Publications are listed under the Works tab.
- Turfgrass health
- Turfgrass insect & disease control
- Integrated pest management
- Insect pathology
Research areas (30%)
My research interest is focused on integrated management of arthropod pests and diseases in turfgrass. Research areas in my lab include but are not limited to chemical control, biological control, microbial control (with entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi, bacteria, or viruses), and pesticide resistance diagnosis and management. Also, I am interested in exploring for novel and eco-friendly tactics for managing turf pests and diseases. The goal of research is to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and side effects from chemical applications (e.g. pesticide resistance, non-target effects, water / soil pollution), thus promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Extension (60%)
My program provides extension service for diagnosing and managing turfgrass pest and disease problems.
Teaching (10%)
ENTMLGY 5608: Turfgrass Insect and Mite Pests - Identification, Biology, and Management
PLNTPTH 5130: Turf Diseases and Integrated Turf Health Management
Patents
Shapiro-Ilan, D., Behle, R., Wu, S., Toews, M., Castrillo, L. 2023. Compositions and Methods to Reduce Insect Pests: A new strain of Isaria javanica isolated from a natural epizootic in the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (biotype B). US Patent No. 11576384. Filed on April 16, 2020, Issued on February 14, 2023.
Ment, D., Mechrez, G., Karasik, L., Ramakrishnan, J., Shapiro-Ilan, D., Wu, S. 2022. Pickering emulsion for coating entomopathogenic nematodes. US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/358,387, filed on July 5, 2022. (Pending)
