Person

Sebe Anthony Brown

Assistant Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Field Crop Entomology

Overview

I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in December of 2021 as the field crop entomologist located at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson, TN. I came to UTIA from the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria, LA where I spent three years as the state-wide field crops research and extension entomologist. Although I have responsibilities as a field crop entomologist, my favorite crop to work in is cotton. My dissertation research focused on twospotted spider mite management and ecology in cotton.

At the University of Tennessee, I have a 25% research and 75% extension appointment. I perform applied research related to field crop entomology including evaluation of IPM tactics, insecticide efficacy, insecticide resistance and transgenic technologies for Tennessee producers. Much of this information is gleaned from producers, county agents, crop consultants, agrochemical industry professionals and field investigations. We provide answers to these questions through applied research designed to provide economically feasible and practical recommendations to our growers. Information is distributed to our clientele through county agricultural agents, UTcrops.com website utcrops.com blog, IPM newsletters, stakeholders and agent in-service meetings.

My research/extension appointment allows me the flexibility to readily address producer problems with my team at the WTREC in Jackson. To operate a successful field crop entomology program, teamwork is essential. I take a hands-on approach to every aspect of field crop entomology and leverage the skills of my team to accomplish the goals of the program. No one works for me, they work with m

Research Focus

My research focus is centered around current and emerging issues in row crops. The type and magnitude of pest issues faced by our clientele change yearly. It's crucial for my lab to swiftly tackle a broad spectrum of immediate pest problems.

Outreach Focus

My extension philosophy emphasizes stakeholder communication and collaboration. Working with county agents and growers gives firsthand insight into potential issues, fostering a transparent program that encourages client participation.

Teaching Focus

My teaching emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging active participation from 4H to farmers. With graduate and undergraduate students, I play an active role, promoting critical thinking and applied problem-solving.

Research Questions
  • What role does new transgenic technologies play in Tennessee agriculture?
  • Do commercially available Bt corn and cotton varieties control target insects in the landscape?
  • What use rates and application timings of commercially available insecticides provide the greatest level of insect control while also providing the best ROI?
  • What factors increase pest densities in field crops?
Picture of Sebe Anthony Brown
216 WTES Center for Agricultural Research
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301-3201
Education and Training
  • PhD, Entomology, Louisiana St U Cen Office, 2017

Sebe Anthony Brown

Assistant Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Sebe Anthony Brown image
216 WTES Center for Agricultural Research
605 Airways Boulevard
Jackson, TN 38301-3201
Education and Training
  • PhD, Entomology, Louisiana St U Cen Office, 2017
Overview

I joined the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in December of 2021 as the field crop entomologist located at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson, TN. I came to UTIA from the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria, LA where I spent three years as the state-wide field crops research and extension entomologist. Although I have responsibilities as a field crop entomologist, my favorite crop to work in is cotton. My dissertation research focused on twospotted spider mite management and ecology in cotton.

At the University of Tennessee, I have a 25% research and 75% extension appointment. I perform applied research related to field crop entomology including evaluation of IPM tactics, insecticide efficacy, insecticide resistance and transgenic technologies for Tennessee producers. Much of this information is gleaned from producers, county agents, crop consultants, agrochemical industry professionals and field investigations. We provide answers to these questions through applied research designed to provide economically feasible and practical recommendations to our growers. Information is distributed to our clientele through county agricultural agents, UTcrops.com website utcrops.com blog, IPM newsletters, stakeholders and agent in-service meetings.

My research/extension appointment allows me the flexibility to readily address producer problems with my team at the WTREC in Jackson. To operate a successful field crop entomology program, teamwork is essential. I take a hands-on approach to every aspect of field crop entomology and leverage the skills of my team to accomplish the goals of the program. No one works for me, they work with m

Research Focus

My research focus is centered around current and emerging issues in row crops. The type and magnitude of pest issues faced by our clientele change yearly. It's crucial for my lab to swiftly tackle a broad spectrum of immediate pest problems.

Outreach Focus

My extension philosophy emphasizes stakeholder communication and collaboration. Working with county agents and growers gives firsthand insight into potential issues, fostering a transparent program that encourages client participation.

Teaching Focus

My teaching emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging active participation from 4H to farmers. With graduate and undergraduate students, I play an active role, promoting critical thinking and applied problem-solving.

Research Questions
  • What role does new transgenic technologies play in Tennessee agriculture?
  • Do commercially available Bt corn and cotton varieties control target insects in the landscape?
  • What use rates and application timings of commercially available insecticides provide the greatest level of insect control while also providing the best ROI?
  • What factors increase pest densities in field crops?