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February 11, 2012 - Dr. Tracy Leskey on the Latest Research on Stink Bugs

Dr. Tracy Leskey received her B.S. in Biology, from Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA; her M.S. in Ecology at Penn State University, University Park, PA and her Ph.D. in Entomology in 2000 in the laboratory of the late Dr. Ronald Prokopy at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.  She is employed as a Research Entomologist for USDA-ARS at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station (AFRS) in Kearneysville, WV, USA. The goal of the laboratory is to develop effective and economical methods for successful monitoring and/or management of key insect pests of tree fruit that will ultimately result in a reduction of or a replacement for conventional insecticides in orchard ecosystems.  Studies focus mainly on behavioral and chemical ecology of these pests.

Her research focuses on behavioral and chemical ecology of economically important tree fruit pests.  She has written over 80 publications and secured over a million dollars in extramural grants to support her research.  In collaboration with innovative colleagues at AFRS and elsewhere, she is developing effective monitoring tools and behaviorally based management strategies for a number of insects including the brown marmorated stink bug, plum curculio, dogwood borer, and apple maggot fly to reduce insecticide inputs and increase sustainability of orchard agroecosystems.