The Guédot Fruit Crop Entomology Lab was pleased to contribute to the organization of two symposia at recent Entomological Society of America meetings, highlighting the lab’s engagement in interdisciplinary and applied research in agricultural entomology.

The first symposium, “Microbial Hitchhikers: Microbe-Mediated Insect–Plant Interactions in Agricultural Systems,” was held during the ESA Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, on November 9, 2025. This session brought together researchers working at the intersection of insect ecology, plant health, microbial communities, and agricultural systems. Presentations explored how insects interact with and influence microbial communities, including their roles as vectors, mediators, or contributors to plant disease dynamics. The symposium connected closely with ongoing lab interests in fruit crop systems, insect-mediated pathogen movement, and the broader ecological relationships shaping crop health.

The second symposium, “Participatory IPM: Involving Growers in Specialty Crop Pest Management Research,” was held during the ESA North Central Branch Meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 9, 2026. This session focused on the value of grower participation in integrated pest management research, particularly in specialty crop systems. Talks emphasized collaborative approaches that connect researchers, extension specialists, and producers to develop pest management strategies that are scientifically grounded, practical, and responsive to real production challenges.

Together, these symposia highlight the Guédot Lab’s commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research that supports sustainable pest management in fruit crop systems.

 

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