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Research PhilosophyWe strive to conceive and conduct research such that it expands the base of scientific knowledge and contributes to the public good. By creating an interdisciplinary team of faculty, student, and industry collaborators, we make every effort to develop and implement research and educational opportunities that enhance floriculture production in an economically and environmentally conscious manner.Statement of Research Goals and AccomplishmentsWestern flower thrips is a serious insect pest found in greenhouses throughout the world. When feeding, western flower thrips cause leaf and flower contortion as well as the disappearance of pigments. Thrips also vector plant viruses that devastate many ornamental crops. Thrips extremely small size, 1.5 mm as adults and prolific nature make them extremely difficult to manage with traditional control options. Floriculture crop marketability is reduced when insect damage is present resulting in extensive economic losses. The bedding plant group is the most rapidly growing segment of the U.S. plant industry. Impatiens, one of the highest selling bedding plants, are highly susceptible to thrips. A rapid production cycle, quick expression of damage, and availability of diverse germplasm make impatiens a model crop in which to seek resistance to thrips.Greenhouse managers currently rely on insecticides to manage thrips; however, government regulations and the development of insecticide resistance in insect populations necessitate alternative control options. Research suggests that host plant resistance would increase the percentage of thrips killed with insecticides; however, research to pinpoint factors of resistance to feeding by thrips in bedding plants, specifically impatiens, is lacking. Once identified resistance factors can be bred into acceptable germplasm thereby creating cultivars with defenses against thrips. Resistant crops are of significance to the long-term sustainability of domestic and international horticulture in that reduced insecticide usage is more holistic and sustainable than current production methods. The overall goal of our research program is to increase the long-term sustainability of floriculture production systems by reducing pesticide inputs. To accomplish this goal, our laboratory is approaching the problem from three angles; the insect, the crop, and cultural practices. Currently, we are specifically addressing 1) western flower thrips diversity, 2) host plant resistance, and 3) integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Successful impacts of the research include the development of evaluation protocols for measuring feeding damage by thrips, the detection of thrips populations with insecticide resistance, the identification of resistant crops, management practices to minimize insect damage, and the identification of emerging crops. Future research includes the identification of physical and chemical resistance factors in impatiens. I have highlighted specific accomplishments since 1998 and indicated future research areas below. Impact of ResearchResearch results from our laboratory have the potential to provide effective IPM tactics for use in both domestic and international production facilities. Immediate benefits of this research are 1) more efficient selection of resistance factors to feeding by western flower thrips, 2) definitive impacts of crop choice, insecticide choice, trap crop use, and tank mixes, and 3) a better understanding of thrips populations. More efficient selection will result in faster development of resistant plants. A better understanding of thrips and cultural management tools pest provides crop producers with multiple defenses against thrips. This is of significance to the long-term sustainability of horticulture in that plant damage by thrips will be reduced. A corresponding reduction in insecticide usage will move international and domestic crop production towards more holistic and sustainable production methods. This, as mentioned earlier, is the long-term goal of the research. |
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