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Sujaya Rao

Associate Professor - Field Crop Entomologist

Photo - Sujaya Rao
Mailing Address:
Department of Crop and Soil Science
3017 Agricultural and Life Science Building
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331

Office: Cordley 4050
Phone: 541-737-9038
Fax: 541-737-5725
E-Mail:Email

Department Website: 
     - Department of Crop and Soil Science
Other Websites:
     - Pollination Biology REU
     - Rural Science Education Program
Vita:
     - Short
 

Current Research Focus:

Pest Management in Grass Seed and Rotational Crops: Objectives of the program: 1) Identify new pests entering Oregon, and determine their pest status; 2) Examine the biology for identification of weak links that can be targeted for pest management; 3) Develop pest management strategies with minimal negative impact on the environment. Current research and achievements:

  • 1. Tipula paludosa and T. oleracea, exotic crane fly pests: development of a molecular marker for early identification at the immature stage; evaluation of the impact of the insect pathogen, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis on larvae.
  • 2. Oulema melanopus, the cereal leaf beetle: field evaluation of its aggregation pheromone, biological control using the larval parasitoid Tetrastichu julis, host preference behavior.
  • 3. Sphenophorus spp., billbugs: development of a molecular marker for early identification at the immature stage, distribution and damage in bluegrass.
  • 4. Epichloe typhina, choke disease pathogen: examination of its biology and interactions with host grasses and Botanophila spp., choke flies that serve as a vector for fertilization in the fungus, population genetic study for comparison of populations in Oregon with those in areas of endemism in Europe.
  • 5. Chirothrips manicatus, seed-feeding thrips: crop range and impact on seed yield.

Native Bee Pollinators in Agricultural and Native Landscapes: Objectives: Determine the diversity and abundance of native bees in diverse cropping systems and surrounding habitats, and evaluate the impacts of bumble bees and honey bees in pollination. Specific areas of research:

  • 1. Red and arrow leaf clover
  • 2. Blueberries
  • 3. Cranberries

Wild habitat - West Eugene Wetlands

Graduate Students:

Projects: Oregon Invests!

Research Opportunity for Undergraduates:

     - NSF REU: Pollination Biology

Teaching:

     - Introduction to Insect Pest Management
     - Bee Pollinators in Native and Agricultural Landscapes

Outreach:

     - BugZoo
     - K-12

Awards:

  • Hodson Alumnus Award, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 2009.
  • OECD Fellowship (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), France. 2008.
  • L.L. Stewart Faculty Scholar, Oregon State University. 2007.
  • Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching, Pacific Branch, Entomological Society of America. 2007.
  • Educator of the Year Award, Linn Soil and Water Conservation District, Linn County, Oregon. 2006.
  • James and Mildred Oldfield / E. R. Jackman Team Award, College of Agriculture, Oregon State University. 2006 - Rural Science Education.
  • Rural Studies Program Faculty Fellow, Rural Studies Program, Oregon State University. 2006.
  • Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching, Pacific Branch, Entomological Society of America. 2004.
  • James and Mildred Oldfield / E. R. Jackman Team Award, College of Agriculture, Oregon State University. 2004 - Discovery Days.
  • Excellence in Entomology Outreach Award, Department of Entomology, Oregon State University. 2003.
  • Henry & Sylvia Richardson Award, Entomological Society of America (ESA). 1992.
  • Travel Award, Commission on the Status of Women, University of Delaware. 1992.
  • H. Comstock Award, North Central Branch, ESA. 1991.
  • President's Prize, Display Presentation, ESA Student competition. 1991.
  • Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, University of Minnesota. 1990.
  • Philip C. Hamm Memorial Graduate Student Scholarship Award, University of Minnesota. 1990
  • Granovsky Pest Management Scholarship, University of Minnesota. 1990
  • Graduate Student Award (Ph.D. - paper presentation), North Central Branch, ESA. 1989
  • Linnaean Games championship (with 3 other team members), North Central Branch, ESA. 1989.

