Scott M Salom, PhD
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Program Description
Research is conducted to solve forest and shade tree insect pest problems. The current major area of work emphasizes the biological control of important forest pests, such as the hemlock woolly adelgid, the tree of heaven, and the mahogany shoot borer in Malaysia. These are collaborative efforts with our department's biological control specialist and Department Head, Dr. Loke Kok. The numerous studies that target the first two pests encompass the full spectrum of classical biological control activities (foreign exploration, quarantine testing, release, and impact assessment), while studies for the third pest focus more on augmentation and conservation. Additionally, in recent years he has become more actively involved in the testing of systemic insecticides on subcortical feeding and sucking insects. Research from the past involved the development of a semiochemical-based suppression tactic for the southern pine beetle, and various lab and field studies were conducted to improve our understanding and management of the pine reproduction pest, the pales weevil.
From 1990 to 2005 Dr. Salom team taught Forest Protection (FOR 4514) and from 1995 to 2004 he team taught Pest and Stress Management of Trees (ENT 4524). Both courses have since been combined and taught as Forest and Tree Pest Management (FOR 4514). He has taught Advanced Topics in Forest Entomology (ENT 6004) in 2001 and 2004, and in fall 2005, began teaching Biological Control of Arthropods and Weeds (ENT 5264).
Dr. Salom has used information technology to improve the availability and flow of forest entomology resources to scientists, educators, and resource management professionals. Examples include the development of a dynamic comprehensive website for southern pine beetle in collaboration with Dr. Nick Stone and ISIS, and searchable online databases for hemlock woolly adelgid (bibliography), southern pine beetle (bibliography, expertise, and research projects), and forest and shade tree insect sampling procedures (bibliography with abridged descriptions). In collaboration with Andy Roberts, we are currently working on developing a database to document the timing and location of all biological control agent releases for the hemlock woolly adelgid.
Read about our research highlighted in the summer issue of the 2007 Virginia Tech Research Magazine at http://www.research.vt.edu/resmag/2007summer/bugs.html
Recent Awards
2009 A. D. Hopkins Award - Southern Forest Insect Work Conference. Presented to an individual with an outstanding record of service to southern forest entomology.
2008 Award for Excellence in Applied Research - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech
2008 Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management - Eastern Branch, Entomological Society of America
Current Positions of Past Students and Research Faculty
Chris Fettig (M.S. 1996) - Research Entomologist, USDA Forest Service, Pacific S.W. Res. Sta., Davis, CA (e-mail: cfettig@fs.fed.us Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/snrc/staff/cfettig/)
Don Grosman (Ph.D. 1996) - Entomologist III, Texas Forest Service, Lufkin, TX (e-mail: dgrosman@tfs.tamu.edu)
David Gray (Res. Scientist: 1994-97) - Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service, Atlantic Forestry Centre, Fredricton, NB (e-mail: david.gray@nrcan.gc.ca)
Quintin McClellan (Res. Associate: 1993-2000) - Owner, Total Tree Health Care, Blacksburg, VA. (e-mail: totaltreemail@msn.com)
Gabriella Zilahi-Balogh (Ph.D. 2001) and (Res. Scientist. - 2001-03) - Programme Officer, Plant Health, Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Kelowna, BC. Canada (email: Gabriella.Zilahi-Balogh@inspection.gc.ca)
Corey Broeckling (M.S. 2002) - Facility Manager, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. (e-mail: cbroeckl@lamar.colostate.edu)
Holly Gatton (M.S. 2005) - Project Manager, Virginia Tech Pesticides Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (e-mail: hgatton@vt.edu)
Ashley Lamb (Ph.D. 2005) - Post-doctoral Assoc., Dept. of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. (e-mail: aslamb@vt.edu)
Jeffrey Fidgen (Res. Associate: 2000-2006) - Biologist-II, Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (e-mail: Jeff.Fidgen@NRCan.gc.ca)
Robbie Flowers (Ph.D. 2006) - State Forest Entomologist, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, Salem, OR. (e-mail: rflowers@odf.state.or.us)
Grace Lim (Ph.D. 2007) - Research Officer
(Entomology Section), Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. (e-mail:
David Mausel (Ph.D. 2007) - Post-doctoral Assoc., Dept. of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (e-mail: dmausel@psis.umass.edu)
Brian Eisenback (Ph.D. 2008) - Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Bryan College, Dayton TN. (e-mail: brian.eisenback@Bryan.edu)
Blurb last modified at 2009-10-07 15:30:05.0.
