This agreement will identify the natural enemies associated with the cotton jassid (amrasca biguttula) in puerto rico and evaluate c ommercially available predators and entomopathogenic fungi for…

This agreement will identify the natural enemies associated with the cotton jassid (amrasca biguttula) in puerto rico and evaluate c ommercially available predators and entomopathogenic fungi for their potential to control this national priority pest. Activities to be performed: the recipient will (1) identify, quantify, and track population dynamics of natural enemies associated with cotton jassid on key host crops (eggplant, cotton, okra) and selected non-crop plants, (2) collect live predators and parasitoids from the field and conduct laboratory bioassays to measure attack rates and functional responses across jassid life stages, and (3) conduct greenhouse cage trials to evaluate promising natural enemies and entomopathogenic fungi identified in laboratory studies. Deliverables and expected outcomes: expected outcomes include, providing a data report (OBJ. 1) summarizing the natural enemy community associated with cotton jassid, establishing whether existing biodiversity can help suppress populations, (OBJ. 2) quantifying predator effectiveness against cotton jassid, and (OBJ. 3) evaluating commercially available natural enemies and entomopathogenic fungi for jassid control. Intended beneficiary(IES): this work benefits growers of cotton, okra, hibiscus, eggplant, and other affected crops. Cotton jassid is a national priority pest causing severe leaf damage, reduced plant growth, and crop loss. Since emerging in puerto rico in 2022 and spreading throughout florida by 2024, the pest has caused substantial economic impacts; this project supports stakeholders facing rapidly expanding infestations.