Postdoctoral Research
Project 1: Exploring potential of bio-based management of peppermint insect pests:
I worked as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC-Davis. My research project was about understanding the biology and exploring IPM-based management options for the major insect pests (mint root borer, twospotted spider mites) of peppermint in northern California condition.
Specific studies include:
1. Evaluation of different bio-based insecticides against two-spotted spider mites in peppermint.
2. Evaluation of entomopathogens (bacteria, fungi, nematodes) against mint root borer in peppermint.
3. Comparative study to evaluate the performance of commercially-available predatory mites with field-collected mites in reducing two-spidermite populations in peppermint.
4. Characterization of the distribution of root feeding insects in peppermint and development of quantitative sampling plan.
Project 2: Understanding biology and ecology of newly invasive insect, Bagrada bug in Salinas Valley, CA
Second project of my postdoctoral work at UC Davis was about new invasive pest of crucifers, Bagrada bug. I coordinated and conducted Bagrada bug research project in cool-season vegetable crops in Salinas Valley. Bagrada bug is an economically damaging invasive pest of Brassicacious crops. The goals of this projects were to 1) understand the behavior and biology of the Bagrada bug, and 2) find the better pest management alternatives by evaluating environmentally-benign biopesticides and reduced-risk pesticides, embracing the concept of IPM. This project was funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). We studies basic biology and ecology of this newly introduced insect in major Brassica crop growing areas, including the Salinas Valley, California, to be able to identify and recommend pragmatic management options to reduce the damage caused by this pest. The project was conducted in collaboration with the Extension Specialist at UC-Davis, UCCE Offices (Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties), vegetable growers, and the industry representatives.
I worked as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC-Davis. My research project was about understanding the biology and exploring IPM-based management options for the major insect pests (mint root borer, twospotted spider mites) of peppermint in northern California condition.
Specific studies include:
1. Evaluation of different bio-based insecticides against two-spotted spider mites in peppermint.
2. Evaluation of entomopathogens (bacteria, fungi, nematodes) against mint root borer in peppermint.
3. Comparative study to evaluate the performance of commercially-available predatory mites with field-collected mites in reducing two-spidermite populations in peppermint.
4. Characterization of the distribution of root feeding insects in peppermint and development of quantitative sampling plan.
Project 2: Understanding biology and ecology of newly invasive insect, Bagrada bug in Salinas Valley, CA
Second project of my postdoctoral work at UC Davis was about new invasive pest of crucifers, Bagrada bug. I coordinated and conducted Bagrada bug research project in cool-season vegetable crops in Salinas Valley. Bagrada bug is an economically damaging invasive pest of Brassicacious crops. The goals of this projects were to 1) understand the behavior and biology of the Bagrada bug, and 2) find the better pest management alternatives by evaluating environmentally-benign biopesticides and reduced-risk pesticides, embracing the concept of IPM. This project was funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). We studies basic biology and ecology of this newly introduced insect in major Brassica crop growing areas, including the Salinas Valley, California, to be able to identify and recommend pragmatic management options to reduce the damage caused by this pest. The project was conducted in collaboration with the Extension Specialist at UC-Davis, UCCE Offices (Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties), vegetable growers, and the industry representatives.