Download NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
HEALTH / AGRICULTURE BUILDING
PO BOX 330
TRENTON NJ 08625-0330
JAMES E. McGREEVEY
Governor
CHARLES M. KUPERUS
Secretary of Agriculture
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY
REPORT TO THE EASTERN PLANT BOARD
SUMMARY OF 2003 ACTIVITIES
NURSERY INSPECTION
New Jersey law requires that all nursery stock sold in New Jersey be free of injurious pests,
ensuring that ornamental plants purchased by consumers are healthy and do not contain pests that
could spread to other plants.
The nursery inspection staff inspected over 17,260 acres in 1,291 nursery locations to certify
freedom from dangerous insects and diseases. A total of 166 active pest infestations requiring
treatment were found on less than 12% of the nursery locations inspected. These infestations
were controlled under Department orders. The most frequently observed pests were bagworm
(70), white peach scale (32), white pine weevil (18), spider mite (9) and euonymus scale (7).
Other noteworthy pests found included winged euonymus scale, Japanese beetle and assorted
aphids. A total of 864 garden centers and landscape firms were certified as plant dealers for
2003.
The list of certified nurseries and plant dealers is posted on the Division’s web site and is
updated monthly. The Division's inspectors issued 132 state and 240 federal phytosanitary
certificates enabling export of plants and plant material to other states or countries.
CHRYSANTHEMUM WHITE RUST
In October, a Chrysanthemum Plant Club member in northern New Jersey correctly identified
Chrysanthemum White Rust on a plant from a fellow club member. Following confirmation by
the USDA, New Jersey state officials and USDA APHIS PPQ staff conducted a field survey of
two residential locations in Morris and Middlesex Counties using protocols established by the
USDA to located and destroy infected mum plants in private plantings. During the survey, a
total of 1,064 mum plants on 378 properties were inspected. As a result of the survey, over 238
chrysanthemum plants were found to be infected and were destroyed. Surveys for
Chrysanthemum White Rust will repeat in the fall of 2004.
In December 2003, Chrysanthemum White Rust, Puccinia horianna was discovered in a
greenhouse operation in Passaic County, New Jersey. New Jersey horticultural personnel
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working with USDA APHIS PPQ officials conducted a survey of the greenhouse operation,
identifying two greenhouses containing 10,200 mums with the disease. Both greenhouses were
disinfected following the removal and subsequent incineration of the infected plants.
SOUTHERN WILT OF GERANIUMS
In February and March of 2003, personnel from the Department and USDA APHIS PPQ
conducted a cooperative survey of geraniums at 30 greenhouse operations in New Jersey for
Southern Wilt, Ralstonia solanacearum race 3, biovar 2. The survey followed protocols outlined
by the USDA in the “Action plan for Ralstonia solanacearum race 3, biovar2 found in nursery
facilities”.
A total of 88,155 geranium plugs, originating from Kenya, were received by 30 greenhouse
operations throughout the state. Only one greenhouse operation was found to contain infected
plant material. A total of 540 geranium plugs were destroyed from this location and the
greenhouse was disinfected under the supervision of USDA APHIS PPQ personnel.
VEGETABLE TRANSPLANT INSPECTION
In 2003, Division staff inspected approximately 7 million vegetable transplants shipped into the
state for use by New Jersey farmers for plant disease, insect or nematode problems. The
predominant crops inspected were pepper, leek, escarole, endive, lettuce and Swiss chard. Other
crops inspected included beets, cabbage, collards, and kale. No lots were rejected for disease or
insect problems during 2003.
PLANT PEST SURVEYS
Projects funded by USDA APHIS through the CAPS Program for 2003 included the National
and High Intensity Plum Pox surveys; Site Environs surveys of Warehouses of High-risk Cargo,
Purple Loosestrife Biological Control, Copitarsia survey, Leek moth survey, Khapra Beetle
survey, and a survey for Nematodes of Regulatory Concern.
Division staff and USDA APHIS PPQ officers jointly placed a variety of insect traps in and
around warehouses/nurseries in three counties that receive crated cargo/bamboo from China.
Lindgren funnel traps and blacklight traps were checked weekly throughout the summer months.
Native species of bark beetles and native wood boring beetles were regularly found in the traps;
but no foreign species were detected outside of the facilities. No actionable pests were found.
