Eric Palevsky

He will discuss "Plant-Feeding Phytoseiids: Cheliceral Morphology, Feeding Mechanism and Host Plant Interactions"  from 12:10 to 1 p.m. He will be hosted and introduced by Michael Parrella, professor and chair, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.

Palevsky's current research includes varroa mites, which can decimate honey bee colonies. While at UC Davis, he will meet with bee scientists,   integrated pest management (IPM) specialists and ecologists.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Palevsky immigrated to Israel in 1974. He received his bachelor's degree in plant protection at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (HUJI), Faculty of Agriculture in 1982, and his master's degree in IPM from HUJI in 1866. His thesis: "Studies to Improve Spray Strategy for the Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella, in Israel Using the Model PETE (Predictive Extension Time Estimator).

He then went on to receive his doctorate in IPM from HUJIin 1997, with a thesis titled "Development of a Program for Integrated Management of the European Red Mite, Panonychus ulmi, for the Main Apple Cultivars in Israel."

Palevsky held a postdoctoral position from 1997-1998r at Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University, Hood River, Ore. where he studied "Improving IGR Resistance Monitoring Methods for Codling Moth." He then accepted a postdoctoral position at HUJI, researching  "The Taxonomic Status of Spider Mites Attacking Palm Fruit in Israel." His career also includes a sabbatical leave to the Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand, where he researched "Functional Morphology of Phytoseiid Mouthparts."

Palevsky's ongoing projects include: 

• Conservational biological control of the citrus rust mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora in citrus. Supported by: Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC-USAID).
• Novel methods for controlling the Varroa mite in honey bee hives in Israel. Supported by: chief scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture, Honey Bee Commission of Israel and ICA
• Identification and evaluation of soil borne predatory mites for the control of plant parasitic nematodes in organic cropping systems. Supported by: chief scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Reduction of Rhizoglyphus robini damage to onion and garlic by implementing compost for the suppression of Fusarium oxysporum. Supported by: chief scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Development and application of microbial control means against arthropod and nematode pests in agriculture and forestry. Supported by: chief scientist of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Among his recent publications:

1. Adar, E. s, Inbar, M., S. Gal, S., L. Issman, L. and Palevsky, E. 2014. Plant cell piercing by a predatory mite: evidence and implications. Experimiental and Applied Acarology DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9860-5.
2. Messelink, G.J., Bennison, J., Alomar, O., Ingegno, B.L., Tavella, L., Shipp, L., Palevsky, E., Wackers, F.L., 2014. Approaches to conserving natural enemy populations in greenhouse crops: current methods and future prospects. BioControl 59: 377-393.
3. Maoz, Y., Gal, S., Argov, Y., Domeratzky, S., Melamed, E., Gan-Mor, S., Coll, M. and Palevsky, E. 2014. Efficacy of indigenous predatory mites (Acari:Phytoseiidae) against the citrus rust mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Acari:Eriophyidae): Augmentation and conservation biological control in Israeli citrus orchards. Experimiental and Applied Acarology 63: 295-312.
4. Adar, E., Inbar, M., Gal, S., Gan-Mor, S. and Palevsky, E. 2014. Pollen On-Twine for food provisioning and oviposition of predatory mites in protected crops. BioControl 59: 307-317.
5. Ofek, T., Gal, S., Inbar, M., Lebiush-Mordechai, S.,Tsror, L., and Palevsky, E. 2014. The role of onion associated fungi in bulb mite infestation and damage to onion seedlings. Experimiental and Applied Acarology 62: 437-448.
6. Lebiush-Mordechai, S., Erlich, O., Maymon, M., Freeman, S., Ben-David, T., Ofek, T., Palevsky, E., Tsror (Lahkin), L. 2014.Bulb and root rot in lily (Lilium longiforum) and onion (Allium cepa) in Israel. Journal of Phytopathology 162: 466-471.
7. Peña, J.E., Hoddle, M.S., Aluja, M., Palevsky, E., Renato Ripa, R.and Wysoki, M. 2013. Insect and Mite Pests. In: The Avocado Botany, Production and Uses. Ed Schaffer, B. CABI, Oxfordshire, UK.
8. Palevsky, E., Gerson, U. and Zhang, Z.-Q. 2013. Can exotic phytoseiids be considered ‘benevolent invaders' in perennial cropping systems? Experimental and Applied Acarology 59: 11-26.

The seminar will be video-recorded for later posting on UCTV. 

Related links:
Upcoming departmental seminars
Departmental seminars on UCTV