College of Agriculture and Bioresources

Research Area(s)

  • Entomology
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Vector Biology
  • Insect Ecology
  • Pollination Biology

Department

Plant Sciences

Associate member, Biology

Research Interests

My research interests are in the broad topic of insect ecology. Within that context, I conduct both fundamental and applied research on a variety of arthropod taxa.  My primary fundamental interests are in the ecology and evolution of adaptive traits.  I am particularly curious about traits that are associated with choices.  This research has examined topics such as social polymorphisms, oviposition behaviors, mate choice, and host choice of parasitioids and herbivores.  My applied research generally focuses on ecologically sustainable and sound methods of managing insect pests, especially disease vectors.  In that context, I often focus on implications for Integrated Pest Management. Ideally, I strive to combine my two lines of inquiry and apply knowledge of ecological traits to develop management strategies.

Education

  • Ph.D., Brock University
  • B.A., Clark University, U.S.A.

Selected Publications

A. Rashed, X. Feng, S.M. Prager, L.D. Porter, J.J. Knodel, A.K. and S.D. Eigenbrode. (2018) Vector-Borne Viruses of Pulse Crops, With a Particular Emphasis on North American Cropping System. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 111(4), 2018, 205–227

S.M. Prager, G Kund, and J. T. Trumble. (2016) IPM guidelines for the management of potato psyllids, a pest of numerous solanaceous vegetable crops in California. California Agriculture 70(2): 89-95

S.M. Prager, C. Wallis, J.T. Trumble. (2015) Indirect effects of one plant pathogen on the transmission of a second mediated by vector behavior. Environmental Entomology. 44(4): 1076-1084

S.M. Prager, X. Martini, H. Guvvala, C. Nansen, J. Lundgren. (2014). An obligate spider mite predator prefers prey without Bt toxins. Annals of Applied Biology. 165(1): 108-116

S. M. Prager, I. Esquivel, J. T. Trumble, (2014). Factors influencing host plant choice and larval performance in Bactericera cockerelli. PLoS ONE. 10(137): e94047

A. Younas, M. Shaaban, W. Wakil, S. M. Prager. The efficacy of Beauveria bassiana, jasmonic acid and chlorantraniliprole on larval population of Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea crop ecosystem. Pest management science 73.2 (2017): 418-424. doi: 10.1002/ps.4297