Research Interests
My main research focus is microbial pest control, particularly the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in insect pest management of cotton and pecan orchards. One of my current research projects is to test the efficacy of a new strain of EPF versus commercial strains against cotton whiteflies, aphids, and pecan weevil as well as the commercializing potential. Meanwhile, I am also interested in exploring the potential of EPF as endophytes to provide natural suppression of insect pests and plant diseases. This includes both natural occurrence and inoculation of endophytic fungi in cotton and pecan.
Funded Grants (Total $249,471)
1. Biorational control of annual bluegrass weevil adults and larvae with petroleum-derived spray oils and soil surfactants. United States Golf Association Green Section + Chapters, Tri-State Research Foundation, Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science. FY 2017-2018, $39,000. PI: A.M. Koppenhöfer. (Co-PI)
2. Biological control of annual bluegrass weevil with novel formulation types and application systems for entomopathogenic fungi: Microsclerotia-based formulations and hydrogels. United States Golf Association Green Section + Chapters. FY 2016-2017, $37,000. PI: A.M. Koppenhöfer. (Co-PI)
3. Developing optimal management programs for annual bluegrass weevil populations with different insecticide resistance levels. United States Golf Association Green Section + Chapters. FY 2016-2017, $39,991. PI: A.M. Koppenhöfer. (Co-PI)
4. Biorational control of important golf turf insect pests. United States Golf Association Green Section. FY 2015-2016, $38,128. PI: A.M. Koppenhöfer. (Co-PI)
5. Trapping click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) with pheromone traps. Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. FY 2014-2015, $64,900. PI: Gadi V.P. Reddy. (Cooperator)
6. Evaluation of effectiveness of entomopathogens for the management of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) on spring wheat. Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. FY 2014-2015, $30,452. PI: Gadi V.P. Reddy. (Cooperator)
Selected publications
Book chapter
1. Koppenhöfer, A.M. and Wu, S. 2017. Microbial control of insect pests of turfgrass. In L. Lacey (ed), Microbial Agents for Control of Insect Pests: from theory to practice. Academic Press, pp. 331-341.
2. Wu, S., Reddy, G.V.P. and Jaronski, S.T. 2014. Advances in microbial insect control in horticultural ecosystem, In D. Nandawani (ed), Sustainable Horticultural Systems, Sustainable Development and Biodiversity 2, Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, pp. 223-252.
Peer-reviewed papers
1. Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S., Koppenhӧfer, A.M. 2018. Effect of temperature on post-diapause reproductive diapause in Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research. (In review)
2. Kostromytska, O.S., Wu, S., Koppenhӧfer, A.M. 2018. Developing diagnostic dose assays for the detection and monitoring of the pyrethroid resistance in Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations. Journal of Economic Entomology. (Accepted)
3. Koppenhӧfer, A.M., Kostromytska, O.S., Wu, S. 2018. Pyrethroid-resistance level affects performance of larvicides and adulticides from different insecticide classes in populations of Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. doi: 10.1093/jee/toy142
4. Kostromytska, O.S., Wu, S., Koppenhӧfer, A.M. 2018. Cross-resistance patterns to insecticides of several chemical classes among Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) populations with different levels of resistance to pyrethroids. Journal of Economic Entomology. 111: 391-398. doi: 10.1093/jee/tox345
5. Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S., Xue, F., Koppenhӧfer, A.M. 2018. Chilling effect on termination of reproductive diapause in Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of Insect Physiology. 104: 25-32. DOI: 10.1016/ j.jinsphys.2017.11.005
6. Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S., Koppenhӧfer, A.M. 2017. Synergistic combinations of a pyrethroid insecticide and an emulsifiable oil formulation of Beauveria bassiana to overcome insecticide resistance in Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 110(4): 1794-1802. DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox176
7. Xiao, H., Chen, J., Chen, L., Chen, C., Wu, S. 2016. Exposure to mild temperatures decreases overwintering larval survival and post-diapause reproductive potential in Chilo suppressalis. Journal of Pest Science. DOI: 10.1007/s10340-016-0769-0
8. Gyawaly, S., Koppenhöfer, A.M., Wu, S., Kuhar, T.P. 2016. Biology, ecology and management of masked chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs in turfgrass. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 7(1): 3. DOI: 10.1093/jipm/pmw002
9. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Laub, C.A. 2016. Sublethal effect of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on Cyclocephala lurida (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Journal of Entomological Science. 51(1):43-53. DOI: 10.18474/15-19.1
10. Wu, S., Refinetti, R., Kok, L. T., Youngman, R. R., Reddy, G. V. P., Xue, F. 2014. Photoperiod and temperature effects on the adult eclosion and mating rhythms in Pseudopidorus fasciata (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). Environmental Entomology. 43(6): 1650-1655.
11. Wu, S., Youngman, R. R., Kok, L. T., Laub, C. A., Pfeiffer, D. G. 2014. Interaction between entomopathogenic nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi applied to third instar southern masked chafer white grubs, Cyclocephala lurida (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Biological Control 76: 65-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2014.05.002
12. Wu, S., Youngman, R. R., Kok, L. T., Eisenbeck, J. D. and Paulson, S. L. 2014. A defensive interaction of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) infective juvenile nematodes against Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Scientific Note. Journal of Entomological Science 49 (2): 215-217.