Publications:

Peer Reviewed:
  • Rao, S., Stephen, W. P. and White, L. 2008. Native bee pollinator diversity in Oregon blueberries. Acta Hort. (In Press).
  • Alderman, S. and Rao, S. 2008. Ascosporic fertilization of Epichloe typhina in Dactylis glomerata seed production fields in Oregon and implications for choke management. Plant Health Progress. Online. doi:10.1094/PHP-2008-0421-01-BR.
  • Stephen, W. P., Rao, S. and White, L. 2008. Abundance, Diversity and Foraging Contribution of Bumble Bees to Blueberry Production in Western Oregon. Acta Hort. (In Press).
  • Rao, S. and Stephen, W. P. 2007. Bombus (Bombus) occidentalis (Hymenoptera: Apiformes): In decline or recovery? Pan-Pacific Entomologist 83(4): 360-362.
  • Stephen , W. P. and Rao, S. 2007. Sampling Native Bees in Proximity to a Highly Competitive Food Resource. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society.80 (4): 369-376.
  • Rao, S., Scherr, M., Royce, L., Stephen, W. P., Halse, R. and Soeldner, A. 2007. Bees and Pollination: A ‘Scientist' Experience for Rural Youth in Oregon. American Entomologist 53 (2): 74-77.
  • Rao, S., Shamah, D and Collay, R. 2007. Meaningful Involvement of Science Undergraduates in K-12 Outreach. Journal of College Science Teaching 36: 54-58.
  • Rao, S., Liston, A., Crampton, L. and Takeyasu, J. 2006. Identification of larvae of exotic Tipula paludosa (Diptera: Tipulidae) and T. oleracea in North America using mitochondrial cytB sequences. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 99: 33-40.
  • Umble, J., Fisher, G. and Rao, S. 2006. Sampling Methods and Seasonal Phenology of Sphenophorus venatus confluens Chittenden (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.).  Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology 22: 79-85.
  • Rao, S., Alderman, S., Takeyasu, J. and Matson, B. 2005. The Botanophila-Epichloë association in cultivated Festuca in Oregon: evidence of simple fungivory. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 115: 427-433.
  • Rao, S., and Alderman, S. 2005 Infestation of bent grass by a new seed pest, Chirothrips manicatus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in Oregon. Journal of the Society of British Columbia 102: 77-78.
  • Stephen, W.P. and Rao, S. 2005. Unscented Traps for Non-Apis Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 78: 373-380.
  • Umble, J. and Rao, S. 2004. Exotic Tipula paludosa and T.oleracea (Diptera: Tipulidae) in the United States: Geographic distribution in western Oregon. Pan Pacific Entomologist 80:42-52. (Published in 2005).
  • Rao, S. and Gelhaus, J. 2003. Peppermint, a new host record for crane flies (Diptera: Tipulidae). Pan-Pacific Entomologist 79: 45-46.
  • Rao, S. Shamah, D., and Royce, L. 2003. Integrating graduates and undergraduates in science education in rural Oregon schools. American Entomologist. 49: 136-139.
  • Rao, S., Cossé, A. A., Bartelt, R. J. and Zilkowski, B. W. 2003. Aggregation pheromone of the Cereal Leaf Beetle: field evaluation and emission rates. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29:2165-2175.
Proceedings:
  • Walenta, D. L. and Rao, S. 2005. Development of an integrated pest management program for the cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) in Oregon. Proceedings 64th Annual PNW Insect Management Conference, Portland OR, pp: 17-19.
  • Rao, S. 2004. Cereal leaf beetle: host range and field evaluation of aggregation pheromone. Proceedings 63rd Annual PNW Insect Management Conference, Portland OR, pp: 30-32
  • Rao, S., Umble, J. and Crampton, L. 2004. Exotic crane flies T. paludosa and Tipula oleracea in Oregon. Proceedings 63rd Annual PNW Insect Management Conference, Portland OR. pp: 33-35