Professional Memberships
- Entomological Society of America
- International Organization of Biological Control
- International Union of Forestry Research Organizations
- Sigma Xi - The Scientific Research Society
- Society of American Foresters
- Southern Forest Insect Work Conference
Personnel
- Faculty
- Staff
- Student
Projects
- An inhibitor-based suppression tactic for southern pine beetle → website
During the 1980's and 1990's we were part of a team responsible for developing a suppression tactic based on the southern pine beetle produced inhibitor-pheromone, verbenone. The tactic was approved by EPA in 1999, but is still not operational or commercially available.
- Biological Control of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
We are part of a large scale effort to manage the hemlock woolly adelgid in the eastern U.S. Our work encompasses the complete spectrum of biological control activities including foreign exploration, quarantine evaluation, mass production, release, and evaluation of approved insect natural enemies. You can read more about our work at http://www.research.vt.edu/resmag/2007summer/bugs.html
- Biological Control of the Mahogany Shoot Borer
Presence of weaver ants in mahogany plantations in Malaysia is correlated with reduced attack by the mahogany shoot borer. Studies are being conducted to improve our understanding of the system and help us develop augmentative approaches toward using the ants as biological control agents.
- Biological Control of the Tree of Heaven
Tree of heaven is an established weed tree from Asia that is invading disturbed habitats throughout much of the U.S. Two weevil pests of the tree in China are being imported and studied in quarantine. They are considered potential biological control agents for this weed pest.
- Exotic Pest Detection
- 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.
- On-line Database Monitoring And Evaluating Releases And Recoveries Of All Non-native Predators Of The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae Annand is an exotic insect that attacks and kills eastern hemlock and Carolina hemlock trees in the eastern United States. Three predator species (Sasajiscymnus tsuga, Scymnus sinunadulous, and Laricobius nigrinus are being released in eastern forests on a operational scale, and a new Laricobius sp. from Japan is being evaluated and may be released in the near future. This project will document every HWA predator release and recovery, HWA population data, and stand health and make the data available on-line in both tabular and map formats. The HWA database will be integrated with GIS and published online for both researchers and the public.
- Sampling for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Ongoing investigations to provide a statistical basis for making population estimates and pest management decisions for HWA
- Sampling methodologies for IPM of Forest and Shade Tree Insects → website
A website was developed and a publication produced that includes references and summaries of sampling procedures for forest and shade tree insects. Phase II of this project has just begun.
- Southern Pine Beetle Internet Control Center → website
A web-based clearinghouse for southern pine beetle information, control strategies, and ongoing research and activities.
Courses
- ENT 5264 Biological Control of Arthropod Pests and Weeds
Course objectives are to emphasize concepts important in biological control - population dynamics, host-parasite interactions, characteristics of parasitism and predation, principles involved in current biological approaches to pest control, quarantine host specificity testing of biological agents to control weeds and arthropod pests.
- ENT 6004 Advanced Topics in Forest Entomology
Taught occasionally, this course covers current research and management issues in the field and address them at an in-depth level.
- FOR 4514 Forest and Tree Pest Management
Identification and ecology of biotic and abiotic influences on forest and landscape tree health. Emphasis will be placed on developing a theoretical and practical understanding for diagnosing and managing pests and stresses of trees in both the forest and landscape setting. Insects and diseases that attack trees will be reviewed. Team taught with Dr. Gary Griffin (PPWS) Pre: 3324 or Hort 3325 or Hort 3326 (2H,3L,3C) I.
Resources
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Online Bibliography → website
Ryan Mays updates the content of this online site in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service
- Online Database of Sampling Methodologies of Insect Pests for Forest and Shade Trees in North America → website
A bibliography of all publications that provide a description of a sampling procedure for a specific forest or shade tree pest. A re-written summary of each article is included to help professionals more easily extract and use the sampling procedure developed and reported.
- Southern Pine Beetle Internet Control Center → website
A comprehensive dynamic website for the southern pine beetle that provides information, library, tools, access to experts, and calendar of events.
- Verbenone Suppression Tactic for the Southern Pine Beetle → website
This website describes a new inhibitor-based suppression tactic (registered with EPA in 1999) for small- to moderate-sized southern pine beetle infestations. Its goal is to provide online training to resource managers to aid them in the operational application of the tactic. The workshop should be supplemented with field training.
