معرفی
Dr. Alejandro Costamagna serves as Professor and Acting Department Head in the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. His research focuses on sustainable pest management strategies that balance agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation in mixed agricultural-natural landscapes.
Education:
- Dual-Major PhD in Entomology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, USA
- MS in Entomology, Michigan State University, USA
- BS in Biology (Zoology), La Plata National University, Argentina
Costamagna's research program investigates arthropod-mediated ecosystem services, landscape-scale pest dynamics, and biological control mechanisms. His work emphasizes how habitat structure influences predator-prey interactions, plant-insect relationships, and trophic cascades in agroecosystems. Key projects examine wheat midge resistance, flea beetle ecology, and floral habitat enhancement for beneficial insects. The lab employs chemical ecology, molecular analysis, and landscape-scale field experiments to develop practical IPM solutions for Canadian Prairies agriculture.
Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal consistent focus on wheat midge, flea beetles, and aphids in Canadian cropping systems. Studies integrate volatile analysis, genetic resistance, and landscape management to understand host selection and natural enemy efficacy. A recurring theme is evaluating habitat manipulations like floral strips for enhancing pest suppression services across diverse agricultural landscapes.
Costamagna teaches undergraduate courses including Principles of Ecology and Physiological Ecology of Insects, and graduate courses on Advanced Entomology. His lab has advised graduate students like Crystal (MSc thesis defense noted in lab updates), though comprehensive student lists aren't published. Current research examines economic thresholds for Lygus bugs, flea beetle management in canola, and landscape effects on alfalfa weevil parasitism.
The Costamagna Lab operates within the Department of Entomology's facilities at the Fort Garry campus, conducting field research across Manitoba's agricultural landscapes. Current projects include wheat midge host plant resistance, functional diversity of natural enemies, and soybean aphid-natural enemy dynamics, with strong emphasis on translating research into practical farm management strategies.
