4 pp. / Bed bugs can cause anxiety, bite reactions, and financial hardship. The University of Arizona Community IPM Program and partnering research institutions are working to battle the recent bed bug resurgence. Researchers hope to determine the real social cost of bed bugs, as well as the significant causes of infestations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the most likely strategy to result in successful elimination of bed bugs.

11 pp. / This document provides a general overview of bat biology and behavior with emphasis on urban environments, use of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that are in keeping with bat conservation guidelines, and disease awareness and prevention efforts.

This study evaluates the effectiveness and impacts of USAID's IPM IL vegetable technology transfer subproject in Bangladesh. The effectiveness of the technology transfer is evaluated in four ways: IPM adoption rates and determinants of IPM adoption, measuring the impact of IPM adoption on vegetable yields, pest management costs, and the number of pesticide applications used, estimation of the economic impacts of IPM adoption and the technology transfer, and analysis of the relative efficiency of the various technology transfer methods used to transfer the IPM practices to farmers. Adoption determinants were identified using traditional and ordered probit regression analysis. Difference-in-difference models were used to identify the impacts of IPM adoption on yields, pest management costs, and the number of pesticide applications applied. Economic impacts of IPM technology adoption were measured using economic surplus analysis. Finally, to compare the relative efficiency of different technology transfer methods, adoption rates were identified for each transfer method and combined with the training cost per farmer to identify the cost per farmer adopting IPM practices. The results from the adoption analysis suggest the number of years of agricultural experience of the household head, the number of IPM adopters known by the household, and learning agricultural information from media sources and/or farm training events such as field days significantly increase the likelihood of IPM adoption. The impacts of IPM adoption on vegetable yields, pest management costs, and the number of pesticide applications were non-significant for vegetable crops. Analysis of the cost efficiency of the different IPM technology transfer methods suggests that media sources such as television, radio, and newspapers have the lowest cost per farmer. / Master of Science

Cucurbits (i.e. squash, melons, pumpkins, gourds) are high value crops of global importance. Insect pests in these systems are often controlled by chemical insecticides, which are not always effective and can be damaging to the environment. Many integrated pest management (IPM) techniques have been developed for the control of pests in these systems, with a goal of improving system stability and reducing chemical inputs. The overarching goal of my research was to investigate the impact of select IPM techniques on arthropod populations and yield in organic and conventional cucurbit systems. This dissertation can be divided into three major projects which were conducted between 2013 and 2017. First, an investigation was conducted to understand the impact of two commonly used IPM practices (tillage regime and the use of row covers) on pest insect populations, beneficial arthropod populations, and plant yield. By developing studies in both organic and conventionally managed squash and melon production, four independent studies were conducted and analyzed to provide a broad understanding of these IPM strategies. In all systems, plant yields and pests were greatest in the plasticulture systems, but reduced tillage had a positive impact on the natural enemy arthropods within these crops. Row cover use resulted in larger plants and increased yields, but had an inconsistent influence on arthropods in the systems studied. From these initial studies, an additional investigation was developed to better understand the impacts of cultivation on the specialist pollinator Peponapis pruinosa [Hymenoptera: Apidae]. Nesting site selection was examined in two independent experiments. By conducting choice studies to allow P. pruinosa to select preferred nesting sites, we determined that P. pruinosa prefer to build nests in loose soils and show reduced nest making in compact soils. This poses interesting management challenges since less-compact soils are within high tillage zones. This research supports the need for the development of cultivation management plans that consider of pollinator habitat and reproduction needs. A multi-year, multi-farm study was developed for the comparison of parasitism in cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata) in organic and conventional growing systems. Parasitoids were reared from beetles collected from working organic and conventional cucurbit farms in central Kentucky. Our results show that there is some seasonal variation in parasitism, but that there is no significant difference between organic and conventional production. We conclude that IPM techniques can be effective in contributing to the control cucurbit pests in agroecosystems and the improvement of crop yields. These studies show that natural enemies and pollinators react differently to IPM practices, which should be considered when developing IPM plans in cucurbit production. By researching these management techniques we are able to develop production systems that have increased stability.