Peer-reviewed Publications (last 5 years)
- Mausel, D. L., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Davis, G. 2010. Establishment of the hemlock woolly adelgid predator, Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), in the eastern United States. Environ. Entomol. (in press)
- Eisenback, B. M., Mullins, D. E., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2009. Evaluation of ELISA for imidacloprid detection in eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) wood and needle tissues. Pest Management Science. 65:122-128.
- Gatton, H., Zilahi-Balogh, G. M., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2009. Biology and temperature-dependent development of Laricobius kangdingensis sp. n., a newly discovered predator of Adelges tsugae. BioControl. 54: 219-228
- Kok, L. T., Salom, S. M., Yan, S., Herrick, N., McAvoy, T. J. 2008. Quarantine evaluation of Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Harold) (Coleoptera:Curculionidae), a potential biological control agent of tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima in Virginia, USA. In Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds (eds Julien, M.H., Sforza, R., Bon, M.C., Evans,H.C., Hatcher, P.E., Hinz, H.L. & Rector, B.G.), pp. 292 - 300. CAB International Wallingford, UK.
- Lim, G. T., Kirton, L. G., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Fell, R. D., Pfeiffer, D. G. 2008. Host plants and associated trophobionts of the weaver ants Oecophylla spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, 2008, 3, No. 035, 19 pp.
- Lim, G. T., Kirton, L. G., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Fell, R. D., Pfeiffer, D. G. 2008. Mahogany shoot borer control in Malaysia and prospects for biocontrol using weaver ants. Journal of Tropical Forest Science. 20(3): 147-155.
- Mausel, D. L., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Fidgen, J. G. 2008. Propagation, synchrony, and impact of introduced and native Laricobius spp.. Environ. Entomol. 37: 1497-1507.
- Flowers, R. W., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Mullins, D. E. 2007. Behavior and daily activity patterns of specialist and generalist predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae. 20 pp. Journal of Insect Science 7:44 available online: insectscience.org/7.44
- Lamb, A., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2007. Factors influencing aestivation in Laricobius nigrinus [Coleoptera: Derodontidae], a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae [Hemiptera: Adelgidae] . Can. Entomol. 139: 576-586.
- McAvoy, T. J., Zilahi-Balogh, G. M., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Gouliang, Z. 2007. Development and feeding of Tetraphleps galchanoides, a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid. BioControl. 52: 339-350.
- Zilahi-Balogh, G. M., Jelinik, J., McAvoy, T. J., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2007. Two new species of Laricobius (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) from China, and a key to Laricobius in the southeastern Palaearctic. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Washington. 109: 377-384.
- Fidgen, J. G., Legg, D. E., Salom, S. M. 2006. A binomial sequential sampling plan for hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) sistens infesting eastern hemlock. J. Econ. Entomol. 99: 1500-1508.
- Flowers, R. W., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2006. Competitive interactions among two specialist predators and a generalist predator of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in southwestern Virginia. Agric. and Forest Entomol. 8: 253-262.
- Lamb, A., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T., Mausel, D. L. 2006. Confined field release of Laricobius nigrinus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), in Virginia. Can. J. For. Res. 36: 369-375
- Zilahi-Balogh, G. M., Humble, L. M., Kok, L. T., Salom, S. M. 2006. Morphology of Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of the hemlock woolly adelgid. Can. Entomol. 138: 595-601.
- Fettig, C. J., Fidgen, J. G., Salom, S. M. 2005. A review of sampling procedures available for IPM decision-making of forest and shade tree insects of North America. J. Aboriculture. 31: 38-47.
- Flowers, R. W., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2005. Competitive interactions among two specialist predators and a generalist predator of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Homoptera: Adelgidae), in the laboratory.. Environ. Entomol. 34: 664-675.
- Lamb, A., Salom, S. M., Kok, L. T. 2005. Survival and reproduction of Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a predator of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Homoptera: Adelgidae) in field cages. Biol. Control. 32: 200-207.
- Zilahi-Balogh, G. M., Broeckling, C. D., Kok, L. T., Salom, S. M. 2005. Comparison between a native and exotic adelgid as hosts for Laricobius rubidus (Coleoptera: Derodontidae). Biocont. Sci. Tech. 15: 165-171.
