Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents

David Shapiro-Ilan is a Supervisory Research Entomologist at USDA-ARS, Georgia, USA. Dr. Shapiro-Ilan's research focuses on invertebrate pathology/microbial control. Areas of interest emphasize the study of entomopathogenic nematodes and include biological control applications, production and formulation technology, and studies on nematode behavior (especially foraging dynamics). Dr. Shapiro-Ilan has published more than 240 peer-reviewed journal articles plus 27 book chapters and > 60 trade journal/extension articles; he has co-edited 5 books and is inventor on 8 patents. Selected awards include Fellow of the Society of Nematologists, Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, EEO/Civil Rights, Excellence in IPM (SEB-ESA, 2012), and > $23 million as PI/co-PI on competitive grants. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology.

Edwin Lewis is a professor and has served as head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho (UI); he currently is the co-director of the Center for Health in the Human Ecosystem, also at UI. Lewis' research focuses on biological control of insects using entomopathogens, management of plant-parasitic nematodes, animal behavior, and soil ecology. He has published more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, 18 book chapters, 2 edited books and is inventor on 2 patents. Selected awards include Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (Pacific Branch, ESA) and >$4 million in grant support. He served as subject editor for the Journal of Nematology and subject editor and editor-in-chief for Biological Control. His teaching commitments have included Behavioral Ecology of Insects, Pesticides in the Environment, Parasites and Civilization, Biological Control and several research seminars.