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The overall goal of this proposal is to develop an integrated biologically intensive strategy for the management of Russian wheat aphid (RWA) in western Great Plains spring barley production. To accomplish this goal, we will incorporate two newly developed RWA biotype 1 and 2-resistant barley varieties with existing predators and parasites and evaluate this strategy under altered planting dates. The project will address a research objective and an educational objective. <P>The research objective will determine the costs and benefits of two new RWA biotype 2- resistant barley varieties, Stoneham and Sidney, compared to existing production varieties and aphid management strategies, and will include the following sub-objectives: <ul> <LI>Assess the compatibility between the new resistant varieties and RWA biological controls (predator and parasite species).<LI>Assess the impact of altered planting dates on this management program. <LI>Assess the influence(s) of this biologically intensive management program on the composition of RWA biotypes in the aphid population. </ul>The educational objective will be to develop educational/extension programming to promote the adoption of RWA- resistant barley and appropriate biologically intensive pest management practices as viable components of diversified dryland cropping systems in the western High Plains. The following educational sub-objectives will be addressed: <ul> <LI>Presentation of project research results at stakeholder/producer meetings and field days, to invite stakeholder interest, involvement and feedback. <li>Publication of research and educational data in producer- and researcher-oriented publications.<li> Transfer of project-generated information and technology about RWA management to researchers, extension personnel, producers, and other agricultural decision makers via the High Plains IPM Guide website (http://www.highplainsipm.org) which contains management options for insect and arthropod pests, and pathogens affecting major field crops in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Western Nebraska.
Non-Technical Summary: The Russian wheat aphid is the most significant U. S. pest of wheat and barley production, and caused damage worth ~ $850 million from 1986-93. Barley production in the western High Plains has decreased markedly since 1987, due to the lack of cost-effective aphid management tactics, and there is a need for improved barley aphid management. Aphid-resistant barley cultivars will soon be released for production to offer a cost-effective alternative to insecticides. Research and extension objectives will assess synergism between aphid biological control species and aphid resistant cultivars, the compatibility of resistant cultivars with altered planting date, the influence(s) of resistant cultivars and altered planting date on aphid biotype composition, and disseminate research information in presentations, and in electronic and print publications to engage and educate agricultural decision makers. The proposed research is an integrated, multidisciplinary research and extension effort centered on developing a more sustained barley RWA management system, using biological control and the products of traditional plant breeding, as described in the National IPM Roadmap. This two-fold research and education project will improve future U. S. food production, environmental quality and farm income of U. S. High Plains producers. <P> Approach: The long-term goal of this project is to develop a biologically-intensive, integrated management system for the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), (RWA) in U. S. western Great Plains spring barley production. The project objectives are aimed at optimizing the interaction of new biotype 2 resistant barley cultivars with existing predators, parasites and altered planting dates. The project will address a research objective to determine the costs and benefits of two new RWA biotype 2- resistant barley varieties compared to existing production varieties and aphid management strategies. A single experimental design carried out near Sidney, NE, Ft. Collins, CO and Tribune, KS over the 3 years of the study. The experimental design of the trials will be a split-plot design with two main plot treatments (planting dates) replicated eight times in a randomized complete block at each location. A normal and a delayed planting date will be included as the main plot treatments. The normal planting date will be targeted for early to mid March and the delayed planting date will be approximately 3-4 weeks later. Within each main treatment plots, four split-plot treatments (varieties) will be randomized. These treatments will include the RWA biotype 1 and 2 resistant barley cultivars, Stoneham and Sidney, and the susceptible cultivar Otis under thiamethoxam-protected and unprotected regimes. Aphid samples (% infested tillers and RWA density per tiller) and predator counts will be collected four times for each planting date, (mid April - late June). Parasite sampling will begin when mummies are observed in the field. Aphid colonies from each sample will be diagnosed to determine of they are biotype 1 or 2. Total grain yield and estimates of test weight and protein will be determines for each variety. An educational objective will be to develop educational/extension programming to promote the adoption of RWA- resistant barley and appropriate biologically intensive pest management practices as viable components of diversified dryland cropping systems in the western High Plains, and will include presentation of project research results at stakeholder/producer meetings and field days; promotion of stakeholder involvement and feedback; publication of research and educational data in producer- and researcher-oriented publications; and transfer of project-generated information and technology to researchers, extension personnel, and producers via the High Plains IPM Guide website (http://www.highplainsipm.org).