Tropical Research And Education Center

Dr. Dakshina R. Seal

Scientist — Entomology and Nematology

My research and extension responsibilities focus on investigating key aspects of the most damaging insect pests of vegetable crops in South Florida. Primarily, I investigate the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii (Bellows & Perring), melon thrips (Thrips palmi Karny), chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, and cornsilk fly (Euxesta stigmatis Loews). Very little was known about silverleaf whitefly in Miami-Dade County agro-ecosystem before my research studies were initiated to develop an integrated pest management program. It is the most harmful insect on vegetable crops, in Miami-Dade County agro-ecosystem. Melon thrips and chilli thrips are newly established exotic insects in Florida. Melon thrips can completely defoliate a host of any proper control measures. Chilli thrips is considered as one of the thirteen most dangerous pest threats by the Florida Nursery, Landscape and Growers Association. Cornsilk fly is another damaging insect pest which causes 10-15% yield loss in corn even when adequate control measures are used. I take a leadership role in entomological studies in the tropical/subtropical region of South Florida although I collaborate with many state faculty and county agents in various aspects of this work. Secondly, I conduct research and provide educational information on pepper weevil (Anthonomous eugenii Cano), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella (l.)), sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarilus (Fabrilcuius)), and leafminer, Liriomyza trifoli (Burgess)).

To address these insect problems, I conduct research to identify the necessary components of integrated pest management (IPM) programs to control them. These include:

a) Identify the insect causing plant damage,

b) Study the biology and behaviorf of the insect (development, oviposition, reproduction, dialy activity patterns, etc.)

c) Target management tools that aim at controlling the insect pest at the most vulnerable state (biocontrol agent, chemicals, cultural practices, etc.), and other tools using a balance to provide growers with specific and effective IPM programs.

Once I generate information on these IPM practices, I use it in my extension program for: a) growers, b) crop consultants. c) scouts, d) insecticide dealers. I publish my extension findings as EDIS reports, nonrefereed articles, handouts, newsletters, bulletins to reach the above mentioned clientele. For rapid communication of time-sensitive information. I organize growers' field days, make telephone calls and visit farms where insect problems are occuring. In addition, I closely cooperate with Eugene McAvoy (County Extension Director and Extension Agent IV, Hendry County; and Mary Lamberts (Extension Agent IV, Miami-Dade County) to send information through their newsletters. I am an active member of Miami-Dade Vegetable Advisory Committee and Miami-Dade Agri-Council, which gives me a great opportunity to communicate with a wide range of clientele.

Presentations
Public Address
Other Presentations

Posters
- Information on the current status of Thrips Parvispinus (Karny), a new invasive pest of vegetable crops in south Florida - (presented at the 56th annual meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS), Grenada , W.I.)
- Biological insecticides in controlling diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on cabbage in south Florida
- Melon thrips, Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), population abundance and distribution in tomato fields in south Florida - (presented at the Entomological Society of America 2016 Southeastern Branch Meeting)
- Response of Chili Thrips, Scirtothrips Dorsalis to some selective insecticides
- Distribution of the Chili Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), within pepper fields on St. Vincent
- Effects of Nitrogen on the population dynamics of the Chili Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on hydroponically grown jalapeño pepper (Capiscum annuum)

Education
- Ph.D.Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, 1990
- M.S.Entomology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1980
- M.S. Zoology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1977

Publications

Awards and Honors
International

Awards
- Caribbean Food Crop Society, Member, 2005-present
- Bangladesh Zoological Society, Member, 2008-present
Other
- Provided certificate for actively participating in Caribbean Food Crop Society, 2012
National
- Entomological Society of America, Member, 1990-present
- South-Eastern Brtanch, Entomological Society of America, Member, 1990-present
State

Membership
- Florida Entomological Society, Mermber, 1994-present
- Florida State Horticultural Society, Member 1990-present
- Miami-Dade Agricouncil, Member, 2012-present
- Miami-Dade Vegetable Extension Advisory Committeek, Member
Awards
- Best Paper award, Florida State Horticultural Society, 2008
Local
- Certificate of Award for St. Brandan Science Fair Adjudicagtor, 2002
- Certificate of Award for presenting talk on Earth Day at Redondo Elementary School, 2005
- Certificate of Award for organizing Science Fair at Berkshire Middle school, 2005
Other
- Certificate of appreciation for demonstrating insect pests on vegetables, BASF Research Team, 2010
- Certificate of appreciation for training Bayer Crop Sciences Research and Development Team, Bayer Crop Science, 2009.

Tropical Research And Education Center

Tropical Research And Education Center

Public Address

Other Presentations

International

National

State