Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer databases that organize information in a spatial framework. This allows the analysis of data based in part on location. A pilot project has been set up in the Yuma Valley to explore the use of GIS to study the influence of crop sequences, weeds, urban areas, and insect vector populations on the incidence of virus diseases of vegetables. The goal is to learn to collect field observations in such a way that long term regional trends can be understood and visualized. Such information can then be used in management plans.

An experiment was conducted during 1992-93 at the University of Ariwna Maricopa Agricultural Center to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) and water management on yield, midrib nitrate-N, and N and water use efficiency of subsurface trickle-irrigated leaf lettuce, collard, and spinach. The experiment was a randomized complete block factorial with three water levels (deficient, optimum, excessive), four N fertilizer levels (deficient, suboptimal, supraoptimal, excessive) and four replications. Trickle tubing was placed in the center of the beds at 15 cm depth. Irrigation was applied daily as needed to maintain the appropriate target soil water tension and N fertilizer (urea ammonium nitrate solution) was applied in 4 to 5 split applications. Midrib samples were collected for nitrate -N analysis at 4 growth stages, and portions of the plots were harvested when plants were marketable size. The 1992-93 growing season was excessively wet, therefore optimum yields were achieved in the deficient irrigation treatment. The wet conditions apparently led to excessive N losses, therefore high rates of N fertilizer were needed for optimum yields. Nitrogen and water use efficiencies were maximized at low rates of water and fertilizer input. Midrib nitrate-N concentrations were responsive to N fertilizer treatments.

A beet armyworm population was collected from spinach in Yuma, Feb 1996. This population was evaluated for resistance to Lannate. A range of Lannate dosages were prepared by disolving Lannate into acetone. A miroapplicator was used to topically apply the dosages. Dosage-mortality data were obtained from 3rd instar larvae held for 24 hr after treatment. The BAW population tested in 1996 had an LD₅₀ of value of433.34 μg-methomyl/g -worm, compared to a historical susceptible strain which had an LD₅₀ of 17.54 μg/g-worm, a 24.7 fold increase in resistance.

In 1995 we initiated a resistance management program aimed at sustaining the efficacy of Admire®. This paper delineates the groundwork for the program, and describes methodological and conceptual advances toward our goal. Bioassay methods developed for adult whitefly consisted of a 1 day hydroponic uptake procedure using cotton seedlings. A reliable mortality criterion was also established. Results from a statewide survey suggested slight geographic variation in whitefly susceptibility to Admire®. Future studies will 1) continue to monitor susceptibility throughout Arizona, 2) evaluate the risk of resistance to whitefly populations in commercial greenhouses, and relate this to field populations, and 3) characterize the development of resistance in relation to cropping systems and spatial dynamics of whitefly. The overall objective of these investigations is to determine if a sustainable use strategy can be identified for Admire®.

The abrupt and widespread introduction and establishment of the B type whitefly B. tabaci (Genn.) (also B. argentifollii) in Arizona in approximately 1987-1990 has given rise to unprecedented losses in vegetable and fiber crops in Arizona, and elsewhere throughout the sunbelt states. This report documents the discovery and the tracking of B type whitefly over time in Arizona crop and weed species, and reports important biological characteristics of the A and B whitefly populations with respect to host range, host preferences, and virus-vector capabilities. Here, from tracking data, we provide direct evidence that the A and B whitefly populations existed simultaneously in the state for a short period of time during 1989-90, and that by 1991, the B type population had become predominant whitefly pest and whitefly vector of plant viruses in Arizona crops. Unique host ranges and host preferences represent the most important distinctions between these two populations of B. tabaci, and are largely responsible for the altered epidemiologies of several whitefly- associated virus diseases, and for new pest problems in previously unaffected crops. From these collective data, it is possible to present an historical documentation of the emerging importance of the B whitefly as a pest and virus vector in Arizona. An unusually broad host range and the ability to induce phytotoxic disorders, set the B population apart from the historically problematic, local A type B. tabaci, and provide insights into the underlying basis of its unprecedented impact on crop production in Arizona. Baseline information about whitefly biology, host range, and virus-vector capabilities is relevant to the design and implementation of management practices aimed at controlling the whitefly as a pest and virus vector in Arizona crops.

The Arizona Crop Information Site (ACIS) http://cals.arizona.edu/crops was launched by the University of Arizona in 2001. This site provides a one-stop resource for those seeking information on Arizona crop protection and production information. The site is the result of input and cooperation across Arizona’s agricultural community. The amount of information on the site continues to grow as does the site’s importance, usefulness and number of visitors.

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