to interfere with alginate production for their ability to control diseases caused by P. syringae. (2009)
Sponsors: National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PI: Carol Bender
Evaluate alternative
insecticides for use in IPM programs on watermelon and leafy greens crops and
develop databases sufficient to serve as support for registration and use on
the crops. Develop alternative
management methods to replace the use of insecticides in watermelon and leafy
greens crop production. Determine action thresholds for insect pests on
processing greens crops destined for varying markets. Develop insecticide
application systems that can make effective use of botanical derived
insecticides for control of insects on watermelon and leafy greens. Determine
dose:response relations for botanical insecticides. (2040)
Sponsors: Oklahoma
Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA-IR4
PI: Jonathan
Edelson
Pathogen-Host Interactions of Phytopathogenic Mollicutes
in Selected Plant and Insect Host Systems
Investigate the molecular basis of pathogenicity, insect
transmissibility and other ecological niche adaptations of the phytopathogenic
mollicutes. Investigate Serratia marcescens, the bacterium causing yellow vine
disease of cucurbits, with emphasis on transmission factors and the molecular
determinants responsible for the unusual niche-versatility of this species.
Continue to address Oklahoma-related problems involving (or potentially
involving) phytopathogenic prokaryotes, including mollicutes, as appropriate.
(2052)
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA
PI: Jacque Fletcher
Obtain minor use
pesticide labels for crops produced in Oklahoma. Inform grower associations,
research, and extension personnel of re-registration and registration changes.
Obtain pest control needs from growers, grower associations, and research and
extension personnel. New products are requested by Pesticide Clearance Forms
through the IR-4 program as well as assistance for Sec. 18 and Sec. 24 labels
on minor use crops. (2074)
Sponsors: USDA, Oklahoma State Board of
Agriculture Food and Forestry, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jim Criswell,
Charles Luper
Biology, Epidemiology, and Integrated Management of Peanut and Vegetable Crop Diseases
Conduct basic studies on the biology and epidemiology of peanut and vegetable crop diseases. Identify and evaluate sources of genetic resistance to important peanut and vegetable crop diseases. Develop integrated management programs for peanut and vegetable crop diseases that utilize cultural practices, efficient spray programs, and genetic resistance. (2159)
Sponsors: Oklahoma Peanut Commission, American Seed Research Foundation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: John Damicone
Maintain existing tick colonies in sufficient quantities and quality to provide specimens for research. Be prepared to start new colonies of tick species or other arthropods of medical or veterinary importance that may be needed for medical-veterinary research at Oklahoma State University. Determine the optimum temperatures, relative humidity and photoperiod for rearing each stage of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. Evaluate artificial tick feeding techniques for mass rearing several tick species. (2172)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Russ Wright
Describe present IPM usage and evaluate adoption of IPM in grain storage systems. Document pest population dynamics, examine monitoring systems and attempt to develop action thresholds in food processing and food distribution warehouses. Evaluate conventional and candidate insecticides for use in storage and processing systems. Evaluate sealing/barrier system technology for exclusion of insects and maintaining fumigants. (2173)
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA Agriculture Research Service
PI: Gerrit Cuperus
Physiological and Biological Seed Treatments to Control Disease and Enhance Stand
Develop solid matrix priming systems for seeds that improve germination and seedling production in tree nurseries and horticultural production systems. Determine the most effective and efficient biological control agents to control soilborne diseases endemic in these production systems. Develop operational techniques for delivery of these agents from primed seeds to soil. (2187)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Ken Conway
Document the entire life cycle in vivo of Polymyxa graminis, the vector of soilborne wheat mosaic virus (WSBMV) in roots of wheat. Determine the extent of chemical nature and effects on host physiology of the degeneration of leaf epicuticular waxes associated with WSBMV infection. (2227)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Larry Littlefield
Characterize combined effects of: 1) density of plants, and 2) the proportion of each of the constituent crops species on the productivity of a biculture of summer squash and cucumber. Characterize effects of the proportion of each of the constituent crop species on increase of squash powdery mildew in a biculture summer squash and cucumber. (2274)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Jim Duthie
Control of Zoosporic Pathogens of Greenhouse and Nursery Crops in Recycled Irrigation Water
Examine calcium interference with the biology and epidemiology of zoosporic plant pathogens of greenhouse crops and evaluate the feasibility of calcium amendment of recirculated nutrient irrigation water for managing the diseases they cause. Investigate the factors that reduce survival of zoosporic plant pathogens in irrigation water and identify management practices that would promote more rapid decline of propagules in recycling irrigation systems. Evaluate other new approaches to managing soilborne diseases of greenhouse and nursery crops produced using recycled irrigation water, such as the use of biological control agents or surfactants. (2319)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Sharon von Broembsen
