Russell (Russ) F. Mizell III

Professor of Entomology

Current Projects

"Sustainable – Organic" Cropping Systems

Current projects include:

• The development of year-round trap crop systems to manage the four main species of stink bugs and leaffooted bugs in any type of crop production system including homeowners.
• The improvement of stink bug detection and monitoring methods.
• The improvement of weevil detection and monitoring methods.
• The attraction and enhancement of natural enemies of stink bugs and other arthropod pests.

Nursery Crop Production

Insect and mites are very important pests of most nursery-grown plants, and as a result nursery growers incur significant expenses to manage them. Pest management programs in research and extension are aimed at developing the necessary biology, ecology and management information to support "green" industry needs.  More...

Pierce's Disease / Glassywinged Sharpshooter

Pierce's disease precludes the establishment of industries based on plums or European-grape varieties. Pierce's disease is caused by a xylem-limited bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa and is vectored by leafhoppers.

The Glassywinged Sharpshooter (Homalodisca coagulata) feeds exclusively on xylem fluid. It is the primary vector in north Florida, and has recently been introduced to California where it threatens a 30 billion dollar grape industry. Peach, almond and numerous ornamental species are also affected by X. fastidiosa.  More...

Peach Pest Management

Peaches are one of the most nutritious foods available and once were an important crop in Florida. They still have much potential as a crop but are attacked by many arthropod and disease pests. Currently, projects (also see insect-plant-disease interactions above) are looking at several aspects of the biology, behavior and management of peach insects including plum curculio and stink bugs. With colleagues in Georgia and the USDA, ARS, the use of nematodes as biological control agents of plum curculio and the peachtree borers is being investigated.

Weevils

A queriable database on the Curculionoidea (weevils and relatives) is being developed along with investigating new weevil monitoring methods.

Biological Control

I am interested in the use and manipulation of biological control agents to suppress pests in crops. I have several ongoing projects that address various aspects of the behavior and biology of generalist arthropod predators.

Special Pest Problems

I am interested in addressing arthropod related problems that affect man and animals which present difficult barriers and require novel solutions, e.g., great challenges that require imagination, creativity and ingenuity. One of my success stories involves combating Deer Flies (Chrysops spp.) as pests of man and pets.

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