Brian Nault
Professor, Department of Entomology Cornell AgriTech
My research program focuses on understanding the biology and ecology of insects that attack and/or spread viruses to vegetable crops. Major projects have included describing spatial and temporal patterns of insect dispersal and the epidemiology of insect-transmitted viruses in vegetable cropping systems. Information generated from this research has advanced our knowledge about predicting pest outbreaks, developing insecticide resistance management strategies and mitigating the spread of insect-transmitted viruses. Information generated from my research program is conveyed to the vegetable industry at producer-focused meetings, publications and via the web.
Education
- 1994. Ph.D. Entomology. North Carolina State University
- 1990. M.S. Entomology. University of Georgia
- 1988. B.S. Entomology. The Ohio State University
Recent Research
Selected Journal Publications:
Moretti, E.A., K. Wickings, and B.A. Nault. 2021. Environmental factors and crop management that affect Delia antiqua damage in onion fields. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 314: 107420.
Leach, A.B., C.A. Hoepting and B.A. Nault. 2019. Grower adoption of insecticide resistance management practices increase with extension-based program. Pest Management Science 75: 515–526.
Schmidt-Jeffris, R., and B.A. Nault. 2018. Crop spatiotemporal dominance and management practices affect populations of a pest and its potential predators. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 265: 331-339.
Smith, E.A., M. Fuchs, E.J. Shields, and B.A. Nault. 2015. Long-distance dispersal potential for onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Iris yellow spot virus (Bunyaviridae: Tospovirus) in an onion ecosystem. Environ. Entomol. 44(4): 921-930.
Nault, B.A. and A.M. Shelton. 2010. Impact of insecticide efficacy on developing action thresholds for pest management: A case study of onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on onion. J. Econ. Entomol. 103(4): 1315-1326.
Hsu, C., C.A. Hoepting, M. Fuchs, A.M. Shelton and B.A. Nault. 2010. Temporal dynamics of Iris yellow spot virus and its vector, Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in seeded and transplanted onion fields. Environ. Entomol. 39(2): 266-277.
Nault, B.A., D.A. Shah, K.E. Straight, A.C. Bachmann, W.M. Sackett, H.R. Dillard, S.J. Fleischer and F.E. Gildow. 2009. Modeling temporal trends in aphid vector dispersal and Cucumber mosaic virus epidemics in snap bean. Environ. Entomol. 38(5): 1347-1359.
Nault, B.A., A.M. Shelton, J.L. Gangloff-Kaufmann, M.E. Clark, J.L. Werren, J.C. Cabrera-LaRosa and G.G. Kennedy. 2006. Reproductive modes in onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) populations from New York onion fields. Environ. Entomol. 35(5): 1264-1271.
Werling, B.P., J.P. Nyrop and B.A. Nault. 2006. Spatial and temporal patterns of onion maggot adult activity and oviposition within onion fields that vary in bordering habitat. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 118: 49-59.
Nault, B.A., and G.G. Kennedy. 1998. Limitations of using regression and mean separation analyses for describing the response of crop yield to defoliation: a case study of the Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on potato. J. Econ. Entomol. 91(1): 7-20.
Courses Taught
- ENTOM 8900: Master's Level Thesis Research
Contact Information
15 Castle Creek Drive
525 Barton Laboratory
Geneva, NY 14456
ban6 [at] cornell.edu
Additional Links
Brian in the news
News
A surprise finding from new research on controlling pests and disease in New York commercial onion fields will enable the state’s producers to cut their use of synthetic chemicals without sacrificing yield.
- Cornell AgriTech
- Agriculture
- Entomology
News
Specialty crop entomologists from Cornell AgriTech and the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program will use a three-year, $450,000 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to evaluate alternatives for...
- Cornell AgriTech
- New York State Integrated Pest Management
- Department of Entomology