The Principal Investigator, Dominic Reisig, has an appointment of 30% research at NC State with focus on applied entomology of small grains, soybean, corn and cotton. Our lab’s research program centers around Helicoverpa zea (commonly known as bollworm, corn earworm and tomato fruitworm) and stink bugs. Caterpillars from the genus Helicoverpa are major pests worldwide, partially managed with Bt in some crops and insecticides in others. The lab is focused on the ecology of this insect and its interactions with Bt crops, which have changed the field crop landscape for insects. Furthermore, piercing sucking insect pests, such as thrips and stink bugs have emerged as major pests worldwide and especially in North Carolina. Insecticide sprays have been reduced in Bt crops, releasing these insects that are unaffected by the Bt toxins. We focus on these pests, with forays into other pests as they become important.
- Current projects:
- Impact of Bt on Helicoverpa zea mating behavior and mating success
- How does drought interact with Helicoverpa zea feeding behavior and corn compensation?
- Accuracy and precision of pheromone traps for stink bugs in soybean
- Impact of tillage on peanut burrower bug
- Potential for rainwash to decrease efficacy of insecticides targeting thrips in cotton