  • Takeyasu, J. and Rao, S. 2004. Control of Crane Fly Larvae in Peppermint with Chlorpyrifos. Proceedings 63rd Annual PNW Insect Management Conference, Portland OR. pp: 15-16
Extension/Outreach:
  • Rao, S., Ackerman, K., and Biboux, T. 2008. Insects, slugs, and mites associated with choke in orchardgrass in the Willamette Valley. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 127: 24-26.
  • Rao, S., Ackerman, K. 2008. Impact of seed-feeding thrips pest in grass seed production fields in the Willamette Valley. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 127: 41-43.
  • Rao, S. Stephen, W. P. and Bergh, J. 2008. Comparison of red clover pollination by commercial and native bees in seed production fields in the Willamette Valley. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 127: 59-62.
  • Alderman, S. and Rao, S. 2008. Choke in orchardgrass: Research update and potential control. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 127: 22-23.
  • Rao, S., Bruck, D. and Faulkner, K. 2007. Efficacy of the insect pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis against exotic crane fly larvae. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 126: 37-38.
  • Rao, S. and Stephen, W. P. 2007. Native bee pollinators in clover seed production. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 126: 44-46.
  • Hoffman, G. D., Rao, S. 2007. Cereal leaf beetle egg laying on oats of different ages. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 126: 39-41.
  • Rao, S. and Cowper, G. 2006. Teaching science in k-12 through entomological activities. Entomological News. 117: 124.
  • Stephen, W. P., and S. Rao. 2006. A key to common bees of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Oregon State University. 4 pp.
  • Rao, S., and McKinnis, A. 2006. Two seed-feeding thrips pest species detected in grass seed production fields in the Willamette Valley. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 125: 36-38.
  • Hoffman, G. D., Rao, S. and Ehrensing, D. T. 2006. Cereal leaf beetle attraction to oat plantings of different ages. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 125: 65-67.Rao, S. Royce, L., Currin, R. Fry, T., Bearson, B. and Shamah, D. 2005. Insects: Taking a Closer Look at the World of Bugs. EM 8896-E, Oregon State University, Extension Service. 33pp. 
  • Rao, S. and Walenta, D. 2005. Cereal leaf beetle management in Oregon. Oregon Wheat, October 2005: 11-13.
  • Rao, S. and Alderman, A. 2005. Impact on seed yield of new thrips pest in bentgrass seed production in the Willamette Valley. A new thrips pest in bentgrass in the Willamette Valley. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 124: 50-52.
  • Rao, S. and Takeyasu, J. 2005. New crane fly pest in peppermint. Update, Oregon Mint Commission, Spring Newsletter, pg: 6.
  • Rao, S. and Takeyasu, J. 2005. A new crane fly pest in peppermint: Impact on production and control. Report to the Agricultural Research Foundation for the Oregon Mint Commission. p: 20-23.
  • Rao, S., McKinnis, A. and Alderman, S. 2005. A new thrips detected in orchard grass and perennial rye grass seed production fields in the Willamette Valley. Crop and Soil News/Notes, Oregon State University Extension Service.19: 7.
  • Butler, M. D., Campbell, C. K. and Rao, S. 2005. Survey of insect pests in Kentucky bluegrass seed production in central Oregon, 2004. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 124: 70-71.
  • Fisher, G., Rao, S. Mellbye, M., Gingrich, G. and Bragg, D. 2005. Grass Seed Pests. In McGrath, D. (Ed) 2005 Insect Management Handbook, Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University, pp: 246-254.
  • Walenta, D.L., Rao, S., McNeal, C. R., Quebbeman, B. M. and Fisher, G. C. 2005. Sphenophorus spp., a complex billbug community infesting Kentucky bluegrass seed fields in the Grand Ronde Valley of northeastern Oregon. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 124: 53-56.
