About Marcelo:
Marcelo is an insect toxicologist who specializes in developing resistance management strategies for insecticides and Bt crops, complemented by expertise in applied insect behavior. During his Master’s at Louisiana State University, he studied corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larval behavior to understand the implications of larval movement for refuge strategies designed to manage resistance development to Bt crops. Additionally, he monitored corn earworm resistance to major Bt proteins targeting this pest across southeastern U.S, establishing regional baseline susceptibility data and resistance allele frequency.
During his Ph.D. at the University of Florida, Marcelo monitored whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1) resistance to key insecticides used to manage both adults and nymphs and established baseline susceptibility data. Moreover, he investigated sustainable pest management programs, including the evaluation biopesticide rotations to manage whiteflies and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), while developing a method for real time identification of TYLCV using hyperspectral imaging. During his graduate studies, he demonstrated a strong orientation for extension, highlighted by constant interaction with growers and on-farm demonstrations.
Under the guidance of Dr. Brian Nault at Cornell, Marcelo is leading various projects to safeguard potato production in New York without compromising the health of pollinators. His projects include the evaluation of reduced-risk management programs for Colorado potato beetle (CPB) (Leptinotarsa decemlineata); improvement of models to predict CPB risk; efficacy assessment of novel technologies targeting major potato pests, including potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) and CPB; and efficacy assessment of key insecticides to manage the spread of potato virus Y (PVY) by aphids, tailored to support growers involved in potato seed certification. Additionally, he established a resistance monitoring program to provide baseline data on the susceptibility of CPB populations in New York to key insecticides.
In addition to his research, Marcelo has been actively involved in extension, delivering numerous extension presentations across New York, providing insect identification services to growers, and assessing recent outbreaks of aphids and red-headed flea beetle (Systena frontalis) on potato. Overall, Marcelo is focused on strengthening his skills in preparation for his major career goal of becoming an assistant professor of entomology. He is enthusiastic about mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and serving growers and other stakeholders to overcome pest issues.