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Funded Project

Funding Program: IPM Enhancement Grants

Project Title: Foundational Research for the Development of IPM in Florida's Subtropical Peach Industry

Project Directors (PDs): Amanda Hodges [1] Cory Penca [2]

Lead State: FL Lead Organization: University of Florida

Undesignated Funding: $29,414

Start Date: Mar-01-2018 End Date: Feb-28-2019

Pests Involved: Plum Curculio, Peach Tree Borer, Stink Bugs, Scale Insects

Site/Commodity: Peach

Area of Emphasis: IPM

Summary: New low-chill cultivars and loss of citrus acreage due to citrus greening disease has more than doubled south to central Florida peach production from 2000 to 2017. Growers currently rely on information from Georgia and north Florida; however, the pest occurrence and management has not been specifically considered within the context of the early season subtropical to tropical peach market. A 2011 survey indicated that 68% of Florida peach growers and ranked insect control as a high priority research goal, second only to consumer demand. The reliance of calendar based insecticide information from geographical distinct areas does not allow for the integration of IPM into management systems. The project focuses on quantifying the presence, timing, and occurrence of major pests within sub-tropical to tropical peaches. The project focuses on surveying peach orchards for multiple pests, and to further survey growers in regards to their pest management concerns. Information will be immediately disseminated to growers in an extension publication. Objectives: 1. Production and distribution of a grower survey to identify concerns and current practices. 2. Survey of stink bugs, plum curculio, peach tree borers and armored scale pests. 3. Production of scientific and extension publications. 4. Consolidation of IPM documents related to Peach in an accessible online format. 5. Promotion of Peach-IPM extension research outside of project area.

Final Report:

Outputs 1. Description of current grower pest management practices Production and distribution of a grower survey to identify concerns and current practices. The grower survey has been distributed and some responses are complete; however, the response rate was limited. We are currently continuing the survey beyond the scope of the original project due to the limited response. 2. Incidence, abundance and seasonality of major insect pests Survey of stink bugs, plum curculio, peach tree borers and armored scale pests. Overall, stink bug pressure and the distribution of peach tree borers was generally more significant within emerging central and south Florida peach production regions. A summary of stink bug surveys partially supported by this project have been summarized in a student doctoral dissertation and submission of a peer-reviewed publication is anticipated for later in 2019. Plum curculio was only an issue within Alachua County, Florida and some limited areas south of Alachua, County Florida. Our research suggests that plum curculio will not be a pest and not require treatment for many areas in central and south Florida. Newly established populations of brown marmorated stink bug were detected due to survey efforts associated with this research. Beyond the scope of the project, we are continuing to monitor for peachtree borers, and anticipate producing a peer-reviewed publication related to our survey efforts and some unpublished survey efforts completed by other Florida collaborators. The peer-reviewed peachtree borer publication will follow collection of 2019-2020 field survey data. Current peachtree borer trapping results will be presented at the 2019 conference of the Florida State Horticultural Society. Scale insect populations were sporadic and seasonal Florida-specific information is needed to improve integrated pest management in Florida peaches. 3. Production of extension resources for IPM in Florida Peaches Production of scientific and extension publications Consolidation of IPM documents related to Peach in an accessible online format Promotion of Peach-IPM extension research outside of project area Contributions for peach pests have occurred to the University of Florida stone fruits blog and pest alert. Also, growers receive direct pest information from existing survey efforts. Although other publications are in preparation, the following publications have occurred due to this research: Penca, C. and A. Hodges. 2018. First report of brown marmorated stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) reproduction and localized establishment. Florida Entomologist. 101(4), https://doi.org/10.1653/024.101.0413 Penca, C. and A. Hodges. 2019. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys, UF-IFAS Featured Creatures. http://www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/brown_marmorated_stink_bug.htm Penca, C. and A. Hodges. 2019. Caribbean Fruit Fly Management in Florida Peaches. UF-IFAS EDIS publication.

Outcomes 1. Grower concerns can be prioritized so as to better direct resources and research. Geographic differences in pest problems can be identified. Outcomes of this research have allowed project personnel to focus on continued efforts to survey for peachtree borer. Also, additional grant funds were obtained in order to understand the dynamics of the newly established brown marmorated stink bug population. 2. Understanding of current management practices and pesticide usage patterns will provide a baseline for development of IPM recommendations. The grower survey and conversations with peach growers have provided unique insights into pest management practices. IPM recommendations are continually informed by research within the context of understanding grower management practices. 3. Guidance regarding the management of atypical or Florida specific pests of peaches will improve the adoption of IPM friendly practices. Plum curculio may not be a pest of concern for many central and Florida peach growers, and this differs significantly from north Florida or Georgia peach production. The predicted impact of the newly established brown marmorated stink bug on the future of peach pest management in Florida is currently unknown. 4. Growers and researchers will be able to differentiate perceived pests from the pests causing the most significant losses. Plum curculio has been perceived a as a pest throughout Florida, but it is not. Growers continue to perceive scale insects as a pest; however, the occurrence of scale insects seems to be localized and sporadic. All growers should consider pest monitoring prior to treatment, and extension products produced from this research continue to emphasize the important of scouting and integrated pest management. 5. Data related to the seasonality of certain pest groups, including peach tree borers and plum curculio, can be used to time management actions. 6. Developing a body of research on IPM-relevant issues will encourage and support future research. Production of scientific and extension publications will provide growers and extension agents with useful information. Some publications have been produced and additional extension products are under development. 7.Having a dedicated destination for Florida-specific information regarding IPM in peach will enable growers to educate themselves on IPM practices, and provide extension agents with a valuable resource when consulting growers. The project has emphasized using other existing sources, such as primary the UF-EDIS extension publication system in order to provide central pest information for Florida peach growers. 8. While this project is necessarily narrow in scope, it will lay the groundwork and provide a venue for Florida Peach-IPM research and will spawn additional research focused on insect, disease and nutritional management. Additional grant funds have been obtained to continue research related to the newly established brown marmorated stink bug population.

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