The Division participated in two Plum Pox Virus survey sponsored by USDA APHIS PPQ. In
the National survey, 18,162 lab samples of leaves were collected and examined using ELISA
testing. All samples tested negative. This represents approximately 1,297 acres of stone fruit.
In the High Intensity survey, 38,940 lab samples of leaves were collected and examined using
ELISA testing. All samples tested negative. This represents approximately 1,390 acres of stone
fruit. In addition, fruit were collected as part of the high intensity survey. All of the nearly
21,000 fruit collected were tested using the ELISA test. All results were negative. Also 4,929 of
these fruit were tested using PCR. There were no confirmed positives from the PCR testing of
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the fruit.
ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE
On October 10, 2002, Asian Longhorned Beetle was confirmed in Jersey City, New Jersey. A
total of 113 trees (100 maples, 12 elms, and 1 birch) were determined to be infested and were
removed in accordance with accepted protocols. This discovery moved ALB from a CAPS
survey to its own program.
A one and a half mile (1 ½) quarantine zone was established and a host tree survey was
undertaken. To date, no other infested trees have been found. As part of a pro-active eradication
and control program, 348 other, non-infested host trees were removed within a ¼ mile radius of
the epicenter of the infestation. In addition, approximately 1,060 host trees within the ¼ to ½
mile radius zone were treated with a systemic pesticide, imidacloprid, as a preventative measure.
Surveys in warehouse locations, which receive commodities from countries where ALB is native
along with the ALB 25 mile grid survey (Level 3 and Level 4) will continue as dictated by the
New York ALB Eradication Program.
BROWN GARDEN SNAIL
Control treatments for the Brown garden snail, Cryptomphalus aspersus, were conducted in
garden areas of nine infested properties using metaldehyde pellets, every two weeks from April
to November 2003. A 96% reduction of C. aspersus and native slug populations has been
observed on the treated properties following three seasons of treatments. The Brown garden
snail was found for the first time in New Jersey during the summer of 1998. Following two
years of field surveys, nine properties were identified as having significant infestations of this
snail pest.
Control measures have also been initiated in North Cape May, New Jersey on three residential
properties where a small infestation was discovered during the summer. Although New Jersey
does not have a state quarantine against the Brown garden snail, it recommends against the
movement or rearing of any live, non-native plant feeding snails under USDA permit.
BLUEBERRY EXPORTS TO CANADA
During 2003, New Jersey growers shipped fresh blueberry fruit to Canada under protocols
developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and USDA APHIS PPQ designed to
limit the spread of Blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax. Blueberry maggot is a serious pest of
fresh blueberries. Over 384,000 flats of New Jersey grown fresh blueberries were shipped into
Canada under this program representing a 25% reduction in the amount of fresh blueberry fruit
shipped by New Jersey growers in compared to the amount shipped in 2002. Twenty growers
were certified by the Division and participated in the program. The 2003 season was the fifth
year that the program was operational.
Under the protocol, under the supervision by Department personnel, growers were required to
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carry out various monitoring and control procedures, along with verification methods to certify
that shipments did not contain blueberry maggot. The New Jersey blueberry industry is satisfied
that these regulations required by CFIA have not created undue problems for their shipments, or
reduced their ability to market fresh berries in Canada.
BLUEBERRY PLANT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
New Jersey regulations require that all blueberry plant, Vaccinium corybosum, growers, who
intend to sell or distribute propagating wood, rooted cuttings or plants, to be certified. All
participating growers are required to follow guidelines outlined in state regulation. Under the
program, field inspections of blueberry plants entered in the program are performed two times a
year. The first inspection is accomplished in the spring season and the second inspection is
completed in the fall season. Visual inspection of the blueberry plants are conducted for the
symptoms of stunt, shoestring, mosaic and red ringspot, as well as any other plant disease or
insect infestation. A total of seven nurseries participated in the 2003 program.
Six of the seven participating nurseries were involved with a voluntary program of screening for
blueberry scorch virus. A total of 31,257 “mother plants” were sampled and tested. From this
number, only nine plants, from a non-production field, were found to be positive for scorch and
subsequently destroyed
GYPSY MOTH SUPPRESSION
In the spring of 2003, the Department supervised the treatment of 5,478 acres of forested
residential and state properties using the non-chemical insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis var.
kurstaki (Btk). Predominately, single applications of Foray 48B were used at a dosage 36
B.I.U.’s (96 ounces) in the treatment. However, double applications were made on 1,226 acres in
areas having more than 3,000 egg masses per acre. Because the Department was directly
involved in the supervision of the program, New Jersey received $211,750 in USDA Forest
Service funds to cover 50 percent of the aerial spray and survey costs. The municipalities that
participated in the voluntary aerial spray program enjoyed greener, healthier shade trees and
reduced larval nuisance.
