About Me
Dr. Elena Rhodes is currently a Biological Scientist at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida in the Small Fruit and Vegetable IPM Laboratory. Her current research focuses on the management of insect and mite pests in organic strawberry production.
Recent publications and presentations
- Rhodes, E. M., P. B. Avery, and O. E. Liburd. 2018. Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungal products for biological control of spotted wing drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) under laboratory conditions. Florida Entomol. 103: 526-528.
- Rhodes, E. M., N. Benda, and O. E. 2017. Monitoring and distribution of blueberry gall midge, Dasineura oxycoccana, in rabbiteye blueberries in Florida. Acta Horticulturae 1180: 305-312
- Rhodes, E. M. and O. E. Liburd. 2014. Beat blueberry gall midge Growing Produce.
- Rhodes, E. M., I. Iglesias, J. Spies, and O. E. Liburd. 2018. Beetles vs blueberries, Update on flatheaded borers infesting blueberry plantings in central and north-central Florida. The Blueberry News, Summer 2018: 36-37.
- Rhodes, E. M. and O. E. Liburd. 2014. Yellowmargined leaf beetle: a pest of cole crops ENY-872. Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
- Surveys for spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, in strawberries and other small fruits in Alachua Co. Florida Presentation given at the XXV International Congress of Entomology.
- Spotted wing drosophila monitoring and distribution on organic strawberries in Florida. Presentation given at the Entomological Society of America 2017 annual meeting
- Ecology and management of the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, and its natural enemies in organic strawberries in Florida Presentation given at the Florida Entomological Society 2018 annual meeting
My Definition of Intergrated Pest Management
A pest management strategy that combines the use of multiple tactics to control a target pest. Knowledge of the biology and ecology of the pest is essential. Sufficient and accurate monitoring is key to the success of an IPM program.
Recent Grants and Awards
- Liburd, O. E. and E. M. Rhodes. 2013-2014. Monitoring and management of current, emerging, and invasive arthropod pests of Florida strawberries. Florida Strawberry Growers Association $22,669.00
- Liburd, O. E. and E. M. Rhodes. 2013-2014. Improving integrated pest management of key pests to increase productivity and sustainable production of Florida blueberries. Specialty Block Grant, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services $103,180.00
- 3rd Place in Ph.D. student paper competition at the Florida Entomological Society annual meeting in 2009