Develop behavioral chemicals for managing lesser grain borers and red flour beetles; investigate natural repellents to protect packages from storage pests. Investigate the predatory biology of Lyctocoris campestris and devise methods to use it in biological control. Sample insects in elevators to predict population trends and incorporate these sampling tools in an IPM system for commercial grain elevators. Evaluate the new phosphine+heat+CO2 combination method as an alternative to methyl bromide for treatment of food facilities. (2320)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Tom Phillips
Evaluate the impact of aphid infestations on winter wheat growth and yield grazed and ungrazed systems and determine the profitability of control tactics. Describe the ecology of insect natural enemies in winter wheat communities and quantify their value in reducing insect pest populations. Implement and evaluate an ecologically based pest management program for winter wheat that integrates biological, cultural, and chemical controls to prevent losses due to insect pests. (2334)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Kris Giles
Yeasts have potential for the biological control of fungal decays of fruits in post-harvest storage. An understanding is needed of why some yeast strains are effective biocontrol agents, whereas others are not. Mechanisms of antagonism used by yeasts against fruit decay fungi will be sought. The contribution of these mechanism to the overall biocontrol efficacy of yeasts that are effective or ineffective against fungal decays of fruit will be evaluated. Knowledge of mechanisms will be organized into a set of rules for predicting the potential success of a yeast strain for biocontrol. (2370)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Allen Filonow
Mechanisms Controlling the Spread of Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus in Hard Red Winter Wheat
Investigate virus host interactions required to facilitate movement of soilborne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) in wheat plants. These studies will provide insight into the requirements for host susceptibility to SBWMV infection and may lead to novel strategies to control virus infection in the field. Investigate genetically controlled resistance in wheat plants to SBWMV. At least one cultivar is resistant to SBWMV and uses a defense mechanism that blocks virus movement. Studies will investigate how the wheat host can naturally combat the spread of virus infection and characterize genetic mechanisms that are agronomically useful. (2371)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Jeanmarie Verchot
To evaluate by the following specific aims: 1) Purify putative spiroplasma adhesins P58 and P89 and prepare specific antibody and molecular reagents; 2) Determine whether the putative adhesins function in spiroplasma binding to host cells; and 3) Determine whether adhesin activity is necessary for insect transmissibility. (2384)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jackie Fletcher, Ulrich Melcher, Astri Wayadande
Objectives are to determine the DNA and ligand binding affinities of Amblyomma americanum ecdysteroid receptor heterodimers and to determine the temporal, tissue, and cell-specific patterns of A. americanum ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and retinoic x receptor (RXR) proteins. (2387)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Melanie Palmer
Evaluate the effect of grazing wheat on aphid populations, BTDV severity, weed populations, and the subsequent impact on yields and subsequent yields. Communicate the results of these studies through local extension presentations, regional newsletters and a regional publication. (2415)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Kris Giles
Biology, Ecology and Integrated Management of Turfgrass Diseases Caused by Fungi and Nematodes, and Insect Pests
Objectives are to identify and describe the biology and ecology of turfgrass pests in Oklahoma, evaluate potential interactions between turfgrass pests, and identify resistance in turfgrasses potentially useful in the development of future cultivars. (2420)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Nathan Walker, K. Jackson, D. Martin, K. Pinkston
Objectives are to elucidate mechanisms by which biotic agents interact with abiotic factors to limit stand persistence of forage alfalfa. To enhance alfalfa persistence through improved plant resistance to key pests by conventional breeding and genetic engineering approaches. To identify and enhance biological and cultural control measures that reduce pest populations and improve forage alfalfa persistence. To integrate control measures with decision-making guidelines for adoption by specific states/regions. (2421)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Richard Berberet
Objectives are to improve monitoring and chemical control techniques for hickory shuckworm, pecan nutcasebearer, pecan weevil, and brown stink bug and transfer this technology to large grower groups by making the techniques less expensive and more accessible. Develop biointensive insect pest management for pecan through crop profiling, habitat diversification, host plant resistance and biological control. (2424)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Phillip Mulder
Develop use
strategies for newly registered, reduced-risk and potential registration
pesticides and plant defense activators for use in processing leafy greens
crops. Verify, demonstrate and
implement a weather-based spray advisory for white rust of spinach using spray
programs with reduced-risk fungicides and resistance management. Demonstrate
new use strategies, evaluate economics of implementation, and extend research
results to growers, fieldsmen, consultants, distributors, and processors
involved in the leafy greens production industry. (2247)
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment
Station, Allen Canning Co., Oklahoma Vegetable Assoc.
