Grant Information

INVESTIGATING BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY OF MAJOR INSECT VECTORS OF PLANT PATHOGENS IN FLORIDA, AND DEVELOPMENT OF BIORATIONAL CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR THESE PESTS

Sponsoring Institution National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Status COMPLETE

Funding Source HATCH

Division NIFA Formula

Reporting Frequency Annual

Project Director Martini, Xavier

Accession Number 1012403

Project Number FLA-NFC-005607

Dates 2017-05-12 - 2022-02-28

Animal Health Component 30%

Performing Department North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy

Recipient Organization UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
G022 MCCARTY HALL
GAINESVILLE,FL 32611

Keywords biological control
insect behavior
insect vectors
plant pathogen
semiochemicals

Research Effort Applied (30%)
Basic (65%)
Developmental (5%)

Classification Parameters

Knowledge Area	Subject of Investigation	Field of Science	Percent
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants	1419 - Leguminous vegetables, general/other	1130 - Entomology and acarology	50%
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants	1830 - Peanut	1130 - Entomology and acarology	30%
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants	621 - Broadleaf forests of the South	1070 - Ecology	20%

Non-technical Summary

Several vector insect pests affect Florida crops and ecosystems by spreading diseases. Among them, the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci that damages plants directly by feeding and causes silverleaf disorder in cucurbits and irregular ripening in tomato. It also transmits over 111 different plant viruses. The Asian citrus psyllid is the vector of the bacteria that causes citrus greening, the most destructive disease for citrus crop worldwide. The redbay ambrosia beetle, is the vector of the fungus responsive of laurel wilt that have been destructive to the trees in the family Lauraceae in Southeastern forests of the United States and has significantly changed the community structure.Insects that vector plant pathogens have particular characteristics that make them difficult to manage. Movement and dispersion of plant pathogen insect vectors contribute to the spread of the disease. They usually have low economic threshold because few insects are often needed to infect the plant with the pathogen. Also, the plant pathogens may have evolved strategies to manipulate host plant or vector phenotypes to increase their spread. For instance, infection of the host plant with the pathogen agent often lead to change in the host's odor that can attract more vectors. The infection of the vector by the pathogen can result in the increase of vector's movement or a preference for infected plants.This project is to investigate the behavior and the ecology of each of these pests in order to develop effective and biorational integrated pest management strategies to control the diseases they carry. This will be achieved by identifying attractive and repellent semiochemicals as well as developing eco-friendly solutions such as push-pull strategies, mating disruption, or the use of cover crops, hedgerows and conservation biological control to increase the populations of natural enemies.

Goals / Objectives

The intended goal of this research is to study the behavior and ecology of the insect vectors of major plant pathogens in Florida, in order to develop effective and biorational integrated pest management strategies to control the diseases they carry. Several vector insect pests affect Florida crops and ecosystems by spreading diseases. Vector insect pests include:- The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci that vectors plant viruses such as the Squash vein yellowing virus, the Cucurbit leaf crumple virus or the Tomato yellow leaf curl virus.- The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, that vectors the bacteria that causes citrus greening, the most destructive disease in citrus crops.- The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) that transmits the Tomato spotted wilt virus and other tospoviruses.- The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, that is the vector of the fungus responsible for laurel wilt disease that has been destructive to trees in the family Lauraceae in Southeastern forests of United States and has significantly changed the community structure.- Additionally, we have the eriophyid mite, Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, that transmits Rose rosette virus that causes the rose rosette disease, the most economically important disease of rose production. This mite has not yet been found in Florida but is present in Georgia.My research goals will include the study of the behavior and ecology of these pests and of their natural enemies. I will study the spatial distribution and the movement of these plant pathogen insect vectors because they are directly linked to the spread of the disease that they carry (Martini et al. 2015). For instance, there is much evidence showing that biocontrol of plant-pathogen insect vectors may not be effective because of the non-consumptive effects of natural enemies. Briefly, when a predator such as a ladybug attacks an aphid colony, aphids detect the presence of predators and start producing alate individuals. These alate individuals escape from predation and move to different plants (Finke, 2012). If aphids are transmitting a virus or any plant pathogen, the dispersion of aphids caused by natural enemies may increase the spread of the disease.I will also investigate plant, pathogen, and vector interactions because these interactions can lead to a better understanding of insect vectored plant disease. For instance, Raffaelea lauricola the fungus that causes laurel wilt disease, manipulates release of volatiles from its host to increase attraction of its vector and symbiont, the redbay ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus, to trees. We found that R. lauricola is able to shut down the emission of a repellent, methyl salicylate, that follows fungal infection of trees. The release of methyl salicylate is indeed correlated to the activation of the salicylic acid defense pathway and repels the arrival of the redbay ambrosia beetles (Martini et al., submitted). My plan is to use methyl salicylate as a repellent directly in the field to avoid new infection by X. glabratus, but also be able to stimulate acid salicylate defensive pathway of redbay and avocado to prevent further attacks of the redbay ambrosia beetle.My overall goal is that based on my findings, new control methods for the insect vectors of plant pathogens will be developed with the goal to minimize insecticide applications and consequently insecticide resistance. I will achieve this goal with a better use of semiochemicals and by developing strategies to preserve the natural enemy community and conservatory biological control. In the same time, I will be monitoring for potential new invasions of plant pathogens and insect pests, and will adjust my program accordingly if a new pathosystem detrimental to Florida agriculture should emerge in the next yearsMore specifically my goals and detailed objectives are:

Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease.
1. Investigating changes in above and below ground volatiles of the plants induced by pathogens and also vector feeding.
2. Investigating how these volatile changes affect vector behavior and vector recruitment
3. Investigating performance of insect vector on pathogen-infected versus uninfected host.
Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whitefly B. tabaci, and the western flower thrips F. occidentalis
1. Investigating movement and dispersion of major insect vectors of plant pathogens: flight capabilities, factors affecting flight behavior, and effects of geographic barriers.
2. Better understanding of pathogen transmission capabilities of B. tabaci and F. occidentalis.
Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology.
1. Expanding biological control for B. tabaci and other insect vectors by landscape management and agroecology methods.
2. Investigating the impact of non-consumptive effect of natural enemies on plant-pathogen and insect vectors.
3. Develop novel strategies using RNAi and semiochemicals to decrease non-consumptive effects of natural enemies, and improve biological control of insect vectors.
4. Investigate the effects of pathogen infection on the behavior of natural enemies (host choice, functional response, foraging activity).
Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle
1. Develop repellents against the redbay ambrosia beetles and other beetles that could vector the fungus that causes laurel wilt.
2. Establish a push-pull strategy for the control of the redbay ambrosia beetles in southeastern forests and in avocado crops.
3. Investigating stimulation of the salicylate acid pathway to avoid further attacks of redbay ambrosia beetles.
4. Investigating the presence of the vector of rose rosette disease and of potential disease reservoir in Florida.

References:

Finke,D.L.(2012).Contrastingtheconsumptiveandnon-consumptivecascading effectsofnaturalenemiesonvector-bornepathogens. Entomol.Exp.Appl. 144, 45-55. doi:10.1111/j.1570-7458.2012.01258.x
Martini X., Hoffmann M., Coy M., Stelinski, L.L., Peltz-Stelinski K. (2015) Infection of an insect vector with a bacterial plant pathogen increases its propensity for dispersal. PLOS One. e0129373
Martini X., Hughes M., Killiny N., George J., Lapointe S., Smith J., Stelinski L.L. Host plant volatile manipulation by the fungus that causes laurel wilt modulates behavioral changes to its symbiont and vector, the redbay ambrosia beetle. Submitted to Journal of Chemical Ecology
Preisser EL, Bolnick DI & Benard MF (2005) Scared to death? The effects of intimidation and consumption in predator-prey interactions. Ecology 86: 501-509.Schmitz OJ, Krivan V & Ovadia O (2004) Trophic cascades: the primacy of trait-mediated indirect interactions. Ecology Letters 7: 153-163.Werner EE & Peacor SD (2003) A review of trait-mediated indirect interactions in ecological communities. Ecology 84: 1083-1100.

