Mark Hoddle
Ivan Milosavljević, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Phone: (951) 827-4360
ivanm@ucr.edu
Dr. Milosavljević joined the Hoddle laboratory as a Postdoctoral Researcher in September 2016. He is evaluating the efficacy of the biocontrol agent, Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis (Shafee, Alam and Agrawal) (Hymenoptera: Encrytidae) for regulating Diaphorinia citri (Asian citrus psyllid [ACP]) populations in southern California.
Dr. Milosavljević earned his Ph.D. from Washington State University where he also conducted postdoctoral research in Dr. David Crowder’s lab. His work examined the biology, ecology, and management of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae), a devastating pest of cereal crops throughout the Pacific Northwestern United States.
Currently, Dr. Milosavljević is working on establishing a release and monitoring program for the parasitoid D. aligarhensis in southern California, with the goal of determining its ability to establish populations and contribute to the mortality of the Asian citrus psyllid. His research also evaluates the impacts of environmental factors on D. citri development, longevity, and population dynamics in southern California, and the effects of temperature on the development and longevity of D. aligarhensis. Furthermore, Dr. Milosavljević intends to examine the relationship between predator diversity and D. citri control in citrus orchards.
Education
- Ph.D. Entomology, Department of Entomology, Washington State University (2015)
- M.Sc. Phytomedicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia (2012)
- B.Sc. Phtytomedicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia (2011)
Research Interests
Dr. Milosavljević considers himself an applied entomologist. His research integrates theoretical approaches (simulation, analytical, and statistical models) with empirical techniques (observational work, manipulative field experiments) to understand the factors that shape insect communities and predator-prey interactions in agroecosystems. These studies have important applied implications for the biocontrol of invasive pests where the goal is to manipulate natural enemies to reduce herbivory and enhance crop productivity. His research interests are broad, currently focusing on the following areas: biological control of invasive species, effects of predator diversity on pest control, integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture, effects of environmental variability and agricultural intensification on insect biodiversity and community structure.
Current Projects
 |
Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri)Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is an efficient vector of the bacterial citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, which is one of the most destructive insect-borne diseases of citrus worldwide. |
Awards
- WSU CAHNRS Team Interdisciplinary Award (Team member) (2015)
- WSU President’s Leadership and Engagement Award of Distinction (Team member) (2015)
- WSU Entomology Louis W. Getzin Memorial Scholarship (2014)
- WSU Entomology Research Award (2014)
- WSU President’s Award for Leadership (Team member) (2014)
- WSU Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) Travel and Registration Grants (2012, 2013)
- WSU Entomology H. S. Telford Scholarship (2012)
- WSU Entomology Research Assistantship (2012-2015)
- Scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Republic of Serbia (2011)
- University of Belgrade Academic Scholarship (2001)
Peer Reviewed Publications
- Milosavljević, I., Esser, A.D., Crowder, D.W. (2016). The identity of belowground herbivores, not herbivore diversity, mediates impacts on plant productivity. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/srep39629
- Milosavljević, I., Esser, A.D., Crowder, D.W. (2016). Effects of environmental and agronomic factors on soil-dwelling pest communities in cereal crops. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 225: 192-198. DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2016.04.006
- Milosavljević, I., Esser, A.D., Crowder, D.W. (2016). Seasonal population dynamics of wireworms in wheat crops in the Pacific Northwestern United States. Journal of Pest Science. DOI: 10.1007/s10340-016-0750-y
- Esser, A.D., Milosavljević, I., Crowder, D.W. (2015). Effects of neonicotinoids and crop rotation for managing wireworms in wheat crops. Journal of Economic Entomology. 108(4), 1786-1794.
- Milosavljević, I., Esser, A.D., Crowder, D.W. (2015). Identifying wireworms in cereal crops. Washington State University Extension. FS175E.