The 2003 statewide gypsy moth aerial defoliation survey showed gypsy moth defoliation
occurring on 5,154 acres, infesting 58 municipalities in 16 counties representing an 88%
decrease in defoliation over the 41,750 acres defoliated the previous year. Increased activity by
Entomophaga maimaiga can account for the substantial decrease in gypsy moth populations
throughout the state.
In 2004, The Division plans to oversee treatment of approximately 84 acres of municipal
properties using 36 B.I.U.’s of Btk. There are no double applications planned for this season’s
treatment program. The only proposed treatment block is located in Cape May County.
EMERALD ASH BORER SURVEY
Surveys began in the state for the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, a foreign wood-
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boring insect recently discovered in the Midwest and Canada in 2002. Over 1,862 Forest Pest
Alerts were mailed statewide to members of the nursery and landscape industry informing them
about this exotic forest insect. Field surveys were conducted at over 211 sites composed of 2,
346 ash trees in 40 nursery locations, sawmills and native ash stands located in Bergen,
Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties. All
sites were negative for the presence of this insect in the state.
APIARY INSPECTION
Approximately 13,100 colonies entered New Jersey from other states for commercial pollination
of fruit crops, blueberries, and cranberries. The Apiary inspection staff examined these colonies
to validate the sanitary certificates issued by the shipping states. No significant disease problems
were detected, however an increase in parasitic mite infestations was noticed.
The Division worked with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Pesticide Control
Program to secure Section 18 (emergency use) registration’s for the use of Bayer Bee Strips®
(Coumaphos) to control fluvalinate-resistant varroa mites and small hive beetles and Apilife
VAR, an essential oils treatment for controlling varroa mites resistant to Coumaphos and
fluvinate. Low levels of varroa mites were observed during 2003 in colonies that were treated
with Coumaphous.
The State Apiarist participated in the Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension
Consortium (MAAREC), a regional research initiative between New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, West Virginia and Maryland. Research sponsored by MAAREC on finding new
methods to treat mites, and to better understand the mechanisms by which mites cause honeybee
colony death is underway at Penn State and Rutgers Universities. MAAREC is funded by each
of the participating state universities and beekeeping organizations.
The annual Rutgers University short-course “Successful Beekeeping” was held from April 25–27
2003, at Cook College, New Brunswick, New Jersey. The course was arranged and coordinated
by the New Jersey Beekeepers Association and the state Apiarist. Topics included basics of hive
management, honeybee biology, and control of mites and bee diseases. A total of 43 people,
whose backgrounds ranged from beginners to experienced beekeepers, attended the two-day
event.
The Apiary inspection staff cooperated with USDA APHIS PPQ in surveying for Africanized
honeybee around Port Elizabeth, New Jersey; all traps were negative for Africanized honeybee.
SEED CONTROL
In 2003, a total of 764 samples of seed were submitted to the Division’s Seed Laboratory for
analysis. Thirty percent of these samples, collected by inspectors for regulatory purposes, were
analyzed to determine seed quality and germination rates.
Due to the redirection of Plant Laboratory staff to plum pox virus and mycotoxin testing, the
number of seed samples collected for analysis in 2003 was decreased. Emphasis for sampling
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and testing was placed on agricultural crop seed and commercial vegetable seed; with a
significant reduction in the number of packet seed, combination and turfgrass seed products
sampled.
In order to monitor agricultural seed sold through farm supply outlets, 40 lots of vegetable seed
and 66 lots of field crop seed totaling 720,010 pounds were inspected and sampled in 2003 for
quality control analysis prior to being used by farmers. In addition, 16 lots of turfgrass seed
totaling 48,650 pounds were sampled from wholesale distributors and sod growers. This
turfgrass seed was also analyzed for germination and purity quality. Laboratory testing of these
lots found that all samples germinated at or above the percentages listed on the label and were
free of any noxious weed seeds.
