Alejandro Del-Pozo

Research Philosophy

The focus of my research throughout my career has been on insect ecology and improving pest management through the implementation of IPM strategies in several cropping systems. My main research areas have included the biology, life history and natural enemies of my focal studied organisms.

Program Focus

My goal is to provide science-based solutions to implement IPM programs for the ornamental and turf grass industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

I am also interested in several research areas targeting pest management questions:

• Pest population dynamics: using remote pest monitoring (automated pheromone traps) and remote sensing (hyperspectral signatures) to track pest densities
• Conservational Biological Control: Use of insectary plants to promote beneficials
• Augmentative Biological Control: Use of drones to release beneficials
• Chemical Control: Finding alternatives to broad-spectrum insecticides

Current Research Projects

Monitoring the occurrence of the brown marmorated stink bug in the coastal area of Virginia (led by Julie Brindley)

Comparison of Amblyseius cucumeris and Orius insidiosus for biological control of Frankliniella occidentalis on greenhouse interspecific geraniums (led by Christopher Epes)

Phenology, forecasting and landscape ecology of the redheaded flea beetle in Virginia nurseries (led by Eleanor Lane)

Recruiting Graduate Students

I am actively looking for highly-motivated and hard-working students to be part of this team. If interested in applying, please send me an email at adelpozo@vt.edu with your Resume. Let’s talk!

Extension Philosophy

When I think about Extension, I envision this connection between research and public good. The type of applied research conducted to answer practical questions asked from members of a community. To me, extension means sharing research information in face-to-face interactions with stakeholders at their operations. Extension is also a ‘two-way street’, where these interactions are invaluable experiences to researchers, since we learn from the stakeholders as well as provide to them with tangible science-based solutions for their specific needs. Trust is built from these interactions, where stakeholders openly communicate to us, the researchers; and we have accessible, encouraging and science-based responses addressing any inquiry or issue.

My biggest professional inspiration is seeing how science and research helps stakeholders to implement IPM strategies, under their specific settings and systems. I consider myself an ‘IPM facilitator’. I really enjoy being a ‘facilitator’ and connecting multiple research experts with stakeholder needs and vice versa, bringing the community concerns and needs to other researchers prioritizing topics and areas of interest in which they would like to conduct research.  Extensionists are facilitators by playing the vital role of informing stakeholders of the most relevant, up-to-date, available and effective options to address their needs.

Some additional information on my previous extension experience can be found at:

https://entomologytoday.org/2019/04/18/how-entomologist-found-calling-ipm-facilitator-alejandro-del-pozo-valdivia/

https://ag.fmc.com/us/en/fmc-minute/minute-managing-vegetable-pests-diamide-insecticides

https://fmcgoodtogrow.com/episodes/strategies-to-protect-the-diamide-insecticide-toolbox/

