Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences [Dept. of Entomology]

Gerald M. Ghidiu

email: Gerald Ghidiu at centerton@aesop.rutgers.edu

Director, Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Bridgeton NJ

Co-Editor, Journal of Economic Entomology

Abstract: In general, my research has investigated the implementation of integrated pest management techniques for the reduction of insect pest damage to vegetable crops, with an emphasis on potato, eggplant, tomato, cabbage and sweet corn. With laboratory and field studies, my research had demonstrated the advantages of using biological insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis) in the management of Lepidopteran insect pests and certain Coleopteran insect pests. Other projects include feeding damage studies of several insect pests, insect-host plant relationships, and life histories of several vegetable insect pests. Proposals are currently submitted for projects involving the use of genetically altered eggplant for protection from Colorado potato beetle and genetically altered (gene deleted) nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) formulations for application to cole crops for the control of cabbage loopers.

Research Projects:

  • The use of synergists and adjuvants for enhanced effectiveness of insecticides, including biological insecticides, against insecticide-resistant insect pests
  • Host plant preference of Colorado potato beetles
  • Relationship between host plant and insecticide resistance to insecticides by the Colorado potato beetle
  • Use of genetically altered NPV for the control of cabbage loopers

Recent Publications:

  • Ghidiu, G.M., G.C. Hamilton and G.W. Kirfman. 1994. Bacillus thuringiensis sprays affect hatching of Colorado potato beetle eggs and subsequent larval dispersal. J. Econ. Entomol. 87:1298-1301.
  • Ghidiu, G.M., G.W. Zehnder. 1994. Timing of the initial spray application of Bacillus thuringiensis for control of the Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) in potatoes. J. Biol. Control. 3:348-352
  • Zehnder, G.W., G.M. Ghidiu, J.J. Speese III, 1992. Use of the occurrence of peak Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) egg hatch for timing of Bacillus thuringiensis spray applications in potatoes. J. Econ. Entomol. 85(1):281-288
  • Ghidiu, G.M., C. Carter, C. A. Silcox. 1990. The effect of host plant on Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) susceptibility to pyrethroid insecticides. Pestic. Sci. 28:259-270
  • Ghidiu, G.M., G.E. Drake, 1989. Fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) damage relative to infestation level and stage of sweet corn development. J. Econ. Entomol. 82(4):1197-1200.

Research Interest and Expertise: Colorado potato beetle, European corn borer, insecticides and insect pest management, vegetable insect pests.

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