A5052300220- Plant and animal studies
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Phytoplasmas and Hemiptera pathogens
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Urban Agriculture and Sustainability
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Climate Change Communication and Perception
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Hibiscus Plant Research Studies
- Urban Green Space and Health
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Plant Pathogenic Bacteria Studies
- Growth and nutrition in plants
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Environmental Education and Sustainability
- Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation
- Insect and Pesticide Research
- Innovations in Aquaponics and Hydroponics Systems
- Botany, Ecology, and Taxonomy Studies
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Botanical Research and Chemistry
- Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases
University of the District of Columbia
2016-2024
US Forest Service
2024
Northern Research Station
2024
University of California, Irvine
2013-2021
Columbia University
2018
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
2014-2017
National Zoological Park
2014-2015
Agricultural Research Service
2011-2014
U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory
2011-2014
National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus
2011-2014
Abstract The Asian citrus psyllid ( ACP ), D iaphorina citri K uwayama H emiptera: P syllidae), is an important pest of because it transmits phloem‐limited bacteria [ C andidatus L iberibacter spp., notably a . asiaticus LAS )] associated with huanglongbing HLB ; greening disease), currently considered the world's most serious disease citrus. in persistent manner and, although rate transmission by individuals usually low, can spread rapidly grove and geographic range expanding, threatening...
The citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB) has become endemic in Florida, with estimates that greater than 80% of trees are currently infected. Although there no commercial varieties strong HLB resistance, some field tolerance been observed exposed to the after they were mature. There is great urgency identify which may permit economic production where endemic. Therefore, objective this study was assess HLB. To expedite trial due urgency, nursery purchased on rootstock as available. included...
COVID-19 has taken its toll on citizens in all 50 states of the United States. The States (U.S.) leads world with 30,291,863 confirmed reported cases and 549,664 deaths as March 29, 2021 compared to globally at 127,442,926 2,787,915 2021. U.S. federal government primarily left response virus individual states, each implemented varying measures designed protect health state's economic well-being. Unintended consequences stop spread may include decreased physical activity exercise, shifting...
Climate change models often assume similar responses to temperatures across the range of a species, but local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity can lead plants and animals respond differently temperature in different parts their range. To date, there have been few tests this assumption at scale continents, so it is unclear if large-scale problem. Here, we examined that insect taxa show 96 sites grassy habitats North America. We sampled insects with Malaise traps during 2019-2021 (N = 1041...
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, has spread to growing regions nearly worldwide and transmits phloem‐limited bacteria ( Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) that are putatively responsible for greening disease. Host plant resistance may provide the most effective control, but ACP a broad host range in Citrus spp. relatives not been widely documented. Very low abundances of were found on two accessions Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (hardy‐orange) field survey. Therefore, we...
Pheromone components of cerambycid beetles are often conserved, with a given compound serving as pheromone component for multiple related species, including species native to different continents. Consequently, single synthesized may attract trap simultaneously. Furthermore, our previous research in east-central Illinois had demonstrated that pheromones can be combined an even greater diversity species. Here, we describe the results field bioassays northeastern, midwestern, southeastern,...
Xanthomonas citri ssp. (Xcc) is the causal agent of Asiatic citrus canker (ACC), a commercially important disease in Florida as well many other regions. In this study we evaluated occurrence foliar lesions from ACC on progenies 94 seed-source genotypes (hereafter called “parent genotypes”) Citrus and relatives field east–central to identify relative susceptibility ACC. Eight seedlings per parent genotype were planted randomized complete block planting, but number plants assessed some groups...
Polyploidy in plants can result genetic isolation, ecological differences among cytotypes, and, ultimately, speciation. Cytotypes should be sympatric only if they are segregated an niche or through prezygotic isolation. We tested whether diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid ramets of Solidago altissima L. (Asteraceae) differ their niche.We measured how cytotypes were distributed within habitats, morphology, the composition communities herbivorous insects at 10 natural field sites. also...
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri, Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the principal vector of phloem-limited bacteria strongly associated with huanglongbing (HLB), world's most serious disease citrus. Host plant resistance may provide an environmentally safe and sustainable method controlling ACP and/or HLB. Two xCitroncirus accessions (hybrids Poncirus trifoliata Citrus spp.), that are relatively resistant (UN-3881) or susceptible (Troyer-1459) to adults regard adult longevity, were...
The natural history of Prairie Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster) is largely unknown because their secretive nature. We radio-tracked 10 adult (six males, four females) for one complete active season to determine activity patterns and habitat use in an area Illinois that included forest, grassland, agricultural fields, roads. extended from approximately April mid-October. Home ranges males averaged over times larger than those females usually the individual's hibernation site....
