Stuart Reitz

Dr. Stuart Reitz is Director at the Malheur Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University, where he leads research and extension programming related to cropping systems in Malheur County. His work focuses on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), ecology and management of insect vectors of plant pathogens, particularly in onion and potato production systems in the Treasure Valley region of Eastern Oregon and Southwestern Idaho.

Dr. Reitz's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Entomology from Clemson University (1994), with dissertation on "Reproductive Biology of Eucelatoria bryani and Eucelatoria rubentis (Diptera: Tachinidae), Larval Parasitoids of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)."
• M.S. in Zoology from Clemson University (1988), with thesis on "Relationships of Feeding and Locomotor Activity to Intraspecific Social Dominance in Captive Wintering Savannah Sparrows."
• B.S. in Biology (minors in Geography and Chemistry) from University of South Alabama (1985).

Dr. Reitz's research primarily centers on thrips management, particularly western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and their role in transmitting plant pathogens like Iris yellow spot virus. His work spans entomology, plant pathology, food safety, and integrated pest management strategies for onion and potato production. He investigates biological control methods, insecticide resistance, and the impacts of agricultural practices on pest dynamics and pathogen transmission.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on food safety concerns related to onion production, particularly examining Escherichia coli contamination risks and mitigation strategies. There's also significant work on thrips ecology, invasive species dynamics, and novel pest management approaches including RNAi technology. His research bridges fundamental entomological questions with practical agricultural applications.

Dr. Reitz has received numerous awards including:

• Oregon Farm Food Safety Team Award, OSU Extension Association (2019)
• Western Region Excellence in Multistate Research Award for "Managing Onion Pests and Diseases" (2018)
• Award of Excellence for Training IPM Professionals in Rural Areas (2017)
• "Ask-an-Expert" Outstanding Performer, Oregon State University Extension (2017)
• Strategic Impact Award, OSU University Outreach and Engagement (2016)
• Hoecker Newer Faculty Award, Oregon State University Extension Service (2016)

Dr. Reitz actively mentors graduate students through both the Crop and Soil Science Department and the Entomology Program at Oregon State University. He has secured significant funding for research on onion pest management, food safety, and integrated pest management strategies. His work often involves collaboration with researchers across multiple institutions and states, particularly through multistate research projects focused on onion production challenges.

Dr. Reitz leads research efforts at the Malheur Agricultural Experiment Station, where his team conducts field studies on onion and potato pests, pathogen transmission, and food safety concerns. His work directly informs extension programs that support regional onion growers in implementing effective pest management strategies while meeting food safety regulations.