2010 Utah Insect Report

8/6/2019 2010 Utah Insect Report

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Protecng

Utahs

Agriculture

2010 Insect Report

Utah Department of Agriculture and FoodPlant Industry

Clair Allen, Director

Clint Burfi, State Entomologisthp://ag.utah.gov


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Protecng Utah Agriculture

Utah agricultural industries are valued at over a billion dollars annually, with about 22% of the states land

in agricultural producon. The mission of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is to Promote the

healthy growth of Utah agriculture, conserve our natural resources and protect our food supply.

Managing insects is essenal to this mission. Although the vast majority of insects are beneficial, pest

infestaons can be devastang and UDAF has been addressing insect issues since pioneer agriculture began

here 160 years ago. Some economic esmates of losses to U.S. food crops due to pests approach 40%. Both

newly introduced insects and outbreaks of endemic species can cause sudden losses much like a natural

disaster. Trends that contribute to this potenal include errac weather paerns and climate change,

intensive monocultural farming methods and global commerce which commonly transports materials of risk

across great distances. The UDAF Insect Program aims to protect Utah agriculture, food and quality of life

from losses due to insects.

Goals and Strategies of the Insect Program

Prevenon and Protecon

Insects are transported in various ways, oen unintenonally. Using quarannes and inspecons can guardagainst new pests. Surveillance of insects with outbreak potenal allows protecon of resources at risk.

Early Detecon

Using strategic detecon and diagnosc networks and trap and survey technology to detect pests as early as

possible minimizes insect damage and cost of eradicaon or control. UDAF surveys and traps over 10,000

locaons statewide each year and works with partners naonwide to best use these tools.

Insect Control

There are many effecve tools for insect control and there are more tools being developed. UDAF uses

survey methods, predicve models and economic thresholds that promote acon using chemical pescides,

biological controls or cultural methods.

Public Educaon

Raising awareness of how insect pests are introduced and the consequences of outbreaks can facilitate early

detecon efforts and protect resources. Teaching Integrated Pest Management principles can also help

protect beneficial insects and increase environmental stewardship.

Accomplishments and Highlights

The UDAF insect program is highly effecve at detecng insect problems and taking appropriate acon.

Currently nine insect and plant quarannes in conjuncon with trapping and inspecon programs have

prevented pests such as European Corn Borer and Red Imported Fire Ant from inhabing Utah. UDAF

monitors endemic populaons of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets to suppress outbreaks and protect

crops. Exoc pest introducons with high economic potenal have been met with treatment programs to

eradicate invasive species including Gypsy moth (successfully eradicated) and Japanese Beetle (in progress).


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Africanized Honey Bee 4

Apiary Program 5

Apple Maggot/Cherry Fruit Fly 6

Asian Defoliator 7

Cereal Leaf Beetle 8

Chinese Long Horned Beetle 9

Emerald Ash Borer 10

European Corn Borer 11

Exoc Moth Detecon 12

Gypsy Moth 13

Japanese Beetle 14

Mormon Cricket and Grasshopper 15

Orchard Pest Survey 16

Plum Curculio 17

Red Imported Fire Ant 18

Biological Control 19

Table of Contents


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Photos: Sco Barlow

Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) UDAF

Honey bees were brought from Europe to North America for honey and wax, and since then they

have assumed a crical role in agricultural producon as pollinators. The African bee is the same

species as these European bees. It was introduced to Brazil in 1956 and has been migrang north

ever since, arriving in Texas in 1990. Although individual bees are the same, AHB colonies are not

adapted to cold winters, they will nest in almost any cavity, and they have a more severe group

snging defense. People or animals in AHB snging events can rapidly suffer hundreds of sngs.

AHB presents safety risks to the public and management challenges to beekeepers. Even so, this

insect has been unfairly sensaonalized in the media, and educaon efforts have decreased panic

and snging incidents. AHB was detected in Washington and Kane Counes in 2008, Iron County

in 2009, and San Juan County in 2010, although its prevalence and distribuon remain unknown. In

2010, UDAF increased sampling from feral colonies and trapped swarms, over half of which wereAHB. UDAF has been working with USGS and NASA to model the suitable habitat for this invasive

species, and will connue to monitor using this model to track AHB distribuon. Public educaon

and beekeeper educaon are top priories in this program. We cannot eradicate this bee.