  • Butler, M. D., Campbell, C. K. and Rao, S. 2005. Survey of insect pests in Kentucky bluegrass seed production in central Oregon, 2004. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 124: 70-71.
  • Rao, S. and Alderman, A. 2004. A new thrips pest in bentgrass in the Willamette Valley.  Crop and Soil News/Notes, Oregon State University Extension Service.18: 7.
  • Rao, S., Quebbeman, B. and Walenta, D. 2004. Host range of cereal leaf beetle. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 123: 50-51.
  • Fisher, G., Rao. S., Mellbye, M. and Gingrich, G. and Bragg, D. 2004. Grass Seed Pests. In PNW Insect Management Handbook 2003, OSU, Corvallis, OR. pp: 216-222.
  • Rao, S. 2003. Cereal Leaf Beetle: Potential impact on grasses in Oregon. Oregon Hay and Forage Association Newsletter. 5: 2.
  • Rao, S. 2003. Cereal leaf beetle in Oregon: Potential impacts on grass seed production. Progress Report, Grass Seed Cropping Systems for Sustainable Agriculture. pp: 49-50.
  • Rao, S. 2003. Crane flies in Oregon: A request for help. Crop and Soil News / Notes, Oregon State University Extension Service.17: 6.
  • Rao, S. and Umble, J. 2003. Crane flies problems in Oregon. Update, Linn County Extension Association. 22: 9.
  • Rao, S., Quebbeman, B. and Walenta, D. 2003. Response of overwintering cereal leaf beetle adults to aggregation pheromone in the field. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication, Ext/Crs 122: 48-49.
  • Rao, S., Fisher, G. C. and Umble, J. 2003. Crane fly pests in peppermint. Oregon Mint Commission, Spring newsletter, pg: 5.
  • Fisher, G., Rao, S. and Umble, J. 2003. Orchardgrass billbug and tips for control. Update, Linn County Extension Association. 22(11): 8.
  • Fisher, G., Rao. S., Mellbye, M. and Gingrich, G. and Bragg, D. 2003. Grass Seed Pests. In PNW Insect Management Handbook 2003, OSU, Corvallis, OR. pp: 214-220.
  • Rao, S. 2002. Investigations on the crane fly complex associated with grass seed production in Oregon.  Progress Report, Grass Seed Cropping Systems for Sustainable Agriculture. pp: 40-41.
  • Bensen, T. A. and S. Rao, 2002.  Effects of Habitat Diversification on a Generalist Insect Herbivore Population and Implications for Biological Control by a Parasitoid Wasp.  First International Symposium of Biological Control, Honolulu, HI, January 13-18.
  • Rao, S., Quebbeman, B. and Walenta, D. 2002. Field evaluation of cereal leaf beetle pheromone in Oregon.  In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 121: 84-85.
  • Fisher, G., Rao. S., Mellbye, M. and Gingrich, G. 2002. Grass Seed Pests. In PNW Insect Management Handbook 2002, OSU, Corvallis, OR. pp: 210-216.
  • Fisher, G., DeFrancesco, J., and Rao. S. 2002. Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Western Orchardgrass. In Young, W. C., Ed., Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 121; 81-84.
  • Rao, S., Fisher, G. C. and Royce, L. A. 2001. Crane flies, an emerging pest complex in grass seed fields. In Young, W. C. (Ed.) Seed Production Research, Oregon State University Publication 115, p: 44.
  • Fisher, G. and Rao, S. 2001. Management of Insects, Slugs and Related Pests. In High Yield Grass Seed Production and Water Quality Protection Handbook, Oregon Seed Council, OR. pp: 19-20.

Editor:

  • Russo, C. and Castor, R. 2007. The Mulch Mystery. EM 8896-E, OSU Extension Service. 22 pp.
  • Courter, I. 2006. Salmon in the Classroom. EM 8896-E, OSU Extension Service. 22 pp. 
  • Topical co-editor with Marcos Kogan for the Herbivores / Insect Section of Encyclopedia of Plant & Crop Science, Goodman, R. M., Ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY.