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4Ry, USDA, Texas A&M AgriLife to develop innovative spraying technology for cattle fever ticks

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by Laura Muntean, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

A cattle fever tick after feeding. Photo by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
A cattle fever tick after feeding. Photo by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

4Ry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research have signed a collaborative research agreement to develop a means to more efficiently and effectively spray cattle and kill cattle fever ticks, according to a 4Ry Inc. announcement.

Cattle fever ticks are vectors of pathogens causing bovine babesiosis, also known as cattle tick fever, and are the focus of the U.S. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.

Pete Teel, Ph.D., AgriLife Research entomologist, regents professor and interim department head, Department of Entomology, College Station, will lead the project and provide administrative guidance. Field testing will be conducted by AgriLife Research and USDA-ARS at the USDA-ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory in Edinburg.

The project will adapt 4Ry’s Charge Injected Precision Spraying, ChIPS, for conductive fluids. Many cattle pesticides are water-based, which makes them conductive.

Arnold Kelly, Ph.D., 4Rry’s chief technology officer and co-founder, will modify their 4Ry’s patented Spray Triode Atomizer, the heart of the ChIPS system.

Meeting all the project milestones will document that the ChIPS system allows for a more complete and targeted coverage of cattle with fewer environmental and operator health hazards. Charged spray droplets are attracted to the cow and thoroughly coat all areas with little aerosol drift or overspray. By reducing the amount of fluid sprayed and wasted, ChIPS more efficiently covers cattle, generates substantial cost savings, and reduces health and environmental risks.

“Successful development of our sprayer for conductive fluids will allow ranchers to integrate this technology for sustainable eradication of the invasive fever ticks that cost the cattle industry millions of dollars before they were eliminated from the U.S.,” said David Bird, 4Ry’s chief executive officer. “The tick problem is particularly bad in South Texas counties that border Mexico. Our modified sprayer will also improve the management of other livestock pests, so it will be welcomed wherever those pests are found in association with cattle production.”

“Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service have a long history of dedicated joint research efforts in support of the U.S. cattle industry and the regulatory agencies responsible for the U.S. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program,” Teel said. “The opportunity to collaborate with 4Ry Inc. on the development and application of this new technology could significantly improve how cattle receive acaricide treatment to prevent the re-establishment of cattle fever ticks in the U.S.”

Congratulations Fall 2019 Graduates!

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Zanthe Kotze, right, with Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin
Zanthé Kotzé, right, with Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin

The Department of Entomology experienced two milestones this fall as a Ph.D. student was a speaker at the Ph.D. graduation ceremony and our students joined a record number of students that are expected to graduate at Reed Arena on Friday afternoon.

Recent Ph.D. graduate Zanthé Kotzé got the chance to speak at the inaugural doctoral hooding and commencement ceremony held at Rudder Theater on December 7. Kotzé was selected from thousands of applicants and wanted a way to help give back to her university.

“I am honored that the Texas A&M office of the Provost selected me from a lot of applicants, particularly since this was the inaugural doctoral hooding ceremony,” she said.  “I applied to do the Expression of Appreciation as I felt this was the perfect way to give back to Texas A&M and to express my thanks and share my story, which is a fairly unique one.”

Kotzé was very honored to be a part of the ceremony and was excited to speak to the audience.

“I am privileged to have been afforded the opportunity and hope to have represented both the Department of Entomology, and Dr Tomberlin well,” Kotzé said.

Other doctoral graduates in the Department included the following:

Graduate Students – Ph.D.

Wei Chen Entomology
Ana Aurora Fontes Puebla Entomology
Zanthe Kotze Entomology
Luke Pruter Entomology
Aline Frietas Spindola Entomology
Liz Walsh Entomology

 

Undergraduate students during lineup. Photo by Rebecca Hapes
Undergraduate students during lineup. Photo by Rebecca Hapes.

 

A total of 10 undergraduate students and Master’s candidates joined more than 5,400 students universitywide during graduation ceremonies at Reed Arena on Friday, December 13. The expected degrees include 7 undergraduates and 3 Master’s candidates.

Congratulations to all of our students that are expected to graduate this December and good luck in your futures!

Master's students during lineup before commencement on Friday. Photo by Rebecca Hapes.
Master’s students during lineup before commencement on Friday. Photo by Rebecca Hapes.