Methods (unparsed)

Â· Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease.Insect vector response to pathogen-induced volatiles will be investigated with olfactometer studies. Video tracking studies will be conducted to investigate responses of insect vectors to visual cues manipulated by plant pathogens. Additional studies will be conducted to investigate if aboveground pathogens effect belowground volatiles and belowground communities. This will be achieved by collecting root volatiles, and the use of an olfactometer designed for belowground insects. The preference of insect vectors between infected versus uninfected hosts will be investigated with choice assays that will use a combination of volatiles and visual cues. Also, because plant pathogens modify the physiological status of their host plant, we will investigate how pathogens affects life history traits of their vectors with the conduction of life table studies.Â· Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whitefly B. tabaci, and the western flower thrips F. occidentalis.Because the spread of plant pathogens is associated to the dispersal capabilities of their vectors, our research will focus particularly on insect vector movements. The dispersal behavior of B. tabaci, as well as F. occidentalis and other insect vectors will be investigated with flight mill, video tracking, wind tunnel, behavioral assays and field trials involving immunomarking and trapping studies. We will investigated how abiotic factors, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed or barometric pressure may affect dispersal of these insects. In the past, we used climatic chambers, barometric chamber, and flight mill to investigate these parameters in the Asian citrus psyllid. Our plan is to reproduce these experiments with other insect vectors.Â· Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology.Attraction of natural enemies to pathogen-induced volatiles will be investigated through olfactometer assays. Potential attraction of natural enemies toward visual cues modified by pathogen infection will be investigated through Ethovision assays. Additionally, the preference of natural enemies between pathogen-infected versus uninfected hosts and pathogen-infected versus uninfected prey will be investigated during choice assays. We will also investigate non-consumptive effects of natural enemies with behavioral assays that will aim to test if some insect vectors are able to recognize natural enemy cues, and therefore disperse more in presence of biocontrol agents. We will assess the efficiency of different natural enemies against insect vectors by measuring the functional response of natural enemies on different prey and under different conditions. Enhancement of natural enemies through landscape manipulation will be achieved in field situation by the addition of flower resources. Flowers will be selected based on experiments conducted in laboratory conditions to determine natural enemy's preference and performance on a different range of flower resources. Additionally, we aim to test if the addition of semiochemicals in cultivated crops may improve recruitment of natural enemies. We will investigate the potential effects of semiochemical dispensers when they are associated with flowers, and visual repellent such as reflective mulch.Â· Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetleWe already identified methyl salicylate and verbenone as strong repellents for the redbay ambrosia beetles, and we are investigating the best method to deploy lures to repel X. glabratus in field conditions. Identification of other repellents as well as new attractants for the redbay ambrosia beetles will be evaluated in laboratory conditions with the use of 4-way olfactometer. Anti-feeding compounds will be tested with the conduction of boring assays, where the propensity of X. glabratus to excavate a tunnel within a substrate will be assessed. Field trials will be set up to test repellents alone, and then repellents associated with attractants will be assessed in order to develop a full push-pull system. These field trials will be conducted in Florida state parks, as well as in avocado groves in south Florida.

Methods

Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease.Insect vector response to pathogen-induced volatiles will be investigated with olfactometer studies. Video tracking studies will be conducted to investigate responses of insect vectors to visual cues manipulated by plant pathogens. Additional studies will be conducted to investigate if aboveground pathogens effect belowground volatiles and belowground communities. This will be achieved by collecting root volatiles, and the use of an olfactometer designed for belowground insects. The preference of insect vectors between infected versus uninfected hosts will be investigated with choice assays that will use a combination of volatiles and visual cues. Also, because plant pathogens modify the physiological status of their host plant, we will investigate how pathogens affects life history traits of their vectors with the conduction of life table studies.
Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whitefly B. tabaci, and the western flower thrips F. occidentalis.Because the spread of plant pathogens is associated to the dispersal capabilities of their vectors, our research will focus particularly on insect vector movements. The dispersal behavior of B. tabaci, as well as F. occidentalis and other insect vectors will be investigated with flight mill, video tracking, wind tunnel, behavioral assays and field trials involving immunomarking and trapping studies. We will investigated how abiotic factors, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed or barometric pressure may affect dispersal of these insects. In the past, we used climatic chambers, barometric chamber, and flight mill to investigate these parameters in the Asian citrus psyllid. Our plan is to reproduce these experiments with other insect vectors.
Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology. Attraction of natural enemies to pathogen-induced volatiles will be investigated through olfactometer assays. Potential attraction of natural enemies toward visual cues modified by pathogen infection will be investigated through Ethovision assays. Additionally, the preference of natural enemies between pathogen-infected versus uninfected hosts and pathogen-infected versus uninfected prey will be investigated during choice assays. We will also investigate non-consumptive effects of natural enemies with behavioral assays that will aim to test if some insect vectors are able to recognize natural enemy cues, and therefore disperse more in presence of biocontrol agents. We will assess the efficiency of different natural enemies against insect vectors by measuring the functional response of natural enemies on different prey and under different conditions. Enhancement of natural enemies through landscape manipulation will be achieved in field situation by the addition of flower resources. Flowers will be selected based on experiments conducted in laboratory conditions to determine natural enemy's preference and performance on a different range of flower resources. Additionally, we aim to test if the addition of semiochemicals in cultivated crops may improve recruitment of natural enemies. We will investigate the potential effects of semiochemical dispensers when they are associated with flowers, and visual repellent such as reflective mulch.
Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetleWe already identified methyl salicylate and verbenone as strong repellents for the redbay ambrosia beetles, and we are investigating the best method to deploy lures to repel X. glabratus in field conditions. Identification of other repellents as well as new attractants for the redbay ambrosia beetles will be evaluated in laboratory conditions with the use of 4-way olfactometer. Anti-feeding compounds will be tested with the conduction of boring assays, where the propensity of X. glabratus to excavate a tunnel within a substrate will be assessed. Field trials will be set up to test repellents alone, and then repellents associated with attractants will be assessed in order to develop a full push-pull system. These field trials will be conducted in Florida state parks, as well as in avocado groves in south Florida.

Project Timeline Tracking

05/12/17 to 02/28/22
10/01/20 to 09/30/21
10/01/19 to 09/30/20
10/01/18 to 09/30/19
10/01/17 to 09/30/18
05/12/17 to 09/30/17

Outputs

Target Audience
Citrus growers, vegetable growers, county Extension agents, forest managers, nursery managers.

Changes / Problems
The Covid-19 pandemicreduced our research activity in spring 2020, as well as live Extension meeting. It took us 1 year to come back to the same Extension activity regarding meetings with stakeholders.

