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Dr. Orr's Curriculum Vita
Biological Control Virtual Information Center

Program Area: Applied Insect Ecology and Pest Management

RESEARCH (70%)

Activities focus on applied efforts in biological control, using arthropod natural enemies. Research has focuses on efficacy, population dynamics, economics, and practicality of augmentative releases of natural enemies. A specific interest has been egg parasitoids, especially Trichogramma into corn, cotton, apples, Christmas trees, and pine plantations. An additional project included quality testing of commercial products to determine what growers can expect to receive from the unregulated arthropod natural enemy industry. Another major research focus has been on importation biological control of weeds of Asian origin, using kudzu as a starting point. This has involved a collaborative effort between NCSU, the USDA Forest Service, and the Chinese Academy of Science.

• Involved in a major effort to conduct an importation biological control program against kudzu
• A research effort has begun to address concerns with commercial biological control products
• Research efforts have also been made to settle unanswered questions about the practicality and reliability of using Trichogramma wasps in a variety of cropping systems (apples, cotton, Christmas trees, and pine plantations).
• Involved in a collaborative project to evaluate the quality of commercially produced Trichogramma in the United States.
• Future research includes the use of vegetation manipulation to enhance beneficial insects by organic growers.
  

EXTENSION (20%)

While plans include continuing generation of the kinds of practical information for extension as described above, it is important to continue learning and developing more innovative and creative ways to disseminate bilogical control information to clientele groups. For example, the success of the web site, Biological Control Virtual Informatioon Center will be built upon by expanding the range of information presented, and by taking advantage of other electronic means of communication as they become available. Extension symposia or conferences will be attended whenever opportunities arise, and interaction and collaboration with other extension specialists and agents will remain to allow for continual improvement.

TEACHING (10%)

A course in biological control as well as a seminar class in advanced biocontrol topics will continue to be offered in the future. Teaching improvement workshops and symposia will be attended whenever the opportunities arise so past efforts in teaching can continue to be improved upon. The potential for enhancing or expanding course offerings through electronic means, such as internet, will be explored within the next five years. There are already instructional opportunities available on campus that likely could satisfy needs in this area.

Publications

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