INTEGRATION OF ALTERNATIVE TACTICS TO MANAGE KEY DISEASES AND INSECT PESTS IN CUCURBITS
Open Access
- Author:
- Hernandez Heredia, Ermita
- Graduate Program:
- Plant Pathology
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- November 14, 2008
- Committee Members:
- Paul Anthony Backman, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Paul Anthony Backman, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Shelby Jay Fleischer, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor - Keywords:
- integrated pest managment
cucurbits
resistance inducers
biorational - Abstract:
- Cucurbits are affected by many important pathogens and insects that can reduce crop productivity and cause economic losses to growers if they are not appropriately managed. The best way to manage this highly diverse complex of pest species is almost certainly by integrating multiple control tactics, including relatively new biorational options that influence plant defenses, and cultural control options. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the integration of various alternative tactics that can control several key pests in cucurbits in a more durable and ecologically sound way. A two year (2006-2007) split-plot field experiment was conducted to evaluate the integration of resistance inducers such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR, BioYield™), calcium silicate and phosphonate, as well as row covers and systemic insecticides to manage multiple important pests that occur naturally in cucumber and squash. Fabric row covers were used during the second experimental year (2007) on cucumber. Various diseases such as bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, downy mildew and mosaic virus, as well as striped cucumber beetles and other Diabrotica spp. were assessed on a weekly basis during the growing season in both years. Additionally, cucumber and squash fruits were harvested during the growing season to measure crop productivity and yield. Distinct and significant results were observed during both years in both cucumber and squash. Results indicated that row cover proved to be a better strategy for suppressing beetle populations and bacterial wilt as well as increasing plant productivity compared to the recommended systemic insecticide in cucumber. In addition the single or combined effects of the resistance inducers (PGPR, calcium silicate and phosphonate) with or without systemic insecticide suppressed various disease and increased yield in both cucumber and squash. This work quantifies the effectiveness of various alternatives, alone and in combinations, to mange a complex of important pests in a more sustainable way on cucurbits crops, providing an option for diversified farming systems in the United States.