Refinement of an artificial marking system using spores/pollen for nectar feeding insects.
| Problem: | Capture and recapture methods for insect dispersal are time consuming, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly. In past research an easy marking technique was developed for insects that feed on nectar. Results from last year’s research indicated that not only were target insects marked, but also non-target insects such as ladybird beetles. |
| Objective: | Repeat the marking technique and examine not only corn earworm adults and stinkbugs but also several beneficial insects that feed on the marker. |
| Approach: |
Corn and cotton will be sprayed with a sugar water solution spiked with spore/pollen. Corn earworm adults, stinkbugs, and several species of beneficial insects will be captured at the site and examined for the presence of the marker. |
Gretchen D. Jones