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Entomology / Brian P. McCornack / Timely enactment of insect pest management and incursion mitigation protocols requires development of time-sensitive monitoring approaches. Numerous passive monitoring methods exist (e.g., insect traps), which offer an efficient solution to monitoring for pests across large geographic regions. However, given the number of different monitoring tools, from specific (e.g., pheromone lures) to general (e.g., sticky cards), there is a need to develop protocols for deploying methods to effectively and efficiently monitor for a multitude of potential pests. The non-random movement of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), toward several visual, chemical, and tactile cues, makes it a suitable study organism to examine new sensor technologies and deployment strategies that can be tailored for monitoring specific pests. Therefore, the objective was to understand Hessian fly behavior toward new sensor technologies (i.e., light emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser displays) to develop monitoring and deployment strategies. A series of laboratory experiments and trials were conducted to understand how the Hessian fly reacts to the technologies and how environmental factors may affect the insect’s response. Hessian fly pupae distribution within commercial wheat fields was also analyzed to determine deployment of monitoring strategies. Laboratory experiments demonstrated Hessian fly attraction to green spectrum (502 and 525 nm) light (LEDs), that response increased with light intensity (16 W/m2), and that they responded in the presence of wheat odor and the Hessian fly female sex-pheromone, but, response was reduced under ambient light. These laboratory experiments can be used to build a more targeted approach for Hessian fly monitoring by utilizing the appropriate light wavelength and intensity with pheromone and wheat odor to attract both sexes, and mitigating exposure to ambient light. Together this information suggested that light could be used with natural cues to increase attraction. Therefore, a light source (green laser display) was applied to a wheat microcosm, which resulted in greater oviposition in wheat covered by the laser display. Examination of Hessian fly pupal distribution within commercial wheat fields showed that proportion of wheat within a 1 km buffer of the field affected distribution between fields. This helps to inform deployment of monitoring strategies as it identified fields with a lower proportion of wheat within a 1 km buffer to be at higher risk Hessian fly infestation, and therefore monitoring efforts should be focused on those fields. Together this work demonstrates Hessian fly behavior toward new sensor technologies, how those technologies interact with environmental cues, and how environmental composition affects pupal distribution. Collectively this information will enable cheaper, more accurate and more efficient monitoring of this destructive pest.

Western honey bees (Apis mellifera; hereafter honey bees) provide vital pollination services to global agriculture and biodiversity. However in recent years they have experienced severe population declines in many regions of the northern hemisphere. Although causes of these honey bee declines are not well understood, multiple pressures such as changes in land-use and climate, management issues, and introduced parasites are believed to be responsible. First described in honey bees in 2006 during a period of high colony mortalities, the microsporidian gut parasite Nosema ceranae became of great concern. In this dissertation I investigated the distribution, management, virulence, and inter-specific interactions of this introduced species. First, I described and clarified the multiple pressures believed to influence honey bee health, including N. ceranae, especially in relation to the mysterious phenomenon Colony Collapse Disorder. I then surveyed colonies in Maritime Canada for N. ceranae and the historic honey bee microsporidian Nosema apis. Although both species were present at a regional scale, intensive sampling in Nova Scotia revealed that N. ceranae was highly prevalent compared to the historic congener. Next, I investigated two potential management options for the parasite. Chemotherapy using the fungicide fumagillin reduced N. ceranae spore intensity but had no effect on colony survival, and indoor over-wintering did not reduce spore intensity but was associated with increased colony survivorship in spring. Using a comparative approach, I observed that N. ceranae infection significantly reduced honey bee longevity in the laboratory but did not influence overall colony health or strength in the field. Last, a laboratory study demonstrated reduced spore production during N. ceranae and N. apis co-infection, possibly due to inter-specific competition that has resulted in the displacement of the historic Nosema species by N. ceranae in many global regions. This dissertation provides crucial information on biology and management of N. ceranae that can be used towards the development of an integrated pest management strategy, and for future studies investigating factors that may influence the parasite’s distribution, virulence, and inter-specific interactions.