UC Davis Seminar Speaker to Discuss Plalnt-Feeding Mites

From Kathy Keatley Garvey:

Acarologist Eric Palevsky of the Department of Entomology, Newe-Ya’ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Ministry of Agriculture, Ramat Yishay, Israel, will speak on plant-feeding mites at the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology’s seminar on Wednesday, April 15 in 122 Briggs Hall.

He will discuss “Plant-Feeding Phytoseiids: Cheliceral Morphology, Feeding Mechanism and Host Plant Interactions” from 12:10 to 1 p.m. He will be hosted and introduced by Michael Parrella, professor and chair, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.

Palevsky’s current research includes varroa mites, which can decimate honey bee colonies. While at UC Davis, he will meet with bee scientists, integrated pest management (IPM) specialists and ecologists.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Palevsky immigrated to Israel in 1974. He received his bachelor’s degree in plant protection at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (HUJI), Faculty of Agriculture in 1982, and his master’s degree in IPM from HUJI in 1866. His thesis: “Studies to Improve Spray Strategy for the Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella, in Israel Using the Model PETE (Predictive Extension Time Estimator).

He then went on to receive his doctorate in IPM from HUJIin 1997, with a thesis titled “Development of a Program for Integrated Management of the European Red Mite, Panonychus ulmi, for the Main Apple Cultivars in Israel.”

Palevsky held a postdoctoral position from 1997-1998r at Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Hood River, Ore. where he studied “Improving IGR Resistance Monitoring Methods for Codling Moth.” He then accepted a postdoctoral position at HUJI, researching “The Taxonomic Status of Spider Mites Attacking Palm Fruit in Israel.” His career also includes a sabbatical leave to the Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand, where he researched “Functional Morphology of Phytoseiid Mouthparts.”

Palevsky’s ongoing projects include:

• Conservational biological control of the citrus rust mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora in citrus.
• Novel methods for controlling the Varroa mite in honey bee hives in Israel. Identification and evaluation of soil borne predatory mites for the control of plant parasitic nematodes in organic cropping systems.
• Reduction of Rhizoglyphus robini damage to onion and garlic by implementing compost for the suppression of Fusarium oxysporum.
• Development and application of microbial control means against arthropod and nematode pests in agriculture and forestry