Development and Implementation of New reduced-Risk Insect Management Strategies for Blueberries and Cranberries Project Number 08192 Starting 03/01/2006 Ending 03/01/2016
	Description: This project seeks to develop new low-risk management strategies against these major pests that are not impacted by the implementation of FQPA. These strategies include: studies on the spatial movement and distribution of BMSB, development of attract-and-kill strategies for management of BMSB, monitor for presence of SWD in New Jersey blueberries, implementation of mating disruption for oriental beetle, test of host-plant volatiles for pest monitoring and control, identification of pheromones for insect monitoring and management, enhanced timing of insecticide sprays for fruitworms using a degree-day model, evaluation of new reduced-risk management tools for plum curculio control, induced resistance for management of blueberry and cranberry pests, toxicity of new reduced-risk products, compatibility of reduced-risk insecticides with natural enemies, and attraction of entomopathogenic nematodes using volatiles from grub-infested plants.
	Impact Statement: In New Jersey, blueberry and cranberry growers rely on broad-spectrum insecticides to manage insect problems. Potential environmental risks associated with the use of these types of insecticides such as surface water pollution, negative effect on wildlife, and worker exposure is a major concern among regulators that implemented the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) in 1996. Consequently, many broad-spectrum insecticides (organophosphates and carbamates) are currently under review, scheduled for cancellation, or severely restricted under the FQPA. This tolerance reassessment of broad-spectrum insecticides is likely to impact the blueberry and cranberry industry more than any other crop because of their minor crop status. Therefore, it is critical that new selective insect management strategies become available to replace the use of broad-spectrum insecticides. The purpose of this study is to evaluate, develop, and implement new selective/reduced-risk alternative options for insect management in New Jersey blueberries and cranberries such as border sprays, mating disruption, host plant resistance, and new reduced-risk insecticides. Also, studies will be conducted to evaluate the benefits associated to new reduced-risk strategies, such as their compatibility with non-target beneficial insects. Furthermore, because secondary pests might become major pests under selective/reduced-risk practices, new reduced-risk practices will be evaluated for monitoring and management of these pests.