Training

Division of Effort

Research

Extension

Program Overview And Objectives For Next 5 Years

My extension and research efforts are focused on the improved management of field crop insect pests. While chemical pesticides remain the primary pest control tactic, other tactics are being refined and adopted by the NY field crop producers. My research will be focused for the next 5 years in the following areas:

Biological Control of alfalfa snout beetle, Otiorhynchus ligustici: Current research in my laboratory has indicated that an acceptable level of alfalfa snout beetle control can be achieved during the year of entomopathogenic nematode application utilizing either nonpersistent commercially available nematode strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora or a persistent strain of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Oswego strain) collected from NY soil samples (Schroeder et al 1994). When introduced into research plots, Hb "Oswego" persists for more than 4 years (Ferguson et al 1995, E.J.S. unpublished). Future research will be focused on evaluating the potential of persistent nematodes as classical biological control organisms rather than the use of nematodes as biopesticides.

Long-ranged movement of Potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae: Recent research progress by my laboratory has redefined the overwintering region, overwintering hosts and overwintering ecology for potato leafhopper. In addition, my laboratory has uncovered evidence strongly suggesting that potato leafhopper utilizes a circular annual migration in its seasonal ecology (Taylor et al 1993, Taylor & Shields 1995a, Taylor & Shields 1995b, Taylor et al 1995). Future research efforts will be focused toward unraveling the environmental cues utilized by potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae to initiate long-ranged migration from its overwintering areas in the southern states in the spring and the return migration to the overwintering areas in the fall. In addition, research efforts will be directed toward developing a better understanding of potato leafhopper overwintering behavior and ecology within the entire overwintering region.

Extension: My extension educational efforts will continue to be focused toward the integration of best management practices into the daily lives of the NYS field crop producers. Best management practices are a continually changing blend of new research results and current accepted practices. This educational message is conveyed to the end user utilizing a wide array of agribusiness and educational linkages and pathways.

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Professional Experience

• 1992-present Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, Cornell University
• 1986-1992 Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Cornell University
• 1980-1986 Statewide IPM Coordinator-Vegetable Pest Management Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Extension
• 1978-1980 Peppermint Pest Management Specialist, Department of Entomology, Oregon State University-Extension

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Professional Activities(1990 to present)

• Alliance for Aerobiology Research (AFAR) Governing Board member (1992-96).
• Movement and Dispersal Working Group, ESCOP - PMSS. Chair 1995-96
• NCR-148 Migration and Dispersal of Insects and Other Biotic Agents.
• NE-155 & NE-173 Integrated Pest Management for Forages (Sec.-1990, Chair 1991)
• NC -193 Spatial Dynamics of Leafhopper Pests and Their Management on Alfalfa.
• Department Extension Leader (1987-91).
• Department Executive Council (1989-91).

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Selected Publications

Ferguson, C. S., P. C. Schroeder & E. J. Shields. 1995. Vertical distribution, persistence and activity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) in alfalfa snout beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infested fields. Environ. Entomol. 24: 149-158.

Schroeder, P. C., C. S. Ferguson & E. J. Shields. 1994. Pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematodes to alfalfa snout beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae. J. Econ. Entomol. 87: 917-922.

Taylor, P. S. & E. J. Shields. 1995a. Development of migrant source populations of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris)(Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Environ. Entomol. 24: 1115-1121.

Taylor, P. S. & E. J. Shields. 1995b. Phenology of Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Environ. Entomol. 24: 1096-1108.

Taylor, P. S., E. J. Shields, M. J. Tauber & C. A. Tauber. 1995. Is Empoasca fabae (Harris) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) a victim of pied piper migration?: Induction of reproductive diapause and its phenological implications. Environ. Entomol. 24: 1086-1095.

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