Rufus Isaacs

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University Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist
Department of Entomology

Degrees:
Ph.D. – Imperial College, University of London, Chemical Ecology (1994)
B.S. – Imperial College, University of London, Applied Biology (1991)

Bio

Dr. Rufus Isaacs leads a research and extension program supporting sustainable pest management and crop pollination in Michigan berry crops. His work focuses on developing monitoring, biocontrol and cultural control practices that integrate with selective insecticides within integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Recent projects address the invasive spotted-wing Drosophila, a global economic threat to berry growers, and a native blueberry stem gall wasp. His lab also studies crop pollination, exploring the conservation of native bees and integrated crop pollination systems. Isaacs trains postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate students, welcoming those with an interest in insect diversity, conservation and pest management. He also currently serves as the faculty coordinator of the Trevor Nichols Research Center.

Concentrations

Berry Crops
Integrated Pest Management
Invasive Species
Pollinator Conservation
Crop Pollination

Courses Taught

ENT812: Pollination Ecology & Management

This one credit seminar class introduces students from across CANR to the current research on pollinators, crop pollination and how bees and other insects are managed to improve crop yields through pollination.

ENT812: Advanced Topics in Integrated Pest Management

Research

Isaacs’ research program examines insect ecology and behavior to improve sustainable pest management in berry crops, including blueberry, grape, raspberry and strawberry. His work tests reduced-risk insecticides, develops new control tools and integrates tactics into established IPM programs. Ongoing projects focus on rapid response to spotted-wing Drosophila and the blueberry stem gall wasp, and he continues to focus on developing approaches to control grape berry moth. He also studies crop pollination, with an emphasis on the biology and conservation of native bees. His lab recently led a nationwide project to develop sustainable pollination practices for specialty crops, collaborating with four MSU programs and 15 institutions across the U.S.

Learn more about the Isaacs Lab at MSU.

Extension

Isaacs’ extension work provide research-based recommendations for berry crop pest management, emphasizing decision tools, conservation practices and IPM strategies. He has led statewide and regional responses to spotted-wing Drosophila, delivering guidance through talks, publications, websites, webinars and on-farm trials. His extension and outreach work also includes pollinator conservation, offering information on bee forage, habitat enhancement and landscape-level planning. He engages students and postdocs in extension activities, preparing the next generation of entomologists to work with growers, garden groups, conservation organizations and federal agencies.

View the MSU Blueberry Extension Website.

View the MSU Grape Extension Website.