Undergraduate Students:

Javier Christen Garza Horticulture and Entomology
Jennifer Maria Iglesias Entomology
Mason Lynn Marshall Horticulture major, Entomology/Plant Breeding double minor
Morgan Hailey Swoboda Plant and Environmental Soil Science and Entomology
Alexandra Brooke Smith Biomedical Science and Entomology
Alexandria Chase Strawn Entomology and Bioenvironmental Science
Steven Tanner Thweatt Entomology

 

Graduate Students-Master of Science:

Lauren Beebe Entomology
John David Gonzales Entomology
Ryan Tyler Gilreath Entomology

 

 

Millions of monarch butterflies killed on Texas highways

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Texas A&M works to protect monarchs on Texas roads, and they need your help

by Laura Muntean, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

A monarch butterfly was killed on U.S. Highway 190 about 4 miles west of Lampasas, Texas. (Kaitlin Lopez, Department of Entomology)
A monarch butterfly was killed on U.S. Highway 190 about 4 miles west of Lampasas, Texas. (Kaitlin Lopez, Department of Entomology)

Monarch butterflies are moving south through Texas on their annual autumn migration to overwintering sites in Central Mexico, but millions die in collisions with vehicles while flying low across Texas highways. Monarch numbers have declined about 82% over the last 23 years, and road mortality can significantly contribute to their dwindling numbers.

The monarch butterfly, Texas’ state insect, was petitioned for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2014. In response, many individuals, agencies and organizations, including Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology, have been working to understand why the monarch population is so diminished and find solutions.

The problem for monarch butterflies in Texas

The early spring and closing autumn monarch migratory events occur in Texas. Some monarchs travel 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico in the autumn, then return another 1,000 miles back to Texas and Oklahoma in the spring to lay eggs. This gives the monarch the distinction of the longest migration of any insect.

On their journey North in the spring, monarchs lay eggs on milkweeds and pass through two generations in Texas before dispersing throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S. Later generations reach as far north as Canada by the end of summer. On the return journey south during the autumn, the butterflies move through narrowing areas on their migration to Mexico. They basically go through a geographic funnel during their return to Mexico in the fall.

Janice Bovankovich (left) and Kaitlin Lopez (right) walking 100-meter monarch roadkill transect on Texas Highway 47, College Station, Texas on Oct. 28. (Photo credit: James Tracy, Department of Entomology)
Janice Bovankovich (left) and Kaitlin Lopez (right) walking 100-meter monarch roadkill transect on Texas Highway 47, College Station, Texas on Oct. 28. (Photo by: James Tracy, Department of Entomology)

In previous investigations, Texas A&M researchers first uncovered a large amount of autumn monarch roadkill in West Texas, such as along Interstate Highway 10 from Junction to Sheffield. They found that road mortality of autumn-migrating monarchs from Oklahoma to Mexico depleted about 2-4% of the population that would typically arrive at Mexican overwintering sites.

“The mortality was observed to be clustered in “roadkill hotspots” in both the Central and Coastal flyways,” said James Tracy, Ph.D., a research associate for AgriLife Research working on the project. “Roadkill hotspots” are locations where monarch road death is highest.

A partnership to find a solution for monarch butterflies on Texas highways

The Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, Research and Technology Implementation Division is sponsoring research at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory in the Department of Entomology, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to systematically determine the location and extent of monarch roadkill on Texas roadways and consider mitigation strategies that could be implemented to reduce mortality.

“Over the next two years we are conducting four seasonal surveys of Texas roadways to identify the location and extent of roadkill hotspots,” said Robert Coulson, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Entomology.

The first of four Texas monarch roadkill field survey trips for this autumn was initiated in October and will continue through November. Surveys are conducted by field assistants Janice Bovankovich and Kaitlin Lopez, both experienced from previous fieldwork with Monarch Joint Venture.

Their task will be to survey dozens of 100-meter transects for road-killed monarchs along expansive stretches of Texas roadways. The surveys will be timed to follow the passage of monarchs on their southward migration. As the migration corridor narrows when approaching Mexico, populations of monarchs become more concentrated and road mortality is expected to increase.

Data from the surveys will be used to assess the impact of roadkill on the overwintering population in Mexico, to define the location and extent of roadkill hotspots, and to provide TxDOT mitigation options that could be implemented to reduce mortality.

Help identify monarch roadkill hotspots 

The autumn migration is happening right now, and generally runs from October through mid-November, occurring latest along the Gulf Coast.

“If signs of these monarch roadkill hotspots are near you, please send us an email so we can come take a look,” Coulson said. “We need to know the timing and location of roadkill hotspots as the migration moves through Texas.”

Email Robert Coulson, r-coulson@tamu.edu, if you find a monarch roadkill hotspot near you.

What is Forensic Entomology? Professor shares insight on how insects assist in legal investigations

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by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

Students investigating at a mock crime scene on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station
Students investigating at a mock crime scene on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station. Photo by Rob Williams

Insects can help fight crime by providing important scientific insights that can be applied to legal investigations – plus provide interested individuals with a truly unique profession in forensic entomology. While most may view forensic entomology as the “creepy-crawly” part of CSI-type television shows, that perspective only scratches the surface of this field.

