Applied Biological Control Research

Applied Biological Control

Biocontrol Research from the Hoddle Lab

What is Biological control?

Biological control is the intentional use of host specific natural enemies (predators, parasitoids, and pathogens) by humans to suppress population growth of noxious plants and animals to levels which are no longer damaging. Many of our current agricultural pest problems are amenable to biological control, and when successful, natural enemies provide enduring, environmentally benign, pest control. Biological control is also being used in conservation efforts to restore natural areas invaded by exotic organisms, especially weeds. The emphasis of my work is to identify pest problems where biological control could be successful, locate and release natural enemies, and then evaluate natural enemy impact on pest population growth.

Hoddle Lab Members

Mark S. Hoddle, Ph.D.

Biological Control Specialist and Principal Investigator

Dr. Hoddle has headed the research in this laboratory since 1997 and is primarily involved in the identification of pest problems wf biological control could be a successful approach. The location, release and evaluation of natural enemy impacts on population growth features strongly in his research. The evaluation of biological control agents are conducted primarily in the field and, when necessary, aspects of both pest and natural enemy biology and behavior are studied in the laboratory.

Nicola A. Irvin, Ph.D.

Biological Control Specialist and Research Scholar

Dr. Irvin joined the Hoddle laboratory in 2001 as a post doctoral scholar. Dr Irvin has had a heavy focus on researching the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), and its Mymarid wasp biological control agentsGonatocerus ashmeadi, G. fasciatus, G. triguttatus, and G. tuberculifemur. Currently, Dr. Irvin is collaborating with Dr. Milosavljević on research investigating whether insectary plants (used to augment populations of natural enemies) and biodegradable hydrogel bead baits (for control of Argentine ants) can enhance natural enemy abundance and increase biological control of citrus pests.

Marco Molfini, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Dr. Molfini joined the Hoddle lab as a postdoctoral researcher in September 2023. In his previous research, he explored the phylogeny and ecology of cantharphilous species: a group of arthropods attracted to the toxic compound cantharidin. He is currently working on the proactive biological control of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), with the aim of identifying native US parasitoids to use as control agents. He is also studying the host range of L. delicatula on the most common California crop plants.

Christina Hoddle

Specialist

Christina has collaborated with the Hoddle laboratory since 2004 and has dedicated her research efforts towards the biological control of invasive species with an emphasis on crop pests. She has been involved in a variety of international projects sponsored by various granting agencies, private institutions, and commodity boards. Currently, Christina is working on three invasive insect pests- the South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum), the avocado seed weevil (Helipus lauri) and the cotton seed bug (Oxycarenus hyalinipennis).

Mari West

Dr. West joined the Hoddle Lab as a postdoctoral researcher in November 2022. Her previous research focused on task allocation behaviors in ants and their morphological, chemical, and genetic underpinnings. In the Hoddle Lab, Dr. West is working on the proactive biological control of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive plant pest. Her work includes identifying US native parasitoid wasps that have the potential to control the Spotted Lanternfly, as well as determining which of California’s crops are susceptible to Spotted Lanternfly feeding and damage.

Joeleen Tamm