Nydia E. Vicente, M.S.

Catedrática, Dir. Asociada Depto.
  
Nydia E. Vicente, M.S.

Catedrática, Dir. Asociada Depto.
Departamento Protección de Cultivos.

Oficina: Anexo Piñero 103
Tel. No.: 787-832-4040
Ext. No.: 2354
FAX: 787-265-5490
EMail: nvicente@uprm.edu , nydia_vic@yahoo.com



 

Intereses de investigación y docencia:
 



 
Nematología, Enfermedades de Hortalizas y Manejo Integrado de Nematodos.


 Proyectos de investigación:

ZTS 22 Integrated Management of Pest Mole Crickets in Puerto Rico and Florida

This project seeks to advance integrated pest management of pest mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) in both Puerto Rico and Florida by fully deploying and evaluating two biological control agents known to be effective in reducing populations of non-native mole crickets: the mole cricket nematode (Steinernema scapterisci) and larra, the mole cricket wasp (Larra bicolor). It will assess the effectiveness of the previously released mole cricket nematode in Puerto Rico and evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the parasitic mole cricket wasp in Puerto Rico and Florida through habitat manipulation (providing nectar sources for the wasp). This project will fill in the last key knowledge gaps after years of successful research on mole cricket biocontrol. It will allow the researchers to provide a complete package of how to manage non-native mole crickets by integrating these two biological control agents. By following the resulting protocol, cattlemen, golf course superintendents, school and municipal grounds crews, and homeowners will be able to manage non-native mole crickets on their own property, thus ensuring the continued spread and effectiveness of the biological control agents and eliminating the need for further research.

Project Z 163 C Release and evaluate an exotic nematode for mole cricket control in Puerto Rico

The primary purpose of this project is to release Steinernema scapterisci inPuerto Rico, learn to work with it in the habitats infested by Scapteriscus spp.mole crickets, and support the local cooperators in redistributing it for long term control. S. scapterisci  will be applied to selected vegetables fields and pastures in one-acre plots, and monitored continuosly with pitfall traps.