The Yang Lab focuses on the biology, ecology, integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management of corn insect pests. The goal, in conjunction with my extension program, is to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of corn production through integrated pest management strategies. Specific research areas include:
- Monitoring and assessing pest population densities and damage in corn fields caused by various insect pests, e.g. corn rootworm, European corn borer, armyworm, and corn earworm.
- Evaluating the efficacy of corn hybrids, insecticides, and cultural strategies for the management of corn insect pests.
- Insect resistance monitoring and management for chemical insecticides and Bt technologies.
- Risk assessment of resistance in insect populations and any other factors affecting the evolution of insect resistance to insecticides and Bt technologies.