Training & Professional Development
For Citrus Pest training: Educational methods Client and number of contacts 12 presentations during Extension workshops (see section24. VI) 845 individual contacts including: Citrus growers from Florida, Georgia and Alabama Extension agents from Florida and Georgia Master gardeners Homeowners Board of the Cold Hardy Citrus Association Board of the Georgia Citrus Association Design and organization of the Citrus Health Forum (4 editions since 2017). This regional workshop is organized annually, and gathers researchers from USDA, SWREC, CREC and NFREC, commercial booths and live demonstrations >350 participants in 4 editions, including: Citrus growers from Florida, Georgia and Alabama Extension agents from Florida and Georgia Cold Hardy Citrus Association members 2 Presentations at ISTs (see section 24. VI) 72 Extension agents 5 Extension articles in professional journals (see section 16g) Readership of Citrus Industry, Citrograph and Cold Hardy Citrus Connection 8 Online Extension articles (see section 16g) Readership of Panhandle AG e-news, Citrus Industry News. 2 fact sheets For EDI and UGA 3 EDIS publications (see section 16g) Published in the Florida Citrus Production Guide I also conducted the following extension activities: 2021: Design and organization of an In-Service Training "Cold Hardy Citrus Management" (#31900, 22 registrants).. Development in 2017 of a network of Extension agents across North Florida for monitoring of Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening. For vegetable pesttraining: Educational methods Client and number of contacts 15 presentations during Extension workshops (see section24. VI) 1066 participants including Tomato and vegetable growers in North Florida Cucurbit growers in central and north Florida UF/IFAS Extension agents Board of the Gadsden County Tomato Producer 2 Presentations at ISTs (see section 24. VI) 56 Extension agents 2 Extension articles in professional journals (see section 16g) Readership of Citrus Industry and VSC News 6 Online Extension articles (see section 16g) Readership of Panhandle AG e-news, Citrus Industry News. 7 EDIS publications (see section 16g) Including 2 Published in the Florida Vegetable Production Guide I also conducted the following extension activities: Design and organization of the Sustainable Vegetable Production Workshop in 2021. 40 attendees. On farm visits to answer questions relative to pest management in vegetable crops Scout for sweet-potato whitefly biotype Q in North Florida (2016, 2017, 2018) Routine identification of insect specimens found in vegetable crops. Design and organization of 1 In service training (#31543, 6 registrants) Extension talks: Martini X. Workshop. Curcurbit pest management. TriState Cucurbit and Emerging vegetables conference. Marianna, FL, January 25, 2022. 50 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Crapemyrtle bark scale biology and management. UGA ornamental extension workshop. Cairo, GA, December 15, 2021. 25 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Advance in whitefly management. Gadsden County tomato grower field day. Quincy, FL, December 9, 2021. 80 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Updates on vegetable and citrus pest control in Florida. IFAS Certified Crop Adviser. April 2021. Online meeting. 100 attendees Martini X., Funderburk J. Workshop. Thrips control for peppers and tomatoes. Great Lake Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Expo. Online meeting. December 8, 2020. 110 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Description and management of Rose Rosette Disease. Pomerix Pestology's Live Seminar. Online meeting. December 3, 2020. 28 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Rose Rosette disease. Landscape professional University. Atlanta, GA. January 29, 2020. 20 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Management of citrus leafminer and Asian citrus psyllid in North Florida. Citrus Health Forum. Quincy, FL. March 11, 2020. 90 attendees. Martini X, Funderburk J, Mizell R. Workshop. Improving Sampling and Identifications of thrips and whitefly. Tomato Institute. Wimauma, FL. October 3, 2019. 100 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Update on research and Asian citrus monitoring. Cold Hardy Citrus Association Annual meeting. September 26, 2019. Quincy, FL. 110 attendees. Benge M, Martini X, Diepenbrock L. In Service Training. IPM needs assessment. IPM Academy. September 19, 2019. Citra, FL. 50 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Summary of ACP distribution and Management in North Florida. Citrus Health Forum. April 18, 2019. Quincy, FL. 60 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Cucurbit pests Management. Tri-state cucurbit workshop. February 5, 2019. Marianna, FL. 40 Attendees. Martini X, Paret M. Workshop. Use of Kaolin Clay to Prevent Whitefly Arrival in Watermelon. Watermelon institute. November 29, 2018. Gainesville, FL. 100 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Asian citrus psyllid management and Current findings of recent surveys. Citrus Grower's Summer update. July 26, 2017 Valdosta, GA. 80 attendees. Local Conover D., Martini X. Workshop. Demonstration of SPLAT use and laurel wilt control. Broward County. March 23, 2021. 7 attendees. Martini X., Diepenbrock L. In Service Training. Identification and Management of Major citrus Pests. Cold Hardy Citrus Management. February 11, 2021. 22 attendees. Martini X. In Service Training. Ambrosia beetle identification and management. IPM Academy. Citra, FL. October 14, 2021 40 attendees. Martini X, Funderburk J. Workshop. Asian bean thrips control. Online meeting. September 9, 2020. 52 attendees. Martini X, Fife A.Workshop. Rose Rosette disease. Rose Workshop. Quincy, FL. February 18, 2020. 22 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Use of Kaolin clay and essential oils for whitefly management. Gadsden County Tomato Producers Forum. December 5, 2019. Quincy, FL. 50 attendees. Conover D, Martini X. Demonstration. Management of Laurel wilt and ambrosia beetle using semiochemical repellents. February 18, 2019. Broward County. 15 attendees. Martini X. In Service Training. Grove design: Incorporating windbreaks. Citrus Insect Management Workshop. January 9, 2019. Lake Alfred, FL. 50 attendees. Martini X, Mizell R, Funderbruk J. Workshop. Pest Management Updates in Tomatoes. Gadsden county tomato Forum. Dec. 6, 2018. 80 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Management of peanut soil pests in conservation tillage. Peanut Diseases and Pests Tri-State Tour. Quincy, FL. September 25, 2018. 25 attendees. Martini X, Conover D. Workshop. Management of laurel wilt and redbay ambrosia beetle. Fort Lauderdale, FL. September 5, 2018. 20 attendees. Martini X. In service training. Introduction to entomology. Extension Academy. May 22, 2018. Quincy FL. 12 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. The state of IPM technologies in vegetable and row crops. Certified Crop Advisor Training. Online training. April 11, 2018. 64 attendees. Martini X, Stansly P. Workshop. Asian citrus psyllid and rust mite management in citrus. 2018 Satsuma Workshop. Marianna, FL, February 27, 2018. 125 attendees. Martini X, Knox G, Paret M. Workshop. Rose rosette disease. 2018 Florida Ornamental IPM Workshop. Gainesville, FL. February 7, 2018. 100 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Distribution and population dynamic of Diaphorina citri in North Florida. Cold Hardy Citrus Field Day. Live Oak, FL. December 14, 2017. 120 attendees. Martini X., Funderburk J. Workshop. Management of insect pests in Tomatoes. Gadsden County Tomato Forum. December 7, 2017. 80 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Management of Whitefly in north Florida. Tomato Field Day. Quincy FL. October 13, 2017. 60 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Rose pest and their management. New & Re-Emerging Rose Diseases and Pests. July 11, 2017. 60 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening. Citrus Greening Information Meeting. Bonifay, FL. April 10, 2017. 5 attendees.

