Ric Bessin

Ric Bessin

Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Entomology
University of Kentucky
S-225 Ag. Sci. Ctr. North, Lexington, KY 40546
rbessin@uky.edu

Bio

Ric Bessin has worked at the University of Kentucky since 1991, with responsibilities including arthropod management of field and specialty crops and greenhouses.

Bessin's applied research and extension program is focused on development, evaluation, and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) for specialty and field crops. He provides education to a wide audience from Master Gardeners to youth to the commercial agriculture industry.

Recent research includes:

  • Evaluation and implementation of alternative treatments for control of Oriental fruit moth and codling moth in commercial apple orchards
  • Evaluation of reduced-risk controls for cucumber beetle, bacterial wilt, squash bug, and yellow vine decline control in melons and squash
  • Protection and manipulation of wild pollinators in cucurbit production systems
  • Evaluation of alternative insecticide seed treatments for corn on secondary soil insect pests
  • Evaluation of control exerted on brown marmorated stink bug by natural enemies
  • Management of sugarcane aphid on sweet sorghum

Bessin serves as the Kentucky IPM coordinator; Kentucky liaison to the IR-4 Project, which helps to register pesticides for minor uses and minor acreage crops; and Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator for Kentucky.

Education

BS in pest management: University of California (1981)

MApStat: Louisiana State University (1989)

PhD in entomology: Louisiana State University (1990)

BMSB Specialization

Biological control, monitoring, alternative control methods

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Faculty webpage