Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences [Dept. of Entomology]

Cesar Rodriguez-Saona

Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
Assistant Extension Specialist in Entomology
PE Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension

http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~bluecran/

e-mail: crodriguez@aesop.rutgers.edu

Education:
1999 Ph.D. University of California, Riverside
1994 M.S. Oregon State University
1991 B.S. Universidad Nacional Agraria, Peru

Abstract:  The goal of my research program is the development and implementation of cost-effective reduced-risk IPM practices for blueberries and cranberries.  This goal is achieved through the integration of chemical, behavioral, and biological methods in insect control and a better understanding on the ecology of pests and their natural enemies.  My extension program delivers IPM information to growers by conducting on-farm demonstration trials, presentations, and extension publications. 

Research Interest and Expertise:  Integrated Pest Management, Tritrophic Interactions, Biological Control, Insect Chemical Ecology, Insect-Plant Interactions, Host Plant Resistance

Research Projects:

  • Development and implementation of new reduced-risk insect management strategies for blueberries and cranberries
  • Host plant volatiles for pest monitoring and control
  • Cues in host location by natural enemies
  • Induced resistance for management of blueberry and cranberry pests
  • Attract-and-kill approaches for blueberry maggot control
  • Mating disruption for control of cranberry and blueberry pests
  • Identification of pheromones for insect monitoring and management

Professional Experience:

  • Post-doctoral Research Entomologist. 2004-2005. Department of Entomology. Michigan State University.
  • Post-doctoral Research Entomologist. 2001-2004. Department of Botany. University of Toronto.
  • Post-Doctoral Research Entomologist. 1999-2001. USDA-ARS. Western Cotton Research Lab.

Recent Publications:

  • Rodriguez-Saona, C., Poland, T.M., Miller, J.R., Stelinski, L.L., Grant, G.G., de Groot, P., Buchan, L. and MacDonald, L. 2006. Behavioral and electrophysiological responses of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, to induced volatiles of Manchurian ash, Fraxinus mandshurica. Chemoecology. In Press.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C. and Thaler, J.S. 2005. Induced plant responses and patch heterogeneity affect abundance of arthropods on plants. Ecol. Entomol. 30: 156-163.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C., Chalmers, J.A., Raj, S., and Thaler, J.S. 2005. Induced plant responses to multiple damagers: Differential effects on an herbivore and its parasitoid. Oecologia. 143: 566-577.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C. and Thaler, J.S. 2005. The jasmonate pathway alters herbivore feeding behavior: Consequences for plant defenses. Entomol. Exp. et Appl. 115: 125-134.
  • Williams, L. III, Rodriguez-Saona, C., Paré, P.W., and Crafts-Brandner, S.J. 2005. The piercing-sucking herbivores Lygus hesperus and Nezara viridula induce volatile emissions in plants. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 58: 84-96.
  • Blackmer, J.L., Rodriguez-Saona, C., Byers, J.A., Shope, K.L., and Smith, J.P. 2004. Behavioral response of Lygus hesperus to conspecifics and headspace volatiles of alfalfa in a Y-tube olfactometer. J. Chem. Ecol. 30: 1547-1564.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C., S. J. Crafts-Brandner, and L. Cañas. 2003. Volatile emissions triggered by multiple herbivore damage: beet armyworm and whitefly feeding on cotton plants. J. Chem. Ecol. 29: 2521-2532.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C., S.J. Crafts-Brandner, L. Williams III, and P.W. Paré. 2002. Lygus hesperus feeding and salivary gland extracts induce volatile emissions in plants. J. Chem. Ecol. 28: 1721-1735.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C., S.J. Crafts-Brandner, P.W. Paré, and T.J. Henneberry. 2001. Exogenous methyl jasmonate induces volatile emissions in cotton plants. J. Chem. Ecol. 27: 679-695.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C. and J. T. Trumble. 2000. Secretory avocado idioblast oil cells: Evidence of their defensive role against non-adapted insect herbivores. Entomol. Exp. et Appl. 94: 183-194.
  • Rodriguez-Saona, C., D.F. Maynard, S. Phillips, and J.T. Trumble. 2000. Avocadofurans and their tetrahydrofuran analogs: Comparison of growth inhibitory and insecticidal activity. J. Agric. and Food Chem. 48: 3642-3645.

Awards:

  • Pacific Branch ESA Winner of the John Henry Comstock Award. 83rd Annual Meeting Pacific Branch of the ESA. Eugene, Oregon. 1999.
  • 1988-99 Lesley Award. University of California, Riverside.
  • First Place Oral Presentation. Ph.D. Competition. 82nd Annual Meeting Pacific Branch of the ESA. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1998.
  • President's Prize. Honorable Mention. Section Fa Poster Presentation. 1997 ESA Annual Meeting.  Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Outstanding Teaching Assistant. Department of Entomology. University of California, Riverside. 1996-1997
  • First Place Oral Presentation. Ph.D. Competition. 80th Annual Meeting Pacific Branch of the ESA. Big Sky, Montana. 1996.
  • First Runner-Up Oral Presentation. Ph.D. Competition. 79th Annual Meeting Pacific Branch of the ESA. San Diego, California. 1995.

Professional Affiliations:

  • International Society of Chemical Ecology
  • Entomological Society of Canada
  • Ecological Society of America
  • Entomological Society of America
  • Entomological Society of Peru
  • New Jersey Agribusiness Association

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