Dalila Rendon

Dalila Rendon is an Assistant Professor (Practice) at Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences, affiliated with both the Entomology Program and the Department of Horticulture. She serves as the Program Leader of the IR-4 Pesticide Registration Field Research Center at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC). Her expertise focuses on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for specialty crops, with particular emphasis on invasive pests like Drosophila suzukii. Dr. Rendon collaborates with agricultural stakeholders to develop sustainable pest control solutions through field research and extension activities.

Her research interests include optimizing cultural and chemical control methods for crop pests, understanding pest population dynamics, and evaluating biological control agents. She has pioneered studies on the ecological interactions of beneficial and pest arthropods in orchard ecosystems, as well as the transgenerational effects of nutrition on predatory mites. Dr. Rendon’s work integrates genomic analysis, behavioral studies, and applied field trials to address real-world agricultural challenges.

Her publications highlight advancements in Drosophila suzukii management, including population genomics, overwintering survival mechanisms, and innovative control tactics using food-grade gums and molecular techniques. While she does not currently advise thesis students, her outreach efforts extend to developing regional pest management guides and collaborating with growers to implement IPM best practices.

Dr. Rendon’s research is supported through partnerships with the IR-4 Project, which focuses on pesticide registration for minor crops. Her contributions bridge laboratory research with on-farm applications, ensuring practical solutions for agricultural sustainability.