Location: Southern Horticultural ResearchTitle: A new method for insect pest monitoring at the nursery Author
Submitted to: Southern Nursery Association Research Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/14/2011
Publication Date: 8/1/2011
Citation: Sampson, B.J., Werle, C.T. 2011. A new method for insect pest monitoring at the nursery. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. 56:92-96. Interpretive Summary: The strawberry rootworm, Paria fragariae was most effectively controlled by first monitoring sudden increases in the size of beetle populations in select groups of nursery host plants. When the population rise is first detected, even before feeding damage becomes evident, an evening application of registered insecticides can significantly reduce late-season plant injury and also reduce pesticide usage and cost.
Technical Abstract: The strawberry rootworm, Paria fragariae Wilcox (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a primary pest of azaleas and other containerized ornamental crops at production nurseries. The cryptic nature of all life stages of this pest can make detection and subsequent control a challenge. The intent of our research is to improve IPM practices, such as monitoring P. fragariae at southeastern nurseries. Proper timing of insecticidal applications, when aided by a monitoring program, was critical for reducing potentially devastating late-season pest outbreaks, and had the added benefit of increasing savings in pest control costs.