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-12T19:15:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FranciscoELS_DISSERT.pdf: 593076 bytes, checksum: e225bf4fa3857eb2f3da5c8dcc0be47d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the main cucurbits grown in northeastern Brazil. Among the main obstacles to the production of melon, the leafminer Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) stands out as one of the main pests. Since the discovery of natural enemies Opius scabriventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Neochrysocharis sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in melon production areas RN and CE, increased the prospects of the use of biological control in this region. However, information on the preferred instar and competition among parasitoids Opius scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. still are scarce. Furthermore, the conservation of these parasitoids in agrosystem is of fundamental importance to the MIP, therefore, it is necessary to know the action of plant protection products on O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. Therefore, the objective of this study was to define the preferred instar O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp., Evaluate the competition between these two species and the toxicity of insecticides used in melon crop on these two parasitoids in laboratory conditions. To determine the preferred instar were exposed leafminer larvae first, second and third instar for the two species of parasitoids. The competition studies were to assess the simultaneous parasitism O. scabriventris x Neochrysocharis sp. in proportions of 1x1, 2x1, 1x2 for the second and third larval instar L. sativae. The toxicity of insecticides to parasitoids were evaluated in bioassays through contact of parasitoids with freshly contaminated surface. The treatments were: abamectin, clorantraniliprole, cyromazine, espinetoram, spinosad and distilled water (control). Later, with the parasitoids that survived the tests of toxicity were evaluated sublethal effects of pesticides that caused lower mortality on the parasitism capacity. Regarding prefered instar tests, O. scabriventris preferably parasitized second instar larvae, while Neochrysocharis sp. preferred third instar larvae. Regarding competition assays, it was found that parasitoids O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. competed for larvae second and third instar L. sativae. Regarding toxicity tests, the abamectin, espinetoram and spinosad were the most toxic to the parasitoid O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. The clorantraniliprole and cyromazine insecticide caused reduction in parasitism capacity of O. scabriventris / O meloeiro (Cucumis melo L.) é uma das principais cucurbitáceas cultivadas na região Nordeste do Brasil. Dentre os principais entraves à produção do meloeiro, a mosca minadora Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) se destaca como uma das principais pragas. Desde a constatação dos inimigos naturais Opius scabriventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) e Neochrysocharis sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em áreas de produção de melão do RN e CE, cresceram as perspectivas da utilização do controle biológico nessa região. No entanto, informações sobre o instar preferencial e a competição entre os parasitoides Opius scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. são escassas. Além disso, a conservação desses parasitoides no agrossistema é de fundamental importância para o MIP, sendo assim, é necessário conhecer a ação dos produtos fitossanitários sobre O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi definir o instar preferencial de O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp., avaliar a competição entre essas duas espécies e a toxidade de inseticidas utilizados na cultura do meloeiro sobre esses dois parasitoides em condições de laboratório. Para determinar o instar preferencial, foram expostas larvas de mosca minadora de primeiro, segundo e terceiro instar para as duas espécies de parasitoides. Os estudos de competição consistiram em avaliar o parasitismo simultâneo de O. scabriventris x Neochrysocharis sp. nas proporções de 1x1, 2x1, 1x2 para larvas de segundo e terceiro instar de L. sativae. A toxicidade dos inseticidas aos parasitoides foram avaliados em ensaios biológicos por meio do contato dos parasitoides com superfície recém-contaminada. Os tratamentos foram: abamectina, clorantraniliprole, ciromazina, espinetoram, espinosade e água destilada (Testemunha). Posteriormente, com os parasitoides que sobreviveram aos ensaios de toxicidade, foram avaliados os efeitos subletais dos inseticidas que ocasionaram menor mortalidade sobre a capacidade de parasitismo. Quanto aos ensaios de ínstar preferencial, O. scabriventris parasitou preferencialmente larvas de segundo instar, enquanto que Neochrysocharis sp. preferiu larvas de terceiro instar. Em relação aos ensaios de competição, verificou-se que os parasitoides O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. competiram por larvas segundo e terceiro instar de L. sativae. Em relação aos ensaios de toxicidade, os inseticidas abamectina, espinetoram e espinosade foram os mais tóxicos aos parasitoides O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. Os inseticidas clorantraniliprole e ciromazina ocasionaram redução na capacidade de parasitismo de O. scabriventris

