Craig S. Hollingsworth

Biochemical and Molecular Analysis of Deltamethrin Resistance in the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Abstract This study establishes deltamethrin resistance in a common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., population collected from New York City (NY-BB). The NY-BB population was 264-fold more resistant to 1% deltamethrin in contact bioassay compared with an insecticide-susceptible population collected in Florida (FL-BB). General esterase, glutathione S-transferase, and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activities of NY-BB were not statistically different from those of FL-BB. cDNA fragments that encoded the open reading frame of voltage-sensitive sodium channel α-subunit genes from the FL-BB and NY-BB populations, respectively, were obtained by homology probing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Sequence alignment of the internal and 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) fragments generated a 6,500-bp cDNA sequence contig, which was composed of a 6,084-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 2,027 amino acid residues and 186-bp 5′ and 230-bp 3′ untranslated regions (5′ and 3′ UTRs, respectively). Sequence comparisons of the open reading frames of the α-subunit genes identified two point mutations (V419L and L925I) that were presented only in the NY-BB population. L925I, located the intracellular loop between IIS4 and IIS5, has been previously found in a highly pyrethroid-resistant populations of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). V419L, located in the IS6 transmembrane segment, is a novel mutation. A Val to Met mutation at the corresponding position of the bed bug V419, however, has been identified in the tobacco budworm as a kdr-type mutation. This evidence suggests that the two mutations are likely the major resistance-causing mutations in the deltamethrin-resistant NY-BB through a knockdown-type nerve insensitivity mechanism.

IPM adoption in northeastern U.S.: An examination of the IPM continuum

Survey data from sweet corn, strawberry, apple, and potato growers in nine northeastern U.S. states were used to assess relative levels of adoption of integrated pest management (IPM). Grower adoption of an IPM system was measured by assigning numerical values for completion of specific management practices, and summing the number of practice points. Practices included those for management of soil, nutrients, weeds, diseases and insects, and education. Numerical scores were used to describe IPM adoption as a continuum, with growers classified as low, moderate, or high adopters based on their completion of practices. The relative level of IPM adoption varied among crops and states. Forty-nine percent of sweet corn growers were found to be moderate-to high-level IPM adopters, while 76% of strawberry growers, 90% of potato growers, and 69% of apple growers were moderate- to high-level adopters, respectively. Variation among states with respect to adoption of IPM is described and discussed.

Managing Expectations for Aquaponics in the Classroom: Enhancing Academic Learning and Teaching an Appreciation for Aquatic Resources

ABSTRACTExposing the next generation to nature can foster a stronger appreciation for aquatic resources, yet it may not always be possible to allow students to experience natural aquatic environments. Aquaponics, the combination of aquaculture with hydroponics, can be an effective tool in schools and classrooms to reunite students with plants and animals, promote systems thinking, and encourage hands-on learning. In this article, we bring awareness to aquaponics in education, its potential as a novel platform for learning, and the realities of aquaponics in order to guide educators in managing their expectations for an aquaponics system. Specifically, running an aquaponics system requires diverse knowledge and skills, which makes it appealing as a teaching tool but may also present day-to-day technical challenges. Additionally, educational settings may affect long-term care, available space, and funding. We present strategies for addressing these realities of aquaponics in education and highlight two educ...

Direct application of reduced rates of aldicarb to potato seedpieces

Aldicarb was applied directly to potato seedpieces at 0.3, 0.6, 1.1, 2.2 and 3.4 kg AI/ha at planting and at 2.24 kg Al/ha over the plants at crop emergence. All seedpiece treatments resulted in superior early season protection from Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Lower seedpiece rates lost effectiveness by early July, while higher rates protected foliage into early August. In a second study, plots treated with 1.1 kg AI/ha to the seedpiece produced crop yields as high as those treated with additional aldicarb at crop emergence. It is suggested that low rates of aldicarb applied directly to the seedpiece at planting could offer effective early season insect control while reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.CompendioSe aplicó Aldicarb directamente a los tubérculos-semillas de papa en la proporción de 0,3, 0,6, 1,1, 2,2 y 3,4 kg IA/ha al momento de la siembra y 2,24 kg IA/ha al momento de la emergencia de las plantas. Todos los tratamientos a la semilla dieron una protección superior al inicio del período vegetativo contra el escarabajo de Colorado (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say). Las dosis bajas a los tubérculos-semillas perdieron su efectividad a comienzos de julio, mientras que las dosis más altas protegieron el follaje hasta agosto. En un segundo estudio, las parcelas tratadas con 1,1 kg IA/ha a los tubérculos dieron un rendimiento tan alto como aquellas tratadas adicionalmente con Aldicarb al momento de la emergencia. Se sugiere la posibilidad de que dosis bajas de Aldicarb aplicadas directamente a los tubérculos-semillas al momento de la siembra ofrecerían un control efectivo del insecto al inicio del período vegetativo, al mismo tiempo que reducirían el riesgo de contaminación por el agua.

Patterns of pear thrips activity in the northeastern United States, 1990-1992

Pear thrips, Taeniothrips inconsequens, activity and damage in forest stands of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) was monitored in 18 states over a three-year period (1990–92). New state records were recorded in southern and mid-western states. In 1990, thrips activity was greatest; damage to maple foliage was related to thrips activity during and just after maple buds opened. In subsequent years, thrips activity was lower and damage less apparent.

A Small-Scale Recirculating Aquaculture System for Global Aquaculture Education and Industry Development

While global aquaculture is expanding rapidly, the United States (U.S.) and East Africa (EA) Great Lakes region have experienced slower growth. Aquaculture education is integral to overcoming existing limitations and accelerating production in these regions and worldwide. Toward this goal, an open access educational recirculating aquaculture system (ERAS) was designed to meet the differential objectives of aquaculture education in the U.S. and EA and trialed within educational institutions. Key ERAS design considerations were cost, operation, size, component availability, and construction. A secondary aspect of ERAS design was flexibility and application to different learning objectives. Over the trial period, two potential educational uses emerged: (1) to build student awareness of aquaculture and its importance in the food system, and (2) to teach practical aquaculture skills necessary for aquaculture careers. Construction and assembly guides for the educational ERAS will be offered open source through the University of Massachusetts Amherst aquaculture extension website.