The general quality of vegetable seed sold in New Jersey directly to farmers is excellent and is
accurately labeled. Seed companies do not provide vigor test information on their labels, and are
not required by law to do so. Vigor testing conducted by the seed laboratory upon request of
growers has provided valuable information to several sweet corn and pepper growers. Low vigor
seed could have a disastrous financial impact on growers who plant seed early when germination
conditions are less than optimal. In 2003, 41 tests for vigor were conducted for growers of sweet
corn, peppers, spinach and soybeans.
SEED CERTIFICATION
Turf seed samples (21) were taken from lots of certified turf seed shipped to New Jersey from
other States. These samples, which represented 123,000 pounds of certified turfgrass seed, were
tested to determine eligibility for the interagency certified seed program. Certification program
staff supervised mixing of 37,700 pounds of high quality turf seed. New Jersey sod growers
used this seed to produce a high quality sod product.
In 2003, Division staff certified 26 acres of conservation plant material developed by USDA.
This stock is used primarily for coastal soil stabilization. Because of the important role the soil
conservation plant material plays in coastline stabilization, the demand for plants to replant
established sand dunes continues to remain high.
PLANT LABORATORY SERVICES
The Plant Laboratory Services unit provides laboratory support for regulatory inspection and
insect rearing programs of the Division of Plant Industry. This year the laboratory supported the
Seed Certification and Control program by monitoring the seed sold by seed companies directly
to farmers, as well as seed sold on the retail market. Germination, purity, vigor and noxious
weed examinations were performed on seed submitted to the laboratory. Our survey of seed
germinations has assured the farmers that their seed will perform at the germination percentages
specified on the seed labels under ideal conditions. Vigor testing information allowed the farmer
to modify planting times as well as growing and storage conditions. Vigor tests conducted on
certain seeds indicated that many of the high germination seed lots did not perform well under
stressed conditions. Growers of sweet corn and peppers find these tests extremely beneficial to
their operations.
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The Plant Laboratory Services unit conducted vigor tests of sweet corn, soybeans, peppers, and
spinach seed. Seed germination tests assure farmers that seed will perform at the germination
percentages specified on the seed labels under ideal conditions. Vigor testing provides
information on lots that might not grow well in cool or wet weather growing conditions. This
information allows farmers to better manage planting times as well as growing, and seed storage
conditions.
The laboratory routinely employed five basic biochemical types of analysis.
Gas
chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbons and fatty acids has proved useful in identifying
insects and plant diseases. Liquid chromatography was used to identify plant and seed varieties.
Electrophoresis is also used to identify plants, seeds, as well as insects. Polymerize Chain
Reaction (PCR) techniques were also used in the identification of insects, fungi, bacteria, and
plant varieties; and immunological tests (ELISA) were used in the identification of plant viruses
and mycotoxins.
The Laboratory staff analyzed 78,480 samples of peach, nectarine and plum leaves in the spring
and summer of 2003 for the Plum Pox virus; all results were negative. PCR testing (4,929
samples) was done on peach fruit and all were negative.
Work continued with Rutgers University scientists to further develop and refine diagnostic tests
for the detection of blueberry scorch virus. The test is now in an ELISA format and was used for
large-scale laboratory screening of blueberry plants for the certification program. The screening
of blueberries is important for the assurance of disease free propagative material.
In addition, bioassay tests were performed for tomato ring spot virus of peaches, and for the
presence of Fusarium in asparagus fields. Results from tests were forwarded to the growers.
Plant Laboratory Services developed techniques using liquid chromatography to differentiate
annual ryegrass from perennial ryegrass. Annual ryegrass can be a contaminant in perennial
ryegrass in turfgrass seed. Grow out tests can take 45 days; fluorescence tests provide variable
results. A collaborative project was initiated with Rutgers University scientists to develop an
immunological test to determine annual ryegrass in perennial ryegrass seed lots. Monoclonal
antibodies to the grass species were created in cell cultures and cross reactivity studies of them
are being conducted.
The laboratory supported the Apiary Inspection program through the analysis of bees for Varroa
and tracheal mites, and testing for American foulbrood, which is a bacterial disease of bees. A
testing program to monitor antibiotic resistance of the foulbrood bacteria is now in place.
