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2007 Entomology Science Conference
The College Station Conference Center was buzzing with exciting entomology research as COALS, TAES, and TCE entomologists from across the state convened for the annual Entomology Science Conference.
The activities kicked off with a few opening words from Associate Department Head and Extension Program Leader Chris Sansone, Extension IPM Coordinator Tom Fuchs and Department Head Kevin Heinz.
Sansone commended the group on the year's activities and told them to keep working hard towards their goals.
"We had a great year and appreciate all that you have done," he said. "We must keep our eyes focused on our target and goals."
Fuchs updated the group on various activities, including personnel changes and achievements that the IPM program has accomplished in 2007.
"We continue to do great things and appreciate all that has been done this year," he said.
Heinz updated the department's activities, including the addition of the new Forensic and Investigative Sciences degree program, as well as student enrollment in the department.
After morning comments, entomology off-campus research from Dallas, Lubbock, Beaumont, Weslaco and Stephenville offices were discussed along with an update by Allen Knutson and Jack DeLoach on saltcedar control with the saltcedar beetle.
Following the saltcedar update, John Adamczyk with USDA-ARS in Weslaco, office presented research updates. The afternoon concluded with a presentation on gray leaf spot by Won-Bo Shim, Ron French, Tom Isakeit (all with Plant Pathology) and Roxanne Bowling. Stephen Biles ended the session with a review of his applied research in fungicide use and plant health in corn.
Members of the Department, as well as conference goers, also had a night of relaxation and fun during the annual Department Celebration at the Veranda. There was fun for all, including games, food, libations, a pumpkin carving contest and a performance by the Aggie Wranglers. The event is to benefit the Entomology Department’s Student Enhancement Fund.
Thursday's morning session focused on invasive species and the fire ant project. Dr. Roger Gold’s graduate student Jason Myers informed the group on exotic ant species while James Austin presented his research on Formosan termites. Bart Drees updated everyone on the work with the eXtension Web site. Before the break, Eric Rebeck, with Oklahoma State University, shared his research on emerald ash borers.
The corn session focused on various topics regarding sugarcane borers, monitoring of corn stored in 10,000 bushel plastic bags and evaluation of new miticides. Greg Cronholm presented on the distribution of Bt and non-Bt corn in the Panhandle and the evaluation of drought tolerant corn.
The rest of the afternoon was devoted to cotton insect issues such as Lygus bugs, thrips, boll weevils and aphids. The afternoon wrapped up with a discussion from Brant Baugh and Stephen Biles on the management of cotton fleahoppers, as well as Roy Parker's discussion on the timing of treatments and effectiveness of insecticides for optimum management of fleahoppers.
Thursday night's activities ended with a fajita dinner at the 7F Lodge to celebrate Carl Patrick's retirement. Patrick served as an entomologist in the Amarillo area for 32 years.
Friday's session began with discussions on issues with spider mites, whiteflies and bollworms/tobacco budworms. The day concluded with discussions on small grain issues, such as Hessian files, greenbugs, weed control and leaf and stripe rust management.