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.