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-12T19:18:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FranciscoELS_DISSERT.pdf: 593076 bytes, checksum: e225bf4fa3857eb2f3da5c8dcc0be47d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the main cucurbits grown in northeastern Brazil. Among the main obstacles to the production of melon, the leafminer Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) stands out as one of the main pests. Since the discovery of natural enemies Opius scabriventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Neochrysocharis sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in melon production areas RN and CE, increased the prospects of the use of biological control in this region. However, information on the preferred instar and competition among parasitoids Opius scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. still are scarce. Furthermore, the conservation of these parasitoids in agrosystem is of fundamental importance to the MIP, therefore, it is necessary to know the action of plant protection products on O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. Therefore, the objective of this study was to define the preferred instar O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp., Evaluate the competition between these two species and the toxicity of insecticides used in melon crop on these two parasitoids in laboratory conditions. To determine the preferred instar were exposed leafminer larvae first, second and third instar for the two species of parasitoids. The competition studies were to assess the simultaneous parasitism O. scabriventris x Neochrysocharis sp. in proportions of 1x1, 2x1, 1x2 for the second and third larval instar L. sativae. The toxicity of insecticides to parasitoids were evaluated in bioassays through contact of parasitoids with freshly contaminated surface. The treatments were: abamectin, clorantraniliprole, cyromazine, espinetoram, spinosad and distilled water (control). Later, with the parasitoids that survived the tests of toxicity were evaluated sublethal effects of pesticides that caused lower mortality on the parasitism capacity. Regarding prefered instar tests, O. scabriventris preferably parasitized second instar larvae, while Neochrysocharis sp. preferred third instar larvae. Regarding competition assays, it was found that parasitoids O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. competed for larvae second and third instar L. sativae. Regarding toxicity tests, the abamectin, espinetoram and spinosad were the most toxic to the parasitoid O. scabriventris and Neochrysocharis sp. The clorantraniliprole and cyromazine insecticide caused reduction in parasitism capacity of O. scabriventris / O meloeiro (Cucumis melo L.) é uma das principais cucurbitáceas cultivadas na região Nordeste do Brasil. Dentre os principais entraves à produção do meloeiro, a mosca minadora Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) se destaca como uma das principais pragas. Desde a constatação dos inimigos naturais Opius scabriventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) e Neochrysocharis sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) em áreas de produção de melão do RN e CE, cresceram as perspectivas da utilização do controle biológico nessa região. No entanto, informações sobre o instar preferencial e a competição entre os parasitoides Opius scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. são escassas. Além disso, a conservação desses parasitoides no agrossistema é de fundamental importância para o MIP, sendo assim, é necessário conhecer a ação dos produtos fitossanitários sobre O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi definir o instar preferencial de O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp., avaliar a competição entre essas duas espécies e a toxidade de inseticidas utilizados na cultura do meloeiro sobre esses dois parasitoides em condições de laboratório. Para determinar o instar preferencial, foram expostas larvas de mosca minadora de primeiro, segundo e terceiro instar para as duas espécies de parasitoides. Os estudos de competição consistiram em avaliar o parasitismo simultâneo de O. scabriventris x Neochrysocharis sp. nas proporções de 1x1, 2x1, 1x2 para larvas de segundo e terceiro instar de L. sativae. A toxicidade dos inseticidas aos parasitoides foram avaliados em ensaios biológicos por meio do contato dos parasitoides com superfície recém-contaminada. Os tratamentos foram: abamectina, clorantraniliprole, ciromazina, espinetoram, espinosade e água destilada (Testemunha). Posteriormente, com os parasitoides que sobreviveram aos ensaios de toxicidade, foram avaliados os efeitos subletais dos inseticidas que ocasionaram menor mortalidade sobre a capacidade de parasitismo. Quanto aos ensaios de ínstar preferencial, O. scabriventris parasitou preferencialmente larvas de segundo instar, enquanto que Neochrysocharis sp. preferiu larvas de terceiro instar. Em relação aos ensaios de competição, verificou-se que os parasitoides O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. competiram por larvas segundo e terceiro instar de L. sativae. Em relação aos ensaios de toxicidade, os inseticidas abamectina, espinetoram e espinosade foram os mais tóxicos aos parasitoides O. scabriventris e Neochrysocharis sp. Os inseticidas clorantraniliprole e ciromazina ocasionaram redução na capacidade de parasitismo de O. scabriventris

