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INVESTIGATOR: Zebelo, S.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
11868 College Backborne Road
Princess Anne, MARYLAND 21853

DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING OF INTEGRATED INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT AND FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES FOR CUCURBIT PRODUCTION IN THE US-DELMARVA PENINSULA

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This multi-institutional project integrates research, education, and extension to develop and implement organic pest management and food safety practices for cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, pumpkins etc.). Demand for organic fruits and vegetables in the Delmarva region is increasing, however the lack of effective organically-based insect pest management (IPM) is a key challenge limiting production. Moreover, manure-based soil amendments used in organic systems present a risk from fecal pathogens. Vectoring of fecal microbes by insect pests onto cucurbits currently is not quantified or estimable in the region, therefore this project's long-term goal is to expand the safe organic cucurbit production in the Delmarva region by providing science-based organic IPM practices. Briefly, the specific objectives includes: 1) Development of effective attractants and trap crops for the management of cucumber beetles; 2) Evaluate the mechanical transmission of fecal microbes from manure-amended soil to cucurbit fruits; and 3) Provide IPM and food safety training in classes, e-learning, internships for students and workshops for farmers and educators. Laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments will be conducted using analytical, electrophysiological, molecular and behavioral techniques to achieve the research objectives. Watermelon and cantaloupe will serve as model cucurbits, with results transferable to other cucurbits. Graduate (n=2), undergraduate (n=9) and intern (n=6) students will be trained in pest management, food safety, data and eXtension communications. Plus thirty farmers and Ag-Extension agents are expected to participate in workshops/webinars/eOrganics,. The major expected outcome of the project includes an increase in the acreage of certified organic produce in the Delmarva.

OBJECTIVES: The long-term goal of this project is to expand organic cucurbit production in the Delmarva region. Specifically, this proposal will develop UMES' capacity to develop and apply effective IPM strategies using watermelon and/or cantaloupe as a model. To achieve this, the project will address the following specific objectives:Development of effective tactics for the management of cucumber beetles in organic watermelon and cantaloupe production including attractants and trap crops (Research).Evaluate organically-approved remedial tools for managing insect pests that occur on watermelon (Research).Evaluate the mechanical transmission ofDevelop and deliver IPM and food safety e-learning and internship opportunities for students (Education).Develop a course on the ecology of organic pest management (Education).Train farmers and educators in IPM and food safety (Extension and Outreach)