Expertise
- Ornamental IPM
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Invasive Species Management
RESEARCH FOCUS
- Develops and implements research-based integrated pest management (IPM) programs for a variety of clientele involved with the production and maintenance of ornamental plants and turf ( i.e., nurseries, urban landscapes, turf grass) including green industry professionals such as landscapers, growers, and IPM practitioners, extension personnel and master gardeners, and government agency personnel.
- Program integrates research and educational outreach activities towards the development of sustainable environments.
- Elucidate practices that conserve biodiversity, specifically natural enemies and pollinators, and the ecosystem services (biological control, pollination) they provide. Projects include manipulating habitats in managed systems to create more favorable environments for beneficial insects, and altering plant management practices that are detrimental to beneficial insects.
- Development of biological control programs towards the management of invasive species such as brown marmorated stink bug and emerald ash borer.
- Examining arthropod communities associated with native compared to non-native woody ornamental landscapes.
- Evaluating new technologies and materials for their efficacy against key insect and mite pests and non-target effects on natural enemies
