معرفی
Jaime Piñero is an Extension Professor of Fruit Entomology and Integrated Pest Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He holds a three-way appointment integrating research, Extension, and teaching, with a focus on sustainable pest management in fruit systems. His work bridges laboratory and field research with direct outreach to growers.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2005
- Post-Doctoral Fellow, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, 2005–2007
- B.Sc. in Agronomy, University of Veracruz, Mexico, 1992
His research interests center on insect-plant interactions, insect sensory ecology (especially olfaction and vision), and behaviorally-based pest management. He develops ecologically sound Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies such as attract-and-kill systems, mass trapping, and bait stations for pests like spotted wing drosophila, plum curculio, Japanese beetles, and tephritid fruit flies. His work integrates chemical, biological, and behavioral control methods to reduce reliance on conventional insecticides.
The trends in his recent publications show a consistent focus on semiochemicals, lure optimization, and non-chemical control methods. He investigates the synergistic effects of volatiles like β-cyclocitral and ammonium acetate, evaluates biopesticides such as entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, and explores innovative materials like chitosan and nonnutritive sugars. His research spans molecular mechanisms (e.g., gene expression in resistant aphids) to field-scale IPM trials in apple and small fruit orchards.
Scientific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided text.
In terms of advising and grants, while specific student names and grant titles are not mentioned, his role includes mentoring through research and Extension activities. His collaborative projects with researchers across institutions (e.g., USDA, University of Missouri, Lincoln University) and funding from federal and state programs are implied through his applied research and outreach. His Extension work includes training workshops, grower publications, and field demonstrations aimed at increasing IPM adoption and reducing environmental impact.
He leads an active research lab focused on sustainable fruit pest management, as indicated by his ongoing publications and affiliations. His lab investigates behavioral ecology, biological control, and novel attractants, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical solutions for fruit growers.
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