Zane Smilowitz, Ph.D.
- Professor Emeritus of Entomology
University Park, PA 16802
Education:
- B.S., University of Georgia, 1961
- M.S., Cornell University, 1965
- Ph.D., Cornell University, 1967
Biography:
Research:
Integrated pest management of potato insects; insecticide resistance management of Colorado potato beetle on potato; insect plant interaction-plant responses to insect feeding and other stress factors; biological control of Colorado potato beetle; implementation of pest management systems.
Extension
Potato insect pest management
Teaching:
Biological Control of Insects
Research Activities and Interests:
A major effort of our research group is the development of PotatoES, an expert system for potato pest management. PotatoES includes strategies to manage and limit the rate of insecticide resistance, potato plant responses to insect and water stress, quantification of biological control agents, and implementation of research technology. The mechanism of Colorado potato beetle resistance to synthetic organic insecticides is being studied along with techniques to manage insecticide resistance. Our group also is researching and quantifying cultural methods to reduce the incidence of pests on potatoes. Biological control efforts include increasing survivorship and integrating biological control agents with selective insecticides.
Extension Activities and Interests:
My extension activities focused on implementing strategies, technology, and methodology to regulate potato pest populations, particularly through implementing the potato expert system developed by our research group.
Relevant Publications:
Weisz, P. R., Z. Smilowitz, et al. 1992. Development of an expert system for potato integrated pest management. In Advances in Potato Pest Biology and Management. G. Zehnder, R. Jansson, M. Powelson (eds.). APS Press. (in press)
Pelletier, Y. and Z. Smilowitz. 1991. Biological and genetic studies on the utilization of Solanum berthaultii Hawkes by the adult Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Can. J. Zool. 69:1280-1288.
Jansson, R. K. and Z. Smilowitz. 1986. Influence of potato persistence, foliar biomass, and foliar nitrogen on abundance of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Environ. Entomol. 15:726-732.
