Kika De La Garza
Subtropical Agricultural Research Center
Beneficial Insects Research Unit
Weslaco, Texas, USA


Research Leader Walker Jones
Walker Jones, Research Leader, Beneficial Insects Research Unit.
Mission Statement
Research Programs
Research Areas
Personnel

 
 
 

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Beneficial Insects Research Unit (BIRU) is (1) to develop scientific knowledge and biologically based technology that will enhance the role of natural enemies in managing key insect pests and weeds, and (2) to develop technology for managing honey bees in the presence of Africanized honey bees, parasitic mites and other pests.
 
 

Research Areas:





Research Specialists:
  •   Classical Biological Control
  •   Toxicology
  •   Population Dynamics
  •   Molecular Genetics
  •   Chemical Ecology
  •   Entomophathogens


Target Pests & Natural Enemies:

  •   Glassy-winged Sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata
    •   Sharpshooter egg parasitoid, Gonatocerus triguttatus
  •   Silverleaf Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci/argentifolii
    •   Whitefly larval parasitoid, Eretmocerus tejanus 
  •   Plant Bugs (Miridae):  Lygus spp., cotton fleahopper, Criontiades sp.
  •   Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella
  •   Stalk Borers
     
Commodities:
  •   Cotton, cole crops and cucurbits, citrus, greenhouse vegetables
Posters
 

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