Rufus Isaacs

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University Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist
MSU Extension

Degrees:
PhD - University of London (1994)
BS - University of London (1994)

Bio

Dr. Rufus Isaacs leads research and extension efforts supporting sustainable pest management and crop pollination in Michigan berry crops. His work focuses on developing monitoring, biocontrol and cultural practices that integrate with selective insecticides within integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Recent projects address the invasive spotted wing Drosophila, a global economic threat to berry growers, and a native blueberry stem gall wasp. His lab also studies crop pollination, emphasizing the conservation of native bees and integrated crop pollination systems. Isaacs trains postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate students, welcoming those with an interest in insect diversity, conservation and management.

Concentrations

Pollination
Berry Crops
Berry Crops IPM
Pollinator Conservation
Crop Pollination

Courses Taught

ENT812: Pollination Ecology.

ENT812: Advanced Topics in Integrated Pest Management

Research

Isaacs’ research program examines insect ecology and behavior to improve sustainable pest management in berry crops, including blueberry, grape, raspberry and strawberry. His work tests reduced-risk insecticides, develops new control tools and integrates tactics into established IPM programs. Ongoing projects focus on rapid response to spotted wing Drosophila and the blueberry stem gall wasp. He also studies crop pollination, with an emphasis on the biology and conservation of native bees. His lab recently led a nationwide project to develop sustainable pollination practices for specialty crops, collaborating with four MSU programs and 15 institutions across the U.S.

Learn more about the Isaacs Lab at MSU.

Outreach

Isaacs’ extension efforts provide research-based recommendations for berry crop pest management, emphasizing decision tools, conservation practices and IPM strategies. He has led statewide and regional responses to spotted wing Drosophila, delivering guidance through talks, publications, websites, webinars and on-farm trials. His extension work also includes pollinator conservation, offering information on bee forage, habitat enhancement and landscape-level planning. He engages students and postdocs in extension activities, preparing the next generation of entomologists to work with growers, garden groups, conservation organizations and federal agencies.