Dr. David Smitley, a professor and Michigan State University extension specialist, has been awarded the Entomological Society of America's 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology.
The award honors Dr. Smitley for his achievements and contributions to the American horticulture industry.
"Dr. Smitley is truly deserving of this award. His accomplishments on a wide range of insect pests are very impressive," said AFE Research Coordinator Terril Nell.
He works closely with the floriculture industry to identify and solve insect pest problems.
In 1991, he worked with Forest Service colleagues to introduce Entomophaga maimaiga, a natural fungal pathogen of gypsy moth, into Michigan, precipitating a widespread collapse of gypsy moth throughout the state over the next eight years.
He introduced a pathogen of Japanese beetle, Ovavesicula popilliae, into Michigan in 1999 and followed the establishment and impact at eight locations over a 15-year period.
In 2014, Dr. Smitley began work with nursery and greenhouse growers to develop practices for producing high-quality plants that are safe for pollinators. This led to a joint effort in 2016 to organize the first national conference on "Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes."
Stimulated by the conference, Dr. Smitley led a team of entomologists to publish "Protecting and Enhancing Pollinators in Urban Landscapes." In its first year of publication, this bulletin was accessed more than any other MSU Extension publication.
Dr. Smitley has conducted research for AFE on insect management. Read his full report online.
He will be recognized during the Entomological Society of America awards breakfast on November 7, 2017 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
source: American Floral Endowment
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