Dr. Smitley works closely with the turfgrass,  nursery and floriculture industries on identifying and solving insect pest problems.  Applied research is followed with extension recommendations for growers.  In 1991, Dr. Smitley worked with Dr. Bauer to introduce Entomophaga maimaiga, a fungal pathogen of gypsy moth, into Michigan.   E. maimaiga is now widespread throughout the state, and is helping to suppress gypsy moth.  Dr. Smitley is now studying the impact of E. maimaiga on gypsy moth populations.  In turf, Dr. Smitley has been investigating the role of predators and the bacterial pathogen, Bacillus popillae, in regulating populations of Ataenius spretulus and Aphodius granarius on golf courses.  In the last five years, he has also researched winter mortality of gypsy moth, interactions of water stress and honeylocust spider mite, and the host preference of gypsy moth among ornamental trees and shrubs.