Carlyle C. Brewster, PhD
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Dr. Brewster has a primary responsibility to provide statewide leadership for a research and teaching program in Quantitative Ecology and Information Technology (IT) for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other aspects of entomology. Emphasis in his program is on the applications of quantitative and spatial analysis methods and information technologies such as satellite remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), geostatistics, models, and the Internet/World Wide Web to develop novel approaches to decision making in entomology, agriculture, and natural resource management. He has a strong interest in developing close local, national, and international collaborations both within and outside entomology. Dr. Brewster currently has teaching responsibilities in Research and Information Systems in the Life Sciences , Information Technology in Agriculture, and Insect Behavior and Ecology. He also serves on several committees at the departmental level and the university Commission on Faculty Affairs, and is the subject editor for the Quantitative Ecology section of Environmental Entomology.
Professional Memberships
- Entomological Society of America
- Sigma Xi - The Scientific Research Society
Personnel
- Staff
- Student
- Wage or Other Employees
Former Students and Faculty Associates
- Marc L Fisher (2006) - Product Technology Specialist and Principal Bed Bug Biologist for Dow AgroSciences.
- Kimberly L. Tabor (2004) -
- Ksenia S (Tcheslavskaia) Onufrieva (2003) -
- Erin L Holden (2002) -
Projects
- Concept Mapping on the Web
Evidence suggests that students of agriculture generally do not possess a strong disposition for critical thinking. In addition, instructional goals and assessment in agricultural education are often not aligned. With pressure on educators to integrate science into agricultural education, instructors are being asked to find innovative ways to use computers for the delivery and assessment of instruction, encourage student learning beyond the classroom, and promote cooperative learning and collaboration in the delivery of instructional material between science- and agricultural-based disciplines. An efficient, cost effective, and discipline-independent method to improve students' disposition toward critical thinking is with concept maps. A concept map is a graphical tool that uses concepts and the relationships between and among them to represent an individual's cognitive structure (the way the individual thinks). The primary goal of this project is to develop a web-based concept mapping tool (CMT) that can be used to facilitate instruction, student learning, and collaboration in agricultural science education. The CMT would help to build student competencies for cognitive thinking by allowing them to integrate and synthesize old and new knowledge across science-related disciplines.
- Development of an International Study Center in South Africa for Studies in Agriculture and Related Sciences
The primary purpose of this project is to build upon our relaionships with the University of the Free State (UFS) to expand the opportunities for collaborative reserach, teaching, extension, and student exchange activities in southern Africa. The specific objectives of the proposal are to expand and revitalize our current student exchange program, lay the foundation for development of an Internation Study Center at UFS, develop an internship and training program for extension agents that will enhance their capabilities and promote knowledge transfer back to Virginia farmers, and develop internship programs that will provide work experience for students in agriculture. The proposed activities wil strengthen the global competence of scientists, extension agents, and educators, and enhance the capabilites of Virginia Tech to conduct collaborative research in South Africa.
- Emerging Foci of La Crosse Encephalitis Virus Activity
La Crosse (LAC) virus is the leading cause of pediatric encephalitis in the U.S. Since its discovery approximately 40 years ago, most cases have been reported from the upper Midwestern states. However, in the past decade a southeastern focus of LAC virus has emerged with increasing numbers of cases being reported from West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Complicating the situation is the possible involvement of two non-native species of mosquitoes that have recently become established in LAC virus endemic areas. Isolation of LAC virus from several pools of mosquitoes collected in the New River Valley of southwest Virginia in 2002, an area from which no human cases have yet been reported, suggests that LAC virus may be continuing to expand its range in Virginia. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent of LAC virus activity in southwest Virginia. Two hypotheses are being tested in three regions in southwest Virginia. The first hypothesis is that accessory vectors, most specifically Ae. albopictus, are contributing to the increased incidence of LAC virus. Second, that canine seroprevalence can be used as a practical indicator of LAC virus transmission rates to vertebrates in an area.
- Identification and succession of pest ant species in Puerto Rican housing developments
The invasive ant species complex was determined within three Puerto Rican housing developments of different ages (one, four, and eight years old). Frequency and relative abundance data were collected and spatiotemporal analysis mapped the location of each species within the sites.
- Impact of hemlock decline from HWA on aquatic insects in freshwater streams
The goal of this project is to determine the extent to which the decline of riparian hemlock caused by hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) affects stream ecosystems in the southern Appalachians.
