Development of mass rearing methods, and novel methods for control, of the squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer) (Heteroptera: Coreidae)

The Squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is a major pest of squash, pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber and cantaloupe. Squash bug feeding causes extensive damage to stems resulting in wilting, fruit discoloration and pre/postharvest spoilage. Possibly more important, A. tristis vectors the causal bacterial agent of Cucurbit yellow vine disease (CYVD), Serratia marcescens. This serious disease was first recorded in Texas and Oklahoma in 1988 and is now rapidly spreading through the west and Midwest. The epidemiology of CYVD ranges from little impact in some years to regional crop failure in others. There are few effective biological agents or cultural practices for controlling this highly destructive pest aside from classical spraying protocols. Additional research on A. tristis is necessary and we are responding by developing the experimental methods and resources for rapid progress on control of this destructive pest. Continuous rearing of the insect on a defined artificial diet would allow the direct experimental feeding of bioactive substances to A. tristis nymphs and adults. In this poster we will present the effectiveness of test diet formulations and systems for rearing A. tristis. The products of this work will enable year-round research on this insect.