Mycotoxin fungi can be potentially dangerous to animals if they produce toxins in significant
quantities on feed materials. The Division’s Plant Laboratory has set up a sophisticated
mycotoxin protocol to screen and quantify the concentration of mycotoxins. The techniques
involve a combination of ELISA tests, thin layer chromatography and liquid chromatography.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PLANT PESTS
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Under the Division’s Biological Control Program, insects are raised for release into the field to
control agricultural and forest pests, as well as to protect the state’s natural resources and other
open lands. The release of beneficial insects reduces the need for pesticides, reduces the amount
of pesticide residue in the environment and minimizes pest resistance to valuable pesticides. The
reduction of pesticide applications in the field also allows the native population of beneficial
insects to increase, adding more pressure on the pest population.
This year, the Division conducted seven biological control programs designed to establish new
beneficial species in the state, reduce pest populations in certain crops, monitor pest populations
to determine impacts and gather base line data, gather efficacy on new biological control
programs and monitor established beneficial insect populations on a variety of crops to evaluate
the need for augmenting those populations. Five of these programs required laboratory rearing
of beneficial insects for release into the field. The goal is to reduce or maintain specific pest
populations below economically significant levels.
The Mexican bean beetle (MBB), (Epilachna varivestis, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) biological
control program involves the mass production and release of small beneficial wasps (Pediobius
foveolatus, Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to control MBB. The Mexican bean beetle feeds on
soybean foliage. The wasps, known as parasitoids, kill the MBB larvae. The parasitoids cannot
over winter in New Jersey's climate, and must be raised in the laboratory and released into the
field each summer.
New Jersey farmers produced about 100,000 acres of soybeans in 2003. Approximately 80%
(80,000 acres) of the total acreage was susceptible to feeding by the Mexican bean beetle. The
parasitoid release program has been so successful in reducing MBB populations that no pesticide
applications have been required on any soybean acreage for the past nine years. In 2003, this
savings has amounted to approximately $340,000 in reduced pesticide applications. This
program receives financial support from the New Jersey Soybean Board.
Under a cooperative agreement with the USDA, Forest Service (USFS) and Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), the Division established a colony of ladybugs
(Pseudoscymnus tsugae, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) a predatory beetle that feeds on Hemlock
woolly adelgid, (HWA) (Adelges tsugae Homoptera: Adelgidae), a serious pest of the natural
hemlock stands of the northeast, and continues to develop an efficient mass rearing technique.
Since 1998, the Division has produced 265,260 beetles that have been released in 67 sites in NJ,
and an additional 338,825 have been distributed among the eight northeastern states. Larvae of
the predatory beetle have been recovered in the field for the last four years, confirming
reproduction of the beetle in the field. In addition to the releases, starter colonies and the
technology necessary to raise the beetles has been made available to private companies and other
government agencies.
Since 1988, Division staff has monitored eleven permanent study plots in an effort to document
the impact of hemlock woolly adelgid on the State’s natural hemlock stands. New growth counts
have been recorded annually to determine the quality and health of the trees at each site. When
the trees become stressed, less new growth develops. Significant tree mortality was first
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observed in heavily infested HWA study plots in 1995. Since that time tree mortality has
steadily increased with some stands reaching as high as 100 %. Usually within two to three
years of a heavy infestation tree decline becomes evident. Although mortality varies from plot to
plot, the plots that have been heavily infested the longest demonstrate the most mortality. Stands
with secondary pest problems, such as scale or mites, decline more rapidly than stands infested
only with HWA.
An exotic freshwater wetland plant, purple loosestrife, (Lythrum salicaria, Lythracaeae) is
displacing the native flora of the marsh and threatening many animals that depend on those
native plants for nesting, food and shelter. Large monotypic stands of this plant have the
capacity to reduce ground water recharge, decrease water storage capacity of a wetland, reduce
the marsh’s ability to attenuate floods, reduce open water space, reduce species diversity, and
jeopardize the health and vitality of the marsh ecosystem. Until recently the only methods of
control were chemical, physical or mechanical. All of which are expensive, temporary and often
impact non-target species.
The Division is mass-producing two beetles that feed on leaves of purple loosestrife,
(Galerucella pusilla and Galerucella calmariensis, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), as part of a
cooperative program with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of
Fish & Wildlife (DF&W) and with a grant from the USDA,APHIS. In 2003, over 150,077
Galerucella were released in NJ’s loosestrife infested wetlands. Since the initial releases in
1997, about 1.5 million beetles have been released at 69 sites in 16 New Jersey counties.