However, since a large percentage of European bees sll exist in feral habitats, by working with

beekeepers we can maintain gentle stocks to occupy bee habitat, detect and destroy aggressive

bees and feral bees of unknown stock. Using these methods we can work to keep AHB levels low.

Public EducaonPublic EducaonPublic Educaon


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Photos:JeffMarmorstone

Apiary Program UDAF

Utah, the Beehive State is home to nearly 600 registered beekeepers who produce over a million

pounds of honey each year. Although this crop is sweet, the most valuable service these

beneficial insects provide is pollinaon, which connects them inmately to our food supply. The

number of registered beekeepers has nearly doubled in Utah this year, with growing interest inbackyard agriculture. UDAF has worked closely with municipalies to update regulaons to allow

urban beekeeping. Over 1,000 truckloads of bees pass through Utah on their way too and from

pollinaon contracts. Bee health is a pressing concern, with numerous parasites and diseases,

mysterious symptoms of collapsing colonies, and complex environmental pressures like habitat

loss and exposure to pollutants and pescides. To protect and support bees and the industry,

UDAF monitors transport of bees through its ports to protect against new pest introducons.

UDAF also coordinates with the County Bee Inspectors, who inspect colonies and assist

beekeepers regularly. In 2010, inspectors visited approximately 1,000 of Utahs apiaries, and

fewer than 1% had diseases of concern. Each year UDAF provides assistance through disease

diagnosis and educaon events for beekeepers through state and local beekeeping associaons,

focusing on idenficaon and remedies for colony health problems. Through media contacts and

general public inquiries (approximately 300 calls/year), UDAF raises awareness about the

importance of beekeeping for ecosystems and agriculture. UDAF is working with the beekeeping

industry to revise and update regulaons, and to establish a Standard of Identy for honey, to

protect our honey producers and consumers.

Prevenon and ProteconPrevenon and ProteconPrevenon and Protecon

Photos:ChrisRodesch


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Photos:WhitneyCrenshaw,Bugwood.org

Apple Maggot and Cherry Fruit Fly UDAF

The apple maggot (Rhagolespomonella), also known as the railroadworm, and the cherry fruit

fly (Rhagoles indifferens), are both picturewing flies nave to North America. Both insects have

become a major pest of fruit trees in the U.S. and Canada. The Apple Maggot Cherry Fruit Fly

program began in 1985 with the discovery of Apple Maggot in abandoned and non commercial

cherry orchards in Utah County. Approximately 600 traps are monitored during the growing

season, and apple maggot catches have decreased from over 60 in 1994 to less than 10 in 2002

and 0 in 2009 and 2010.

There are more than 300 commercial fruit growers in Utah, with a commercial value of more than

$14 million annually. All fruit marketed for export must be free from all apple maggot and cherryfruit fly injury, so thorough and effecve control measures are necessary. Allwesternstateshave

applemaggotandcherryfruitflyquarannes,and this program allows Utah fruit growers to export

fruit to states with this quaranne.

In addion to trapping, this program provides commercial growers with informaon to improve

inseccide spray ming. Accurately med sprays result in beer control, but also fewer

inseccides being used with less harm to the environment and lower producon costs. Without

proper control, these insects could cause serious damage to all tree fruit grown in the state.

Insect ControlInsect ControlInsect Control

Photos:www.ncw.wsu.e

du

Photos:JackKelleyClark,Bugwood.org


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Asian Defoliator UDAF/USDA APHIS CAPS

Several species of Asian defoliators have arrived in Europe and caused severe damage there.

These species are not yet established in North America, but they have been intercepted here, and

analysis of their climac and habitat needs shows that they are serious threats to the United

States. These species cause dramac devastaon across landscapes by defoliang over 500 tree

species, mostly conifers but also deciduous species. The forests and climate of Utah are suitable

habitat. These insect adults are known to migrate long distances and the egg masses are easily

transported on nearly any substrate including vehicles, trailers and containers. Using pheromones

specific for these pests, UDAF traps for early detecon of Siberian Silk Moth (Dendrolimussuperans sibiricus) and Asian gypsy moth (AGM) (Lymantria dispar). Traps were baited with

pheromones for target species, and placed in highrisk areas of the state. Trapping areas included

shipping vectors such as railroads and highways, landing points including airports and military

bases, areas where large quanes of plant debris is collected, and any high risk areas

recommended by United States Customs and Immigraon Service and USDA/APHISPPQ. Traps

were set for each species statewide, including 25 traps for Asian gypsy moth, and 99 traps for

Siberian silk moth. None of these species were detected.

