Thesis (M.S. in entomology)--Washington State University. / Includes bibliographical references.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, May 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 3, 2009). "Department of Entomology." Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1939. / Typescript. Includes abstract and vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-59).

A key economic pest of cotton in the mid-south is the tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae). It is believed that early season crops like corn play a major role in building up TPB populations which then move to nearby cotton fields. The objective of this research was to determine the movement dynamics of TPB at the interface of these crops. Our 2009 data indicate TPB movement from corn into cotton occurred when corn was maturing from silk stage to milk. However, tasseling corn is more attractive compared to pre-squaring cotton to TPB. A supporting study evaluated the retention time of protein markers under simulated midsouth summer conditions. We measured the impact of adding sorbitol to an egg protein solution on retention time of the protein on TPB acquisition. We found that sorbitol decreased acquisition time and raised the detection values of proteins in the absence of rain.

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This research project consisted of three primary objectives: (1) Improve rearing methods for L. lineolaris, (2) Determine if selected behaviors displaying photoperiodicity are under circadian control, and (3) Estimate phase angle shifts of selected circadian rhythms, in an effort to contribute toward the future improvement of current integrated pest management techniques. Improving rearing methods was accomplished in three areas: (1) Estimating the optimal stocking rate to maximize production while maintaining acceptable insect quality as a function of photoperiodic regime, (2) Estimating fecundity at the optimal stocking rate and photoperiodic regime, and (3) Determining the timing of oviposition, mating, feeding and egg hatch, under the optimal stocking rate and photoperiodic regime. The stocking rate maximizing production of females was 8.93 (SE = 2.54) egg packets/rearing container. It was also determined that average female weight significantly declined as stocking rate increased. Therefore, a lower stocking rate of six oviposition packets is recommended as a compromise between productivity and product quality appropriate for many rearing purposes. Fecundity under the optimal stocking rate was also determined. Females produced an average of zero to seven eggs per day over the course of their lifetime, and an average of 83.49 eggs over the course of a single female’s lifespan (SE = 9.4). This is unusually low compared to other studies due to an infection of Nosema spp. in the laboratory colony. Oviposition peaked nine to 12 days after eclosion. Fecundity data can be used by rearers as a measure of fitness, allowing them to gauge the overall vigor of their colony. Oviposition and mating behaviors were determined to be periodic with respect to photoperiod, while feeding and egg hatch were not. Oviposition and mating were also determined to be under circadian control, because they met the four criteria stated by Saunders (2001). No significant phase angle shift occurred between 16:8 and 12:12 LD photoperiods for either behavior. Therefore the calculation of a phase angle shift was not possible. Additionally, the investigation of light intensity effect on peak oviposition showed that L. lineolaris did not respond differently to on/off light signals compared to simulated “dawn/dusk” signals.

Efforts to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and improving our understanding of existing strategies are keys to achieving adequate control of tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris. Insecticide applications are a part of IPM and monitoring their efficacy is critical for producers to remain profitable. Resistance to imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and sulfoxaflor was documented, although there continues to remain variability among populations within the region. The insect growth regulator, novaluron, although only lethal to nymphs, plays an important role in management of Lygus. Sublethal impacts to adult plant bugs may be an important factor in reducing populations within the growing season. Future research to confirm the validity of using a laboratory colony as a baseline for insecticide susceptibility is needed to account for increased vigor of insects reared on artificial diet.

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