BATON ROUGE, La. – Insect researchers from across the Southeast will gather in Baton Rouge early next month to discuss the pests that can kill crops, harm livestock and make life uncomfortable for people. The Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America will hold its annual meeting March 3-6.

Researchers and extension specialists will attend from universities in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Presenters will discuss issues such as citrus greening disease, invasive species, rice and cotton pests, integrated pest management, subterranean termites, red imported fire ants, emerald ash borer and other topics, according to Tim Schowalter, LSU AgCenter entomology department head.

As the experts share their research about invasive pests in the region, attendees will arm themselves with information they can take home to agricultural producers in their states, Schowalter said.

In addition to the professionals on the program, there will be students from eight universities who will compete during a question-and-answer, college bowl-style competition, on entomological facts.

Participants will include teams from Louisiana State University, the University of Arkansas, Florida A&M, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, Mississippi State University, and North Carolina State University, Schowalter said.

The first-and second-place teams will go on to compete on the national stage in November at Entomology 2013, the 61st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Austin, Texas.

The Baton Rouge meeting also will feature student presentation competitions, an awards ceremony, an insect photo salon, and more, Schowalter said.

The Entomological Society of America is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has more than 6,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Members are researchers, teachers, extension service personnel, administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians, consultants, students, and hobbyists, according to its website.

For more information, including the program and how to register, visit the ESA website at http://www.entsoc.org/Southeastern/2013SEB-annual-meeting.

Johnny Morgan