Carlos E. Bográn

TITLE:  Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Entomology-Plant Pathology & Microbiology

EDUCATION:

• Ph.D. Entomology, 2000; Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
• M.S. Entomology, 1996; Iowa State University, Ames Iowa
• B.S. Plant Protection, 1993. Zamorano, Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, Honduras

RESEARCH EMPHASIS:
The goal of my extension education and applied research program is to increase adoption of IPM strategies among Texas ornamental growers by: promoting/demonstrating the application of basic ecological principles and pest monitoring information into pest management decisions, and promoting/demonstrating the use of IPM-compatible pest management tools including cultural practices, selective pesticides and biological control agents. 

My scientific interests are in population and community ecology of arthropod natural enemies.  Current research programs include:

1) Monitoring and managing resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides in Bemisia whiteflies. Susceptibility of greenhouse and nursery populations of Bemisia whiteflies is compared to a laboratory strain to test for insecticide resistance and to provide date for insecticide resistance management programs.

2) Seasonal abundance and distribution of wood boring beetles attacking nursery grown ornamental trees. A region-wide system of traps has been set up to determine species distribution, seasonal abundance and attack periods of key wood boring pests of ornamental trees.  Data is used to develop Integrated Pest Management strategies for commercial nurseries.

3) Biology and management of southwestern weevil-pests. Hibiscus bud weevil and Agave weevil have become important pests of key nursery crops. Field and laboratory observations are conducted to elucidate the biology and ecology of these species.  Field tests are conducted to identify appropriate sampling methods and effective cultural and chemical control tactics.

Current extension programs include ‘IPM Workshop’ an IPM certification program targeted to Hispanic workers in the greenhouse industry, and the Texas Greenhouse Crop Consortium, an effort to effectively transfer research results to growers and part of Texas A&M Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative.

PUBLICATIONS:

Bográn, C.E., B.M. Drees & J.L. Hudgeons.  2006.  Gall-making insects and mites.  House and Landscape Pests Series, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication No. E397.  The Texas A&M University System.

Bográn, C.E.  2005.  Biology and management of Liriomyza leafminers in greenhouse ornamental crops. Publication No. EEE-030.  Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University.

Tomberlin, J. & C. E. Bográn.  2005.  Suppressing house fly populations in homes and retail stores. Publication No. EEE-031.  Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University.

Bográn, C.E., B. Pemberton & T. Isakeit.  2004.   Resistance of wax Begonia cultivars to Rhizoctonia solani in southern landscapes. Proceedings of SNA Research Conference 49: 240-242.

Tomberlin, J. & C. E. Bográn.  2004.  Using parasitoids to control house flies in confined animal facilities. Texas Cooperative Extension Publication No. E-224.  The Texas A&M University System.

Bográn, C.E., K.M. Heinz & S. Ludwig.  2003. The bud weevil Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, a pest of tropical Hibiscus.  Proceedings of SNA Research Conference. 48: 153-155.

Bográn, C.E., K.M. Heinz & S. Ludwig.  2002. Moth fly and fungus gnat pest management on potted roses.  Proceedings of SNA Research Conference 47: 151-154.

Bográn, C.E. 2002.  Spanish for horticulture. NMpro Magazine. October, 2002.

Bográn, C.E. & K. Heinz.  2002.  Whiteflies.  House and Landscape Pests Series, Texas Cooperative Extension  Publication No. B-6127.  The Texas A&M University System.

Thompson, S. P., K. M. Heinz, C.E. Bográn & P. C. Krauter.  2002.  Tips for Thrips.  Greenhouse Grower  20(8): 104-114.