Photos:VladimirPetko,Bugwood.org

Photos: John H. Ghent, Bugwood.org

Photos:ManfredMielke,Bugwood.org

Early DeteconEarly DeteconEarly Detecon


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Photos:cryl.cimmyt.org

Cereal Leaf Beetle (CLB) UDAF/Utah State University/USDA APHIS CAPS

The cereal leaf beetle (Oulemamelanopus), has been spreading across the U.S. for about 50 years.

In Utah, it was first recognized in Morgan County in 1984, where it was causing economic damage

on barley, oats and wheat. Since then, it has infested the cooler, moister counes in Utah. The

cereal leaf beetle prefers irrigated fields of oats, wheat and barley. In 1984, UDAF began annual

statewide surveys for this pest in part to sasfy the requirements of the California Cereal Leaf

Beetle Quaranne, so that Utah growers could export to California. In 2010, the survey included

Utahs counes with hay and cereal export potenal. Using standard USDA methods and a sweep

net, a total of 185 locaons in 37 field sites were surveyed throughout six counes. Four of these

counes (Millard, Iron, Washington and Beaver) have no record of CLB presence, and they

connued to be free of CLB in 2010.

In general, CLB levels were lower than in years past, probably due to successful release of a

biological control wasp, Tetraschus julis, which parasizes and kills the CLB larvae. UDAF

cooperated with Utah State University to rear and release this biological control species, and past

CLB surveys have determined that all counes posive for CLB also have substanal levels of these

parasites. The parasite populaon stays highest when growers tolerate subeconomic levels of CLB.

In contrast, the parasite populaon is set back substanally with each chemical applicaon to

control CLB.

Photos:.WashingtonStateD

eptAg



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Chinese Long Horned Beetle Utah State University/UDAF/ USDA

A survey for wood boring and bark beetles from the CAPS Priority Pest List was conducted in 2010.

Three Lindgren funnel traps were placed at each of 14 sites in four Utah counes, including

industrial areas, lumber yards, tree farms, wild lands, and other sites of concern. The lures used

were ethanol, ethanol with alphapinene, and Ips tri

lure. In total, 420 samples containing 3,963beetles were prescreened by Cory Stanley and forwarded to Clint Burfi for final idenficaon.

Four specimens of Chinese longhorned beetle (Trichoferuscampestris), a species from the Priority

Pest List, were idenfied from samples collected in Salt Lake County.

T. campestris is able to aack healthy or slightly stressed trees of many important species. It

prefers to aack mature trees and, even if it does not kill them, the infestaon results in significant

loss of vigor, of wood marketability (because of the boreholes) and of fruit yield in the case of

orchards (Makhnovskii, 1955, 1966; Kosn, 1973; Krivosheina & Tokgaev, 1985). The pest also has

the potenal to damage amenity trees in cies. Nevertheless, the relave importance of

T.campestris in damaging forest trees, trees in natural environments, orchard trees and amenitytrees does not appear to have been evaluated in any detail, beyond the observaon that the

preferred hosts are fruit or amenity trees (Malus and Morus). (2009), Hesperophanescampestris.

EPPO Bullen, 39: 5154. doi: 10.1111/j.13652338.2009.02236.x

It is important also to note that T.campestris, because it is able to develop in very dry wood, is an

important technical pest of wood in the area of its present distribuon.

Photos:ChristopherPierceBugwood.org

Photos:ChristopherPierceBugwood.org


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Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) USDA APHIS PPQ

Emerald ash borer is nave to Asia, but it was discovered in Michigan in 2002, and since then itconnues to spread rapidly to states in and around the great lakes region in Canada and the USA.

It was likely introduced by way of wood packing materials from Asian cargo. EAB quickly killed

many millions of ash trees in these areas, and can now be easily spread from infested areas by

transporng infested trees, logs or especially firewood. In its nave ecosystem in Asia, this insect

exists in balance with competors, natural predators and pathogens. It does not cause economic

damage in this seng. However, in North America, without these balancing factors, EAB has

caused rapid death to all ash species it aacks. Symptoms include crown dieback inially, which

progresses unl the tree is bare. Epicormic shoots, spling bark, increased woodpecker damage,

serpenne galleries and Dshaped exit holes are the subsequent symptoms of EAB infestaon.

In addion to Utahs many ornamental ash trees in urban landscapes, there are two nave ash

species that are part of the forest ecosystem. All of these species would be vulnerable to EAB

aack, causing economic and aesthec losses in urban areas and ecological impacts in natural

areas. In 2010, USDA APHIS PPQ placed 50 baited traps in 20 counes, targeng high risk ash trees

in decline. No EAB was detected.

Photo:www.nrcan.gc.ca

Photo:DavidCappaert,

Bugwood.org

Photo:DavidCappaert,Bugwood.org



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European Corn Borer UDAF

This highly adaptable pest aacks over 200 plant species. During its early history in the United

States, the European corn borer spawned one generaon yearly. By the late 1930s, a two

generaon per annum European corn borer mushroomed swily and became a dominant pest in

the central Corn Belt. It connued spreading in all direcons, with the southernmost populaons

spawning 3 and 4 generaons per year. UDAF administers a quaranne for small grains and other

agricultural crops that may contain the European corn borer to prevent this destrucve insect from

entering Utah.

UDAF, in associaon with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), launched a

European corn borer trapping program. This program consists of approximately 100 traps placed

each year in chief corn producing areas of eight counes. The counes included are; Cache, Box

Elder, Weber, Davis, Utah, Sevier, Sanpete, and Emery. No new records of the European corn

borer were found in Utah in 2010.

Photos:.C

lemsonUniversityUSDAExtension

www.ent.iastate.edu



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Exoc Moth DeteconUtah State University/USDA APHIS CAPS

The Egypan coonworm (Spodopteralioralis), silver Y moth (Autographagamma)and old world

boll worm (Helicoverpaarmigera) have the potenal to infest many crop and horcultural systems

in Utah. All feed on hundreds of plant species, and most importantly they feed on alfalfa, the most

economically important crop in Utah (2.6 million tons harvested in 2008 worth more than $434

million). Although wild populaons of these moths have not been idenfied in the United States,Egypan coonworm is established in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and in most of Africa.

With at least seven generaons per year in its nave habitat, the adults are wellknown for their

migratory potenal. The larvae can feed on many different vegetables, fruits and greenhouse

plants. On most crops, Egypan coonworm larvae can completely devour leaves and cause a

severe yield reducon if le untreated. Silver Y moth is commonly found in Europe, Asia, and

northern Africa. It is a generalist feeder and its larvae destroy foliage by skeletonizing leaves. Old

world boll worm, established throughout Europe and Asia, is also a generalist. Each female can lay

up to 3,000 eggs, and adults can migrate more than 100km. Their successive movement between

crops and mulple pescide pressures have caused them to become highly resistant to pescides.

All of these species have a high risk of economic impact in Utah, so they are part of the UDAF early

detecon and eradicaon strategy.

Utah State University placed traps for these species at nurseries throughout the state. In total, 69

traps with specific pheromones were operated in corn fields, in alfalfa fields, near unloading areas

at corn importers, or near storage areas at corn or alfalfa processing plants. None of these species

was detected.

Photos:PaoloMazzei,Bugwood.org


Photos:PaoloMazzei,

Bugwood.org


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Gypsy Moth (GM) UDAF

Gypsy Moth (Lymantriadispar) is established in the Eastern US, and since their egg masses are laid

on virtually any substrate, they are oen moved long distances to new territory. Utahs arid

climate and mountainous terrain have a high potenal for Gypsy Moth infestaon and subsequent

mass deforestaon. Since Utah is not part of the conguous range of Gypsy Moths in the Eastern

US, a program of Gypsy Moth prevenon and eradicaon is the most cost effecve and beneficial

strategy. GM was first found in Utah in 1988. Since that me UDAF has been the lead agency in

the administraon of a major survey and control program. When populaons are found, they can

be treated and effecvely eradicated before damage occurs. UDAF has successfully eradicated GM

twice using the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensisvar. kurstaki (Btk) and connues to monitor for

new introducons.

