Research activities focus on improving chemical control and facilitating the adoption of microbial control methods such as entomopathogenic nematodes for pest management. All applied research projects in seed cropping systems underline to incorporate diverse modes of action and the use of selective chemistries to prevent/slow the insecticide resistance development and reduce non-target effects of pesticides in the seed cropping systems.
Grass Seed Insect Pest Management
The field crop entomology program at OSU is a part of a research group funded by a specialty crop block grant to identify Alternatives to chlorpyrifos. Our program conducts field efficacy trials and explores alternative non-chemical strategies for sustainable pest management. Please contact Dr. Navneet Kaur if you need specific chemicals to be included in the upcoming trials for insect pest management in the field crops for seed production in Western OR. These projects are funded by the Oregon Seed Council, Oregon Department of Agriculture- Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for the alternatives to chlorpyrifos research, and the private industry partners, Oregon Clover Commission, Eastern Oregon Kentucky Bluegrass Workgroup, and USDA NIFA Western IPM Center.
Clover Seed Insect Pest Management
We are investigating the mating disruption methods, and developing phenology models to target adult moths of the red clover casebearer moth, an invasive insect pest with huge damage potential to red clover seed production. The objectives of this research project are to understand the Spatio-temporal distribution of this insect pest in Oregon and identify the role of natural enemies that are preventing this insect to reach its damage potential in Oregon. This research project was funded by Oregon Clover Commission and OSU- Agricultural Research Foundation.