Forensic entomology is the understanding of how the biology of insects and arthropods that inhabit decomposing remains can be used for the purpose of assisting in a variety of legal investigations. Forensic entomologists often work with medical examiners, coroners, local and state police agencies and federal agencies, using their knowledge and skills to ascertain valuable information to be used in their investigations.

AgriLife Today asked Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin, professor and director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program about his interest in forensic entomology as well as his involvement in investigations to assist law enforcement.

In what ways are insects used to provide insights or information for forensic investigations?

Tomberlin: Insects tend to find vertebrates — humans or other animals — soon after death. By understanding how insects develop we can estimate time of colonization, which can translate into a minimum time-of-death estimate based on certain assumptions. Of course, because some of these insects colonize living individuals, understanding their biology can also be quite useful for determining instances of neglect or abuse. And, they can help in determining if there have been health code violations.

Insects, as related to forensics, can also be useful for determining if a deceased individual had consumed narcotics prior to death — or if the remains were moved from one location to another.

Has the popularity of crime scene investigation TV shows helped bring greater attention to forensic entomology?

Tomberlin: Most definitely. I believe the interest in forensics at Texas A&M, in general, is partially driven by such shows and the overall interest the public has shown in them.

What bugs you about crime scene TV? Do they get certain things wrong — or oversimplify them?

Tomberlin: Ha! Nothing really “bugs” me about it. As I see it, they do the best they can with representing the science. And if they can encourage the youth of this country to have an interest in STEM subjects, I’m all for it. Of course, our job at the university is to help address any misunderstandings that may arise regarding the sciences implemented in forensics.

How did you become interested in forensic entomology? Was there something in particular that drew you to this field?

Tomberlin:  The exact moment when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in this field occurred during my undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Georgia. I was taking an elective in entomology that was much like the Insects and Society course at Texas A&M. I had an interest  in attending medical school and pursuing a career in forensic pathology, but when my professor discussed forensic entomology, I knew at that moment I wanted to be a forensic entomologist.  Medical school was no longer a consideration.

What coursework does Texas A&M offer related to forensic entomology? 

Tomberlin: We have a number of courses that relate to forensic entomology, but the key course is titled Forensic Entomology. This is a three-hour course that also has a lab component. This course has been at Texas A&M for over 20 years and is the seed from which the forensic science program germinated.

We also have other courses that address the science aspect of forensic science. There are courses in crime scene investigation, applied forensic entomology and the science of forensic entomology. There are also several courses related to other aspects of forensics, such as biotechnology and forensics and forensic soil science.

FACTOID: Texas A&M University’s Forensic and Investigative Sciences major in the Department of Entomology was ranked No. 1 out of the top 25 forensic science programs in the U.S. by Bachelor’s Degree Center.

Who do you collaborate with in your forensic investigations?

Tomberlin: We work closely with multiple local, state and federal institutions from across the U.S.. Over the course of my career, I have assisted with more than 130 investigations.

Can you tell us about the forensic investigations you helped with?  

Tomberlin: For most cases, I am asked to review entomological evidence associated with decomposing remains to determine time of colonization, which can be used to infer a minimum time of death. However, I have also worked on cases dealing with abuse and neglect. And, I have had civil cases involving insects on human remains in funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, as well as in food at restaurants.

What is the Forensic Laboratory for Investigative Entomological Science, or FLIES, facility at Texas A&M, and what sort of research is being done there to expand or improve the science related to forensic entomology?

Tomberlin: The FLIES facility is where the “rubber meets the road” as far as decomposition ecology research at Texas A&M. Basically, we focus on everything related to decomposition, but our primary interests are exploring how nature recycles organic matter, and how such information can be used to better society. While many people recognize us for our forensic efforts, we also explore the use of such processes to recycle organic waste to produce protein for use as livestock feed. We also try to apply such information in sustainable agriculture with confined animal facilities. We look at “cultural” methods for reducing nuisance flies associated with such operations to reduce or eliminate the need for insecticides. But as far as forensic entomology, we want to determine what factors regulate insect attraction to and colonization of remains.

What is something about the practice of forensic entomology that people may not realize?

Tomberlin: I think it’s interesting that out of the 130-plus cases I have been a part of, I have only been to one actual crime scene. A person can have an interest in entomology — but not want to deal with decomposing human remains — and still be quite successful in the discipline. I’ve never had a problem with the macabre aspects of my discipline, so this has never been an issue for me. I’m just stating this as fact for those who may feel unsure if they can “handle” forensic entomology.

Where do graduates with degrees in forensic entomology work? 

Tomberlin: I have found that most students who take forensic entomology at Texas A&M are curious about the topic, but forensic students take it because it is a required course. In terms of practicing in the field, most students pursue a graduate degree in entomology, which allows them to be active as I am — as a professor and forensic entomologist. Others may seek employment with crime labs as crime scene investigators.

