This $295,750 Project Grant award from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program, with a period of performance from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027, aims to develop effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for cucurbit production in the Delmarva region. The key objectives are to: 1) determine host plant preferences of cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and vine borers; 2) identify volatile compounds from squash varieties and assess their behavioral impact on pests; 3) evaluate companion plants for their ability to reduce insect pests and enhance natural enemy efficacy; and 4) establish research/demonstration plots to showcase the most promising treatments. The goal is to expand cucurbit production by reducing pest damage through trap cropping, companion planting, and enhancing biological control, with the broader aim of minimizing pesticide use and environmental impacts. The award includes a $70,000 sub-award to the University of Maryland, College Park to support this research effort led by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Historically Black Land-Grant institution.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $295.8k | 8/29/24 |
Grant Number | Description | Subgrantee | Prime Award | Dollars Obligated (Click to sort descending) | Updated At (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SZUSDASZO8800UMDS | University Of Maryland, College Park | Project Grant 20247000642875 | $70.0k | 1/2/25 |