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David James, Ph.D., Project Leader

Spider feeding on a grape cutworm at night.
Photo by Taro Maeda

    Welcome to the WSU-Prosser entomological research web site.  We study insect and mite pests of hops, grapes, and red currants with the objective of developing integrated pest management (IPM) programs which are safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than current pest controls. We are located at the WSU Research and Extension Center near Prosser in the Yakima valley of south-central Washington.

    Warm, sunny summer weather and rich, sandy soils combine with water from the Cascade Mountains to make south-central Washington the most productive agricultural area of the state.  Hops and grapes are two of the major crops, while red currants is one of the most minor crops grown here.  Hops and Concord grapes have been grown in the valley for many years.  The wine grape industry is relatively new but is expanding at an enormous rate and is gaining a world-wide reputation for its premium red and white wines.  IPM is in the early stages of development in these three crops.  Growers work to minimize the use of pesticides but must rely on them to produce abundant, high quality crops.  We are studying insect and mite predators, insect parasitoids, mating disruption, compatible chemicals, pest and beneficial arthropod biology, and pesticide resistance to develop tactics for IPM programs.  For detailed information, please click on the links in the left panel. Thanks for visiting our web site and please contact us if you have questions, comments, or news.