Refereed Publications

• Lawrie, R., R. D. Mitchell, J. M. Deguenon, L. Ponnusamy, D. Reisig, A. Del Pozo-Valdivia, Ryan W. Kurtz, and R. M. Roe. 2020. Multiple Mechanisms of Field Bt-Resistance and Possible Role of an Enhanced Immune System in the Bollworm, Helicoverpa zea, by analyzing Differences in Gene Expression with RNAseq. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 21: 6528
• Babu, A., A. I. Del Pozo-Valdivia, and D. D. Reisig. 2020. Baseline Flight Potential of Euschistus servus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Its Implications on Local Dispersal. Environ. Entomol. 49: 699 – 708.
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I., D. D. Reisig, C. Arellano, and R. Heiniger. 2018. A Case for Comprehensive Analytical Analyses Demonstrated by Evaluating the Yield Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatment in Corn (Zea mays L.). Crop Prot. 110: 171 – 182.
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I. and D. D. Reisig. 2017. Diel Flight Activity and Intra-Plant Distribution of Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) Adults in Soybean. J. Entomol. Sci. 52: 311 – 322.
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I. and J. J. Brown. 2017. Speckled Green Fruitworm. In Insect Pest Management in Hybrid Poplars Series. FS270E. Washington State University Extension, Pullman, WA.
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I. and J. J. Brown. 2017. Gluphisia septentrionis Walker. In Insect Pest Management in Hybrid Poplars Series. FS271E. Washington State University Extension, Pullman, WA.
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I., D. D. Reisig, and J. S. Bacheler. 2016. Interaction of Tillage, Maturity Group, and Insecticide Use on Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) Populations in Double Cropped Soybean. J. Econ. Entomol. 110: 168-176.
• Dhammi A., J. B. van Krestchmar, L. Ponnusamy, J. S. Bacheler, D. D. Reisig, A. Herbert, A. I. Del Pozo-Valdivia, and R. M. Roe. 2016. Biology, pest status, microbiome and control of kudzu bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Plataspidae): a new invasive pest in the U.S. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 17: 1570.
• Lincoln, T. R., R. A. Schmidt-Jeffris, and A. I. Del Pozo-Valdivia. 2016. 2014 Student Debates: Management Strategies: Solutions to Grand Challenges. J. Amer. Entomol. Am. Entomol. 62: 98-107.
• Fritz, B. J., C. E. Sorenson, T. E. Carter Jr., A. I. Del Pozo-Valdivia, and D. D. Reisig. 2016. Host Plant Resistance to Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) in Diverse Soybean Germplasm Maturity Groups V through VIII. J. Econ. Entomol. 109: 1438-1449.
• Seiter, N. J., A. I. Del Pozo-Valdivia, J. K. Greene, F. P. Reay-Jones, P. M. Roberts, and D. D. Reisig. 2016. Management of Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) at Different Stages of Soybean (Fabales: Fabaceae) Development. J. Econ. Entomol. 109: 1167-1176.
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I., N. J. Seiter, D. D. Reisig, J. K. Greene, F. P. Reay-Jones, and J. S. Bacheler. 2016. Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) Population Dynamics in Soybeans as Influenced by Planting Date, Maturity Group, and Insecticide Use. J. Econ. Entomol. 109: 1141-1155.
• Seiter, N. J., A. I. Del Pozo-Valdivia, J. K. Greene, F. P. Reay-Jones, P. M. Roberts, and D. D. Reisig. 2015. Action Thresholds for Managing Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) in Soybean Based on Sweep-Net Sampling. J. Econ. Entomol. 108: 1818-1829
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. I., and D. Reisig. 2013. First-generation Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) Can Develop on Soybeans. J. Econ. Entomol. 106: 533-535

Non-referred and Technical Publications

• Hasegawa, D., A. Del Pozo and J. P. Dundore. Documenting the Impact of Western Flower Thrips and Inpatients Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) in Lettuce Fields in the Salinas Valley. XXIII, 4: 34 – 39
  
• Smith, R., A. Del Pozo and D. Hasegawa. 2020. The Role of Weeds as Hosts and Overwintering Sites for Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus. CAPCA Adviser Magazine. XXIII, 3: 36 – 40
• Del Pozo, A. 2020. Susceptibility of Aphids to Insecticides Used in California Central Coast Lettuce. CAPCA Adviser Magazine. XXIII, 1: 38 – 40
• Del Pozo, A. and G. Colfer. 2019. Promoting Conservational Biocontrol by Using Insectary Plants in Organic Lettuce. CAPCA Adviser Magazine. XXII, 2: 38 – 43
• Del Pozo, A., H. A. Merchan and R. Smith. 2018. Management of Aphids in Lettuce Grown in California Central Coast. CAPCA Adviser Magazine XI, 4: 40 – 43
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. 2016. Effects of Agronomic Practices on the Invasive Soybean Pest Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae). Ph.D. dissertation. Raleigh, NC
• Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. 2011. Describing the Natural History and Control of Two Defoliators (Orthosia hibisci Guenée and Gluphisia septentrionis Walker) in Pacific Northwest Hybrid Poplars. M.S. thesis. Pullman, WA
• Brown, J., R. Rodstrom, A. Del Pozo, J. Niedbala, B. Carlson, and D. Walsh. 2011, 2010, 2009. Progress Reports to GreenWood Resources. Pullman, WA

The list of my peer-reviewed publications can be found at

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Ip5pGr0AAAAJ&hl=en