SBIR-STTR Award

Codling moth, Cydia pomonella, is a major exotic pest of walnuts, apples and pears in California. Current control practices. using the application of conventional pesticides, are costly, toxic and declining in effectiveness. Of additional concern in California is that many walnut orchards are planted along major river systems in former riparian zones where growers are or will be required to use environmentally safe management practices. Trichograrnma, a minute parasitic wasp completing its development within eggs of host moths. effectively meets this requirement. Present application methods used in walnuts are not optimal. Aerial application of Trichogramma parasitoids to the orchard canopy will increase the wasp's success in controlling codling moth, improve crop sields and substantially reduce pesticide applications. This project proposes to: l) evaluate existing aerial equipment. modifying or redesigning as necessary, to apply Trichogramma parasitoids to the orchard; 2) evaluate carrier materials and survivability of parasitoids when applied with each unit; 3) evaluate lateral distribution of parasitoids applied by air; and 4) evaluate the addition of glue at application to hold the parasitoids in the canopy, increasing the wasp's successful breeding and subsequent parasitism of codlino moth eggs.Applications:The application of Trichogramma parasitoids! combined with a glue material, to the orchard canopy will improve application methods. increase the success of Trichogramma in controlling codling moth. reduce pesticide use, and potentially reduce overall production costs. The small parasitoid egg (.24 mm) presents certain challenges. However. the

Based on a successful Phase I project, which demonstrated the feasibility of metering and applying trichogramma parasitized ephestia eggs in conjunction with an adhesive from an aircraft, this proposal seeks to refine this method, perform efficacy testing in the field, and undertake an aggressive information and educational program. Specifically, the spur gear metering device will be modified for improved flow, and both a rotational indicator and optical monitor added. The mixing chamber design and nozzling system will be modified to optimize adhesive:parasitized egg contact in the airstream. Toxicity of the adhesive to parasitized eggs, walnut foliage and husks will be assessed and any adhesive residues in mature nuts determined. Efficacy testing in mature walnut orchards will be performed during two growing seasons. Finally, an effective pest management program combining the release of a beneficial insect (trichogramma) and an effective application method (metering device and adhesive application system) using an aircraft, will be presented to the walnut growing industry, aerial applicators, and pest control advisors to meet an already identified need - the control of codling moth, cydia pomonella. This pest management program will then be marketed commercially.Applications:The results of this proposal will bring an effective pest management program combining release of beneficial insects, an effective application method, and an education program to the walnut growing industry to meet an already identified need - the control of codling moth, cydia pomonella. Upon completion, the application equipment will be marketed commercially.