Study abroad trip to Costa Rica leads to new king cricket species discovery

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Four undergraduate students travelled with Hojun Song, Ph.D., for a study abroad trip to Costa Rica and discovered a new species of king cricket in the process. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)
Four undergraduate students travelled with Hojun Song, Ph.D., for a study abroad trip to Costa Rica and discovered a new species of king cricket in the process. From left to right are: Dr. Hojun Song, Jude Paredes,Jonathan Koehl, Steven Richardson, and Travis Trimm. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)

A group of four Texas A&M Department of Entomology undergraduate students took their knowledge from the classroom and put it to use in discovering a new species of king cricket during a recent study abroad trip to Costa Rica.

Under the guidance of Hojun Song, Ph.D., associate professor for entomology, students Steven Richardson, Travis Trimm, Randell Paredes and Jonathan Koehl described a new species of king cricket, Glaphyrosoma stephanosoltis, (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), from the tropical rainforests near the Soltis Center for Research and Education in San Isidro.

A new species of king cricket

The king cricket, Glaphyrosoma stephanosoltis, (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), captured in its natural habitat near the Solis Center in Costa Rica. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)
The king cricket, Glaphyrosoma stephanosoltis, (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), captured in its natural habitat near the Solis Center in Costa Rica. (Photo courtesy of Hojun Song.)

Last year, these four students worked with a king cricket species that was very common in the forest floors near the Soltis Center,” Song said. “While working on their project, it became evident that the species, which was so abundant, was actually new to science because we couldn’t identify them down to species.”

The students’ discovery was recorded in the journal Zootaxa in September. The group found the new species while working on a research project about cricket feeding habits during a two-week course titled “Field Entomology in the Tropics” last summer.

The crickets were hand-collected along the trails in the secondary rainforest near the Soltis Center.

Song said the group then brought the cricket specimens back to his lab in College Station, and throughout the fall semester, he taught the students how to properly describe the new species by reviewing taxonomic literature, taking photographs, measuring specimens and illustrating the important features.

The first author of the publication, Richardson, proposed the new species to be named after the Soltis Center. The species name “stephanosoltis” means “the Crown of Soltis” referring to the first king cricket species ever to be described in conjunction with the Soltis Center.

According to the paper, the new species of crickets represents the southernmost distribution of the genus Glaphyrosoma Brunner von Wattenwyl that is widely distributed throughout Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. This new species is distributed throughout the Alajuela Province on the rainforest floor in the northernmost part of Costa Rica.

The students also observed the crickets liked to hide under torn leaves and branches as well as the overhanging soil underside along trails or tunnels made by other burrowing animals. They theorized the species most likely lives underground to avoid desiccation, or extreme dehydration.

The students were able to collect the crickets using oatmeal baits laid out on the forest floor at night. During their study abroad, they found the crickets showed an overwhelming preference for eating the leaves of native plants, but when kept in the cage, they preferred feeding on dead crickets and katydids.

Song said developing awareness about biodiversity is key to conservation, and the students were able to take part in this important endeavor.

“Every day we see habitat destruction and urbanization, which has a profound impact on biodiversity,” he said. “We probably know less than 10% of what is out there, and we’re driving them to extinction without knowing what species are out there. The only way to protect biodiversity is to first know biodiversity. In that regard, describing a new species is a critically important component of biodiversity conservation.”

Study Abroad

Undergrad students with the collected crickets.
The undergraduate students with the new species. From left to right are Jonathan Koehl, Jude Paredes, Steven Richardson, and Travis Trimm. Photo by Hojun Song.

“Study abroad programs are designed to take them out of their comfort zone and expose them to the real world,” Song said. “Once you start looking around, you experience different cultures and ideas and begin to appreciate the diversity. The paper is a direct result of some students taking that leap to experience a completely different environmental setting from Texas and engage in a highly experiential learning experience.”

There are several study programs held at the Soltis Center, but the “Field Entomology in the Tropics” is the only course that actually utilizes the adjacent rainforests as a place for teaching biodiversity, he explained. “There are still many new species to discover right in the backyard of the Soltis Center, and doing that with the students who have taken a study abroad course demonstrates an amazing educational opportunity.”

The discovery of the crickets also showed how important the Soltis Center is in promoting the vision of providing high-impact, international study opportunities to students.

The Soltis Center for Research and Education

The Soltis Center was established in January 2009 as a result of the vision and donation of Bill Soltis ’55 and his wife, Wanda.

The center was created with a vision to provide international experiences for Aggies while protecting the unique ecological setting around the center and creating preservation awareness. The Soltis Center is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, and Song said this new king cricket named after the center shows the students’ appreciation for  Soltis’ vision.

“I really enjoyed my time at the center,” Richardson said. “We were always doing something with collecting, excursions or running our experiment. And when we did have free time, I was out collecting insects anyway. It was an incredible experience, and if I ever got the opportunity to go back for longer, I would.”