Greg Loeb

Department of Entomology > People > Greg Loeb

Greg Loeb
Professor
gme1@cornell.edu

Areas of Expertise

Insect ecology, integrated pest management, biological control, small fruit entomology, plant-insect interactions

Research

The overall objective of my research program is to develop an understanding of the principal forces that influence the population dynamics and community structure of arthropod herbivores in agricultural and natural ecosystems and use this information to devise and implement multi-tactic pest management programs for grape and small fruit crops that are effective and environmentally benign as possible. My more basic research has broadly focused on how plant traits and other environmental factors influence interactions between plants and their herbivores, and herbivores and natural enemies. For example, we have been investigating how leaf morphology influences interactions between natural enemy mites (predatory and mycophagous species) and parasites of grapes from a number of different perspectives (population dynamics, behavior, evolution, biological control, plant breeding and pest management) and at different scales (leaf, vine, and vineyard). We have also been studying the role of plant-produced volatiles in mediating plant/insect interactions with specific focus on developing new management approaches for a key pest of grapes, the Tortricid moth Paralobesia viteana. In a new research initiative, we have begun exploring the effects of plant diversity on higher trophic level interactions using shrub willow, an important bioenergy crop in the Northeastern USA, as a model system. My more applied research program focuses on the ecology and integrated control of specific arthropod pests of grapes and small fruit crops. These tend to be more short-term in nature than my basic research. Current projects include 1) the ecology and management of the strawberry sap beetle, 2) role of soft scale insects and mealybugs in spreading leafroll disease in New York vineyards, 3) validating a temperature-driven phenology model for grape berry moth, 4) methods for controlling phylloxera on own-rooted V. vinifera grapes, 5) use of a trap crop to manage tarnished plant bug in strawberries, and 6) testing IPM compatible pesticides in grape and small fruit crops.

Extension and Outreach

As the grape and small fruit entomologist, 30% of my time is committed to extension activities. My primary goal in extension is to translate and transfer results of applied research on pest biology and control to growers, pest control advisers, extension educators, and industry representatives in NY and surrounding states so that they will be better informed and better able to make sound pest management decisions or recommendations. Moreover, I also strive to communicate to the wider public about insect biology, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Educating growers and pest control advisors as to the proper and effective use of pesticides is an important aspect of my responsibilities. In addition, however, it is important to include information other approaches to pest management such as the use of predators and parasites, cultural techniques and host plant resistance. It is essential that I understand and convey the importance of integrating pest management information for arthropods with the management of other pests and other related horticultural issues since this reflects the reality for growers.

Courses Taught

Entom 4200 Grape Pest Management

Publications (last 5 years)