Department of Entomology

Dr. Rufus Isaacs

Dr. Isaacs is the Small Fruit Entomologist and leads a research-extension program in which he works closely with Michigan’s blueberry, grape, strawberry, and other berry industries to develop and implement integrated management approaches for key insect pests. His applied research combines evaluation of novel chemical and biological controls with his interests in insect behavior, insect-plant interactions, and dispersal. Implementation of IPM programs is ongoing as new technologies are developed, with an emphasis on grower training and demonstration projects. Investigations of the native bee fauna of agricultural areas is a recent interest, with an emphasis on determining the agricultural practices that can be adopted to enhance pollination of Michigan's small fruit crops. Dr. Isaacs also directs the Small Fruit Entomology Program.

Dr. Rufus Isaacs
Associate Professor
University of London, Imperial College at Silwood Park (1994)

isaacsr@msu.edu
202B CIPS
(517) 355-6619
(517) 353-5598 - Fax

Recent Research Publications:

Isaacs, R., Tuell, J., Fiedler, A., Gardiner, M., and Landis, D., (2009) Maximizing arthropod-mediated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes: the role of native plants. Frontiers in Ecology and Environment. (in press).

Jenkins, P.E. and Isaacs, R. (2008) Mating disruption of Paralobesia viteana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in vineyards using pheromone deployed in PLAT-GBM™ wax droplets. Journal of Chemical Ecology. (in press).

Tuell, J. T., Fiedler, A. K., Landis, D. and Isaacs R. (2008) Visitation by wild and managed bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) to eastern U.S. native plants for use in conservation programs. Environmental Entomology 37: 707-718.

Isaacs, R. and Woodford, T. A. (2007) IPM Case Studies: Berry Crops. In: Aphids as Crop Pests. Eds: H.F. Van Emden and R. Harrington. CABI Publishing. Wallingford. pp. 561-572

Stelinski, L. L., McKenzie, D., Isaacs, R., Brunner, J., and Gut L. J. (2007) Comparison of female attractiveness and male response among populations of Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) in western and eastern U.S. apple orchards. Environmental Entomology 37: 1032-1039.

Wise, J. C., Vandervoort, C. and Isaacs, R. (2007) Lethal and sublethal activities of imidacloprid contribute to control of adult Japanese beetle in blueberries. Journal of Economic Entomology 100, 1596-1603.

Recent Extension Publications:

Schilder, A., Isaacs, R., Hanson, E. and Cline, B. (2008) A pocket guide to IPM scouting in highbush blueberries. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2928. 127 pp. Updated.

Isaacs, R., Schilder, T., and Miles, T. (2008) Blueberry aphid and shoestring virus. Michigan Blueberry Facts Publication. Extension Bulletin E-3050. Michigan State University Extension.

Wise, J. C., Gut, L. J., Isaacs, R., Schilder, A. M. C., Sundin, G. W., Zanstra, B., Hanson, E., and Shane, B. (2007, updated annually). Fruit Pest Management Guide 2008. Extension Bulletin E-154. Michigan State University Extension.

Tuell, J. K., Isaacs, R., Fielder, A., Landis, D. A. (2007) Common Bees in Michigan. Slide set available at www.nativeplants.msu.edu.

Fielder, A., Landis, D.A., Isaacs, R. and Tuell, J. K. (2007) An Introduction to Natural Enemies for Biological Control of Pest Insects. Slide set available at www.nativeplants.msu.edu.

Fielder, A., Landis, D. A., Tuell, J. K., and Isaacs, R. (2007) Providing Native Bee Habitat in Your Garden. Entomology Note No. 29, Newsletter of the Michigan Entomological Society 52.

Isaacs, R., and Tuell, J. (2007) Conserving Native Bees on Farmland. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E2985. 4 pp.

Fiedler, A., Tuell, J. T., Isaacs, R., and Landis, D. (2007) Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Plants. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2973. 6 pp.

Brewer, M., Fielder, A., Grafius, E., Harrigan, T., Isaacs, R., Kaiser, M., Landis, D., Langley, S., Martin T., Mutch D., Ngouajio, M., Snapp, S., and Tuell, J. (2007) IPM benefits of managing field borders, cover crops and other noncrop vegetation. P. 32-39. In: Building a Sustainable Future: Ecologically Based Farming Systems, Eds: Mutch, D., Johnson, L., Lenhert, D., Mutch, D., Probyn, L., Renner, K., Smeenk, J., Thalmann, S. and Worthington, L. Extension Bulletin E-2983. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

Epstein, D., Andresen, J., Bird, G., Flore, F., Gut, L. J., McManus, P., Nugent, J., Isaacs, R., Schilder, A., Whalon, M., Sirrine, R. and Sanchez, J. (2007) Tart cherry systems. p. 74-101 In: Building a Sustainable Future: Ecologically Based Farming Systems, Eds: Mutch, D., Johnson, L., Lenhert, D., Mutch, D., Probyn, L., Renner, K., Smeenk, J., Thalmann, S. and Worthington L. Extension Bulletin E-2983. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

For reprints of these articles or other publications, please contact Dr. Isaacs.