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The Entomology
Research Laboratory represents a team of scientists
committed to the development of effective biological control agents for
forest, greenhouse and vegetable insect pest management. Insect pest
problems are addressed with an interdisciplinary approach, using insights
drawn from six senior scientists, the assistance of six technicians, and
several graduate students. Emphasis is placed on practical aspects of
research to solve ‘real world’ problems. Though focused on
agricultural problems of Vermont,
our projects have national and international significance as well.
Through our work we attempt to develop management options that are
environmentally sound, economically viable and sustainable, and encourage
their implementation through extension and education.
We strongly believe in the value of cooperative research, and foster links
with scientists and pest managers from a broad range of agencies and
organizations; among them the Vermont
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation; University of California, Rothamsted
Experimental Station (UK), the International
Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (Syria), Haifa University, International Center for Insect
Physiology and Ecology (Kenya), and Mycotech
funding agencies including the Vermont
Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, USDA (Hatch, Forest Service,
Agriculture Research Service and SARE), US
Agency of International Development (USAID), University
of Vermont, greenhouse and vegetable growers' associations, local, state,
and national sugarmaker associations, and private
foundations.
Research on fungal pathogens for IPM of greenhouse and forest pests has been
our major thrust for several years. This team is rapidly assuming a
leadership role in insect pest management using fungi. We are committed to
meeting the needs of growers nationwide, and have shown that our IPM
strategies offer new and innovative benefits to pest management over a wide
geographic range.
Research projects underway are designed to investigate fungal pathogens for
the control of three serious greenhouse pests: western flower thrips, silverleaf whitefly and
green peach aphid; and a variety of important forest pests, including: pear thrips, gypsy
moth and hemlock woolly adelgid. Strong links are
maintained with the Forest Service, Extension personnel and greenhouse
growers to ensure that the research will produce practical solutions to pest
problems.
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