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Vince Jones' Research
In the area of insect behavior, our lab is equipped with 24 digital flight mills and a wind tunnel. We have been investigating the scale of dispersal for both codling moth and obliquebanded leafroller as well as the effect of flight on reproductive fitness. This work dovetails nicely with our field studies on movement of codling moth and leafroller in the field and how flight is affected by different wind speeds. We are currently working on developing a quantitative model that integrates wind speed, field longevity of moths, the effect of delayed mating on population growth to provide us a better understanding of the factors that affect population dynamics.
We are currently evaluating a large number of attractants for natural enemies to help us understand the population levels, diversity, and timing of natural enemy presence in orchard situations. These studies are showing certain compounds are very specific, while others attract a wide-range of natural enemies. These studies are being done in collaboration with our colleagues in California (Dr. Nick Mills), Washington (Drs. Tom Unruh and Dave Horton) and Oregon (Dr. Peter Shearer). As more of these compounds are tested, we are working to evaluate other ways that they may be used to “herd” natural enemies to certain parts of the orchard to temporarily enhance functional and numerical responses in high pest areas. We will also be evaluating how the attractants act behaviorally (e.g., attraction range, sex ratio attracted, how different trap types and doses of attractant affect responses).
Mating disruption has been successfully used on roughly 75% of Washington’s apple and pear acreage. Our work has been to evaluate the mechanisms by which mating disruption affects population growth. We have found that the relatively short life span of codling moth under summer conditions and the relative efficacy of the pheromone drastically curtail population growth through the delay in mating caused by males not finding females as rapidly as when it is absent. Our studies suggest that using half the normal field rate results in very low to no population growth rate, if no migration from external sources occurs and if coverage throughout the area is good. However, in situations where external sources are present, full rates of mating disruption are needed to reduce population growth.
Vincent P. Jones
Professor & Entomologist
Department of Entomology, Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 663-8181 ext. 273 (phone) (509) 662-8714 (fax)
email: vpjones@wsu.edu
Links of Interest
Codling moth mating videos
Immuno-marking studies
Decision Aid System user statistics
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