The 2010 Utah Gypsy Moth Program placed 2,217 detecon and deliming traps using the

GMWest model BioSIM. This model integrates climate and elevaon data to predict the

probability of GM establishment. Two male moths were caught in 2008, and from 2000 to 2008

the GM detecon program has trapped 15 single males in individual pheromone traps. In every

case further delimitaon surveys have produced negave results. No GM was detected in 2009 and

2010.

Photos:.M

ilanPernekBugwood.org



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Japanese Beetle (JB) UDAF/USDA APHIS CAPS

The Japanese Beetle has swept through most of the Eastern US. It is a highly ruinous plant pestcausing damage and increasing control costs. Adults aack more than 300 species of plants,

including numerous trees, ornamental shrubs, vines, fruits, flowers, vegetables, garden crops,

weeds, and field crops. Larvae are serious pests of lawns, other grasses, and nursery stock.

Because the larvae is easily shipped with nursery stock and soil, JB is a serious threat to Utahs

$124 million nursery and floriculture economy and has been part of UDAF detecon trapping since

1993. When a JB infestaon was discovered in Orem, Utah in 2006, the infestaon was delimited

using pheromone baited traps, and an eradicaon plan was devised. The eradicaon approach was

based on containment, trapping, turf and foliar treatments. Partnerships were established with

Orem City Mayor, County Commissioners, APHISPPQ, Orem residents, EPA, health officials,

extension agents, nurseries, and landscapers using media and open house events to educate and

prepare the community for eradicaon efforts.

Treatment began In 2007, with turf and foliar applicaons. Deliming data has allowed the

treatment areas to shrink in consecuve years, and 1 beetle caught in 2010 indicates 95%

reducon. A small area will be treated in 2011. One single JB was trapped in Salt Lake County,

where a deliming grid will be monitored in 2011.

Timeline Detecon traps (# JB) Deliming traps (# JB)

19932006 481 (1, at airport) 0

2006 481 100 (671)

2007 2300 700 (2157)

JuneAug 2007: treated 480 acres of turf & 500 acres foliage

2008 2386 1085 (100)

JuneAug 2008: treated 326 acres of turf & 808 acres of foliage

2009 1971 (7) 1309


2010 1514 (1) 1727 (1)


Early Detecon / EradicaonEarly Detecon / EradicaonEarly Detecon / Eradicaon


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Mormon Cricket and Grasshopper (MCGH) UDAF/USDA APHIS PPQ

Informaon from the 2010 rangeland habitat insect survey indicates that 54,189 acres were

infested with MC and 853,662 acres were infested with GH. The largest acreage of MC infestaon

occurred in Beaver and Millard counes. The ground applicaon of carbaryl occurred in Beaver and

Millard counes to protect cropland. Aerial applicaon occurred in several counes throughout

Utah to control GH on private land. Economic populaon levels of GH plagued valuable crop

growing areas of Box Elder, Beaver, Iron, Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, and

Wayne counes. The Plant Industry MC/GH Cost Share Program parcipated with residents that

had economic populaon levels of grasshoppers on private land. An esmated 75,068 acres were

treated to control grasshoppers on private and public land this year.

Grasshopper populaons in 2010 decreased 3% from the previous year. Based on the 2010

rangeland habitat insect survey, UDAF and APHIS agree that statewide numbers will connue to

decline in 2011. Large populaons of these voracious insects in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002,

2003, and 2004 prompted the Governors Declaraon of Agricultural Disaster. Although federal

and state funds provided some relief during 2004, some private farmers, ranchers, and

homeowners had to use their own resources to control the infestaon.

For the past five years, Disaster Declaraons by the Governor have focused resources

(administered through UDAF Plant Industry) to provide relief from major infestaons of MC (largest

since 1930s) and GH. Although the 2010 MC/GH survey indicates reducon in overall economic

grasshopper populaons, several counes will likely ulize cooperave treatment programs to

protect vulnerable crop and rangeland habitat throughout the state of Utah. The federal grant

monies remain to assist private landowners.