PIs: Jonathan
Edelson, John Damicone, Jim Criswell, Gerrit Cuperus
Molecular Aspects of Insect Immunity
The proteolytic
activation of prophenoloxidase is an important physiological process involved
in several insect defense mechanisms, including cuticle sclerotization, wound
healing, melanotic encapsulation of parasites, and generation of cytotoxic
molecules. The long-term goal of this project is to understand this activation
process in a biochemical model insect Manduca Sexta. Acquired knowledge and
molecular probes from this research will be applied to the study and potential
manipulation of similar systems in insect vectors of human diseases as well as
in agricultural insect pests. (2450)
Sponsor: Oklahoma
Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Haobo Jiang
Replacements for Organophosphates as Stored Grain Protectants and for Use in Food Processing
This project will conduct research on the application and effectiveness of the following four low risk alternative pesticides that are commercially available and approved on other crops: Diatomaceous earth (DE), insect growth regulators, a natural insecticide formulated from neem extract, and the synthetic pyrethroid cyfulluithrin. Low-dose combinations of DE with the other three compounds will be targeted. (2451)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Thomas Phillips, F. Arthur, J. Criswell, G. Cuperus
Objectives are the selection, optimization, and regional evaluation of biological control agents to include application techniques and enhancement of biological control agents to control diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens. (2454)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Larry Singleton, Kenneth Conway
Objectives are to characterize and quantify the impact of indigenous natural enemies on pest and beneficial species. Evaluation of indigenous natural enemy efficacy is a key component of biological control programs. The hypothesis is that to be effacious natural enemies must have significant individual or additive impacts in reducing pest populations. The role of existing natural enemy complexes in reducing pest populations must be explored thoroughly. Studies will measure host/prey suppression by natural enemies in selected commodities and assess the impact of existing natural enemies on the efficacy of introduced biological control agents. (2455)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Kris Giles
Objectives are to prepare an infectious clone of SBWMV containing GFP and then use GFP expression to study the path of virus movement through the plant. Experiments will also be conducted to determine which viral proteins contribute to viral cell-to-cell and vascular transport. Finally, experiments will be conducted to culture the fungal vector Polymyxa graminis in wheat roots. This will be essential to study how the fungus transmits the virus. (2470)
Sponsors: USDA, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Jeanmarie Verchot-Lubicz
Objectives are to
determine whether Serratia marcescens is transmitted non-circulatively or
circulatively by the squash bug, Anasa tristis. Identify strains of S.
marcescens, including the strain that causes disease in cucurbits that are
pathogenic to A. tristis. Determine if A. trisis transmits S. marcescens collected
from other ecological niches. Disrupt transmission by A. tristis by blocking S.
marcescens attachment to gut and/or cuticle. (2472)
Sponsors: USDA/NRI, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Astri Wayadande, Jacqueline Fletcher, Benny Bruton, Sam Pair, Forrest Mitchell
Objectives are to bring scientists together from wheat growing states in the mid-west and Great Plains to create a plan for developing wheat varieties highly resistant to Karnal bunt and identify best management practices to control Karnal bunt. This plan will form a platform from which a global effort is directed toward Karnal bunt management and development of resistant varieties. (2474)
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Robert Hunger, Art Klatt, Kim Anderson
Objectives are to evaluate soil amendments and soil fallowing on the management of nematodes in commercial sod production. Evaluate the economic costs and benefits of integrated nematode management practices in commercial sod production. (2475)
Sponsors: USDA, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Nathan Walker, Joe Schatzer, Hallin Zhang, Dennis Martin, Gerrit Cuperus
Biology, Ecology, and Pest Management of Wood-Destroying
Subterranean Termites
Objectives are to: 1) Elucidate taxonomy, distribution, and
biology of indigenous subterranean termites in Oklahoma; 2) Investigate
resource allocation, brood placement, and care-taking of subterranean termites
relative to variation in food resources; 3) Determine foraging territories,
seasonality, and impact of subterranean termites on grassland plant biomass and
carbon sequestration; 4) Develop unique methodologies, techniques, and systems;
and 5) Evaluate efficacy of existing, improved, and emerging termite management
technologies. (2480)
Sponsor: Oklahoma
Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Bradford Kard