Dear blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry growers and industry professionals:
A national team of researchers led by Dr. Ash Sial (UGA) with representatives from multiple states across the United States is planning a project to develop sustainable management of thrips including flower thrips and chilli thrips in small fruit crops. In order for us to develop the most effectives and economical strategies to manage thrips in berry crops, we need your feedback and would really appreciate if you could fill out the survey at the following link or just scanning the QR code. It will take only a few minutes to complete the survey.
Your participation is voluntary and confidential. You may stop participating at any time by closing the survey. Participating in this study isn’t an expectation nor requirement of any affiliation you have with NC State or any member of the research team. You must be 18 years of age or older, reside in the United States, and be involved in the small fruit crops industry to participate in this study. You will not be compensated for participating. Participation involves only minimal risk, no more than encountered in everyday life.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Walker using the information below.
Dr. Tegan Walker Evaluation Specialist Southern IPM Center
Dr. Ash Sial is Associate Professor in Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. He has had extensive training in agricultural entomology from various institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from Washington State University where he worked with apple growers to develop sustainable IPM programs for major pests of tree fruits. After graduation, he accepted a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist position at University of California, Berkeley and worked with winegrape growers to develop sustainable IPM programs aimed at managing exotic and emerging arthropod pests such as vine mealybug, and the diseases transmitted by mealybugs such as grapevine leafroll disease. He then joined Cornell University to investigate various aspects of biology and ecology of an invasive insect pest – spotted wing drosophila, which has recently emerged as a major threat to fruit production in the United States. Currently, he serves as the blueberry entomologist and IPM Coordinator for Georgia. At the University of Georgia, the goals of his research program are to investigate biology and ecology of major arthropod pests of blueberries in order to develop sustainable IPM programs, and disseminate that information to all stakeholders including commercial blueberry producers in a timely and convenient manner. He has published numerous peer-reviewed papers, delivered research and Extension presentations including invited guest lectures and a keynote address. He has also served professional societies including Entomological Society of America (ESA) in a leadership role at the regional and national levels. He has been recognized for excellence in research productivity and professional leadership at the regional and national level with several prestigious awards including the John Henry Comstock Award.
