Michael J Raupp

RESEARCH FOCUS

• Elucidate the mechanisms by which plants escape attack from herbivorous insects
• To create sustainable landscape systems with minimal dependence on synthetic pesticides through the conservation and enhancement of biological diversity with special emphasis on natural enemy communities
• Investigate mechanisms of host plant resistance, the ecology and behavior of herbivores and their predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, and the impact of landscape design on pest and natural enemy population dynamics
• Develop and implement integrated pest management programs (IPM) for landscape, nursery and greenhouse systems
• Evaluate bio rational pesticides and formulated microbials to determine which materials and techniques are efficacious and minimize disruption to natural enemy communities
• Provide training on the theory and practice of IPM to a diverse clientele that includes growers, public and private sector landscape and park managers, and private citizens

The focus of my research program is to elucidate the mechanisms by which plants escape attack from herbivorous insects. These mechanisms include inducible and standing plant defenses and host and habitat mediated interactions with natural enemies. My goal is to create sustainable landscape systems with minimal dependence on synthetic pesticides through the conservation and enhancement of biological diversity with special emphasis on natural enemy communities. Students in my laboratory investigate mechanisms of host plant resistance, the ecology and behavior of herbivores and their predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, and the impact of landscape design on pest and natural enemy population dynamics. As an extension specialist, the focus of my laboratory is to develop and implement integrated pest management programs (IPM) for landscape, nursery and greenhouse systems. We emphasize the use of resistant plant materials, manipulation of cultural regimes, and utilization of biological control. We evaluate biorational pesticides and formulated microbials to determine which materials and techniques are efficacious and minimize disruption to natural enemy communities. My extension programs provide training on the theory and practice of IPM to a diverse clientele that includes growers, public and private sector landscape and park managers, and private citizens. My former students are employed by major universities, government agencies, and the private sector. Please visit my web site at http://raupplab.umd.edu/bugweek/ or by searching "Bug of the Week" on your browser. Remember bugs rule!