Biology subjects

Groves, R. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Groves, R. L..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Regional analysis of spatiotemporal trends in Colorado potato beetle abundance

Crop pests can significantly damage crops, cause economic loss, and reduce the sustainability of agroecosystems. New ecoinformatic approaches are needed to understand the drivers of pest population dynamics and improve pest management practices. Here we analyze spatiotemporal drivers of Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) abundance across Wisconsin potato fields using multi-year scouting data (2014-2024) linked with climate and cropping histories. We develop statistical models that account for spatial and temporal correlations, and find these approaches substantially improve fit and prediction. After accounting for spatiotemporal random effects, we find that three predictors increased CPB abundance: cumulative growing degree days (GDD), recent potato intensity in the surrounding landscape, and winter coldest-day temperature. Cumulative GDD and potato intensity are positively associated with abundance, and warmer winter minima (higher coldest-day temperatures) are likewise associated with higher abundance, consistent with improved overwintering survival. Using the best-performing model, we generate a preliminary, statewide risk surface for Wisconsin in order to support regional decision-making. Our results highlight the value of integrating field-level history with landscape context and explicit spatial structure when forecasting pest pressures in agroecosystems.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Candidatus (Ca.) phytoplasma asteris subgroups display distinct disease progression dynamics during the carrot growing season

Aster Yellows phytoplasma (AYp; Candidatus (Ca.) Phytoplasma asteris) is an obligate bacterial pathogen that is the causative agent of multiple diseases in herbaceous plants. While this phytoplasma has been examined in depth for its disease characteristics, knowledge about the spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogen spread is lacking. The phytoplasma is found in plants phloem and is vectored by leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera), including the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes. The aster leafhopper is a migratory insect pest that overwinters in the southern United States, and historical data suggest these insects migrate from southern overwintering locations to northern latitudes annually, transmitting and driving phytoplasma infection rates as they migrate. A more in-depth understanding of the spatial, temporal and genetic determinants of Aster Yellows disease progress will lead to better integrated pest management strategies for Aster Yellows disease control. Carrot, Daucus carota L., plots were established at two planting densities in central Wisconsin and monitored during the 2018 growing season for Aster Yellows disease progression. Symptomatic carrots were sampled and assayed for the presence of the Aster Yellows phytoplasma. Aster Yellows disease progression was determined to be significantly associated with calendar date, crop density, location within the field, and phytoplasma subgroup.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2019

Conjugated linoleic acid as a novel insecticide targeting the agricultural pest Leptinotarsa decemlineata

The Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a major agricultural pest of solanaceous crops in the United States. Historically, a multitude of insecticides have been used to control problematic populations. Due to increasing resistance to insecticides, novel compounds and methodologies are warranted for the control of beetle populations. Mixed-isomer conjugated linoleic acid has been studied in-depth for its beneficial properties to mammalian systems. At the same time, studies have demonstrated that conjugated linoleic acid can manipulate fatty acid composition in non-mammalian systems, resulting in embryo mortality. Consequently, experiments were conducted to assess the effects of foliar-applied conjugated linoleic acid on larval growth, embryogenesis, and feeding preference in Colorado potato beetle. Both maternal and deterrent effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid were assessed. Conjugated linoleic acid demonstrated desirable insecticidal properties, including increased larval mortality, slowed larval development, antifeedant effects, and decreased egg viability after maternal ingestion.

ecology↗