Award details

The chemical ecology of pests and beneficial organisms in agricultural and semi- natural ecosystems

Reference	BBS/E/C/00051563
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Barry Pye
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Rothamsted Research Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	103,284
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/1999
Duration	24 months

Abstract

Chemical ecology is the study of chemically mediated interactions between organisms. Semiochemicals mediate such interactions where signalling processes are involved, for example among organisms within one species (pheromones) or interspecifically as between a herbivore and its plant host (kairomones). This project takes key semiochemicals, identified principally in project 051547, and investigates associated behavioural effects, mainly in the field, for possible inclusion in semiochemical-based pest control strategies. This provides basic information on alternative pest control measures to pesticides and will lead to the development of more environmentally benign crop protection methods. Semiochemicals associated with host plants, pests and beneficial species are identified by electrophysiological recording techniques in project 051547. Behavioural responses to these compounds are elucidated in laboratory bioassays and subsequently, the active compounds are investigated under field conditions. Semiochemicals are deployed in traps and in field plots and the effects on populations of pest and beneficial species are assessed by intensive sampling techniques. Novel application techniques, tailored to fit the mode of action of the semiochemical under test, are employed. Sophisticated technology such as electrostatic spraying is most effective for the application of biologically active control agents which require total plant coverage, for example plant- derived defence allomones such as the antifeedants. Appropriate formulation of semiochemicals is also essential, both for spray application and for slow release of volatile compounds, such as pheromones, for monitoring traps or for point source applications for direct control in field plots. Thus, the ensuing increased understanding of the semiochemicals involved in mate, habitat and host location by pests and beneficial organisms will facilitate their integration in control strategies, particularly in the push-pull (or stimulo- deterrent diversionary) strategies, along with other environmentally benign modes of pest control. 1) To field- test four lines of transgenically modified potatoes, expressing a non-toxic, but colonisation-reducing gene product against aphids, for their possible inclusion in a pest management strategy. 2) To investigate the behavioural responses of pest and beneficial insects to attractive traps baited with newly identified host and non-host plant derived semiochemicals. 3) To assess population levels of pests in field plots baited with some of the active compounds indentified in 2. 4) To develop, use and evaluate novel delivery systems for semiochemical and pathogen application. 5) To evaluate the use of non-toxic slug repellents using repellent barriers applied through novel and conventional application equipment, also investigation of new natural non- surfactant candidate compounds. 6) To develop effective formulations and a delivery system for insect pathogens to control insect pests. This relates to project 051577. 7) To investigate the use of plant-derived antifeedants against aphids in winter barley to reduce the the transfer of BYDV. 8) The transfer of semiochemical and spray technology expertise to collaborators in the UK and overseas. 1) To continue to investigate the behavioural response of pests and benificial insects to host and non-host plant derived compounds, and to insect derived metabolites, using attractive traps in the field. 2) To field test new spray formulations of antifeedants, against a range of pests of arable crops, for possible inclusion in pest management strategies. 3) To initiate full scale field trials, in winter sown cereals, to compare a range of semiochemically- based control methods. 4) To continue field trials to investigate the use of insect pathogens against a range of pests of oilseed rape and to develop field simulation bioassays for mortality studies with target insects.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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