Project personnel: Dick Beeman, Jim Campbell, Thomas Phillips, David Hagstrum, Sonny Ramaswamy, Mike Mullen, Bh. Subramanyam, Ralph Howard, Charles Woloshuk

    Molecular markers can be used for identification and monitoring of pest populations and infestation sources. Genomics research will identify molecular markers than can isolate and identify breeding populations on either a local or a larger geographic scale, determine infestation sources, and identify geographic or other barriers to gene flow between populations. We have used markers to identify two major breeding populations of red flour beetle in the U.S. (Beeman and Brown 1999; Beeman and Friesen 1999) There is no detectable South-to-North gene flow between these two populations, and only limited North-to-South gene flow. This was unexpected in view of the generally great mobility of stored-product insect pests, associated with hitchhiking on commercial food shipments. Markers can also identify genes and gene pathways whose protein products could be targeted for disruption or intervention, for example by the design of inhibitory peptides and their incorporation into transgenic crops (Kramer 1999).

    The use of behavior modifying agents in stored-product IPM has been limited primarily to the use of pheromones and food odors in traps to monitor pest populations (Phillips 1997; Shu et al. 1996, 1999). The emphasis of the research will be to gain additional knowledge concerning behavioral interactions between stored-product pests and their environment. Additionally, sex pheromones of some species (e.g., sawtoothed grain beetle) have been ineffective, in part because of incorrect blends being used, instability of the compounds, or because of incomplete identification (Pierce et al 1984; Phillips et al. 2000). New research programs are being initiated to reexamine the identity of sex pheromones of key species, optimize them as attractants for use in monitoring devices, and for use in disruption of pheromone communication. Research will also focus on the patch use behavior of some of the major pest species, the functional value of aggregation pheromones produced by some stored product pests, the influence of pheromone traps on the movement behavior of pests, and the development of new control tactics that can be targeted at residual pest populations. The proposed collaborative research will result in development of more efficacious pheromone blends usable for monitoring purposes, disruption of pheromone communication, and development of attracticides.

    The most important research for promoting implementation will be that which develops practical insect sampling programs and cost-effective pest management programs, and demonstrates their efficacy under commercial conditions. Almost all food-handling establishments use pheromone-baited traps to monitor for insect activity, and 3 trap designs developed at the GMPRC are commercially available and are widely used in the industry (Mullen 1992; Mullen and Dowdy in press). The Dome trap is a dust resistant trap designed for use in dusty areas was modified from (Mullen 1992). Spatial analysis (Geo-statistical analysis) and contour mapping are being used at the USDA’s GMPRC to develop effective methods to interpret trap catch and monitor changes in insect populations before and after a chemical or non-chemical intervention (Mullen et al. 1997). As part of this research, we will develop practical methods for interpreting trap catch data for use by the food industry. Presently, this information should help sanitarians and pest managers in mitigating pest problems before serious economic losses (product loss, decreased consumer confidence) occur.