Entomology Program

Cesar Rodriguez-Saona is the Entomologist at the Marucci Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension Center. His research interest is on applied chemical ecology with emphasis on the use of semiochemicals to manipulate insect behavior, including pests, natural enemies, and pollinators, in agroecosystems to reduce pest populations, reduce injury to crops, and increase crop yield.

In particular, his research focusses on the study of multi-trophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies and the role that plant volatiles play in mediating these interactions. He studies the biotic and abiotic factors that influence these interactions. His basic and applied research involves methods to enhance the efficacy of natural enemies (and pollinators) through the practice of habitat and semiochemical manipulation in agroecosystems, in particular where these services have been disrupted as a result of human activities.

Areas of his research include: applied chemical ecology, tri-trophic interactions, induced plant defenses, biological control, host-plant resistance, and IPM.

Impacts of his research include:

1. Development of attractants for insect pests of blueberries and cranberries.
2. Promotion of conservation biological control through habitat manipulation and manipulation of natural enemy behavior.
3. Development and implementation of behavior-based pest management practices.
4. Evaluation and implementation of reduced-risk IPM practices.

Contact Information

Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
Rutgers University
Philip E. Marucci Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center
125a Lake Oswego
Chatsworth, NJ 08019 U.S.A.

Email: crodriguez@njaes.rutgers.edu
Phone: 609-726-1590 Ext. 4412
Fax: 609-726-1593

The Entomology Program in the News

• Experiences in agricultural research (Colombia).
• Lanternfly migration could mean trouble for New Jersey.
• Entomology Students Honored at Entomology Society Meeting.
• Plum Curculio Aggregation Pheromone (see page 6) (PDF).
• An Agricultural Balancing Act: A look at the biological control consequences of crop domestication.
• Researchers Seek Ways to Fight Insect.
• Blueberry farmers share latest pest-control strategies in Hammonton.
• Snow cover, temperature fluctuations pose climate threat.
• Biopesticide Efficacy Trials Funded by the IR-4 Project (pages 6-7)