Integrated pest management methods used to increase abundance of natural enemies of squash bugs Anasa tristis (DeGeer) (Hempitera: Coreidae) in squash

The squash bug Anasa tristis (DeGeer) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is a pest of squash and other cucurbits. Previous research has investigated the efficacy of pesticide and cultural control methods with varying success. Small growers in the Southeast seek alternative methods of managing pest populations. Varying the planting date reduces damage done by A. tristis. Additionally, there is a paucity of literature assessing farmscaping in the Southeast. Fields in the summer of 2014 and 2015 were organized using a split-split plot design and completely randomized ANOVA design with four blocks at two locations. Experimental plots were treated with a mixture of floral resources. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS) for count data. In 2014 A. tristis was more abundant in the first planting date (p=0.0099), but the yield was not negatively affected (p<.0001). A. tristis was also more abundant in control plots in Griffin, but more abundant treated plots in Watkinsville (p<.0001). The yield was not significantly affected by the treatment of floral resources (p=0.5583). Spiders were more abundant in treated plots than in control plots (p=0.0008). Other 2014 data indicates a major location effect between plots in Griffin and Watkinsville. Preliminary data from 2015 indicates that A. tristis is more abundant in control plots (p=0.012). Plots with floral resources are expected to have greater numbers of beneficial insects including parasitoid wasps, predatory hemipterans, and pollinators. This research will help inform growers how to naturally improve ecosystem functions to help control pest populations.