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) of the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria are able to endophytically colonize a wide variety of plant species, providing protection against arthropod pests; besides increasing the plant development; and act as phytopathogen antagonists. The main objective of the present project was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as plant inoculants against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae and the effects on plant growth promotion. Tritrophic effects were also studied, by evaluating prey consumption and feeding behavior of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. The evaluated strategy has several potential benefits compared to the sole use of EPF as contact biocontrol agents, as it may control both pests and phytopathogens; be compatible with other natural enemies; provide limited exposure of fungal propagules to adverse environmental conditions, and accelerate seed emergence and plant growth. Considering this, the effects of seed inoculation using two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana were evaluated at University of Copenhagen, Denmark, on plant development (i.e. biomass and yield) and T. urticae population growth in a model system with bean plants under greenhouse conditions. Effects on feeding performance of P. persimilis were also studied in laboratory conditions. In Brazil, inoculation studies with EPF were conducted at ESALQ/USP with strawberry plants in greenhouse conditions and in the field in four commercial production areas of strawberries in Atibaia-SP and Senador Amaral-MG. In greenhouse studies, the effects of 15 isolates of Metarhizium spp., 5 isolates of B. bassiana and 5 of Cordyceps (= Isaria) fumosorosea were studied, whereas in the commercial area one isolate of Metarhizium and Beauveria was used. Strawberry roots were inoculated by submersion in fungal suspensions, and the population growth of spider mites, while plants development was assessed by measuring root lengths, biomass of roots and leaves, and the strawberry fruit weight. The results showed a significant reduction in T. urticae population and in general better plant development in both crops. The production of string beans and strawberry fruits were higher in inoculated plants than in non-inoculated plants. There was no difference in predation rate and feeding behavior of the predator mite P. persimilis towards T. urticae from fungal inoculated and uninoculated plants. In the commercial strawberry production areas there were significantly lower populations of T. urticae and fewer symptoms of plant diseases on plants in the fungal treated beds compared to plants in untreated beds. The results of this project bring a new perspective on the use of Metarhizium and Beauveria as plant protecting agents revealing that the use of entomopathogenic fungi as plant inoculants may be a promising strategy. / Fungos entomopatogênicos dos gêneros Metarhizium e Beauveria são capazes de colonizar endofiticamente uma ampla variedade de espécies de plantas e conferir à estas, proteção contra artrópodes pragas; além de acelerar o seu desenvolvimento; e atuar como antagonistas de fitopatógenos. O objetivo geral deste projeto foi avaliar o potencial de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes contra o ácaro rajado Tetranychus urticae e seus efeitos na promoção de crescimento de plantas. O efeito tri-trófico no consumo e comportamento alimentar do ácaro predador Phytoseiulus persimilis também foi estudado. A estratégia avaliada traz vários potenciais benefícios comparado ao uso exclusivo de fungos entomopatogênicos como agentes de controle biológico de contato, como o controle duplo de pragas e fitopatógenos; compatibilidade com outros inimigos naturais; menor exposição de propágulos às condições ambientais adversas, além de acelerar a emergência de sementes e o crescimento de plantas. Diante disso, os efeitos da inoculação de sementes usando dois isolados de Metarhizium robertsii e Beauveria bassiana foram avaliados na Universidade de Copenhagen, Dinamarca, na promoção de crescimento das plantas (biomassa e produção) e no crescimento populacional de T. urticae em um sistema modelo com plantas de feijão em casa-de-vegetação. Efeitos no comportamento alimentar de P. persimilis foram também estudados em condições de laboratório. No Brasil, estudos foram conduzidos na ESALQ/USP com plantas de morangueiro em casa-de-vegetação e em quatro áreas de produção comercial de morangueiro em Atibaia-SP e Senador Amaral-MG. Nos estudos em casa-de-vegetação, os efeitos de 15 isolados de Metarhizium spp., 5 de B. bassiana e 5 de Cordyceps (= Isaria) fumosorosea foram estudados, enquanto em área comercial um isolado de Metarhizium e Beauveria foram utilizados. Raízes de morangueiro foram inoculadas por imersão em suspensões fúngicas, e foram avaliados o crescimento populacional do ácaro rajado e o desenvolvimento das plantas, quantificando o comprimento de raiz, biomassa de raiz e de parte aérea, e massa de frutos de morango. Os resultados mostraram redução significativa na população de T. urticae e em geral melhor desenvolvimento das plantas nas duas culturas. A produção de vagens em plantas de feijão e de frutos de morango foram superiores nas plantas inoculadas em relação às não inoculadas. Não se observou diferenças na taxa de predação e comportamento alimentar do ácaro predador P. persimilis quando oferecidos T. urticae provenientes de plantas inoculadas e não inoculadas. Em campo foram observadas populações significativamente menores de T. urticae e menos sintomas de doenças nas plantas inoculadas com os fungos, comparado às plantas não inoculadas. Os resultados obtidos por este projeto trazem uma nova perspectiva do uso de Metarhizium e Beauveria como agentes protetores de plantas revelando que a utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos como inoculantes pode ser uma estratégia promissora.

The Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant, is a major pest of snap beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. To develop pertinent research objectives, background information on this pest was gathered from literature sources and personal communications with growers, extension agents and other agricultural professionals. In objective one, Mexican bean beetle preference, developmental success and plant injury were compared among three snap bean and three lima bean cultivars in field and greenhouse trials. The cultivar 'Dragon's Tongue' was the most preferred, suitable for development, and prone to injury. Growers may benefit from growing less susceptible cultivars, or by using 'Dragon's Tongue' in trap cropping or push-pull strategies. In objective two, Mexican bean beetle densities, feeding injury, and yield were compared among snap beans grown on metallized plastic (highly reflective), white plastic, black plastic, and bare soil. Metallized plastic provided the greatest level of control, and resulted in the highest yields. Managing Mexican bean beetle by growing beans on metallized plastic may be used as a stand-alone method, or in a push-pull strategy. In the final objective, the effects of snap beans grown from thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid insecticide)-treated seeds on Mexican bean beetle were assessed in greenhouse and field experiments. Thiamethoxam-treated plants killed 40 to 50% of Mexican bean beetle adults and larvae up to 16 days after planting. In the field, thiamethoxam-treated plants mitigated Mexican bean beetle densities and damage in one out of five experiments, resulting in a yield increase. In none of the five field experiments were differences detected in predatory arthropod species between thiamethoxam and non-insecticide treated beans. In summary, the results of this project suggest that non-chemical management methods, such as cultivar selection and planting beans on reflective mulch, can provide effective control of Mexican bean beetle. Thiamethoxam-treated seed may also provide control of this pest, but only within two to three weeks after planting; otherwise, there is typically no effect on beetles, injury or yield. This doctoral research has laid a foundation for an integrated pest management approach for Mexican bean beetle. / Ph. D. / Integrated pest management (IPM) is an economical and environmentally-sensible approach to pest management that considers numerous control and decision-making strategies. This dissertation examined non-chemical strategies and the use of an insecticide seedtreatment for management of Mexican bean beetle, a major pest of green beans in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. To develop pertinent research objectives, background information on this pest was gathered from literature sources and personal communications with growers, extension agents and other agricultural professionals. In objective one, Mexican bean beetle preference, developmental success and plant injury were compared among various bean cultivars in field and greenhouse trials. The cultivar ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ was the most suitable host for Mexican bean beetle, and consequently incurred the greatest injury. Growers in high risk areas for Mexican bean beetle may benefit from growing less susceptible cultivars. In objective two, Mexican bean beetle severity and yield were compared among green beans grown on reflective metallized plastic, white plastic, black plastic, and bare soil. Metallized plastic provided the greatest level of control, and resulted in the largest yields. Our results suggest that growing beans on reflective surfaces may be an effective, chemical-free management strategy for Mexican bean beetle. In the final objective, the effects of green beans grown from thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid insecticide)-coated seeds was examined on Mexican bean beetle severity, non-pest arthropods, and crop performance in greenhouse and field experiments. Bean plants grown from insecticide-coated seeds were highly-toxic to Mexican bean beetle for about 16 days after planting. In one out of five experiments, thiamethoxam-treated plants reduced pest levels, resulting in increased yields. More often, Mexican bean beetles arrived after the insecticide had disappeared from plants and there was no effect. There were no detectable effects from the thiamethoxam treatment on non-pest arthropods in any experiment. Overall, seed-treatments may provide occasional control of Mexican bean beetle, but non-chemical methods may be as effective and more practical. This doctoral research project has provided a foundation for an integrated pest management approach for Mexican bean beetle.