James A. Reinert

Texas Agricultural Experiment Station

Professor of Entomology

Ph.D. Entomology, Clemson University
M.S. Entomology, Clemson University
B.S. Entomology, Oklahoma State University

Entomology - Research

Highlighted Projects:

Identified host plant resistance in 23 insect/mite x plant systems which resulted in the release of Floratam and Floralawn St. Augustinegrass, resistant to the S. chinch bug, and FLoraTeX bermudagrass, resistant to the bermudagrass mite. Successful introduction of two parasites which brought citrus blackfly under biological control in Florida and stopped a $25 million state and federal eradication program. Successful introduction of a parasite for management of mole crickets in the Southeast. Developed control strategies for numerous insect/mite pests on turfgrasses and ornamental plants for landscapes and production systems. Author of more than 300 scientific publications.

Primary Research Emphasis:

Develop Best Management Practices for insect and mite pests of landscapes, turfgrass and other amenity plants and forage grasses as part of multi-disciplinary statewide teams. Develop host resistant plants and other biological control strategies, basic biology and behavior of major pests and other pest management strategies. The fate of non-point contamination of surface runoff water also has been emphasized. These objectives link the common goal of better understanding of the biology of insect and mite pests of urban landscape plants and environmentally-responsible methods of pest management.

Experience:

Entomology Professor (Turf & Ornamental Plants). Texas A&M Research & Extension Center at Dallas, 1994-Present. Entomology Professor and Resident Director. Texas A&M Research & Extension Center at Dallas 1984-1994. Entomology Professor (Turf & Ornamentals). University of Florida, 1970-1984.

Honors and Awards:

President Southwest Branch Entomology Society of America, 2000; Vice President of Southwest Branch Entomology Society of America, 1999; Vice President, Florida Entomological Society; Vice President, Florida State Horticultural Society; President, Dallas Agricultural Club; Vice President, Resident Center Administration Society; Alpha Zeta Fraternity, Phi Sigma Society, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi Society; Porter Henegar Memorial Award, Southern Nurserymen Association; Entomologist of the Year, Florida Entomological Society.