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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Southern Insect Management Research » People » Maribel Portilla

Maribel Portilla

Research Entomologist

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Contact Information

USDA-ARS
Southern Insect Management Research Unit
141 Experiment Station Road
P.O. Box 346
Stoneville, MS 38776
Ph: (662) 686-3660
Fax: (662) 686-5421

Work Experience

  • 2011 to present , Southern Insect Management Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Stoneville, MS, Category II Research Entomologist
  • 2010 to 2011, Southern Insect Management Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Stoneville, MS, Category II Research Entomologist
  • 2009 to 2010, Southern Insect Management Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Stoneville, MS, Category III Research Entomologist
  • 2006 to 2009, National Biological Control Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Stoneville, MS, Category III Research Entomologist
  • 1999 to 2006, Mississippi State University, USDA- ARS- BCPRU, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Research Associate II
  • 1994 to 2006, National Federation of Colombian Coffee Growers, CENICAFE, Chinchina, Caldas, Colombia, Category I Research Entomologist
  • 1988 to 1994, National Federation of Colombian Coffee Growers, CENICAFE, Chinchina, Caldas, Colombia, Research Associate
  • 1986 to 1988, Colombian Agricultural Institute, ICA, Colombia, Research Assistant

Participation in Scientific Meetings

  • Entomological Society of Colombia (1990 to 2000). Attended 10 meetings and made 14 presentations.
  • Entomological Society of America (2000 to present). Attended 14 meetings and made 14 presentations.
  • Mississippi Entomological Society (2002 to present). Attended 8 annual meetings and made 8 presentations.
  • Invited to present research results at 10 International meetings in symposia, seminars, and workshops.

Honors, Awards, Achievements and Recognition

  • Nominated seven times the Colombian National Science Prize "Alejandro Angel Escobar" (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997). Entomological Society of Colombia.
  • Member Nominating Committee, Entomological Society of Colombia, 1995-1997. Doctoral Research Scholarship, British Overseas Development Administration (ODA), 1994-1999.
  • Member, President's Commission on the Status of Minorities, Mississippi State University 2002 - 2007.
  • Honorary Professor, Conferred by National University of San Martin. San Martin, Peru May 25, 2007.

Technical Responsibilities

Dr. Portilla is currently doing research on biology, ecology and biological control of tarnished plant bug. Studies include rearing methods, developed bioassays to examine pathogenicity on new and existing microbial agents, entomopathogenic fungi resistance, sampling methods, and effect of entomopathogenic fungi on non-target insects including other insects attacking southern row crops (noctuid and pentatomid) and native or imported parasitoids and predators. The goal of the research is to study insect-pathogen relationships, and develop and new and effective microbial control method to integrate with cultural and chemical control methods to the management of tarnished plant bug and other cotton pests.

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