Field Crop Entomology

The research focus is to develop insect pest management strategies that reduce insecticide usage while maintaining crop quality, profitability, and environmental quality.  Research projects are designed to foster an integrated approach that identifies economic insect population thresholds to avoid unnecessary pesticide use and select the safest, most cost-effective insecticide treatment programs. Dr. Sally Taylor provides leadership to this research area that includes collaboration with other AREC and campus-based faculty, post-doctoral scientists, graduate students, cooperating growers and technical staff with funding support from commodity board, industry, USDA and other competitive grants. 

New practices, research finds and pest management recommendations are extended to clientele through a variety of media and methods. In-season field tours, on-farm trials and demonstrations, and research plot focus groups are used to provide visual and hands-on exposure to new pest management practices. Publications, news articles and weekly e-mail pest advisories are delivered via the Virginia Ag Pest and Crop Advisory. Insect pest and insecticide control recommendations are provided via several annually updated crop production guides.