Gary W. Felton

Gary W. Felton is a Professor and Department Head of Entomology at the Pennsylvania State University's College of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on chemical ecology, insect-plant interactions, and induced plant defenses against herbivores.

• Key Affiliations: Pennsylvania State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Entomology

Research Interests: Dr. Felton investigates how plants perceive and respond to herbivore attacks, with particular emphasis on biochemical mechanisms like flavonoid-mediated defenses, microbial interactions in Lepidoptera, and stomatal regulation of volatile signaling. His work bridges agricultural sustainability and ecological theory.

Recent Publications: His 2025 studies explore salinity stress impacts on tomato defenses, microbiome roles in herbivore digestion, and volatile-mediated host plant specialization. Earlier works (2023-2024) examine water stress effects, flavonoid toxicity, and microbial influences on plant-herbivore dynamics.

• Scientific Awards:
• Huck Chair of Chemical Ecology (2022)

Laboratory Focus: The Felton Lab studies herbivore-induced plant defenses, microbial symbiosis in pest species, and integrated pest management strategies across crops like maize, tomatoes, and sorghum.