Lorena Lopez

Bio

Dr. Lorena Lopez is an Extension Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology (DEPP) at North Carolina State University. She specializes in integrated pest management (IPM) for small fruits, and tobacco, and focuses on developing sustainable pest control strategies. Dr. Lorena Lopez’s program centers on the sustainable management of pests affecting small fruits and tobacco through integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Her extension work involves translating complex scientific findings into practical applications for growers and extension agents, focusing on reducing pesticide reliance and enhancing crop health and productivity. Her research includes leading collaborative projects on managing major pest complexes, including invasive pests such as mites and thrips across the U.S., and developing novel IPM strategies. Dr. Lopez’s efforts aim to empower growers with the tools and knowledge to tackle pest challenges effectively while promoting environmental sustainability in agricultural practices.

Area(s) of Expertise

Dr. Lorena Lopez's program centers on the sustainable management of pests affecting small
fruits, tobacco, and vegetables through integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Her
extension work involves translating complex scientific findings into practical applications for
growers and extension agents, focusing on reducing pesticide reliance and enhancing crop
health and productivity. Her research includes leading collaborative projects on the
management of major pest complexes, including invasive pests such as mites and thrips across
the U.S., and developing novel IPM strategies. Dr. Lopez’s efforts aim to empower growers with
the tools and knowledge to tackle pest challenges effectively while promoting environmental
sustainability in agricultural practices.

Publications

• Advancing IPM in the Southeast: Small Fruit and Tobacco Pest Management at NCSU , (2024)
• Corn Earworms and Lygus Bugs Infesting Strawberries , (2024)
• NC State University – Tobacco Connection , Tobacco Portal (2024)
• Pest Management Strategic Plan for Strawberry in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida , (2024)
• The Root of the Problem: Prionus Longhorn Beetles in Blueberries , (2024)
• Augmentative biological control for squash bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae) using the egg parasitoid, Hadronotus pennsylvanicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) , Environmental Entomology (2023)
• Living mulches reduce natural enemies when combined with frequent pesticide applications , Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (2023)
• Meet Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae): a commonly used predatory mite in vegetable crops , Journal of Integrated Pest Management (2023)
• Miticidal Tools for Management of Southern Red Mites Infesting Southern Highbush Blueberries , (2023)
• Miticidal Tools for Management of Southern Red Mites Infesting Southern Highbush Blueberries , Insects (2023)

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