Entomology Society fetes LSU’s Blake Wilson with early career Extension award

lsu agcenter entomologist Blake Wilson
LSU AgCenter Extension entomologist Blake Wilson

The Entomology Society of America recently recognized a handful of scientists, educators and students who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to entomology.

Among those was Dr. Blake Wilson of the Louisiana State University AgCenter, who received received the ECP Extension Award. It is given to a student transition or early professional who excels in entomological Extension.

Winners will be honored during Entomology 2021, ESA’s annual meeting, which will be held in-person and online, Oct. 31–Nov. 3, in Denver, Colorado.

Blake Wilson, LSU AgCenter

Wilson is an assistant professor and Extension specialist with the LSU AgCenter. He leads a field crops entomology research and Extension program focused on integrated pest management of rice and sugarcane insects. He received his bachelor of science in biology, a master of science in entomology/experimental statistics and a doctorate in entomology from LSU before joining the faculty in 2017.

His Extension activities aim to promote sustainable integrated pest management strategies that maximize grower profitability. These include pheromone-based scouting methods and targeted insecticide applications.

IPM programs

Wilson has developed cultivar-specific management guides based on pest susceptibility and yield loss relationships. He also works to monitor invasive species expansion and raise awareness about the arrival of new insect threats.

In addition, Wilson works closely with producers and crop consultants to conduct on-farm trials demonstrating new pest management strategies.

His research focuses on host plant resistance, yield loss relationships and sampling strategies of key insect pests. Wilson also studies invasive species ecology and biological control.

He has been active in ESA throughout his career. He participated frequently in the Entomology Games and Student Debate as a graduate student and now serves as the faculty advisor for LSU’s teams.

He is a previous recipient of the Kirby Hays M.S. Student Award and the John H. Comstock Ph.D. Student Award from the Southeastern Branch of ESA.

The Entomology Society of America contributed this article.

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