Two separate experiments were conducted to determine the transfer of E. coli by fruit flies during short term exposure to apple slices and bologna. Short time exposure (1, 5 and 15 min) of flies to inoculated apple slices were tested in the first experiment to determine the transfer of E. coli to flies. No difference (P≤0.05) in the number of bacteria transferred to flies were found due to these exposure times. In the second experiment the transfer of E. coli from inoculated apple or bologna slices (5 min exposure) to un-inoculated slices (1, 5 and 15 min exposure) were tested. More bacteria were transferred to bologna at 1 and 5 min compared to apple while the number transferred did not differ at 15 min exposure. The percentage of E. coli transferred from inoculated food to flies was low (<0.5%) while the percentage transferred from flies to un-inoculated food was relatively high (>50%). This study found that flies can pick up and transfer bacteria to food in short exposure times.

We observed that teneral adults (<1 h post-molt) of Cimex lectularius L. appeared more adept at climbing a smooth surface compared to sclerotized adults. Differences in climbing ability on a smooth surface based on sclerotization status were quantified by measuring the height to which bed bugs climbed when confined within a glass vial. The average maximum height climbed by teneral (T) bed bugs (n = 30, height climbed = 4.69 cm) differed significantly (P< 0.01) from recently sclerotized (RS) bed bugs (n = 30, height climbed = 1.73 cm at ~48 h post molt), sclerotized group 1 (S1) bed bugs (n = 30, S1 = 2.42 cm at >72 h), and sclerotized group 2 (S2) bed bugs (n = 30, height climbed = 2.64 cm at >72 h post molt). When heights from all climbing events were summed, teneral bed bugs (650.8 cm climbed) differed significantly (P< 0.01) from recently sclerotized (82 cm climbed) and sclerotized (group 1 = 104.6 cm climbed, group 2 = 107.8 cm climbed) bed bugs. These findings suggested that the external surface of teneral bed bug exoskeletons possess an adhesive property. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we found that adhesion force of an exoskeletal (presumably molting) fluid decreased almost five-fold from 88 to 17 nN within an hour of molting. Our findings may have implications for laboratory safety and the effectiveness of bed bug traps, barriers, and biomimetic-based adhesives.

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.) has recently surged in numbers internationally. A variety of plant-based, or "natural", products that are stated to kill or repel bed bugs are being marketed directly to consumers, even though the efficacy of many of these products remains poorly known. This study was conducted to determine whether some products advertised as natural are potential tools for management of bed bugs. Five natural-based products were applied as direct sprays to insecticide-susceptible (Harlan) and pyrethroid-resistant (Jersey City) strains of bed bug. Products that were most effective as direct sprays were chosen for residual-spray assays, which were compared with an industry-standard insecticide labeled for control of bed bugs. Both assays were conducted for a 2-wk period. For direct-spray assays, Green Bug (R) was the only product to produce 100% mortality within 1 min-1 hr (based on strain). Bed Bug Patrol (R) required 1-2 wk (based on strain) to produce 100% mortality, whereas all other products failed to exceed 70% mortality by the end of the 2-wk period. The two natural-based products (Bed Bug Patrol (R) and Green Bug (R)) selected for residual-spray assays failed to differ from the control. Zenprox (R) (0.25%) produced 100% mortality when applied to the insecticide-susceptible (Harlan) strain yet failed to differ from the control when applied to the pyrethroid-resistant (Jersey City) strain. These findings demonstrate that some natural-based products may be ineffective as residual spray applications for bed bug management.

Linepithema humile (Mayr), the Argentine ant, is an invasive pest that has spread throughout the United States and is a problem in natural and managed habitats in South Carolina. Foraging patterns and the effectiveness of liquid baits for control of this pest have been studied in urban areas. However, similar studies have not been conducted in natural areas such as parks, picnic grounds, or campsites. L. humile populations can be large and widespread, making them a major nuisance pest for visitors to these natural areas. The primary objective of this study was to determine an effective distance between bait stations for control of L. humile in a natural area. A double antibody-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) procedure was used to detect individual ants that consumed rabbit immunoglobin (IgG) protein for marking and tracking. In both lab and field conditions, there was a significant difference in the detection of IgG in ants fed protein marker mixed with sugar water compared with ants only fed sugar water. Additional field studies revealed that an individual ant could retain detectable levels of protein marker for 3 d and that an ant feeding on IgG containing bait could be detected over 15 m from the original bait source. Overall, we found that using liquid ant baits, with a placement of 20 m between stations, was effective in reducing L. humile numbers between April to October, 2012 in a natural park area of Lake Greenwood State Park, SC.

