Person

Midhula Gireesh

Assistant Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Turfgrass and Ornamental Insect Pest Management

Overview

I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in June 2023. Prior to joining UT, I was a post-doctoral research associate at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, University of Florida. Under the supervision of Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri, my research focused on developing integrated pest management strategies for thrips pests of strawberry. My applied research involved manipulation of available management strategies including cultural control, biological control, and chemical control to suppress Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalisHood) and Twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) populations in conventional and organic strawberry fields. Besides research responsibilities, I have utilized opportunities to foster my skills in extension through face-to-face interaction with growers, field visits, extension meetings, presentation, and publications. Additionally, I was engaged in mentoring of graduate students and student interns in setting up projects, manuscript preparation, and professional development and served as a journal peer reviewer.

I received my Ph.D. at the University of Georgia under the guidance of Dr. Shimat V Joseph in the Department of Entomology. My doctoral research involved developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for hunting billbugs in the turfgrass production (sod) farms of central Georgia. My initial research goals were to record the major billbug species, their seasonal occurrence, abundance, and movement activity in the turfgrass. Later, my research focused on determining the influence of abiotic factors on the movement of hunting billbugs under field, semi-field, lab conditions and the spatial distribution of hunting billbugs. Ultimately, the aim was to improve the sampling plan and develop an IPM strategy for hunting billbugs problem in sod farms. Additionally, I have conducted a survey to determine the major turfgrass pests and current management practices adopted by golf course superintendents and sod producers.

From my experience in UF IFAS, and before that in Georgia, I believe that identifying specific needs from the grower is critical in developing a successful program. Through my doctoral and postdoctoral programs, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with entomologists, horticulturists, sod producers, golf course superintendents, strawberry growers, and industries. I believe these experiences will be valuable in developing insect management programs, and I hope to utilize my skills and expertise as an extension entomologist serving the needs of the nursery, ornamentals and turfgrass industries in Tennessee.

Research Focus

My research focuses on current, emerging, and invasive pest management in turfgrass, ornamentals, and nursery plants. Using integrated pest management, I aim to address issues and develop strategies with minimal environmental impact.

Teaching Focus

I do not have an academic teaching appointment but educating a diverse audience through my extension program is my teaching focus. Moreover, I am interested in mentoring motivated students.

Outreach Focus

My extension program promotes IPM for turfgrass, ornamentals, and nursery plants. Understanding clientele needs is crucial. Close collaboration with county agents and the Soil, Plant, and Pest center provides key insights.

Research Questions
  • What are the major insect pest problems in turfgrass, ornamentals and nursery production?
  • What are the current management strategies adopted in controlling turfgrass and ornamental insect pests?
  • Are non-chemical options effective in managing insect pests?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EPP 509 - Plant Health Diagnostics – Horticultural and Specialty Crops
3 credit hour(s)

Practical experience diagnosing plant health problems caused by insects, nematodes, microbial pathogens, and abiotic stresses. Students will use modern plant health diagnostics tools and techniques both in the laboratory and field to diagnose health problems of horticultural crops, orchard, and specialty crops in fields, orchards, forests, and urban landscapes.

Contact Hour Distribution: One week summer workshop.
Comment(s): Offered in odd years at the Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville, TN.

Other Instructors: Ranabhat, Nar B.

Picture of Midhula Gireesh
5201 Marchant Dr.
Nashville, TN 37211
Education and Training
  • PhD, Entomology, University of Georgia, 2021
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

Midhula Gireesh

Assistant Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Midhula Gireesh image
5201 Marchant Dr.
Nashville, TN 37211
Education and Training
  • PhD, Entomology, University of Georgia, 2021
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Overview

I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in June 2023. Prior to joining UT, I was a post-doctoral research associate at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, University of Florida. Under the supervision of Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri, my research focused on developing integrated pest management strategies for thrips pests of strawberry. My applied research involved manipulation of available management strategies including cultural control, biological control, and chemical control to suppress Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalisHood) and Twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) populations in conventional and organic strawberry fields. Besides research responsibilities, I have utilized opportunities to foster my skills in extension through face-to-face interaction with growers, field visits, extension meetings, presentation, and publications. Additionally, I was engaged in mentoring of graduate students and student interns in setting up projects, manuscript preparation, and professional development and served as a journal peer reviewer.

I received my Ph.D. at the University of Georgia under the guidance of Dr. Shimat V Joseph in the Department of Entomology. My doctoral research involved developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for hunting billbugs in the turfgrass production (sod) farms of central Georgia. My initial research goals were to record the major billbug species, their seasonal occurrence, abundance, and movement activity in the turfgrass. Later, my research focused on determining the influence of abiotic factors on the movement of hunting billbugs under field, semi-field, lab conditions and the spatial distribution of hunting billbugs. Ultimately, the aim was to improve the sampling plan and develop an IPM strategy for hunting billbugs problem in sod farms. Additionally, I have conducted a survey to determine the major turfgrass pests and current management practices adopted by golf course superintendents and sod producers.

From my experience in UF IFAS, and before that in Georgia, I believe that identifying specific needs from the grower is critical in developing a successful program. Through my doctoral and postdoctoral programs, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with entomologists, horticulturists, sod producers, golf course superintendents, strawberry growers, and industries. I believe these experiences will be valuable in developing insect management programs, and I hope to utilize my skills and expertise as an extension entomologist serving the needs of the nursery, ornamentals and turfgrass industries in Tennessee.

Research Focus

My research focuses on current, emerging, and invasive pest management in turfgrass, ornamentals, and nursery plants. Using integrated pest management, I aim to address issues and develop strategies with minimal environmental impact.

Teaching Focus

I do not have an academic teaching appointment but educating a diverse audience through my extension program is my teaching focus. Moreover, I am interested in mentoring motivated students.

Outreach Focus

My extension program promotes IPM for turfgrass, ornamentals, and nursery plants. Understanding clientele needs is crucial. Close collaboration with county agents and the Soil, Plant, and Pest center provides key insights.

Research Questions
  • What are the major insect pest problems in turfgrass, ornamentals and nursery production?
  • What are the current management strategies adopted in controlling turfgrass and ornamental insect pests?
  • Are non-chemical options effective in managing insect pests?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EPP 509 - Plant Health Diagnostics – Horticultural and Specialty Crops
3 credit hour(s)

Practical experience diagnosing plant health problems caused by insects, nematodes, microbial pathogens, and abiotic stresses. Students will use modern plant health diagnostics tools and techniques both in the laboratory and field to diagnose health problems of horticultural crops, orchard, and specialty crops in fields, orchards, forests, and urban landscapes.

Contact Hour Distribution: One week summer workshop.
Comment(s): Offered in odd years at the Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville, TN.

Other Instructors: Ranabhat, Nar B.