A QTL associated with leaf trichome traits has a major influence on the abundance of the predatory mite in a hybrid grapevine population.

The abundance of predatory phytoseiid mites, , important biological control agents of spider mite pests in numerous crops, is positively influenced by the density of leaf trichomes and tuft-form domatia in vein axils. Identification of the genetic regions controlling both trophic levels could facilitate the improvement of predatory mite habitat in breeding programs. The abundance of and non-glandular trichomes was measured in a segregating F family derived from the cross of the complex hybrid, 'Horizon', with Illinois 547-1 ( B38 ×  B9), finding positive correlation among traits.

Evaluation of cultural practices for potential to control strawberry sap beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).

Strawberry sap beetle, Stelidota geminata (Say) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), adults and larvae feed on and contaminate marketable strawberry (Fragaria L.) fruit. The beetle is a serious pest in the northeastern United States, with growers in multiple states reporting closing fields for picking prematurely due to fruit damage.

Evaluation of strawberry sap beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) use of habitats surrounding strawberry plantings as food resources and overwintering sites.

The matrix of strawberry and alternate host crops, wooded areas, and uncultivated sections that comprises a farm landscape provides not only food resources but also habitat in both a spatial and temporal context. Reports of the strawberry sap beetle as a pest in strawberry in the northeastern United States have increased along with a trend to produce a wider diversity of fruit crops on individual farms. The three objectives of this study focused on determining which, if any, habitats outside strawberry plantings are important to consider when developing control strategies for strawberry sap beetles.