Project Objectives
The goal of the nationally representative Sustainable SWD Management team is to develop SWD management tactics that can be integrated into programs for other crop pests. This project extends the work of previously funded SCRI and currently funded OREI projects related to SWD.
Below is a diagram of our activities and outputs. Click to enlarge the image.
Our specific project objectives are:
1. Implementation of best management programs (BMPs) for sustainable management of SWD in collaboration with grower influencers
1.1. Form regional crop-specific grower task forces to implement BMPs
2. Develop economics-based decision aid tools to increase profitability
2.1. Assess economic impact of conventional control strategies
2.2. Develop economic decision-aid tools to help growers make optimal SWD control decisions
3. Evaluate sustainable alternatives to insecticides for long-term SWD management
3.1. Improve biological control using native and exotic natural enemies
3.2. Develop economically-viable behavioral management tools
4. Assess and reduce the risk of insecticide resistance development
4.1. Monitor insecticide resistance
4.2. Determine mechanisms of insecticide resistance
4.3. Examine fitness costs of insecticide resistance
5. Develop and disseminate actionable recommendations that enable producers to optimize pest management decisions, and evaluate their impact
5.1. Develop and disseminate actionable IPM recommendations to stakeholders
5.2. Evaluate the impact of this project on SWD management and grower profitability