Abstract: The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsamura, is an eastern Asian [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest which can reduce yield. We determined the effects of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analogue, on development, mortality, longevity and fecundity A. under laboratory conditions. Distance Insect Growth Regulator, containing ∼11.2% was applied at two concentrations, 50 150 mg/l, to first fourth instar nymphs. When or were treated with some nymphs became supernumerary‐molted 1–3 extra...
Partitioning of niches can play an important role in structuring faunal communities. We tested the hypothesis that differences between four species orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae) body size and structure position their webs resulted partitioning available prey. The study are sympatric a grassland habitat included Argiope trifasciata (Forskål), Cyclosa turbinata (Walckenaer), Mangora gibberosa (Hentz), Neoscona arabesca (Walckenaer). spider differed size, web diameter, height above ground,...
Abstract The Asian citrus psyllid ( ACP ), D iaphorina citri K uwayama H emiptera: P syllidae), is an important pest of because it transmits plant pathogens responsible for a serious disease known as huanglongbing. Conventional insecticides are frequently used to manage . Insecticidal soaps (hereafter ‘soaps’) insect control option labelled commercial use well by homeowners and organic growers. Soaps have been shown be toxic some pests therefore might alternative conventional pesticides ,...
Integrating urban agriculture with aquaculture can reduce the use and cost of water, competition for chemical fertilizers, environmental impact discharging nutrient-rich agricultural water into fresh saltwater bodies. In addition, in cities directly benefit human health by providing a local source lean protein. Despite potential advantages, few studies have demonstrated feasibility production advantages using wastewater to fertigate specialty crops an environment. Therefore, we grew four...
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable associated with wide-ranging health benefits. It tolerant of drought and temperature fluctuations, could thus serve an increasingly important role in providing safe nutritious food supply during the climate crisis, while kale’s ease cultivation ability to be grown wide range soils make it good fit for urban agriculture. In this pilot study we explored potential differences between kale at versus rural farms. We planted seedlings (Darkibor variety)...
Species previously unknown to science are continually discovered and some of these species already face extinction at the time their discovery. Conserving new rare in cases becomes a trial-and-error process conservationists will attempt manage them by using knowledge closely related species, or those that fill same ecological niche, then adapting management program as needed. Savannas Mint (Dicerandra immaculata Lakela var. savannarum Huck) is perennial plant was Florida scrub habitat two...
Urban populations may struggle to access health-promoting fresh fruits and vegetables, urban agriculture approaches are of increasing interest. In this study, we used five cropping systems for environments produce strawberry fruit, a popular high-value fruit. Two green roof systems, hydroponic system, an aquaponic raised bed system were grow six cultivars: 'Albion,' 'Eversweet,' 'Monterey,' 'Portola,' 'San Andreas' 'Seascape.' We measured total mass marketable mass, size, percentage rotted...
Multifunctional urban green infrastructure (UGI) can regulate stormwater, mitigate heat islands, conserve biodiversity and biocultural diversity, produce food, among other functions. Equitable governance of UGI requires new tools for sharing pertinent information. Our goal was to develop a public-access geographic information system (GIS) that be used comprehensive planning in Washington, DC (the District) create an e-tool the form Tableau dashboards. The dashboards allow stakeholders...
Native grasslands are among the most imperiled of North American ecosystems, but abandoned agricultural areas may provide suitable habitat for animal taxa that endemic to grasslands. We studied how species diversity orb-weaving spiders was influenced by secondary succession a grassland plant community monitoring abundance and in study plots were cultivated at 6-yr intervals left uncultivated interim. tested hypothesis local would be positively associated with time since cultivation because...
The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is a key pest in most citrus-growing regions worldwide. Adult leafminers oviposit primarily on young elongating flush of Citrus as well other Rutaceae and some ornamental plants. Larvae feed the epidermal cell layer developing leaves injury to provides pathway for infection by bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. (Hasse), causal agent Asiatic canker. In this study, we quantified abundance leafminer larvae...
Grasshoppers are thought to be herbivores that primarily feed on plant leaves. But, many grasshopper species actually omnivorous and will consume a wide range of living dead organic matter. We documented the feeding behavior Western Lubber grasshopper, Taeniopoda eques, coyote, Canis latrans, carcass in Arizona, USA. The number adult T. eques ranged from 1 8 during each six visits site were predominantly female. Nymphs not observed or immediately adjacent carcass, although they present low...