Dissemination Streams
Organization of 4 field days on citrus Organization of 1 field fay on sustaniable vegetable production Organization of 3 IST on Citrus pest, and introduction to entomology. 43 Extension articles including: Altamimi R, Martini X. (2021) Managing fire ants in citrus groves. Ag Panhandle Enews. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/12/10/managing-fire-ants-in-citrus-groves/ Halbert SE, Moore M, Deeter L, Miller DR, Martini X. (2021) Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), crapemyrtle bark scale, detected in the Florida Panhandle. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry. Pest Alert. https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/98126/file/PESTALERT-Crapemyrtlebarkscale01954.pdf Martini, X. and C. Frey. (2021) Kaolin and limonene as repellents for whitefly. http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hendryco/2021/11/22/kaolin-and-limonene-as-repellents-for-whitefly-management-in-vegetables/. Martini X. (2021) Citrus leafminer sampling techniques. Citrus Industry news. https://citrusindustry.net/2021/04/27/citrus-leafminer-sampling-techniques/ Martini X. (2021) Dealing with the sweetpotato weevil. Ag Panhandle Enews. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/06/11/dealing-with-the-sweetpotato-weevil/ Martini X, Avery P. (2021) Use of entomopathogenic fungi to control citrus pests. Ag Panhandle Enews. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/01/22/fungi-biological-control-of-citrus-pests/ Martini X, Sprague D. (2021) Control methods for the major insect pests of Cold Hardy citrus. Citrus Industry. 102: 20-23. Smith HA, Capinera JL, Martini X. (2021) Natural enemies and Biological Control. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension. #IN120. Martini X, Funderburk JE, Webb SE, Smith HA. (2021) Arthropod management for tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension. #IN169. Webb SE, Martini X. (2021) Insect Management for Onion, Leek, and Garlic. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension. #IG153. Martini X, Webb SE. (2021) Insect Management for sweetpotatoes. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension. #ENY-473. Qureshi J., Stelinski L., Martini X., Diepenbrock L.M. (2020) Florida citrus production guide: rust mites, spider mites, and other phytophagous mites. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension Florida citrus production guide. #ENY-603. Updated every year. Diepenbrock L.M., Stelinski L.L., Martini X., Qureshi J. (2020) Florida citrus production guide: soft-bodied insects attacking foliage and fruit. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension Florida citrus production guide. #ENY-604. Updated every year. Griesheimer J, Martini X. (2020) Biological Control of Air Potato by a Beneficial Beetle. Gardening in the Panhandle. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2020/10/14/biological-control-of-air-potato-by-a-beneficial-beetle Fife A.(2020) Help us keep a watch out for Rose Rosette disease. Gardening in the Panhandle. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2020/08/14/help-us-keep-a-watch-out-for-rose-rosette-disease/ Martini X. (2020) Get Ready for Whitefly Season in Fall Vegetables this Year. Ag Panhandle Enews. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2020/07/17/get-ready-for-whitefly-season-in-fall-vegetables-this-year/ Conover D, Martini X. (2020) Protect Your Laurel Trees from Ambrosia Beetles with Verbenone. Gardening in the Panhandle. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2020/06/04/protect-your-laurel-trees-from-ambrosia-beetles-with-verbenone Martini X. (2020) Update on Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Greening in North Florida. Ag Panhandle Enews. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2020/02/14/update-on-asian-citrus-psyllid-and-citrus-greening-in-north-florida/ Martini X, Funderburk J. (2020) Management of thrips in tomatoes. VSC News. 3: 8-9. Martini X, Mizell R, Diepenbrock L. (2019) Old citrus pests making a comeback in Florida. Panhandle AG e-news. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2019/08/09/old-citrus-pests-making-a-comeback-in-florida/ Martini X, Fife A, Knox G, Paret M. (2019) IFAS Pest Alert: First report of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, the vector of Rose rosette virus in Florida. UF/IFAS pest alert. http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/2019/07/18/ifas-pest-alert-first-report-of-phyllocoptes-fructiphilus-the-vector-of-rose-rosette-virus-in-florida/ Johnston N, Paret M, Martini X. (2019) Using Kaolin to Manage Whiteflies: A Novel Approach. Panhandle AG e-news. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2019/03/01/using-kaolin-to-manage-whiteflies-a-novel-approach/ Martini X, Diepenbrock LM. (2019) Plant bugs, chewing insect pests, Caribbean fruit fly, and thrips. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension Florida citrus production guide. #ENY-605. Updated every year. Martini X, Webb SE, Schuster DJ, Polston JE, Adkins S, Baker CA, Roberts P, Liburd OE, Nyoike TA, McAvoy E, and Whidden A. (2019) Recommendations for Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses, and Insecticide Resistance for Production of Cucurbit Crops in Florida. EDIS UF/IFAS Extension. #ENY-478 Martini X. (2018) Conservation tillage increase the number of beneficial arthropods in peanut field. Panhandle AG e-news. https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2018/08/24/conservation-tillage-increases-beneficial-arthropods-in-peanut-fields/ Freeman J, Martini X, Paret M, Sparks S, Dutta B. (2018) Cautious optimism about whitefly pressure on fall vegetables this year Panhandle AG e-news. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2018/06/08/cautious-optimism-for-whitefly-pressure-on-fall-vegetables-this-year/ Martini X, Andresen P. (2018) Cold hardy citrus for North Florida. Citrus Industry. June 2018. Conover D, Martini X. (2018) Managing dung beetles to enhance cattle production Panhandle AG e-news. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2018/03/16/managing-dung-beetles-to-enhance-cattle-production/ Martini X, Andresen P. (2018) Insecticide applications can inadvertently cause citrus mite outbreaks. Panhandle AG e-news. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2018/01/05/insecticide-applications-can-inadvertently-cause-citrus-mite-outbreaks/ Martini X. (2017) A Tiny Wasp to fight the Asian citrus psyllid. Panhandle Ag e-News. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2017/07/14/a-tiny-wasp-to-fight-the-asian-citrus-psyllid/ Top 5 most read article in 2017. Martini X, Davis C, Mafra-Neto A, Stelinski LL (2017) Optimizing an ACP-attractant Odor Blend. Citrograph, Spring 2017: 54-57 Martini X, Wright D. (2017) The Peanut burrower bugs, an emerging pest in peanuts. Panhandle Ag e-News. http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2017/02/17/the-peanut-burrower-bug-an-emerging-pest-in-peanuts/ 3rd Place 2017 Reader's choice award.?

Next Reporting Steps
Nothing Reported

Outputs

Target Audience
Citrus growers, vegetable growers, county Extension agents, forest managers, nursery managers.

Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported

Training & Professional Development
A Sustainable Vegetable Production field day was organized October 21, 2021 in Citra, FL. 40 attendees. This is the list of trainings performed during the reporting period: Martini X.Workshop. Curcurbit pest management.TriState Cucurbit and Emerging vegetables conference. Marianna, FL, January 25, 2022. 50 attendees. Martini X.Workshop. Crapemyrtle bark scale biology and management.UGA ornamental extension workshop.Cairo, GA, December 15, 2021. 25 attendees. Martini X.Workshop. Advance in whitefly management. Gadsden County tomato grower field day. Quincy, FL, December 9, 2021. 80 attendees. Martini X.Workshop. Updates on vegetable and citrus pest control in Florida.IFAS Certified Crop Adviser. April 2021. Online meeting. 100 attendees Conover D.,Martini X.Workshop.Demonstration of SPLAT use and laurel wilt control. Broward County. March 23, 2021. 7 attendees. Martini X.,Diepenbrock L.In Service Training.Identification and Management of Major citrus Pests.Cold Hardy Citrus Management.February 11, 2021. 22 attendees. Martini X.In Service Training.Ambrosia beetle identification and management. IPM Academy. Citra, FL. October 14, 2021 40 attendees.

Dissemination Streams
Extension publications: Iriarte FB, Lovestrand EL, McConnell J, Demorest N, Tancig M,Martini X, Andersen P,Paret M.(2021)Citrus Greening (HLB) Update for North Florida and Georgia.Ag Panhandle Enews.https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/12/17/citrus-greening-hlb-update-for-north-florida-and-georgia/ Altamimi Rg,Martini X.(2021) Managing fire ants in citrus groves.Ag Panhandle Enews.https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/12/10/managing-fire-ants-in-citrus-groves/ Halbert SE, Moore M, Deeter L, Miller DR,Martini X.(2021)Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae(Kuwana), crapemyrtle bark scale, detected in the Florida Panhandle.Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry.Pest Alert.https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/98126/file/PESTALERT-Crapemyrtlebarkscale01954.pdf Martini, X.and C. Frey. (2021) Kaolin and limonene as repellents for whitefly.http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hendryco/2021/11/22/kaolin-and-limonene-as-repellents-for-whitefly-management-in-vegetables/. Martini X.(2021) Citrus leafminer sampling techniques.Citrus Industry news.https://citrusindustry.net/2021/04/27/citrus-leafminer-sampling-techniques/ Martini X.(2021) Dealing with the sweetpotato weevil.Ag Panhandle Enews.https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/06/11/dealing-with-the-sweetpotato-weevil/ Martini X,Avery P. (2021) Use of entomopathogenic fungi to control citrus pests.Ag Panhandle Enews.https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2021/01/22/fungi-biological-control-of-citrus-pests/ Sprague D,Martini X.(2021) Scout for scale early this spring.Cold Hardy Citrus Connection. 2: 1-3. Martini X,Sprague D. (2021) Control methods for the major insect pests of Cold Hardy citrus.Citrus Industry. 102: 20-23. Smith HA, Capinera JL,Martini X.(2021) Natural enemies and Biological Control.EDISUF/IFAS Extension.#IN120. Martini X, Funderburk JE, Webb SE, Smith HA. (2021) Arthropod management for tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants.EDISUF/IFAS Extension.#IN169. Webb SE,Martini X.(2021) Insect Management for Onion, Leek, and Garlic.EDISUF/IFAS Extension.#IG153. Martini X, Webb SE. (2021) Insect Management for sweetpotatoes.EDISUF/IFAS Extension.#ENY-473.

