Dr. Rick Brandenburg
State ESP Mid-Career Award
Dr. Brandenburg has been a leader in the promotion of sound pest management strategies for those commodities that he is assigned. He handles an unusual combination of field and urban responsibilities, but handles each specific group of clientele with ease. His programs provide a wealth of information for agents and end users alike and his efforts have earned him a national and international reputation. Extension programs in peanuts have focused on avoiding the application of unnecessary insecticides. Not only have these programs reduced treatments for corn earworms and spider mites in peanuts, but they have helped growers understand the “why” behind pest outbreak occurrences. His collaborative effort with Dr. Herbert at Virginia Tech has produced a risk model for agents to use to help growers make wise decisions relative to treating for corn rootworms. His modification of the tomato spotted wilt virus program from Georgia is already providing benefits to N. C. farmers battling this troublesome disease that is spread by insects. Dr. Brandenburg was the extension specialist selected by the American Phytopathological Society to write the “Management Programs for Peanut Insects” chapter in their “Peanut Health Management” book in 1995. This documents the national recognition of his extension efforts.
Dr. Brandenburg’s programs in turfgrass management have been sought nationwide as his expertise, particularly in managing soil insect pests, is second to none. His early work helped pioneer the use of subsurface application equipment that provide better insect control at lower rates and reduced surface residues. He is at the forefront of biological and natural control and helped produce a manual for agent use on this subject. His highly sought seminars provide state of the art training for agents and turfgrass managers and incorporate all aspects of pest control and focus on cost savings and protection of the environment. He has recently become the co-director of the new Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education at NCSU. This new role and visibility will further enhance the overall environmental friendliness of the educational programs that emerge from the turfgrass program at NCSU. The value of Dr. Brandenburg’s proactive program to support the continued growth of one of our largest agricultural industries has been quite profound. Dr. Brandenburg also generates a large number of local evaluations of products for turf insect pest management that provides agents with reliable recommendations. His presence, at a time of greater public scrutiny of pesticide use in the landscape, additional regulations, and loss of many pest control products, has given agents a reputable source of sound information to address these issues. He has also been of immeasurable value to the turfgrass industry who has used his expertise and name recognition to promote the future of this major commodity and continue its growth in North Carolina.
2001 ESP Awards
Xi Chapter ESP
