Back

Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Share
  • Cornell AgriTech
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
Alejandro Calixto, formerly head of the Florida Research Center for Corteva Agriscience, is the new director of New York State Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Calixto officially takes the reins May 16, following the retirement of Jennifer Grant, Ph.D. ’00.

Calixto brings experience with the land-grant system and mission, from extension and research appointments in the Texas A&M University System focused on ecology and management of urban and agricultural insect pests. He received his Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M.

“Dr. Calixto will be a welcome addition to the NYS IPM team, as we continue to reduce risk in agriculture and communities,” Grant said. “He brings experience from both academia and industry, including pest prediction systems and invasive species management. He will help lead our efforts in protecting pollinators, pesticide risk assessment, and providing IPM tools to farms, schools and homes across the state.”

New York State Integrated Pest Management addresses pest-management issues across the state, providing research and education to individuals, businesses and institutions. The program is based at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York.

“I am delighted to be joining the Integrated Pest Management team and the Cornell AgriTech family,” he said. “This is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility for me to contribute to the state of New York and the land-grant university system, to work towards the adoption of ecologically based principles and to educate the next generation of citizens on IPM practices.”

Melissa Jo Hill is communications specialist and writer with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

This article also appeared in the Cornell Chronicle.

Keep Exploring

Several red 'Crimson Beauty" raspberries hang from green leaves and stems.

Report

Relevance Raspberry and strawberry production in the United States is concentrated in California and Florida, where climate variability and rising costs challenge long-term sustainability. Demand for locally grown fruit is increasing, creating...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
Charles Midega (left) and Roy Odawa display the Kontiki kiln they modified to make biochar from human feces. Credit: Rebecca Nelson

News

Cornell researchers and Kenyan partners have developed a fertilizer made from human excreta. The product improves soil health and food production, while preventing pollution in informal settlements and the aquatic environment.

  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
  • Global Development Section
  • Agriculture