- Integrated Pest Management of Specialty Crops in Eastern Europe → website
- Managing Red Imported Fire ants in Virginia
The first report of red imported fire ants (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, in Virginia was recorded in 1989. Since that time, several thousand mounds have been identified in the southeastern, coastal regions of the state. The Virginia Department of Agriculture is currently responsible for all RIFA control in Virginia. However, limited resources and the possibility that the RIFA has become established within the coastal regions of the VA has led the Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) to consider placing certain Virginia counties under the Federal RIFA quarantine. One consequence of the quarantine implementation is that FIRA control being transferred to homeowners and pest management professionals within the quarantine areas. Because these individuals have no experience in FIFA control, the Virginia Cooperative Extension services has undertaken a study to evaluate RIFA control products for efficacy.
- Reduced Pesticide Use in Bee Hives through the Development and Promotion of an IPM Program for Mite Parasites
The U.S. beekeeping industry has faced serious challenges after the introduction of the parasitic mites, Varroa destructor and Acarapis woodi. The mites have lead to a significant delcine in the number of managed colonies. Effforts to control the mites have lead to an over-reliance on acaracides and chemical fumigants. Our goal, therefore, is to develop and promote an IPM program that not only provides beekeepers with alternative approaches for the management of mite parasites, but reduces pesticide use and the potential for honey and wax contamination. We will also sample hives (honey and wax) for miticide residues to allow us to monitor changes in hive product contamination.
- Spatial ecology and remote sensing for precision management
In May 2003, USDA and NASA entered into a collaborative agreement to promote the development of precision agriculture (precision farming), a technology-based and information-intensive area of agriculture. Precision pest management falls within the scope of precision agriculture. However, few attempts have been made to apply precision farming technology to arthropod pest management because of the difficulty creating “bug map” of the spatial variability of pest populations within the field. An attempt was made using twospotted spider mite population infestations in peanut fields in Virginia to assess the feasibility of precision agriculture approaches for the management of arthropod pests in agricultural fields.
- Studies in Forensic Entomology
Insects can be used for the determination of post mortem intervals (PMI) in cases of unknown death. Several approaches may be used for the estimation of PMIs, including the use of maggot developmental times and the use of successional data. Our research has involved the study of insect successional fauna on carcasses, the effects of ante mortem alcohol ingestion on fly development, and the effects of maggot activity on gunpowder residue retention. Current studies involve the dispersal of Oxycontin in the body and its effects on maggot development.
- West African Regional Consortium of IPM Excellence
This project is part of a USAID funded Integrated Pest Management CRSP that seeks to develop regional IPM programs in West Africa. It involves five African countries including: Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and multiple institutions in these countries and the US.
Courses
- ALS 5204 Research and Information Systems in the Life Sciences → website
An orientation to the life sciences as a profession with emphasis on research technique and process. Topic emphases include: history of applied life sciences, the scientific method, researching the literature, scientific writing and presentation of research results, instructional techniques, and ethics. Information technology is emphasized throughout the course. Students learn to use digital technologies for communication, presentation, and publication.
- ALS 5214 Information Systems and Research in the Life Sciences → website
This course is offered for graduate credit as a core requirement of a new online Masters of Science degree program (Professional Studies in Agricultural and Life Sciences) for those with interests or responsibilities in agriculture. The program is designed primarily to accommodate non-traditional students such as those with full-time jobs who are involved in agricultural production, in the development of agricultural policy, or in other agricultural support industries. Topics covered include: history of applied life sciences, current structure of the scientific enterprise, the scientific method and quality assurances, researching the literature, scientific writing and presentation of research results, instructional techniques, professionalism, and ethical considerations.
- ENT 5224 Vector-Borne Dis Res Meth
An in-depth examination of techniques currently employed to study vectors of human disease, as well as the pathogens they transmit. Topics include: vector sampling methods; vector competence; recombinant virus infectious clone technology and uses; isolation of pathogens from field vector populations; development and uses of transgenic vectors; GIS, remote sensing, and landscape analysis in vector surveillance; as well as arbovirus containment issues related to biosafety level 2 and 3 situations.
- ENT 6004 Information Technology in Agriculture
An interdisciplinary study on the principles and applications of information technologies for agricultural scientists. Topics include: storage and measurement of information, computer hardware and software, analysis of non-spatial and spatial data, introduction to multivariate statistics, satellite remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS) and intelligent GIS (IGIS), simulation modeling, multimedia, and the Internet. Laboratory exercises and a final project serve to reinforce all of the topics covered in the classroom.
- ENT 6004 Insect Behavior and Ecology
This course is an updated version of a previous course (ENT 6354, Insect Behavior) that has been revised to include a module on Insect Ecology. The current course is intended to provide a comprehensive introduction to insect behavior and ecology. The primary objectives are to provide knowledge of: 1) general insect ecology, including population and community ecology, 2) foraging behavior, 3) insect communication systems, 4) insect reproductive behavior and ecology, 5) insect social behavior, and 6) applied ecology.
