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David Shapiro-Ilan

Research Leader


USDA-ARS, Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station

Area of Expertise

Entomology

Project Role

Dr. Shapiro-Ilan’s role in the Areawide project is focused on developing microbial biocontrol solutions (especially using beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes) for suppression of the spotted lanternfly.

Research Bio

Dr. Shapiro-Ilan’s research focuses on invertebrate pathology and microbial biocontrol. Areas of interest emphasize the study of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, and include biological control applications, production and formulation technology, and studies on behavior (especially foraging dynamics). His research focuses on orchard crops (primarily peach and pecan).

Spotted Lanternfly on a grape vine illustration

Managing Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven is made possible by USDA-ARS Areawide Program #8080-21000-001-00D.

Contact Information:

tracy.leskey@usda.gov

Appalachian Fruit Research Station

2217 Wiltshire Road

Kearneysville, WV 25430

Research Partners:

USDA-ARS

​Penn State University

Rutgers University

Virginia Tech

University of Georgia

University of Minnesota

Privacy Policy

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Accessibility Statement​

© 2026 Leveraging Biological Control Agents to Simultaneously Reduce Populations of Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven at an Areawide Scale. All rights reserved.

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