Next Reporting Steps
Nothing Reported

Impacts (unparsed)

What was accomplished under these goals? ? 1.Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease We found that the thripsFrankliniella occidentalisthat vectors tospoviruses is attracted to tospovirus-induced plant volatiles, whereas the non-vectoring thripsF. triticiis not. Interestingly,F. occidentalisis also attracted to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) induced volatiles, even though this virus is transmitted by whitefliesB. tabaci. It indicates that thrips that have the capability to vector viruses may respond to a broad range of virus-induced volatiles including some induced by virusesthat they do not transmit. We found that the whiteflyBemisia tabaciis attracted to TYLCV-infected plants by a combination of volatiles and visual cues. Visual cues consist of an increase of yellowing in the reflection of the leaf. Odor cues consist in a change of volatiles organiccompounds (VOCs) release by leaf volatile. Visual and odor cues have additive effects inB. tabaci attraction; however, visual cues seem to dominate most ofB. tabaciresponse to TYLCV-infected plants. 2.Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whiteflyB. tabaci, and the western flower thripsF. occidentalis. We investigatedthe ecological interaction between the red imported fire antSolenopsis invictaand the Asian citrus psyllidDiaphorina citri. We found that the Asian citrus psyllid, despite protection provided byants against natural enemies, was not attracted byS. inictarelated cues. We found that the entomopathogenic fungusCordyceps javanicais producing VOCs that are attractive to D. citri. We found that the Asian citrus psyllidD. citrican cold acclimate. Once cold acclimated, Asian citrus psyllid survival to freezing temperature increased significantly. 3.Objective 3: Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton, and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology. We obtained encouraging results from our 'attract and reward' project to control thrips in vegetable production. In both tomatoand pepper, we increased densities of the predatorOrius insidiosusby adding flower resources on the border of the crop in combination with dispensers ofO.insidiosusaggregation pheromone. Interestingly, both predator density and biological control increased up to the 3rd row after the flower resources when pheromone dispensers were added. In citrus grove, we found that the addition of companion plant such as blanket flowers increased pollinators and natural enemies; however, this did not translate in an increase in biological control in citrus groves. 4. Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle The push-pull system developed for redbay ambrosia beetle combining verbenone (repellent, 'push') and Î±-copaene (attractant, 'pull') has beenefficient in reducing laurel wilt infestation, increasing lifespan of laurel trees and reducing landing of redbay ambrosia beetles on the host plant. Another push-pull system combining this time verbenone and MeSA (repellent, 'push') and ethanol (attractant, 'pull') has been proved efficient in reducing landing of ambrosia beetles on avocado trees. We developed a trapping system using reflecting mulch and a fake tree silhouette to increase captures of ambrosia beetles. This trapping system has been found more efficient in capturing ambrosia beetle that the traps used currently in avocado groves. When added to the border of the grove we observed a decrease in the number of ambrosia beetles landing on avocado trees. We are conducting a survey among forest managers to better understand their needs for Extension resources in Laurel wilt management Publications

Outputs

Target Audience
Citrus growers, vegetable growers, county extension agents, forest managers, nursery managers.

Changes / Problems
Obviously the Covid-19 epidemic had major impact on our work and productivity. The research was closed 2 months during the lockdown and social distancing refrain to have more than 3 people in the lab at the same time.

Training & Professional Development
A field day for citrus growers, the "Citrus Health Forum", that attracted 100 citrus growers from North Florida, Georgia, and Alabama was organized in March 2020. Information regarding Asian citrus psyllid, citrus greening, and major citrus pests were provided to citrus growers. An in-service-training was organized to improve knowledge and skills of extension agent in North Florida on citrus pests and disease. Other extension talks are listed below: Martini X., Diepenbrock L. In Service Training. Identification and Management of Major citrus Pests. Cold Hardy Citrus Management In Service Training. February 11, 2021. 22 attendees. Martini X., Funderburk J. Workshop. Thrips control for peppers and tomatoes. Great Lake Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Expo. Online meeting. December 8, 2020. 110 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Description and management of Rose Rosette Disease. Pomerix Pestology's Live Seminar. Online meeting. December 3, 2020. 28 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Rose Rosette disease. Landscape professional University. Atlanta, GA. January 29, 2020. 20 attendees. Martini X. In Service Training. Brainstorming session. IPM academy. September 25, 2020. 38 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Gardening in the Panhandle: Live. Online meeting. September 10, 2020. 50 attendees. Martini X, Funderburk J. Workshop. Asian bean thrips control. Online meeting. September 9, 2020. 52 attendees. Martini X, Fife A.g Workshop. Rose Rosette disease. Rose Workshop. Quincy, FL. February 18, 2020. 22 attendees. Fife Ag, Martini X. Workshop. The Rose rosette disease. Tallahassee Rose Society meeting. Tallahassee, FL. January 3, 2020. 20 attendees. Martini X. Workshop. Management of Citrus Whitefly and Asian Citrus Psyllid in North Florida. Citrus Health Forum. Quincy, FL. March 11, 2020. 90 attendees.

Dissemination Streams
The following estension publications have been published: Fife A(2020) Help us keep a watch out for Rose Rosette disease.Gardening in the Panhandle.https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2020/08/14/help-us-keep-a-watch-out-for-rose-rosette-disease/ Martini X. (2020) Get Ready for Whitefly Season in Fall Vegetables this Year.Ag Panhandle Enews.http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2020/07/17/get-ready-for-whitefly-season-in-fall-vegetables-this-year/ Conover Dg,Martini X. (2020)Protect Your Laurel Trees from Ambrosia Beetles with Verbenone.Gardening in the Panhandle.https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/2020/06/04/protect-your-laurel-trees-from-ambrosia-beetles-with-verbenone Martini X. (2020) Update on Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Greening in North Florida.Ag Panhandle Enews.http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2020/02/14/update-on-asian-citrus-psyllid-and-citrus-greening-in-north-florida/ Martini X.,Funderburk J. (2020) Management of thrips in tomatoes.VSC News.3: 8-9.