Sap-sucking insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha and Thysanoptera: Thripidae) collected in Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi were identified. From 28 samples collected on 9 crop and ornamental host-plant species, 21 species of sap-sucking insects were identified, 12 (57%) of which were new island distribution records. This suggests that the Indonesian insect fauna has not been documented for a long time. The new distribution records are: from Java, Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard) (Diaspididae); from Sumatra, Clavaspidiotus apicalis Takagi (Diaspididae); and from Sulawesi, Coccus hesperidum L. (Coccidae), Saissetia coffeae (Walker) (Coccidae), Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Diaspididae), Hemiberlesia palmae (Cockerell) (Diaspididae), Lepidosaphes tokionis (Kuwana) (Diaspididae), Microparlatoria fici (Takahashi) (Diaspididae), Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley) (Diaspididae), Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) (Monophlebidae), I. pulchra (Leonardi) (Monophlebidae) and Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) (Thripidae). Clavaspidiotus apicalis could become a potentially invasive pest of citrus.

Data table includes reports submitted to three independent websites by citizen scientists during the tracking of the 2011 periodical cicada (Magicicada spp.) emergence in South Carolina. Socio-demographic data was obtained from the United States Census Bureau website . Landcover data was obtained from the USGS GAP Analysis Program.

The plataspid Megacopta cribraria (F.), which was recently introduced to the United States, forms nuisance aggregations on the exteriors of homes when it seeks overwintering sites in the fall. Little to no published information is available on the efficacy of insecticides labeled for professional use and exterior applications on homes and other structures against this insect. In a series of three experiments, we evaluated the residual efficacy of nine insecticides incorporating pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, and oxadiazine active ingredients on surfaces composed of five exterior building materials (vinyl soffit, brick, painted and unfinished plywood, and metal) at rates labeled for use in structural perimeter applications. Pyrethroids and pyrethroid-neonicotinoid mixes were broadly effective, resulting in 100% mortality or knockdown within 24 h in most cases. The neonicotinoid dinotefuran performed similarly on metal and vinyl surfaces, but its residual efficacy was reduced on more porous brick and wood surfaces. The oxadiazine indoxacarb acted more slowly than the other materials, but its performance was maintained on porous surfaces. Overwintering adults of M. cribraria were generally susceptible to the broad-spectrum insecticides most commonly used for exterior applications to homes and other structures.

ABSTRACT This study was carried out in the laboratory and in the field at City of Bitung, Districts of Minahasa. The cause of disease was studied in the laboratory and the percentage of insidence of disease was carried out in the field. Results showed that the cause of antracnose disease in North Sulawesi was Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz & Sacc. in Penz (Cg). Computation of the antracnose disease insidence showed that variety white hot chili has the highest disease insidence which is 16.50% followed by green hot chili 10.13%, and the lowest is curled chili which is 9.03%. The different in this rate is affected by pathogen, host plant and the environment. Field observation showed that this disease has already spread at all chili plantation at the City of Bitung and District of Minahasa. Keywords: Chili, antracnose, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Citizen science is the process in which citizens are involved in science as researchers (Carr 2004). This can range from involvement in a collaborative effort from academic and government agencies in the assessment of a common environmental (community) concern to the management of common natural resources (Conrad & Hilchey 2011). Traditionally, the use of citizen scientists involved the collection of data on species detection and habitat. This is due to the difficulty of a single monitoring agency in obtaining accurate data for proper population assessment (Conrad & Hilchey 2011). Increasing concern regarding the effect of climate change and land development on biodiversity has raised interest in assessing evolutionary responses of plants and animals, particularly for species that are absent in some years but abundant in others (Heliovaara et al. 1994; Lepetz et al. 2009). Brood XIX of periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada) consists of 3 species (M. tredecassini, M. tredecim, M. tredecula) that emerge synchronously every 13 years. Historically, Brood XIX has been recorded to span along the United States east coast from Maryland to Georgia and in the Midwest from Iowa to Oklahoma (Simon 1988). Males and females emerge from the ground close to their host tree and eclose into their adult form. Adults are approximately 4 cm long with red eyes, orange-veined wings and black bodies (Fig. 1). They live above ground for approximately 4-6 wk. The males produce species-specific calls that attract both sexes in the forest canopy resulting in large aggregations in areas of high population densities. After mating, females disperse to nearby trees and lay eggs into slits cut into the branches. Nymphs hatch from eggs after 6-8 wk and drop to the ground where they feed on root xylem fluids for another 13 yr (White & Strehl 1978; Williams & Simon 1995). In South Carolina, the 1985 emergence began around 21 Apr in Abbeville and Saluda counties. Cold weather delayed the emergence in 1998 resulting in fewer sightings. Based on anecdotal and general accounts, periodical cicadas were suspected to emerge in approximately 25 South Carolina counties (Gorsuch 1998). The anticipated 2011 Brood XIX emergence provided a unique opportunity to apply the use of citizen scientists in obtaining a more accurate assessment of the species range in South Carolina. The aim of the project was to use voluntary internet reports of sightings to examine spatial and temporal patterns of periodical cicada emergence and document citizen’s impressions of the Brood XIX emergence. Three South Carolina state institutions established internet sites for citizens to report sightings (Clemson University: http://clemsoncicada.word-

