René F.H. Sforza
![/rfhs](/ARSUserFiles/oirp/EBCL/rfhs1.jpg)
Research Entomologist
rsforza@ars-ebcl.org
Research Projects and Topics
Topics
- Classical biocontrol of weeds and insect pests using arthropods and pathogens as specific agents;
- Foreign exploration for the discovery of biological control agents;
- Host specificity testing and evaluating ecological interactions;
- Phylogeography of invasive targets.
Projects
- Current projects on weeds and their potential biocontrol candidates when known:
- Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima, Simaroubaceae) and the eriophyid mite Aculus taihanganensis, b. Stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens, Inulaceae),
- Swallow worts (Vincetoxicum rossicum and V. nigrum - Asclepiadaceae) and the Chrysomelid beetle Chrysochus asclepiadeus,
- Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii, Brassicaceae),
- Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae - Poaceae), African wiregrass (Ventenata dubia Poaceae),
- French broom (Genista monspessulana - Fabaceae) and the psyllid Arytinnis hakani and the weevil Lepidapion argentatum.
- Current project on an insect pest:
- Bagrada bug (Bagrada hilaris - Pentatomidae) and the scelionid wasp, Gryon aetherium.
Publications
Teaching experience
Pluri-annual courses in Biological control and insect diversity at Supagro, Montpellier, and the University of Montpellier
Reviewer for:
Acarologia; Agronomy; Annals of Applied Biology; BioControl; Biocontrol, Science & Technology; Biological Control; Entomologia Generalis; Journal of Chemical Ecology; Insects; Microbiology; Scientific reports; South African Journal of Phytopathology; World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Degrees
2017: Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches, University of Montpellier, France. Une approche pluri-disciplinaire de la protection des cultures et des écosystèmes par le biocontrôle classique.
1998: Ph.D. Thesis in Entomology and Plant pathology, University of Paris VI, France entitled "Epidemiology of the Bois noir disease of grapevine: search for insect vectors and biology of Hyalesthes obsoletus Sign. (Hemiptera: Cixiidae); spread and management"
1993: Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies of Invertebrate Ecophysiology (equiv. to a M. Sc. Degree), University of Paris VI, France.
Work Experience
2000 - present: Research Entomologist at USDA-ARS-European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL), Montpellier, France.
1999: Postdoc position at INRA - Lab. Vigne et Vin (Colmar) & Lab. Phytoparasitologie (Dijon) "Grapevine leafroll epidemiology: Search for natural scale insect vectors (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) and strategies in biological control, RT-PCR detection of closteroviruses in plants and insects."
1994-98: Ph.D. Thesis at INRA's Phytoplasma Laboratory in Dijon, France. Contract with the Rhone valley's viticultural organisations.