TONIGHT! CEC Meeting

[Sarah Dendy]

Tonight! CEC Meeting

Date: Tuesday, October 10th, 7:30 PM EST

Location: In Person in MCZ 101, on Zoom at https://harvard.zoom.us/j/95244632230?pwd=b0I1OXFzN2twK2dtQ25tdWZMdU1Sdz09#success

Welcome to the first CEC meeting of the academic year!

Title: “Trials, Travels and Tribulations: The Evolution of a Biological Control Program”

Speaker: Christine Dodge (University of California, Riverside)

Summary: Biological control, the use of natural enemies to control a pest, can be an effective way of controlling pest populations and mitigating damage. However, a tremendous amount of work goes into ensuring that a biocontrol program will be successful, effective, and safe. As a loose average, it takes five to ten years to develop a biocontrol program, from the first detection of a pest of concern to the release and monitoring of its natural enemies. My work focuses on two invasive insects with very different biologies: a species complex of ambrosia beetles known as shot hole borers (Euwallacea fornicatus species complex); and box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, a newly invasive but fast-spreading ornamental pest. These programs are at different stages in their development, and each poses unique challenges. In this talk, I will discuss the intricacies of each of these systems, share tales from the lab and field, and detail the progress that has been made in building each of these biocontrol programs.

NOTICE: We will be holding hybrid meetings to accommodate COVID-19 precautions and audience members from around the world.

For those able to attend, we will have an informal dinner at 6:00 pm at Cambridge Common Restaurant with the speaker, followed by our formal meeting (7:30 - 9:00 pm) in room MCZ101 of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (there will be signs to help direct). The meeting will begin with club announcements, followed by a 60-minute presentation by the invited speaker and Q&A. Membership is open to amateur and professional entomologists. Welcome!