Dr. Richard Lindquist's (OARDC Entomology) research program includes three areas:

Evaluation of conventional and biopesticides against many of the major insect and mite pest groups to help obtain data required for registration on greenhouse crops. Included in these studies are application methodology, dosage, timing, and phytotoxicity evaluations. A significant part of this objective is with priority requests of the IR-4 program, which focuses on minor crop pesticide registrations. Many of the newer products being developed are classified as reduced risk pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency. Reduced risk pesticides can generally be used in integrated pest management programs that involve releasing beneficial insects and mites. Beneficial nematodes are also being evaluated as part of this program.

Effects of potting mixes and potting mix components on fungus gnat development and survival. This project is being partially supported by a grant from the F.C. Gloeckner Foundation. Dr. Robert McMahon is a co-investigator in this project. Emphasis is on the effects of coconut coir as a potting mix component on fungus gnat development and survival. Some data from elsewhere indicate that pure coir reduces fungus gnat survival, but that physical media properties and moisture content all play significant roles. Our results to date show that potting mixes with and without a coir component are not different in terms of fungus gnat numbers.