Justin Renkema, Ph.D.

Image Justin Renkema
Research Scientist

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

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

  • Improving cyclamen mite management in strawberry with molecular monitoring tools, transplant steam treatment, new miticides and biopesticides and cultivar resistance.
  • Determining hemipteran vectors of grapevine red blotch virus in Ontario vineyards
  • Determining leafhopper, parasitoid and their host plant associations in vineyards
  • Developing a molecular monitoring tool for spotted wing drosophila
  • Determining repellent effects of sweet alyssum flower volatiles on spotted wing drosophila, and the potential for supporting natural enemies with sweet alyssum plantings in berry crops
  • Eliminating oriental fruit moth on fruit tree nursery stock using hot water treatments
  • Determining predation and parasitism rates of oriental fruit moth in fruit orchards
  • Improving apple leaf curling midge and leafroller monitoring in apple orchards
  • Investigating ambrosia beetle communities and fungal associations in tender fruit and apple orchards

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)

Key publications

  1. M. Franklin, T. Nelson, Y. Uriel, P. K. Abram, C. E. Moffat, D. Moreau, J. Renkema (2022). Spatially distinct genotypes of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii in Canada. 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of the ESA, ESC, and ESBC. Vancouver, BC, Canada, November 13-16, 2022 (Oral presentation).

    2022 - View publication details

  2. Talton, H.R., Rhodes, E.M., Chase, C.A., Swisher, M.E., Renkema, J.M., Liburd, O.E. (2020). Effect of cultural practices on neopamera bilobata in relation to fruit injury and marketable yields in organic strawberries. Insects, [online] 11(12), 1-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects11120843

    2020 - View publication details

  3. 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

  4. 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. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, [online] 18(2), 119-127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/afe.12144

    2016 - View publication details

  5. 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. Biological Control, [online] 89 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2015.04.024

    2015 - View publication details

  6. 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. Pest Management Science, [online] 70(11), 1720-1727. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.3714

    2014 - View publication details

  7. 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. Environmental Entomology, [online] 41(5), 1097-1106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EN12122

    2012 - View publication details

  8. 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. Environmental Entomology, [online] 41(2), 370-376. http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EN11200

    2012 - View publication details

  9. Renkema, J.M., Lynch, D.H., Cutler, G.C., MacKenzie, K., Walde, S.J. (2012). Predation by Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) on immature Rhagoletis mendax Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae) in semi-field and field conditions. Biological Control, [online] 60(1), 46-53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2011.10.004

    2012 - View publication details

  10. 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. Journal of Pest Science, [online] 84(3), 281-287. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10340-011-0365-2

    2011 - View publication details

Research facility

1391 Sandford Street
London, ON N5V 4T3
Canada

Affiliations

Entomological Society of Canada

Entomological Society of America

International Organization of Biological Control

International Society of Horticultural Science

 

Language

English