Entomological Society of Canada Student Member Information Form

Name: Sarah Jandricic

University: University of Guelph

Address: Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph ON, N1G 2W1

E-mail Address: smccann@uoguelph.ca

Advisor(s): Dr. Cynthia Scott-Dupree and Dr. Bruce Broadbent

Thesis Title: "The compatibility of Atheta coriaria Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), a new biocontrol agent for fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae), with current greenhouse floriculture IPM programs. ".

Research Summary: Dark winged fungus gnats are an economically important pest of greenhouse flowers. Traditionally, growers have relied on chemicals to control this pest. However, reducing pesticide use in floriculture has become a main objective for many growers and provinces. The rove beetle Atheta coriaria Kraatz, a soil-dwelling generalist predator, is a new biocontrol agent for fungus gnats that became commercially available in Fall 2002. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the compatibility of A. coriaria with tactics currently used in greenhouse floriculture integrated pest management (IPM) programs. This includes both laboratory and greenhouse trials to determine pesticide toxicity to A. coriaria, as well as trials to determine if intraguild predation will occur between A. coriaria and other biocontrol agents used in floriculture.

Keywords: fungus gnats, biological control, integrated pest management, pesticide toxicity, intraguild predation.

Degrees Sought: M.Sc.

Expected Year of Completion: 2005

Publication(s):


Jandricic, S.E., and G.W. Otis. 2003. The potential for using male selection in breeding honey bees resistant to Varroa destructor. Bee World 84(4): 155-164.
McCann, S.E., and G.W. Otis. 2003. Breeding Varroa destructor resistant honey bees (Apis mellifera) using natural and gametic selection through haploid drones. American Bee Journal 143(4): 322.