Assessing Imidacloprid For Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia Frustrana) Suppression Through Regional Collaborative Research And Focus Group Evaluation

Nantucket pine tip moth (NPTM) [Rhyacionia frustrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] is a pest of young pine trees. The goal of this research project was two-fold: 1) to evaluate imidacloprid for NPTM suppression in South Georgia and 2) to incorporate county agents into a research project to facilitate knowledge transfer and extension training. Research sites in one-year planted loblolly pine stands were established by an extension specialist and county agents in five counties in South Georgia. Loblolly pines were assigned one of three treatments: untreated control, soil drench, and foliar spray. Trees were treated at a rate that would treat 500 trees per acre. Pines were assessed for NPTM infestation five times during the year, set to coincide with each NPTM generation. Tree height was measured at the end of the growing season. Qualitative data was collected on the agents' experience during a Zoom focus group and with emailed questionnaires.Imidacloprid drench and spray treatments resulted in lower NPTM infestation rates compared to untreated controls. However, while infestations rates were significantly lower, benefits were not conveyed to increased tree height. Imidacloprid treated trees were no taller than control trees.Collaborating with county agents enhanced this research project and benefitted both agents and the extension specialist. County agent involvement enhanced their job performance, allowed them to positively influence county stakeholders, contributed to core job competencies, and increased knowledge in forest health. Incorporating extension with research throughout the course of this study has been beneficial for both research outcomes and knowledge transfer.