Justin Renkema, PhD

Research Scientist

Applied entomologist conducting research on biological, chemical and cultural practices for improving management of pests in fruit crops

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

London Research and Development Centre - Vineland

Current research and/or projects

I conduct research on the ecology and biology of economically important insects and mites in fruit crops, with the goal of improving pest management through a better understanding of how to integrate biological, cultural, physical, and chemical control methods.

Research and/or project statements

Current projects:

Steam treatment of transplants and biopesticide efficacy for controlling cyclamen mite in strawberry
Interactions of entomopathogens and composts/mulches for white grub control in berry crops
Developing molecular tools for improved spotted wing drosophila monitoring in fruit crops
Identifcation of leafhoppers and their parasitoids in grapes
Improving chilli thrips management in Florida strawberry
Determing efficacy of novel natural enemies for spotted wing drosophila

Education and awards

Ph.D. Biology, Dalhousie University, 2011

M.Sc. Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, 2004

B.Sc. (Hons.) Biology, Redeemer University College, 2002

International experience and/or work

Current international collaborative projects:

Remote sensing of spider mite damage in strawberry (University of Florida)
Using flowering plant strips to attract beneficial insects and reduce thrips in strawberry and fruiting vegetables (University of Florida)

Additional links

For a full list of publications, please see my Google Scholar and ResearchGate profiles:

https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=_S_acY4AAAAJ&hl=en

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Renkema

Key publications

Laprise, M., Renkema, J. & Parent J.-P. 2019. I spy Hemipterans: Assessing the biodiversity of insects in Niagara vineyards. Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Niagara, ON, Canada. 20-21 February 2019.
2019 - View publication details
Renkema, J.M., Cutler, G.C., Lynch, D.H., Mackenzie, K., Walde, S.J. (2016). Organic mulches in highbush blueberries alter beetle (Coleoptera) community composition and improve functional group abundance and diversity, 18(2), 119-127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/afe.12144
2016 - View publication details
Renkema, J.M., Telfer, Z., Gariepy, T., Hallett, R.H. (2015). Dalotia coriaria as a predator of Drosophila suzukii: Functional responses, reduced fruit infestation and molecular diagnostics, 89 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2015.04.024
2015 - View publication details
Renkema, J.M., Cutler, G.C., Gaul, S.O. (2014). Field type, trap type and field-edge characteristics affect Rhagoletis mendax captures in lowbush blueberries, 70(11), 1720-1727. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.3714
2014 - View publication details
Renkema, J.M., Lynch, D.H., Cutler, G.C., MacKenzie, K., Walde, S.J. (2012). Ground and rove beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Staphylinidae) are affected by mulches and weeds in highbush blueberries, 41(5), 1097-1106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EN12122
2012 - View publication details
Renkema, J.M., Lynch, D.H., Cutler, G.C., MacKenzie, K., Walde, S.J. (2012). Emergence of blueberry maggot flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) from mulches and soil at various depths, 41(2), 370-376. http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EN11200
2012 - View publication details
Renkema, J.M., Cutler, G.C., Lynch, D.H., MacKenzie, K., Walde, S.J. (2011). Mulch type and moisture level affect pupation depth of Rhagoletis mendax Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the laboratory, 84(3), 281-287. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10340-011-0365-2
2011 - View publication details