13. Reddy, G. V. P., Tangtrakulwanich, K., Wu, S., Miller, J. H., Ophus, V. L., Prewett, J. Jaronski, S. T. 2014. Evaluation of the effectiveness of entomopathogens for the management of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) on spring wheat. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 120: 43-49.
14. Reddy, G. V. P., Wu, S., Mendi, R. C. and Miller, R. H. 2014. Efficacy of pheromone trapping of the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae): based on dose, septum age and attractive radius. Environmental Entomology 43: 767-773.
15. Reddy, G. V. P., Tangtrakulwanich, K., Wu, S., Miller, J.H., Ophus, V.L., and Prewett J. 2014. Sustainable management tactics for control of Phyllotreta cruciferae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on canola in Montana. Journal of Economic Entomology 107: 661-666.
16. Tangtrakulwanich, K., Reddy, G. V. P., Wu, S., Miller, J. H., Ophus, V. L., Prewett, J. 2014. Developing nominal threshold levels for Phyllotreta cruciferae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) damage on canola in Montana, USA. Crop Protection 66: 8-13. 10.1016/j.cropro.2014.08.013.
17. Tangtrakulwanich, K., Reddy, G.V.P., Wu, S., Miller, J.H., Ophus, V.L., and Prewett J. 2014. Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes, and low risk insecticides against wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus (Hymenoptera: Cephidae). Journal of Agricultural Sciences 6 (5):1-9.
18. Kuhn, W. R., Youngman, R. R., Wu, S. and Laub, C. A. 2013. Ecology, taxonomy, and pest management of billbugs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in orchardgrass of Virginia. Journal of Integrated Pest Management 4 (3): 1 DOI: 10.1603/IPM12022
19. Kuhn, W. R., Youngman, R. R., Love, K., Mize, T., Wu, S. and Laub, C. A. 2013. Billbugs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) new to orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) grown in Virginia. Scientific Note. Entomological News 123 (4): 315-316.
20. Xiao, H., Wu, S., Chen, C., Xue, F. 2013. Optimal low temperature and chilling period for both summer and winter diapause development in Pieris melete: Based on a similar mechanism. PLOS ONE 8, e56404.
21. Xiao, H., Wu, S., He, H., Chen, C., Xue, F. 2012. Role of natural day-length and temperature in determination of summer and winter diapause in Pieris melete (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Bulletin of Entomological Research 102, 267-273.
22. Lai, X., Yang, D., Wu, S., Zhu, X., Xue, F. 2008. Diapause incidence of progeny in relation to parental geographic origin, host plant and rearing density in the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 129, 117-123.
23. Wu, S., Yang, D., Lai, X., Xue, F. 2006. Induction and termination of prepupal summer diapause in Pseudopidorus fasciata (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). Journal of Insect Physiology 52, 1095-1104.
24. Hua, A., Yang, D., Wu, S., Xue, F. 2005. Photoperiodic control of diapause in Peseudopidorus fasciata (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) based on a qualitative time measurement. Journal of Insect Physiology 51, 1261-1267.
Extension Publications
1. Koppenhöfer, A.M., Kostromytska, O., Wu, S. 2016. Optimal management programs for annual bluegrass weevil populations with different insecticide resistance levels. Golf Course Management. November 2016, 75-76.
2. Koppenhöfer, A.M., Kostromytska, O.S., Wu, S. 2015. Insecticide resistant annual bluegrass weevil: Understanding, managing, and preventing a superintendent’s nightmare. NY State Turf Assoc. Electronic Newsletter, December 2015.
3. Youngman, R. R., Laub, C., Wu, S. 2012. Efficacy of selected soil insecticides against white grubs in turf. Virginia Turfgrass Journal (J. VA Turfgrass Council, circ. 2,800). 2 pp.
4. Youngman, R. R., Laub, C., Wu, S., Kuhn, W. 2011. Masked chafer control. Golf Course Management (Official Pub. Golf Course Superintendents of Am. circ. 26,400).
5. Youngman, R. R., Laub, C., Wu, S., Kuhn, W. 2011. New chemistries and timing options for managing masked chafers. Virginia Turfgrass Journal (J. VA Turfgrass Council, circ. 2,800). 2 pp.
6. Youngman, R. R., Laub, C., Wu, S., Kuhn, W., Goatley, M. 2010. Efficacy of selected soil insecticides against masked chafer grubs in turf. Virginia Turfgrass Journal (J. VA Turfgrass Council, circ. 2,800). 2 pp.
Professional Presentations
1. Wu, S. 2018. Biology and sustainable management of annual bluegrass weevil. Interview seminar. Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
2. Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S., Koppenhöfer, A.M. 2018. Reproductive diapause in the annual bluegrass weevil. 27th Ann. Rutgers Turfgrass Symp. New Brunswick, NJ.
