35th Annual Student Research Conference
Pirates vs. Lions: Using Predatory Insects to Control Herbivorous Pests
Joshua T. Steffens*, Anne S. Wells, Zachary A. Boeyink, and Adrien M. Seabloom
Dr. Kelly Walter and Dr. Bob Johnson, Faculty Mentors
Insect pests have proved to be detrimental in both commercial and domestic growing operations as they damage the plants and yields. The Truman State University Greenhouse is a clear example as they are dealing with an infestation of mealybugs that, up until now, have only been controlled through manual removal as pesticides risk health concerns for the students and staff. To supply a better answer to this problem we have begun a project to investigate the effects of two species of predatory insects. We are running three trials, with ten replicates each, composed of three treatments: pirate bugs, lacewings, and a control. The objective of this research is to determine if the usage of one or both of these insects proves to significantly diminish the mealybug populations in a controlled environment to provide possible alternative methods of pest management to the TSU greenhouse.
Keywords: Beneficial Insects, Pirate Bug, Green Lacewing, Mealybug, Greenhouse, Integrated Pest Management, Natural Predators
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Biology
Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 202-5
Location: SUB GEO A
Time: 11:15