Photo:RichardX.Thripp

richardxthripp.t

hripp.com

Photo:DoyalMitchell


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Orchard Pest Survey Utah State University/UDAF

Utah has a highly producve fruit industry, with over 370 operaons growing at least 6,885 acres of

cherries, peaches, apples, cane berries, and other fruits (USU 2006). There are several nonnave

insect species that have recently been introduced to other states that could potenally spread to

Utah, with dire consequences to the tree fruit and small fruit industries. In 2010, a survey of Utah

orchards was conducted in an aempt to detect three such species: light brown apple moth

(Epiphyaspostviana; LBAM), European grapevine moth (Lobesiabotrana; EGM), and spoed wing

drosophila (Drosophilasuzukii; SWD).

Ten orchards, each growing cherries, peaches, apples, and/or cane berries, in Box Elder, Weber,Davis, and Utah counes were surveyed for the presence of LBAM, EGM, and SWD. One Jackson

scky trap with an LBAMspecific lure, one Jackson scky trap with an EGMspecific lure, and two

McPhail traps containing yeast/sugar soluon lure, which is aracve to SWD, were placed at each

site. Jackson traps were serviced every four weeks from late May to early September. No LBAM or

EGM was detected. McPhail traps were serviced weekly from late May to midOctober, with the

excepon of the Kaysville site (Davis County). SWD was detected at the Kaysville site on 18 August.

Subsequently, the number of traps at that site was increased to 10. Weekly monitoring of the

Kaysville traps connued unl 26 November. A total of 73 SWD were trapped in raspberries,

blackberries, and cherries. It is not known yet if SWD can overwinter in Northern Utah, but

addional introducons are likely, and this vinegar fly has the potenal to significantly impact Utah

agriculture (Cory Stanley USU).

It is imperave that monitoring for these and other orchard pests connue if we are to protect

Utahs fruit industry. In 2011, funding from the Cooperave Agricultural Pest Survey will enable the

expansion of the orchard survey to include five addional moth species and a total of 50 sites

statewide, including fruit growers, importers, and distributors.


Photo:GaryJ.SteckFloridaDept.ofAgriculture


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Plum Curculio Utah State University/UDAF

Plum curculio (PC) is a pest of stone and pome fruits that is nave in Eastern North America. In

1999 it was detected in home and yard fruit trees in Brigham City (USU 2006). Utahs fruit industry

is valued at approximately $14 million annually, with over 370 operaons growing at least 6,885

acres of cherries, peaches, apples, cane berries, and other fruits (USU 2006).

The presence of Plum Curculio in Brigham City is sustained by unmanaged fruit trees located in

residenal areas. Unmanaged fruit trees serve as a reservoir for populaons of this insect. Each

year USU and UDAF, in conjuncon with Brigham City, send out an informaonal pamphlet toeducate home owners about this insect and how to manage or remove the fruit trees.

Twelve orchards that grow cherries, peaches, and apples in Box Elder and Weber counes were

surveyed for the presence of Plum Curculio. Traps modified with a specific lure were placed at

each site to capture PC. Traps were serviced every four weeks from late May to early September.

10 Plum Curculio were detected in 2010.


Photo:NatashaWright,forestryimages.org

Photo:ClemsonUniversityUSDAC

ooperaveExtension


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Red Imported Fire Ant Utah State University/USDA APHIS PPQ

The red imported fire ant (RIFA) is both a public health risk and an economic threat. It is a federally

quaranned pest not known to occur in Utah, but easily introduced by infested soil. It is also in

neighboring southern states, and adults migrate by flying to new territory. Imported fire ants were

first introduced to the southern United States in the 1930s from South America. They can feed on

many agricultural crops, including corn, soybean and fruit trees. Established ant mounds havemore than 200,000 members and can reach over two feet high. The above ground mounds make

culvaon, irrigaon and harvesng almost impossible. Imported fire ants can infest urban areas

and become a nuisance that deters outside acvity. Golf courses, parks and private homes can be

devastated by permanent damage to turf and woody ornamental plants. Not only are imported fire

ant mounds unaracve, but ants are aggressive and sng humans and other animals. UDAF uses

quaranne enforcements, port of entry inspecons and public educaon to keep Utah free of

imported fire ants. Annual surveys to detect introducons of Solenopsis invicta (RIFA), and the

black imported fire ant, S.richteri (BIFA), focus on Washington County, the most suitable climate

and habitat in Utah.