3. Wu, S. 2017. Biology and sustainable management of turf pest insects. Interview seminar. Department of Entomology, University of Georgia. Griffin, GA.
4. Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S., Koppenhöfer, A.M. 2016. Additive or synergistic interactions between bifenthrin and an emulsifiable formulation of Beauveria bassiana against insecticide-resistant annual bluegrass weevil Listronotus maculicollis. 2016 XXV ICE meeting. Orlando, FL.
5. Kostromytska, O.S., Wu, S., Koppenhöfer, A.M. 2016. Annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), insecticide resistance: Baseline susceptibility, cross-resistance patterns, and possible mechanisms. 2016 XXV ICE meeting. Orlando, FL.
6. Wu, S., Koppenhöfer, A.M., Kostromytska, O.S. 2016. Synergistic combinations of an emulsifiable formulation of Beauveria bassiana and a pyrethroid insecticide against insecticide-resistant annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis, adults. 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology. Tours, France.
7. Koppenhöfer, A.M., Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S. 2016. Optimizing the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis, larvae. 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology. Tours, France. (Poster)
8. Wu, S., Kostromytska, O.S., Koppenhöfer, A.M. 2015. Reproductive diapause in annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicolis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Symposium: Advances in Pest Management for Turfgrass and Ornamentals. ESA 2015 national meeting. Minneapolis, MN.
9. Wu, S. 2014. Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi against masked chafer white grubs, Cyclocephala spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Department seminar. Department of Entomology, Rutgers University. New Brunswick, NJ.
10. Kostromytska, O.S., Ebssa, L., Wu, S., Koppenhöfer, A.M. 2014. Integrating insect pathogens into the management of turfgrass pests. Symposium: Thinking Outside the Box: Entomopathogens in IPM Programs. ESA 2014 national meeting. Portland, Ore.
11. Reddy, G.V.P., Thompson, B., Tangtrakulwanich, K., Wu, S., Miller, J.H., Ophus, V.L., Prewett, J. 2014. Effect of entomopathogenic fungi and entomogenous nematodes, and low risk insecticides against wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus). ESA 2014 national meeting. Portland, Ore.
12. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Laub, C.A. 2012. Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against 3rd-instar masked chafer white grubs. ESA Eastern Branch 2012 annual meeting. Hartford, CT. (Poster presentation student competition)
13. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Leland, J.E., Laub, C.A. 2012. Role of Herterorhabditis bacteriophora infective juveniles in the spread of Meterhizium anisopliae. ESA Eastern Branch 2012 annual meeting. Hartford, CT. (Paper presentation student competition)
14. Wu, S., Youngman, R. R., Kok, L.T., Laub, C.A. 2011. Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against masked chafer, (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), white grubs. ESA 2011 national meeting. Reno, NV. (Paper presentation student competition)
15. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Kuhn, W.R., Laub, C.A. 2011. Interaction between Beauveria bassiana GHA and entomopathogenic nematodes for control of Cyclocephala spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). ESA Eastern Branch 2011 annual meeting. Harrisburg, PA. (Paper presentation student competition)
16. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Kuhn, W.R., Laub, C.A. 2010. Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes against masked chafer white grubs. ESA Eastern Branch 2010 annual meeting. Annapolis, MD.
Extension Presentations
1. Wu, S. 2018. White grub management in the scenario of banning neonicotinoids. Interview seminar. Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
2. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Laub, C.A., Goatley, J.M. 2012. Evaluation of fungi and nematodes against masked chafer grubs. 52nd Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Tradeshow. Fredericksburg, VA.
3. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Laub, C.A. 2011. Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi against northern and southern masked chafer grubs. 2011 Turf Field Day. Virginia Tech. Blacksburg, VA.
4. Wu, S., Youngman, R.R., Kok, L.T., Laub, C.A., Goatley, J.M., Kuhn, W.R. 2010. The application of entomopathogenic nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi against masked chafer grubs in turf. 2010 Turf Field Day. Virginia Tech. Blacksburg, VA.
Awards
1. 3rd Place Student Poster Competition Eastern Branch ESA meeting. Hartford, CT, March 16-19, 2012.
2. Louis and Ginger Brooking Turf Graduate Student Scholarship 2012 ($1,300.00)
3. Gene A. and Ina Mae James Graduate Scholarship 2011-2012 in Virginia Tech ($3,000.00)
4. Virginia Tech Dept. of Entomology Alwood society travel fund 2011 fall ($420.00)
Teaching
Co-instructor for Insect Biology Laboratory (ENT 4984), Virginia Tech, VA
Teaching Assistant for Insect Biology (ENT 3014), Virginia Tech, VA
Outreach & Service
1. Student representative in ESA International Affair Committee & Membership Committee 2011-2012.
2. Tour coordinator for Alwood Society in Dept. of Entomology in Virginia Tech 2010-2011.
3. Volunteer in ESA 2011 national meeting in Reno, NV.
4. Participate in Linnaean games competition in ESA Eastern Branch 2011 annual meeting.
5. Volunteer in VT Entomology departmental tours & related events 2008 -2013.