Galerucella has been recovered from approximately 64 (90%) of the monitored release sites.
After releasing the beetles for only five years, the purple loosestrife population collapsed at one
site in Hunterdon County. Additionally, purple loosestrife populations in four Sussex County
sites are showing signs of stress due to beetle feeding.
The Division continued to cooperate with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s, Endangered
and Non-game Species Program staff by releasing beetles at three new sites inhabited by the bog
turtle, Clemmys muhlenbergii, which is an endangered species. The Division has now released
beetles at a total of 32 bog turtle sites. In addition, releases have been made at a number of sites
including National Park Service lands, and sites managed by Natural Lands Management, The
Nature Conservancy of NJ, Mercer County Park Commission, Union County Park System,
Allentown Borough, Rider University, property managed by the NJ Meadowlands Commission,
a mitigation site and private landowner properties. Also, since 1997, 212,600 beetles have been
shipped to other states including Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire in an
effort to establish field colonies within those states.
EUONYMUS SCALE
A tiny predatory beetle (Cybocephalus nipponicus, Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is currently being
laboratory reared and released in the landscape on plants infested with euonymus scale. A total
of 500 Cybocephalus, was released at 1 site in Ocean county, Gloucester, Ocean and Atlantic in
2003. Establishment of the beetle has been verified in every county. Observations at a number
of previous release sites has verified its ability to colonize on both small and large euonymus
plants, regardless of the amount of exposure to the sun, and reduce scale populations.
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Cybocephalus will feed on a number of species of diaspine (hard shell) scale. Fiorinia scale,
(Fiorinia externa, Homoptera: Diaspididae) is a hard shell scale species that is commonly found
on hemlock needles often causing a decline in hemlock vigor. Initial laboratory tests confirmed
that Cybocephalus nipponicus beetles feed on Fiorinia scale. In 2003, a pilot project involving
the release of the beetle, was continued to gather efficacy data on the beetles’ ability to feed and
reproduce on Fiorinia scale in a native hemlock stand. Surveys of the release site proved the
beetles not only remained on the hemlock but also reduced the scale population significantly. In
addition, to evaluating the release plot, other natural hemlock stands were surveyed for the
presence of the beetle. Beetles were observed in five of these stands. Since the observations
were made in stands far removed from the release site, it is believed the beetle, which is
established on euonymus plants throughout the state, dispersed naturally to these scale infested
hemlock stands. It still is not known whether the beetle will reproduce on Fiorinia. This pilot
project will be expanded in 2004 to include sleeve cage studies and an inundative release.
Tarnished plant bug (TPB), (Lygus lineolaris Hemiptera: Miridae) populations are often
observed in alfalfa but it seldom causes economic injury to this crop. However, large numbers of
TPB can cause economic injury to stone fruit as well as other commercial crops.
The Division received a foreign, exotic mirid parasitoid (Peristenus stygicus Hymenoptera:
Braconidae) from the USDA, Beneficial Insect Research Laboratory, Newark, Delaware to
investigate its development as a biological control agent for tarnished plant bug. In 2001 a
laboratory colony of TPB was established to support a colony of the parasitoid and in 2003, 932
P. stygicus were reared and released in an alfalfa field in Gloucester County during the months
of July and August to evaluate establishment. Because of the extremely dry conditions in 2002
very few TPB were able to be collected in the release field but one P. stygicus was recovered
from the nymphs that were collected. This pilot project is supported by EPA funds and will be
continued in 2004.
A European gall fly (Urophora cardui, Diptera: Eulophidae) whose larvae feed only on Canada
thistle, Cirsium arevense, Compositae, has been established in Morris, Mercer, Monmouth,
Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties. Over wintering galls containing the larval stage of the
fly were collected from Canada thistle plants located in field insectaries. The galls were stored
in a field cage for protection from predation by ants.
In early May the galls were removed from the field cage and redistributed to three new Canada
thistle infested sites in Monmouth, Hunterdon and Sussex Counties. In addition to the new
release sites, the gallfly is dispersing naturally and has been observed up to two miles from a
release site. The goal of this project is to establish the gall fly in as many counties as possible in
an effort to continually expose the thistle to biological pressure in anticipation that this pressure
will have a detrimental effect on the health and vigor of the plants, weakening them and adding
to the factors affecting the rate of mortality.
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