Ric Bessin

Ric Bessin is an Extension Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. With a career spanning over three decades since joining in 1991, his work focuses on insect management in field and specialty crops, emphasizing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for both conventional and organic systems.

• Ph.D., Entomology, LSU (1990)

His research addresses ecological impacts of Bt corn deployment, develops alternative pest control methods using paper/wax bags for apple protection, and investigates habitat modification to enhance natural enemies of pests like European corn borer. Current projects include brown marmorated stink bug management and spotted wing drosophila monitoring in Kentucky.

Bessin mentors Ph.D. students Nathan Mercer (Coccinellidae overwintering) and Lauren Fann (biocontrol of stink bugs), while serving as Kentucky IPM Coordinator and IR-4 Project liaison for minor-use pesticide registration.