The goal of my research program is to generate research-based knowledge that advances integrated pest management (IPM) of insect pests affecting field crops, including corn, soybean, alfalfa, small grains, and hemp. Major areas of interest include insect behavior and ecology, pest monitoring, insecticide and Bt resistance management, host plant resistance, biological control, and the integration of agronomic practices into IPM programs.
The information generated through my program improves the timing and effectiveness of management practices and supports the adoption of sustainable IPM programs across diverse field crop production systems. I work closely with growers, extension specialists, crop advisors, industry, and researchers to provide practical recommendations that improve crop productivity. Findings from my program are disseminated through a variety of extension and scholarly activities to support stakeholders and fulfill Cornell’s land-grant mission.
Education
Ph.D. Entomology. University of Florida (2024)
M.S. Entomology. Louisiana State University (2020)
B.S. Agricultural Engineering. University of São Paulo (2014)
Recent Research
Selected Publications:
M. Dimase, B. Bradford, A. Buzza, B. Manley, A. Alyokhin, R. Groves, B. Nault. 2025. Optimizing application timing and frequency of a novel dsRNAi-based insecticide for Colorado potato beetle management. Pest Manag. Sci. 82, 1447-1459.
M. Dimase, S. Lahiri, J. Beuzelin, S. Hutton, H.A. Smith. Evaluation of biopesticides for management of Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Florida. Insects. 15, 438.
M. Dimase, B. Rossito De Marchi, S. Lahiri, J. Beuzelin, S. Hutton, F. Barreto da Silva, H.A. Smith. Monitoring the susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) to afidopyropen, cyantraniliprole, dinotefuran, and flupyradifurone in south Florida vegetable fields. J. Econ. Entomol. 180, toae104.
M. Dimase, B. Rossito De Marchi, S. Lahiri, J. Beuzelin, S. Hutton, F. Barreto da Silva, H.A. Smith. 2024. First report of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) resistance to spirotetramat in Florida. Crop Prot. 180, 106661.
M. Dimase, S. Brow, G.P. Head, P. Price, W. Walker, W. Yu, F. Huang. 2020. Performance of Bt‐susceptible and ‐heterozygous dual‐gene resistant genotypes of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in seed blends of non‐Bt and pyramided Bt maize. Insect. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12850.
M. Dimase, I. Oyediran, S. Brown, W. Walker, J. Guo, W. Yu, Y. Zhang, J. Chen, Z. Wen, F. Huang. 2020. Larval movement and survival of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) in seed blends of non-Bt and Bt maize containing Agrisure Viptera® trait: implications for resistance management. 2020. Crop Prot. 138, 105339.
Awards & Honors
2023. Most cited paper of Insect Science in 2023.
2023. 2nd Place 10-Minute Paper, IPM Field Crops-4. Entomological Society of America.
2023. 1st Place PhD 10-Minute Paper. Florida Entomological Society.
2023. 2nd Place PhD 10-Minute Paper, Entomological Society of America – Southeastern Branch.
2019. 1st Place 10-Minute Paper, IPM Field Crops-2. Entomological Society of America.
2019. 1st Place MS 10-Minute Paper, 10th Annual Graduate Student Symposium – Louisiana State University, Department of Entomology.
Academic focus: Integrated pest management, insect resistance management, insect ecology and behavior Research summary: My research program has both fundamental and applied focuses. We study insect behavior and ecology in field crops to...