My research focuses on different insect pest vectors of plant pathogens. Through the study of the ecology and behavior of the insect vectors of major plant pathogens in Florida, the focus of my program is to develop effective and bio-rational integrated pest management strategies to control the diseases they carry. The common ground of my program involves applied chemical ecology (i.e. plant-insect communication), and development of environmentally sound methods to control these pests. My current projects involve the study of thrips, whiteflies, Asian citrus psyllid, ambrosia beetles and eriophyid mites.