Bed bug infestations have been recorded in all 50 states of the United States and they were listed as the number one urban pest problem in 2010 by urban pest management professionals. The objective of this research was to survey urban pest management professionals of South Carolina about the importance and prevalence of bed bugs, types of infested dwellings, most common treatment strategies, and most common problems encountered when treating for bed bugs. Survey forms were distributed at the South Carolina Pest Control Association's annual meeting in 2011. Data were separated according to regions of South Carolina (upstate, midlands, and low country) for analysis. Ants and cockroaches ranked as the two most important pests in all regions, while bed bugs consistently ranked fifth in importance. Houses and apartments were reported to have the most infestations, and insecticides and mechanical removal were the most common treatment strategies. This information is beneficial to state agencies, pest control companies, and extension specialists in South Carolina who are repeatedly called for advice about bed bugs and their infestations.

In 1999, the Master Pest Control Technician (MPCT) course was created at Clemson University, (USA: Clemson, South Carolina 29634) to provide training for general pest control technicians. The course was designed to provide detailed, practical instruction about household and structural pest control in private and commercial accounts using an integrated pest management (IPM) model. Initially the MPCT course was taught in a distancelearning format over ten weeks. The course evolved into an intensive five-day course on the campus of Clemson University. The intensive program provided more contact hours and provided more face-to-face lectures and hands-on laboratory exercises, including insect identification, insect collecting, inspection procedures, application technology, safety measures and regulatory requirements. Based on our experience with the MPCT course, we concluded that on-campus traditional university Extension programming with face-to-face interactions provided the best educational atmosphere for pest control technicians, the instructors, and the participants.

The introduced ant, Pachycondyla chinensis (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is a pest in northwestern South Carolina, and areas of North Carolina and Tennessee in the United States. First documented in the United States over 70 years ago, it only recently has achieved pest status. This exotic species originating from Asia, poses a health threat because of allergic reactions elicited by its sting. Pachycondyla chinensis also may pose a threat to ant communities in locations where it occurs. In the study reported here we assessed the seasonal occurrence of P. chinensis workers and alates in northwestern South Carolina USA. Pitfall traps were established in three locations in or near Clemson, SC USA to collect P. chinensis workers from January 2007 through March 2008. Worker activity was documented in January, but consistent activity was not recorded until late March. Ant worker activity began declining in September, was inconsistent in October, and by November, workers were no longer present in pitfall traps. Ground-dwelling colonies were not observed after this time. Light traps were operated in three locations in or near Clemson, SC USA from March through November 2007. We determined that P. chinensis began swarming in late May, peaked in mid-July and declined sharply by early August. Minimal swarming continued into September. Male alates were differentially captured in light traps by a mean ratio of 19♂:1♀.

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), is a pest in many urban areas of the southeastern United States. In the Piedmont region of South Carolina, there is a documented problem with L. humile invading the campsites of state park campgrounds. While some parks have tried to implement proactive control programs, the most widely used tactic is spraying insecticides when L. humile populations become intolerable and visitors complain. For this study, a series of four trials were conducted to evaluate insecticidal spray treatments versus combinations of insecticidal sprays and granular bait. Control areas were set up to evaluate the change in ant foraging numbers over a season without chemical interference. One bait (Niban (R) Granular Bait) and three insecticidal sprays (Premise (R) 2, Temprid (TM) SC, and Tempo (R) Ultra SC) were evaluated to determine the best option in a park setting. The granular bait did not perform as well as the liquid insecticides. Temprid (TM) SC and Tempo (R) Ultra SC both resulted in a decrease in L. humile over the four-week period that was not significantly different. Although both insecticides were comparable in results, we found Tempo (R) Ultra SC to be the best choice in this study due to its lower cost and lower toxicity to non-target organisms. Assessing different methods of chemical management will enhance future efforts at sustainable control of L. humile in campground environments.

Pachycondyla chinensis (Emery) (Formicidae: Ponerinae), a species introduced into North America > 70 yr ago, is found throughout Southeast Asia. Stinging of zookeepers by P. chinensis at the Greenville Zoo (Greenville, SC) initiated an investigation of this exotic species and a survey of sting victims. Eighty percent of sting victims experienced local reactions, including swelling < 5 cm in diameter around the sting site, recurring pain, skin redness, and mild-to-severe urticaria. These symptoms lasted 2 h to 5 d. Twelve percent of the sting victims reported minor reactions, including no swelling, localized redness, minor pain sensation at the time of sting, mild urticaria, and symptoms lasting < 1 h. Eight percent of the sting victims reported significant local reactions, including swelling > 5 cm in diameter around the sting site, recurring pain, skin redness, severe urticaria, and symptoms lasting 3-14 d. P. chinensis represents an emerging public health threat throughout its present range in the southeastern United States (i.e., Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia). Because of reported adverse reactions to stings of P. chinensis, further studies on its ecology and medical and veterinary importance need to be undertaken.