Next Reporting Steps

Impacts (unparsed)

What was accomplished under these goals? 1 Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease. We found that thrips Frankliniella occidentalis that vectors tospoviruses is attracted to tospovirus-induced plant volatiles, whereas the non-vectoring thrips F. tritici is not. Interestingly, F. occidentalis is also attracted to Tomato yellow leaf curve virus induced volatiles, even though this virus is transmitted by whiteflies. It indicates that thrips that vector viruses might be responsive to virus induced volatiles even if they do not vector the virus responsible to the plant's induction. We found that the predator Orius insidiosus is also attracted to virus-induced volatiles irrespectively if thrips or whiteflies vector the virus. We found that the whitefly Bemisia tabaci is attracted to Tomato yellow leaf curve virus infected plants by a combination of volatiles and visual cues. Visual cues consist of an increase of yellowing in the reflection of the leaf. Visual and odor cues have additive effects in B. tabaci attraction; however, visual cues seem to dominate most of B. tabaci response. 2. Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whiteflyB. tabaci, and the western flower thripsF. occidentalis We are investigating the ecology of the redbay ambrosia beetle. We are investigating the ecological interaction between the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta and the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri. We found that the Asian citrus psyllid, despite protection provided by the ants against natural enemies, was not attracted by ant-infested citrus. We found that the Asian citrus psyllid was able to cold acclimate. Once cold acclimated Asian citrus psyllid survival to freezing temperature is increased significantly. We found that the predator Orius insidiosus has its survivorship and oviposition increased if pollen from wild flowers are provided in addition to thrips prey. 3. Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology. We obtained encouraging results from our 'attract and reward' project to control thrips in vegetable production. In both tomatoes and peppers, we increased densities of the predator Orius insidiosus and biological control by adding flower resources on the border of the crop in combination with dispensers of Orius insidiosus aggregation pheromone. Interestingly, both predator density and biological control increased up to the 3rd row after the flower resources when pheromone dispensers were added. 4. Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle The push-pull system developed for redbay ambrosia beetle combining verbenone (repellent, 'push') and Î±-copaene (attractant, 'pull') has been proved efficient in reducing laurel wilt infestation, increasing lifespan of laurel trees and reducing landing of redbay ambrosia beetles on the host plant. Another push pull system combining this time verbenone (repellent, 'push') and ethanol (attractant, 'pull') has been proved efficient in reducing landing of ambrosia beetles on avocado trees. We developed a trapping system using reflecting mulch and a fake tree silhouette to increase captures of ambrosia beetles. This trapping system has been found more efficient in capturing ambrosia beetle that the traps used currently in avocado groves. We are exploring the possibility of using this trap as attractant within the push-pull system. 5. Investigating the presence of the vector of rose rosette disease and of potential disease reservoir in Florida We discovered the Orchid fleck virus transmitted by the flat mite Brevipalpus californicus in ornamentals including liriopogons (Aztec grass, monkey grass). We found the two strains OFV-1 and OFV-2 as well as a potential new mite species within the Brevipalpus californicus group. This is relevant as this virus can affect multiple host plants including citrus, where it causes citrus leprosis-like symptoms. Publications

Outputs

Target Audience
Citrus growers, vegetable growers, county extension agents, forest managers, nursery managers.

Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported

Training & Professional Development
10 extension talks for growers and extension agents. Organisation of 1 workshop on citrus pest Organisation of 1 In service training for Extension agents.

Dissemination Streams
7 extension articles on different media (citrus industry, EDIS, professional blogs)

Next Reporting Steps
1. Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease. ? We are studying how change in leaf color (yellowing) and volatiles change over time after infection with a begomovirus. We will compare change in color and volatile after infection with tomato yellow leaf curl virus and after Cucurbit leaf crumple virus 2. Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whitefly B. tabaci, and the western flower thrips F. occidentalis We are investigating the effect of pollen on the development and survival of minute pirate bug a major predator of thrips and whiteflies. 4. Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle We are devloping a push pull system for controlling ambrosia beetles in avocado and for redbay in forest. 5. Investigating the presence of the vector of rose rosette disease and of potential disease reservoir in Florida. We have initiated a program on the chemical ecology of the disease and biological control of the mite. Notably, we are studying changes in headspace volatiles released after viral infection, and we are investigating the use of salicylic acid pathway stimulant and predatory mites to control the eriophyid mites. We are currently conducting a survey to establish the distribution of P. fructiphilus in Florida, and to assess the diversity of predatory mites present in ornamental rose that have potential as biological control agents against P. fructiphilus.

Impacts (unparsed)

What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease. we are examining whitefly host preference and how chemical cues interact with visual cues. We demonstrated that whiteflies are attracted to begomovirus-infected plants due to the yellowing of the host leaves and changes in volatile emissions. Based on this knowledge, we are developing a push-pull system to control whiteflies in cucurbits using kaolin, visual attractants and repellents. Objective 3:Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology. ?We are studying the effects of conservation tillage on thrips population and natural ennemies in peanuts. We demosntrated that conservation tillage increased significantly the number of natural ennemies in peanut crop. Objective 4: Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle is the vector of the fungus responsible for laurel wilt disease that has been destructive to trees in the family Lauraceae in Southeastern forests of United States. We studied the chemical ecology of the beetles and demonstrated that X. glabratus is repelled by volatiles associated to salicylic acid pathway systemic response. The identified repellents have been used in field situations to decrease infestations of X. glabratus against redbay and avocado. Recently, these repellents have been integrated in two push-pull systems that are particularly efficient in reducing the number of ambrosia beetles attacking redbay and avocado, respectively?. 5. Investigating the presence of the vector of rose rosette disease and of potential disease reservoir in Florida. Our laboratory was the first to dicover P. fructiphilus in Florida. Our state is an important producer of roses, and arrival of the disease could be detrimental for the horticultural industry. Publications

Outputs

Target Audience
Citrus growers, vegetable growers, county extension agents, Forest managers. ?

Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported

Training & Professional Development
10 extension talks for growers and extension agents. Organisation of two In service training for extension agents

Dissemination Streams
10 extension articles on different media (citrus industry, EDIS, professional blogs)

Next Reporting Steps
1. Investigating how vector-borne plant pathogens alter the traits of their hosts and vectors in ways that influence the spread of the disease. ?Compare attraction of western flowwer thrips, and bemisia tabaci whitefly to different combinaison of tospovirus/ begomovirus combinaison 2. Investigating the ecology and the behavior of current major insect vector pests of Florida including sweet potato whitefly B. tabaci, and the western flower thrips F. occidentalis Interaction of visual and odor cues in host selection for the sweet potato whitefly B. tabaci 3. Expanding biological control for horticulture, cotton and peanuts crops in north Florida; notably through the study of Coccinellidae and parasitoid behavior and ecology. ?Devlopping an attract and reward strategy for increasing densities of Minute pirate bug in vegetable crops. 4. Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle ?Pursuing the devlopment of Push-pull system in urban forest,a nd avocado groves. ?

Impacts (unparsed)

What was accomplished under these goals? 1.1 Investigating changes in above and below ground volatiles of the plants induced by pathogens and also vector feeding ?We demonstrate that Methyl salicylate decreased over time following CLas infection. This decrease in MeSA was associated with a decline in Asian citrus psyllid attraction 1.2. Investigating how these volatile changes affect vector behavior and vector recruitment ?We found that thrips are attracted to tospovirus-infected plant volatiles. similarly Bemisa tabaci whitefly are attracted to begomovirus-infected plant volatiles 2.1 Investigating movement and dispersion of major insect vectors of plant pathogens: flight capabilities, factors affecting flight behavior, and effects of geographic barriers. ?We described changes of Asian citrus psyllid flight capabilities depending of abiotic condiction: temperature, humidity and barometric pressure We demonstrated how wind is used as a carrier to increase dipsersal of Asian citrus psyllid. 4. Development of an IPM program for the redbay ambrosia beetle 4.1. Develop repellents against the redbay ambrosia beetles and other beetles that could vector the fungus that causes laurel wilt. 4.2. Establish a push-pull strategy for the control of the redbay ambrosia beetles in southeastern forests and in avocado crops. Push-pull to control Ambrosia beetle has been devlopped using verbenone as the main repellent in forest and avocado grove settings. In redbay, the attractant used was Î±-copaene while ethanol was used in avocado orchards. In both situations, we were able to significantly reduce the number of beetles attacking redbay and avocado. In redbay, we were able to reduce beetle populations by nine fold as compared with untreated controls. 5. Investigating the presence of the vector of rose rosette disease and of potential disease reservoir in Florida. ?Survey have been conducted for 2 years distribution of rose rosette disease vector in North Florida and South Georgia has been established. ? Publications

Outputs

Target Audience
Three major audiences targeted by my research during this reporting period are: - Growers and stakeholders regarding my research on Bemisia tabaci, Western flower thrips, and Asian citrus psyllids. In addition, avocado growers will also benefit from my research on redbay ambrosia beetle. - Forestry personnel and national park biologists regarding my current research on the redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt. - Finally, homeowners affected by Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening in the Florida panhandle.

Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported

Training & Professional Development
I organized the Citrus Health Forum where information on Asian citrus psyllid management were provided.

Dissemination Streams
I conducted 12 seminars for stakeholders and extension agents where the information were disimined. I wrote 7 extension articles in different media to dessiminate the information.

Next Reporting Steps
For the next reporting session our main goals are: - to test the push-pull sytem on redbay ammbrosia beetle, test semiochemical reppelents in ambrosia beetles in avocado (goals 4.1 and 4.2) - to investigate the atraction of minute pirate bug toward thrips and tospovirus induced volatiles (goals 1.2 and 1.3) - to investigate the use of semiochemicals to attract minute pirate bug in the field in association with flower strips (goal 3.1) - to test the combinaison of predatory mites and saliclate acid inducer to control rose rosette virus and its vector. (goals 3.1 and 5)

Impacts (unparsed)

What was accomplished under these goals? 1.1 Investigating changes in above and below ground volatiles of the plants induced by pathogens and also vector feeding. We demonstrated that pathogen and herbivore induced volatiles were affected by drought stress. We demonstrated on two different systems, (Asian citrus psyllid/ Clas and redbay ambrosia beetle/laurel wilt) that pathogen induced volatiles changed as disease progress. We demonstrated that infection with the phytopathogen fungi Raffaela lauricola increased the release of methyl salicylate in redbay and an increase of the phytohormone salicylic acid in leaf samples. 1.2 Investigating how these volatile changes affect vector behavior and vector recruitment We demonstrated that the release of MeSA in redbay following Raffaela lauricola infection repelled the beetles. As the disease progressed, the MeSA emission declined and sesquiterpenes emissions increased leading to the attraction of the beetles toward damaged and dying trees. 2.1 Investigating movement and dispersion of major insect vectors of plant pathogens: flight capabilities, factors affecting flight behavior, and effects of geographic barriers. We investigated the dispersal behavior of the redbay ambrosia beetle, and demonstrated that this species was only performing short distance flight (100 m). We investigated the dispersal of Asian citrus psyllid and demonstrated that temperature increased dispersal, that the minimal threshold for flight initiation was 16.5 C, that relative humidity did not affect psyllid dispersal. We also demonstrated that Asian citrus psyllid use wind as a carrier for dispersion. 3.3 Develop novel strategies using RNAi and semiochemicals to decrease non-consumptive effects of natural enemies, and improve biological control of insect vectors. We developed a system based on laser perforation of the plant cuticle to improve the intake of dsRNA by plants. With this method, the expression of gene silencing by dsRNA was considerably increased. 4.1 Develop repellents against the redbay ambrosia beetles and other beetles that could vector the fungus that causes laurel wilt. Repellents were tested last year in field condition in florida forests. We found that verbenone was a good candidate for further application. The number of redbay ambrosia beetles captured decreased significantly in presence of verbenone SPLAT. We demonstrated that reapplication should occur every 3 month to keep repellent activity. Publications

