German Vargas

As NYSIPM’s first Grape IPM Coordinator, German grows and sustains the state’s booming grape industry by working collaboratively, across disciplines, and with a variety of rights-holders to develop, demonstrate and guide IPM implementation efforts. A native of Colombia, German is an award-winning entomologist and has published more than a dozen scientific papers. He has a Ph.D. from Kansas State University and most recently served as a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center, where he worked to develop a comprehensive, integrated pest management plan for the hibiscus bud weevil.