Research 

Insecticide resistance management in Western flower thrips (WFT)

Western flower thrips (WFT, Frankliniella occidentalis) is a significant pest of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental crops. It poses a serious challenge due to its broad host range, ability to develop resistance to insecticides, and dual modes of damage: directly through feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit, and indirectly by transmitting tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Recently, field-evolved Radiant-resistance has been reported in WFT populations in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. We are currently investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of resistant WFT populations by assessing Radiant-resistance allele frequencies using qPCR genotyping assays. This information will support the development of region-specific pest management strategies and guide growers in making informed insecticide use decisions. 

IPM of Key Pests in Fruiting Vegetables and Brassica Crops.

As pests develop resistance to key insecticides, we also integrate cultural practices such as reflective mulches and mating disruption into pest management programs for more sustainable control. We have evaluated the the efficacy of a combination of new insecticides products and plastic mulches (reflective and white) in controlling WFT populations in tomato production. As a part of collaborative project with Dr. George Kennedy (NCSU), we have also tested the efficacy of pheromone dispensers for mating disruption of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella ) in brassica crops.

Chemical Control of Pests in Specialty Crops 

Despite the development and use of various management practices, chemical control remains an essential and most common method to manage insect pests. I have led and supported field trials assessing the efficacy of new insecticides products against (Frankliniella occidentalis) in tomatoes, corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) in sweet corn, and plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) in apples and peaches. These experiences have provided the knowledge to perform these evaluations under different crop systems.

Bee Diversity and Abundance During Peach Bloom in South Carolina

Peach is an important specialty fruit crop in the United States. Peach is self-compatible, but bee pollination enhances fruit set and diverse populations improve pollination efficiency. During bloom, we surveyed two orchards and collected 651 bees. Bumble bees (Bombus, 37%) and honey bees (Apis mellifera, 32%) were most common, followed by Eucera (14%), Andrena (8%), and Habropoda (5%). Also, blue vane traps (BVTs) captured more and larger bees, while sweep netting better represented smaller species. These results provide a baseline for pollinator communities in peach and guide targeted conservation in southeastern orchards. Read the full publication: Tayal et al. 2024, J. Appl. Entomol.

Ecology of Pollen-transmitted viruses in peach orchards

Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and prune dwarf virus (PDV) are pollen-borne ilarviruses endemic to the southeastern U.S. and cause substantial losses in peach production (Tayal et al. 2024a, JIPM). A two-year survey of peach orchards demonstrated that both bees and thrips carry PNRSV and PDV-positive pollen during bloom and move along orchard blocks, potentially facilitating virus spread (Tayal et al. 2023, J. Econ. Entomol.). Since PNRSV has been found in wild Prunus spp. (Black cherry (Prunus serotina) and Carolina laurel cherry (P. caroliniana)) at orchard borders, I used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to track the foraging history of bees, assessing whether they serve as a bridge for the movement of virus-infected pollen between cultivated peaches and wild species. Findings revealed that bees visit a wide range of plant taxa, including black cherry and Carolina laurel cherry and there was a significant association between the presence of wild Prunus spp. and detection of PNRSV in bee-collected pollen samples (Manuscript in preparation).

Peach-pollinator-virus interactions

Pollen-borne viruses such as PNRSV and PDV could affect pollen health. Our recent research has demonstrated that PNRSV and PDV negatively affect peach pollen health, resulting in distorted pollen shape and reduced pollen grain viability and germination (Tayal et al. 2024b, PhytoFrontiers). This research spurred questions regarding evolutionary pressures acting in this system. The viruses are pollen-transmitted, so if virus infection negatively affects pollen health, it may limit virus spread. Future research should explore the effects of ilarvirus infection on interactions between plants and pollinators to better understand transmission ecology of these viruses. Insights into the ecology and transmission dynamics of pollen-borne ilarviruses are crucial for informing future disease management strategies to improve orchard health. 

Trait Characterization, Durability and Resistance Management

During my internship with Corteva Agriscience’s Durability and Resistance Management team, I worked on assessing initial resistance allele frequencies in fall armyworm populations and developing resistant lines to insecticidal traits. I gained extensive experience in rearing economically important pest species, including fall armyworm, sugarcane borer, and corn rootworm, and in conducting bioassays to evaluate insect performance under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. I also had the opportunity to meet with different team leads across departments, building strong professional connections and gaining insight into cross-functional collaboration. As part of my internship, I presented a research poster summarizing my project outcomes, further enhancing my communication and presentation skills. This experience not only strengthened my understanding of industry workflows and confidentiality in product development but also contributed to developing more durable pest management solutions.