Susan E. Webb

Associate Professor of Entomology and Nematology
(70% extension, 25% research, 5% teaching)

Education

B.S., Rutgers University (Biology), 1981
Ph.D., Cornell University (Entomology), 1988

Employment

Associate Professor (1999-present), University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department, IFAS
Associate Professor (1995-1999), University of Florida, Central Florida Research and Education Center, Leesburg, IFAS
Assistant Professor (1988-1995), University of Florida, CFREC-Leesburg, IFAS

Research Responsibilities

My research program focuses mainly on insect vectors of plant viruses and the ecology of insect-vectored plant viruses in vegetable crops, primarily cucurbits. I conduct research on managing insect pests of vegetables with multiple tactics, including cultural and biological controls, host plant resistance, and pesticides. I am interested in organic and sustainable vegetable pest management and plan to expand my program in this area.

Extension Responsibilities

I extend the results of my research and that of others in the areas of vegetable pest management and insect-vectored plant viruses through publications and presentations in support of county extension faculty. For example, I was a coauthor of a 3-CD set of vegetable pest photographs provided to county faculty and offered for sale to others. I work jointly with county faculty on projects aimed at providing practical information to growers and respond to requests for information from county faculty, homeowners, and colleagues. I am responsible for annually updating pesticide recommendations and alternative management strategies for vegetable pests.

Teaching Responsibilities

I have no formal teaching responsibilities but periodically offer a seminar course, "Insect Vectors of Plant Pathogens."

Recent Representative Publications

Webb, S., J. Tsai, and F. Mitchell. 1998. Bionomics of Frankliniella bispinosa and its transmission of tomato spotted wilt virus. p. 67 in D. Peters and R. Goldbach (Eds.), Recent Progress in Tospovirus and Thrips Research, Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Tospoviruses and Thrips in Floral and Vegetable Crops, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Cardoza, Yasmin J., H.J. McAuslane, and S.E. Webb. 2000. Effect of leaf age and silverleaf symptoms on oviposition site selection and development of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on zucchini. Environmental Entomology 29: 220-225.
Webb, S.E., D.G. Riley, and G.E. Brust. 2001. Insect and mite pests. pp. 131-149 in D.N. Maynard (Ed.), Watermelons. Characteristics, Production, and Marketing. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA.
Webb, S.E., E. Hiebert, and T.A. Kucharek. 2003. Identity and distribution of viruses infecting cucurbits in Florida. Phytopathology 93: S89.
Chen, J., H.J. McAuslane, R.B. Carle, and S.E. Webb. 2004. Effects of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) infestation and squash silverleaf disorder on zucchini yield and quality. Journal of Economic Entomology 97: 2083-2094.

Revised April 2006