Episode 1

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Published on:

22nd Jun 2021

Biological Control with Dr. Gerben Messelink, Wageningen University

Dr. Messelink is a Special Professor in Biological Pest Control in Greenhouse Production Systems and Senior Research Entomologist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. He has an extensive background in conducting research using predators and parasitic wasps to manage common pests in greenhouse production.

We discuss one of his recent publications looking at using a generalist predator to manage two key pests (whiteflies and thrips) on gerberas.

Leman et al. (2020). The omnivorous predator Macrolophus pygmaeus, a good candidate for the control of both greenhouse whitefly and poinsettia thrips on gerbera plants. Insect Science, 27: 510 - 518.

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About the Podcast

Talking Bugs
Interviews with Entomologists from around the World
The field of entomology is incredibly vast, with professionals focusing on viruses vectored by the deadliest animal (mosquitoes), academics studying the mechanisms of freeze tolerance, government researchers tackling insects that could pose biosecurity threats, and forensic entomologists arriving at the crime scene. In this series, learn a bit more about who these entomologists are, what inspired them to get into the field, and discuss some of their most recent research.

About your host

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Erfan Vafaie

I'm an entomologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, based out of Overton, Texas (U.S.A.). I conduct research and educational programming on integrative pest management of ornamental and nursery crops, working mainly with producers and other green industry professionals. My online 'pseudonym' is the SixLeggedAggie.