James P. Cuda
Associate Professor
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Research Focus

Dr. Cuda's research focuses on the discovery, identification, risk assessment, release, and evaluation of target-specific beneficial arthropods from foreign sources for classical biological control of invasive weeds infesting agricultural lands, natural areas and aquatic systems in Florida, the Caribbean Region and the southeastern United States.

Supporting extension activities include providing leadership in delivering basic concepts and practical training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizing biological weed control to county extension faculty and natural resource managers. He also advises/mentors graduate students, and is a guest lecturer for graduate/undergraduate courses in insect/weed ecology and biological control.

Research specialization:
• Identification, biology and evaluation of established arthropod natural enemies for biological control of invasive aquatic weeds.
• Quarantine testing procedures for investigating the host range/suitability of candidate insect natural enemies for classical biological control of invasive natural area weeds [presently Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius), tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), turkey berry (Solanum torvum), and strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum)].
• Mass production of arthropod biological control agents of invasive weeds.
• Information resource for county faculty on natural enemies of arthropod pests of agriculture, horticulture, structures, natural resources and public health


Contact Information

Phone   352-392-1901
EMail   

Mailing Address
Department of Entomology and Nematology
University of Florida
PO Box 110620
Gainesville, FL 32611-0620