Shelton elected Entomological Society of America fellow

Cornell entomologist Anthony "Tony" Shelton has been elected a fellow of the Entomological Society of America for 2010.

One of 10 new fellows this year, the honor "acknowledges outstanding contributions in one or more of the following: research, teaching, extension or administration," according to an announcement from the society.

The new fellows will be formally recognized during the society's annual meeting, Dec. 12-15, in San Diego.

Shelton, a professor of entomology and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) International Professor, leads a research and extension program that develops integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for vegetables and other crops. He has been credited with developing the first IPM program for processing sweet corn in the northeast, which cut insecticide use by half. A program he helped develop for cabbage led to similar reductions in insecticides on that crop, while maintaining healthy plants and increasing the efficacy of insecticides that were applied.

In addition, he conducts long-term studies on insects' resistance to conventional insecticides and Bt crops (Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium and biological insecticide that scientists have genetically engineered into a few crops), invasive species, host plant resistance, effects of conventional insecticides and Bt crops on non-target organisms, and more.

Shelton is also engaged in extension and outreach, helping growers implement sound IPM strategies and educating the public about agricultural issues, including biological control and biotechnology. He also collaborates on international projects in dozens of countries, has published more than 300 scientific articles and has served on dozens of scientific panels for such organizations as the National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Shelton previously received the Entomology Society's National Award for Excellence in IPM and its National Recognition Award for Research. In 2007 he received the CALS Award for Applied Research.

Shelton received his Ph.D. from University of California -- Riverside in 1979 and joined Cornell's faculty the same year.

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