Research in our lab has the ultimate goal of reducing insecticide use and its associated risks in ornamental nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes.  We approach this problem from two angles. First, we work to develop production practices that reduce pest outbreaks and lead to more judicious use of pesticides. This includes developing ways to encourage natural enemies in a habitat and protect them from pesticide applications (Conservation Biological Control). It also involves developing scouting techniques, thresholds, and ways to predict pest outbreaks.  This helps growers apply pesticides in a manner that reduces their impact on the environment and non-target organisms (Integrated Pest Management).  Second, we work to understand the ecology of interactions between, plants, herbivores, and natural enemies. This improves our ability to benefit from the biological control of arthropod pests by endemic natural enemies. It also improves our ability to develop effective augmentative biological control strategies. Ultimately, a better understanding of the natural world allows us protecting the environment and benefit from valuable ecosystem services while supporting economically important activities, such as the production and maintenance of ornamental plants.

 

Specific interests include:

·         Biological control of aphids and thrips in greenhouses

·         Biology, ecology, and Integrated Pest Management of Granulate Ambrosia Beetle

·         Role of omnivores in biological control

·         Habitat manipulation to improve conservation biological control

·         How alternative foods affect biological control by predators and parasitoids