Szendrei partnering to improve pest control in vegetables while protecting pollinators
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EmailVegetable entomologist Zsofia Szendrei is part of a multi-state team of researchers awarded a $3.6 million USDA-Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant.
Vegetable entomologist Zsofia Szendrei is part of a multi-state team of researchers awarded a $3.6 million USDA-Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant. The project is led by Purdue University insect ecologist Ian Kaplan. The team will examine how neonicotinoid pesticides are used by growers of cucurbits, or members of the gourd family.
Szendrei is receiving $330,000 for three years for her research on pickling cucumbers in Michigan, which ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for the amount produced. The goal of the project is to find ways for farmers to achieve effective pest control in cucumbers while protecting the health of honey bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.
Deformed cucumbers due to poor pollination.