Resources
- Eastern Europe IPM CRSP → website
The IPM CRSP is an international IPM effort supported by USAID, including several regional projects around the world. The Eastern European regional project deals with several high-value horticultural crops in Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. Doug Pfeiffer is the site chair. Site coordinators are Josef Tedeschini (Albania), Vladimir Todirash (Moldova), Olena Cholovska (Lviv Ukraine), Sasha Pleshko (Odesa Ukraine) and Kateryna Maslikova (Dnipropetrovsk Ukraine).
- Master's of Agriculture and Life Sciences (on-line) → website
This curriculum offers a master's degree to place-bound learners. This is a multidisciplinary effort with courses in five areas of concentration. Several Entomology Department faculty teach courses here.
Selected Publications (last 5 years)
- Chapman, A., Kuhar, T. P., Schultz, P. B., Brewster, C. C. 2009. Dispersal of Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in potato fields. Environ. Entomol. 38: 677-685
- Cline, B. E., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D. 2009. A Rule-Based System for Automatically Evaluating Student Concept Maps. Expert Systems With Applications. In press (doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2009.07.044)
- Click lambert, R., Resler, L. M., Kolivras, K., Brewster, C. C., Paulson, S. L. 2008. The potential for emergence of Chagas disease in the United States. Geospatial Health 2(2): 227-239
- Onufrieva, K. S., Brewster, C. C., Thorpe, K. W., Sharov, A. A., Leonard, D. S., Reardon, R. C., Mastro, V. C., Sellers, P., Roberts, E. A. 2008. Effects of the 3MTM MEC Sprayable Pheromone® Formulation on Gypsy Moth Mating Success . J. Appl. Entomol. 132(6): 461 – 468
- Fisher, M. L., Miller, D. M., Brewster, C. C., Dickerman, A. W. 2007. A study of the gut bacterial diversity in Reticulitermes flavipes using Amplified rDNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA). Sociobiology. In press.
- Fisher, M. L., Miller, D. M., Brewster, C. C., Husseneder, C., Dickerman, A. W. 2007. Diversity of gut bacteria of Reticulitermes flavipes as examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA).. Current Microbiology. In press.
- Ashley, J. L., Herbert, Jr, D. A., Lewis, E. ., Brewster, C. C., Huckaba, R. M. 2006. Toxicity of three acaricides to Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae: Acari) and Orius insidiosus (Anthocoridae: Hemiptera).. Journal of Economic Entomology 99: 54-59
- Dellinger, T. A., Youngman, R. R., Laub, C., Brewster, C. C., Kuhar, T. P. 2006. Yield and forage quality of glandular-haired alfalfa under alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and potato leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) pest pressure in Virginia. J. Econ. Entomol. 99(4): 1235-1244
- Dellinger, T. A., Youngman, R. R., Laub, C., Brewster, C. C., Kuhar, T. P. 2005. Host effects of glandular-haired alfalfa on alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and potato leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) populations in Virginia. J. Econ. Entomol. 98: 72-81.
- Tcheslavskaia, K. S., Brewster, C. C., Thorpe, K. W., Sharov, A. A., Leonard, D. S., Roberts, E. A. 2005. Effects of intentional gaps in spray coverage on the efficacy of gypsy moth mating disruption. J. Appl. Entomol. 129(9/10): 475 - 480
- Tcheslavskaia, K. S., Thorpe, K. W., Sharov, A. A., Leonard, D. S., Reardon, R. C., Mastro, V. C., Sellers, P., Brewster, C. C., Roberts, E. A. 2005. Optimization of pheromone dosage for gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) mating disruption. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 115(3): 355 - 361
- Tabor, K. L., Fell, R. D., Brewster, C. C. 2005. Insect fauna visiting carrion in southwest Virginia.. Forensic Science International 150: 73-80
- Tabor, K. L., Fell, R. D., Brewster, C. C., Pelzer, K. ., Behonick, G. S. 2005. Effects of antemortem ingestion of ethanol on the successional patterns and development of Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).. Journal of Medical Entomology 42: 481-489
- Tabor, K. L., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D. 2004. Analysis of the successional patterns of carrion insects in southwest Virginia.. Journal of Medical Entomology 41: 785-795
- Christopher, B. M., Brewster, C. C., Paulson, S. L. 2003. Spatiotemporal oviposition and habitat preferences of Ochlerotatus triseriatus and Aedes albopictus in an emerging focus of La Crosse virus.. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 40: 403-410
- Barker, C. M., Brewster, C. C., Paulson, S. L. 2002. Geospatial and statistical modeling of mosquito distribution in an emerging focus of La Crosse virus. . Proc Mosq Vector Control Assoc Calif 70:103—107.
- Tcheslavskaia, K. S., Brewster, C. C., Sharov, A. A. 2002. Mating success of gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) females in southern Wisconsin. The Great Lakes Entomologist 35(1): 1 - 7
