| Popis: |
Cyclamen mite (CM), is a widespread pest of strawberry, feeding on new growth, and causing stunted plants and damaged fruit. The purpose of the project was to improve CM monitoring and management in strawberry by evaluating pesticide efficacy against CM and developing a molecular detection tool. The pesticides Agri-Mek® SC, Magister® SC, Grandevo®, Venerate® XC, Bb-Protec, Entrust™, BotaniGard® 22WP, Ecotrol® PLUS, Ecotrol® EC, Captiva® Prime, Vegol® Crop Oil, and JMS Stylet Oil® were tested against CM motiles and eggs, but only Agri-Mek was effective against CM motiles in a greenhouse experiment. A molecular detection method was designed that is effective and sensitive to CM DNA. The primer pair designed in this study was found to amplify both CM and strawberry clipper weevil (Anthonomus signatus Say) DNA. In addition, a strawberry leaf wash method was developed that is capable of washing CM from strawberry leaves for use in molecular detection assays. Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance; Pest Management Centre of Canada; Berry Growers of Ontario; Fred W. Presant Scholarship; George and Lois Whetham Graduate Bursary |