USU sampled 27 sites in 2010 where representave ants from 14 genera were collected. During

this survey, RIFA or BIFA was not detected at any of the sites. A nave Solenopsis species, S.xyloni,

was detected at 13 of the sites, and indicates RIFA/BIFA have not yet established in Washington

County, Utah. The Argenne ant, Linepithemahumilis, was collected at four sites. The Argenne

ant in Utah was not unexpected, however, given that it has been previously collected in Utah in San

Juan County and by the Pis lab in Washington County in 2008 and 2009.

Photo: April Noble. Bugwood.org

Photo:M

urrayS.Blum.Bugwood.org

Prevenon / ProteconPrevenon / ProteconPrevenon / Protecon


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Prevenon / ProteconPrevenon / ProteconPrevenon / Protecon

Biological Control of Invasive Plants Utah Weed Supervisor Associaon/USDA APHIS PPQ

Noxious weeds are spreading at an alarming rate across the Western United States and Utah is no

excep

on. Although the exact acreage is unknown, 100% of Utahs coun

es are severely infestedby at least one of the statedesignated 18 noxious weeds. The negave impacts of weeds are well

known and profound. Noxious weeds can create monocultures that eliminate diverse plant

communies. Watersheds dominated by noxious weeds tend to be less efficient in absorbing and

storing water resulng in increased soil erosion. Noxious weeds can diminish forage producon for

all classes of herbivores and reduce habitat for small birds and animals. In addion, many noxious

weeds are poisonous or injurious to animals. Aquac weeds can obstruct irrigaon systems, clog

machinery, destroy fish habitat, contribute to flooding and reduce recreaonal use.

The biological control of noxious weeds remains a cost effecve and environmentally friendly

method of preserving range habitat from invasive species. In 2010 the following Cooperave WeedManagement Areas received CAPS funding: Bonneville, Grand, Skyline, Summit, Wasatch, and

Weber. The program funded the collecon and release of 6,700 Mecinus janthinus, 3,625

Eustenopusvillosus, 10,000 Hyleseuphorbia, and 10,000 Aphthona spp. Specimens were released

in Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, and Wasatch counes. Cassida rubignosa and Trichosirocalus

horridus were distributed onto 1,000 acres of private rangeland habitat. Funds were also ulized

for outreach to landowners which included educaon about biocontrol agents and solicing their

assistance with the control of dalmaan toadflax.

Photo:RichardW.Hansen.Foresrtryimages.org

Photo: Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Bugguide.net

Photo:L.L.Berry.Forestryimages.org


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Contact Informaon:

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food,

Plant Industry, Insect Program

350 N. Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84114

Clair A. Allen, Director

(801) 5387180, [email protected]

Clint Burfi, State Entomologist


Kris Watson, Trapping Coordinator


UDAF Thanks Entomologists: Danielle Downey, Cory Stanley and Seasonal Staff.

UDAF Thanks Partners of the Insect Program:

USDA/APHISPPQ State Departments of Agriculture

USU Plant Pest Diagnoscs Lab Utah Nursery and Landscape Associaon

Dept Homeland Security USCIS Naonal Plant Diagnoscs Network

DWR State Lands and Forestry USDA FS Forest Health Protecon

Naonal Plant Board USU Extension

Summary of Invasive and Nave Pests Risk

Africanized Honey BeePotenal to disrupt Utahs $2.1 million honey industry, health risks to

humans and livestock

Apple Maggot and Cherry

Fruit Fly

Fruit industry pest, potenal to devastate Utahs $14 million fruit

industry

Cereal Leaf BeetlePotenal to reduce Utahs $529 million small grain and field crop

industry

Emerald Ash Borer Threat to kill all ornamental and nave ash trees in Utah

European Corn Borer Potenal to devastate Utahs $51.3 million corn harvest

Gypsy Moth (Euro, Asian),

Siberian Silk Moth

Potenal to destroy Utahs watersheds, coniferous forests, and

residenal landscapes

Japanese Beetle Poten

al to damage Utahs $20 million sod industry, $124 millionnursery and floriculture industry, and $18 million fruit industry

Mormon Cricket and

GrasshopperPotenal to significantly reduce Utahs $529 million forage crop industry

Red Imported Fire Ant Economic damage caused in the US exceeds $5 billion, public health risk

2010 Utah Insect Report

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Utah Insect Report