Publications Inventory

Journal Articles

Amorï¿½s ME, Pereira das Neves V, Rivas F, Buenahora J, Martini X, Stelinski LL, Rossini C. (2019) Response of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) to volatiles characteristic of preferred citrus hosts. Arthropod-Plant Interactions. 13(3): 267-274. [Published 2019]
Antolinez CA, Martini X, Stelinski LL Rivera M. Wind speed and direction drive assisted dispersal of Asian citrus psyllid. Environmental Entomology. [Awaiting Publication 2022]
Antolinez, C. A., Moyneur, T., Martini, X., & Rivera, M. J. (2021). High Temperatures Decrease the Flight Capacity of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Insects, 12(5), 394. [Awaiting Publication 2021]
Arp A., Martini X., Pelz-Stelinski K. (2017) Innate immune system capabilities of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 148: 94-101. [Accepted 2017]
Avery PB, George J, Markle L, Martini X, Rowley AL, Meagher RL Jr., Barger RE, Duren EB, Dawson JS, Cave RD. Choice behavior of the generalist pentatomid predator Podisus maculiventris when offered lepidopteran larvae infected with an entomopathogenic fungus. Biocontrol. [Awaiting Publication 2022]
Babu B, Paret M, Martini X, Knox G, Riddle B, Ritchie L, Aldrich J, Kalischuk M, da Silva S. Impact of foliar application of Acibenzolar S-Methyl on rose rosette disease and rose plant quality. Plant Disease. [Awaiting Publication 2022]
Barr G., Martini X., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Lethal and sub-lethal effects of a novel sulfoximine insecticide, sulfoxaflor, against Asian citrus psyllid and its primary parasitoid under laboratory and field conditions. International Journal of Pest Management. 63 : 299-308. [Published 2017]
Cerritos-Garcia DG, Avery PB, Martini X, Candian V, Cano LM, Cave RD. (2021) In vitro effects of leaf extracts from Brassica rapa on the growth of two entomopathogenic fungi. Journal of Fungi. 7: 779. [Published 2021]
Fife A, Bolton S, Griesheimer JL&, Paret M, Martini X. (2020) First report of Phyllocoptes fructiphilus Keifer, the vector of the Rose Rosette Virus, in Florida. Florida Entomologist 103: 411-414. [Published 2020]
Fife Ag, Carrillo D, Knox G, Iriarte F, Dey K, Roy A, Ochoa R, Bauchan G, Paret M, Martini X. (2021) Brevipalpus-transmitted Orchid Fleck Virus Infecting Three New Ornamental Hosts in Florida. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 12: 43. [Published 2021]
Funderburk J, Martini X, Freeman J, Strzyzewski Ig, Traczyk Eg, Skarlinsky T, Adkins S (2019) Sampling for Estimating Frankliniella Species Flower Thrips and Orius Species Predators in Field Experiments. Journal of Visualized Experiments. e59869. [Published 2019]
Hughes M., Martini X., Kuhns E., Colee J., Mafra-Neto A., Stelinski L. L., Smith J. A. (2017) Evaluation of repellents for the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, vector of the laurel wilt pathogen. Journal of Applied Entomology. 141: 653-664. [Published 2017]
Johnston N g, Martini X. (2020) The Influence of Visual and Olfactory Cues in Host Selection for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in the Presence or Absence of Tomato. Insects. 11: 115. [Published 2020]
Johnston N, Martini X. (2020) The Influence of visual and olfactory cues in host selection for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in the Presence or Absence of Tomato. Insects. 11: 115. [Published 2020]
Johnston Ng, Paris Tp, Paret M, Freeman J, Martini X. (2022) Repelling whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) using limonene-scented kaolin: a novel pest management strategy. Crop Protection. 154:105905. [Awaiting Publication 2022]
Killiny N, Gonzalez-Blanco P, Gowda S, Martini X, Etxeberria E. (2021) Plant functional genomics in a few days: Laser-assisted delivery of double stranded RNA to higher plants. Plants. 10: 93. [Published 2021]
Martini X, Hoyte A, Mafra-Neto A, Aksenov AA, Davis CE, Stelinski LL. (2020) Progress toward an attract-and-kill device for Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) using volatile signatures of citrus infected with huanglongbing as the attractant. Journal of Insect Science. 20: 25. [Published 2020]
Martini X, Hughes MA, Conover D, Smith J. (2020) Use of semiochemicals for the management of the redbay ambrosia beetle. Insects. 11: 796. [Published 2020]
Martini X, Malfa K&, Stockton D, Rivera M. Cold acclimation increases Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) survival during exposure to freezing temperatures. Insect Science. [Awaiting Publication 2022]
Martini X, Malfa K, Stelinski LL, Iriarte FB, Paret ML. (2020) Distribution, phenology, and overwintering survival of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera:Liviidae) in urban and grove habitats in north Florida. Journal of Economical Entomology. 113:1080-1087. [Published 2020]
Martini X, Sobel L, Conover D &, Mafra-Neto A, Smith J. (2020) Verbenone reduces landing of the redbay ambrosia beetle, vector of the laurel wilt pathogen, on live standing redbay trees. Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 22: 83-91. [Published 2020]
Martini X, Sobel L, Conover D, Mafra-Neto A, Smith J. (2020) Verbenone reduces landing of the redbay ambrosia beetle, vector of the laurel wilt pathogen, on live standing redbay trees. Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 22: 83-91. [Published 2020]
Martini X., Hughes M.A., Killiny N., George J., Lapointe S.L., Smith J.A., Stelinski L.L. (2017) The fungus Raffaelea lauricola modifies behavior of its symbiont and vector, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), by altering host plant volatile production. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 43:519-531. [Accepted 2017]
Martini X., Coy M., Kuhns E., Stelinski, L.L. (2018) Temporal decline in pathogen-mediated release of methyl salicylate associated with decreasing vector preference for infected over uninfected plants. Frontiers in ecology and evolution. 6: 185. [Published 2018]
Martini X., Rivera M., Hoyte A., Setamou M., Stelinski L. (2018) Effect of wind, temperature and barometric pressure on Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) dispersal behavior. Journal of Economical Entomology 111, 2570-2577. [Published 2018]
Martini X., Stelinski L. L. (2017) Influence of abiotic factors on flight initiation by Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Environmental Entomology. 46: 369-375. [Published 2017]
Martini X., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Drought stress affects response of phytopathogen vectors and their parasitoids to infection- and damage-induced plant volatile cues. Ecological Entomology. 42: 721-730. [Published 2017]
N. T. Walter, V. O. Adeleye, P. K. Muthomi, R. J. O. Rojas, I. Strzyzewski1, J. Funderburk, X. Martini. (2018) Toxicity of different insecticides on two thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) pests of Central America. Florida Entomologist. 101(4): 627-634. [Published 2018]
Pelz-Stelinski K., Martini X., Gibbard H., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Patterns of habitat use by the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, as influenced by abiotic and biotic growing conditions. Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 19:171-180. [Published 2017]
Rivera M, Martini X, Conover D &, Mafra-Neto A, Stelinski LL. (2020) Evaluation of semiochemical based push-pull strategy for population suppression of ambrosia beetle pathogen vectors in avocado. Scientific Reports. 10: 2670. [Published 2020]
Rivera M, Martini X, Conover D, Mafra-Neto A, Stelinski LL. (2020) Evaluation of semiochemical based push-pull strategy for population suppression of ambrosia beetle pathogen vectors in avocado. Scientific Reports. 10: 2670. [Published 2020]
Rivera M., Pelz-Stelinski K., Martini X., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Bacterial phytopathogen infection disrupts belowground plant indirect defense mediated by tritrophic cascade. Ecology and Evolution. 7: 4844-4854. [Published 2017]
Seo M., Martini X., Rivera M., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Flight capacities and diurnal flight patterns of the ambrosia beetles, Xyleborus glabratus and Monarthrum mali. Environmental Entomology. 46:729-734. [Accepted 2017]
Seo M.; Rivera M., Stelinski L.L., Martini X. (2018) Ladybird beetle trails reduce host acceptance by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera : Liviidae). Biological Control. 121: 30-35. [Accepted 2018]
Shrestha B, Martini X, Stelinski LL. (2021) Population fluctuations of Diaphorina citri and its natural enemies in response to various management practices in Florida. Florida Entomologist. 104:178-185. [Published 2021]
Solo KM, Collins SB, Shires MK, Ochoa R, Bauchan G.R., Schneider L.G., Henn A, Jacobi JC., Williams-Woodward JL, Hajimorad MR, Hale FA, Wilkerson JB, Windham AS, Ong KL, Paret ML, Martini X, Byrne DH, Windham MT (2020) A Survey of Rose rosette virus and Eriophyid Mites Associated with Roses in the Southeastern United States, HortScience. 55(8):1288-1294. [Published 2020]
Stockton D., Martini X., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Male psyllids differentially learn in the context of copulation. Insects. 8: 16. [Accepted 2017]
Stockton D.G., Ebert T., Martini X., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Induced preference improves offspring fitness in a phytopathogen vector. Environmental Entomology. 46:1090-1097 [Published 2017]
Stockton D.G., Pescitelli L., Martini X., Stelinski L.L. (2017) Female mate preference in an invasive phytopathogen vector: how learning may influence mate choice and fecundity in Diaphorina citri. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 164: 16-26. [Accepted 2017]
Traczyk E, Funderburk J, Martini X. (2020) Foraging Behavior Responses of Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) to Thrips Cues. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 168: 716-722 [Published 2020]

Conference Papers and Presentations

Altamimi R, Avery P, Martini X. Entomopathogenic fungus emits volatiles that attract its host, the Asian citrus psyllid, to infected conspecific cadavers. Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, October 31, November 3, 2021, Denver, CO. [Published 2021]
Altimimi R, Martini X. Poster. Behavioral response of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri to the chemical cues of fire ants. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Published 2020]
Conover D, Martini X. Symposium. Evaluation of semiochemical and visual based push-pull strategy for managing redbay ambrosia beetle on redbay. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Published 2020]
Fife A, Bolton S, Griesheimer JL, Paret M, Martini X. Symposium. Exploring new areas of integrated pest management for mites on roses: predatory mites and systemic acquired resistance. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Published 2020]
Fife A, Martini X, Paret M, Knox G, Dey K, Bauchan G, Ochoa R. Orchid fleck dichorhavirus: a new Brevipalpus transmitted virus fresh from Florida. 2021 Virtual Southeastern Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. March 29, 2021. Online meeting. [Published 2021]
Fife A, Paret M, Knox G, Martini X. Management of herbivorous mites of rose with predatory mites and systemic acquired resistance. Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, October 31, November 3, 2021, Denver, CO. [Published 2021]
Griesheimer J, Hight S, Martini X. Poster. Attraction of the air potato leaf beetle, Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), to volatiles of host plant, Dioscorea bulbifera in wind tunnel. Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, October 31, November 3, 2021, Denver, CO. [Published 2021]
Johnston N., Martini X. Symposium. The influence of visual and olfactory cues in host selection for Bemisia tabaci Biotype B in the presence or absence of tomato leaf curl virus. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Submitted 2020]
Malfa K, Martini X. Symposium. Cold tolerance of Asian Citrus psyllid in North Florida. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Published 2020]
Martini X.; Traczyk E.; Funderbruk J. Symposium. A better understanding of minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus foraging behavior. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Published 2020]
Strzyzewski Ig, 3, Martini X, Funderburk J. Symposium. Investigation of responses of flower thrips and Orius insidiosus to TSWV and TYLCV-induced volatiles in tomatoes. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. November 11- 24 2020. [Published 2020]

Book Chapters

Mafra-Neto A, Wright M, Fettig C, [&], Martini X. (2022) Repellent Semiochemical Solutions to Mitigate the Impact of Global Climate Change on Insect Pests. Advances in Insect Repellents. Ed. Coats J, Corona C, and Debboun M. Academic Press. pp. 279-322 [Published 2022]
Martini X, Funderburk J, Ben-Yakir D. (2020) Deterrence of pests. In: Optical Manipulation of Pest and Beneficial Arthropods. Editors: Ben-Yakir D. CABI book. pp.76-100. [Published 2020]