IMPROVING INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT WITH GENOMICS: ALFALFA WEEVILS THREATENING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL INTENSIFICATION IN THE WEST

The overarching goal of this project is to inter weave laboratory and fields science with molecular biology and to provide a detailed management plan developed from the results of our efforts to all stakeholders concerned about this emerging agricultural challenge.Research Objectives: 1.)Identify alfalfa weevil strains (Western; Egyptian; Eastern) in my collection using published PCR protocols;2.)Identify target site (kdr) mutations to the NaV channel; and3.)Identify candidate resistance genes based on differential expression between susceptible and resistant insects preserved in my collection (RNAseq).Extension Objectives: 1.)Lead an Extension workshop offered in four states to deliver IRM recommendations and my research results to western region stakeholders (e.g., Collaboration Letters);2.)Present findings to the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) alfalfa webinars to share our extension material to a national audience (Refer to Dr. Michael Rethwisch Collaboration Letter).Overall the intended impacts are to1.)Gain in knowledge: Short term outcomes occur when an alfalfa stakeholder determines that their alfalfa weevil management plan may have put them at risk for having pyrethroid resistant alfalfa weevil;2.)Change in practice: Medium term outcomes occur when alfalfa stakeholders change their alfalfa weevil management plan by adopting integrated pest management strategies and rotating to a different mode of action group other than 3A (pyrethroids). Thus, reducing the use of pyrethroids and intern the associated selection pressure on the alfalfa weevils in that field or operation3.)New technology: Long term outcomes occur when extension agents, crop advisors, and University faculty and staff, utilize the newly discovered and incorporated IRM strategy. Thus, ensuring that every avenue of early detection is being utilized to maximize the efficiency of IRM recommendations. This includes advances in science that enable molecular markers for resistance monitoring.