History of the IBL

To provide a glimpse into the future of the Insect Biocontrol Laboratory, one must first start at the beginning ... The Insect Pathology Laboratory. The Insect Pathology Laboratory originated with the transfer of Dr. Samson R. Dutky and the Insect Pathology Unit from Moorestown, NJ to Beltsville, MD in 1954. The laboratory received the pioneering research laboratory status and began a dynamic expansion in both personnel and scope when the late Dr. A.M. Heimpel was hired in 1961 as the Principal Insect Pathologist and later became Laboratory Chief. In his years directing the laboratory, Dr. Heimpel hired and directed 10 new scientists in work on basic research problems associated with insect viruses, insect cell culture, Bacillus thuringiensis and other areas of insect pathology. In June of 1979, Dr. James L. Vaughn became the Research Leader of the Insect Pathology Laboratory and continued directing the laboratory under the philosophy of a pioneering research laboratory while hiring four new scientists to replace transfers, retirees and deceased members of the laboratory.

In July of 1990, the Insect Biocontrol Laboratory (IBL) was established to achieve greater coherence in biological control research at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). The new laboratory was formed by transferring scientists from three exisiting labs at Beltsville: Insect Pathology, Beneficial Insects, and the Insect Chemical Ecology Laboratories. Senior scientists specializing in insect rearing, biological control of weeds, parasites and predators, import and export documentation, insect chemical ecology, insect pathology, and microbiology were merged to address one of agriculture's concerns of the late 1980's - early 1990's: reducing the use of chemical pesticides for controlling insect pests of agricultural importance throughout the United States.

Dr. James L. Vaughn continued as the Research Leader of the newly formed Insect Biocontrol Laboratory. During 1995, Dr. Fred Proshold, who was stationed at Otis Air National Guard Base, MA was transferred to ARS, Tifton, GA and Dr. Robert Whitcomb was transferred to the Vegetable Laboratory at Beltsville and has since retired. Dr. Jean Adams retired in January 1996 but remains an active collaborator with the laboratory.

During August of 1996, Dr. Vaughn stepped down as the Laboratory's Research Leader to assume responsibility as ARS Liaison to EPA, especially concerning registration guidelines of pesticides and to continue his bench research on insect serum-free media in the laboratory. Dr. Edward M. Dougherty was appointed Research Leader of the Laboratory.

In October of 1996, the IBL acquired three permanent scientists and their support staffs from the Insect Neurobiology and Hormone Laboratory at Beltsville to provide additional support to the biocontrol program. Dr. Dale Gelman brings her expertise in insect hormone regulation, Dr. Marcia Loeb, her expertise in the area of insect hormones, growth factors, and reproduction regulation, and Dr. Ashok Raina, his expertise in insect neurohormones, behavior and physiology.

As the laboratory grew, it also shrank. Dr. Richard Ridgway retired in January 1997 to become more involved in the Riley Memorial Foundation. Dr. Ashok Raina left the laboratory in July of 1998 to become Research Leader of the ARS, Beneficial Insects Research Unit, Weslaco, TX and is now located at the Formosan Termite Program in New Orleans.

In July and September of 1998, the IBL hired three additional permanent scientists: Drs. Dawn Gundersen-Rindal, Susan Lawrence, and Mike Blackburn. Mr. Jack Coulson and his ROBO database were transferred from the laboratory to the National Program Staff (NPS) in October 1998 and Dr. Kevin Hackett transferred to the NPS in February, 1999 as a program leader. Dr. James Vaughn retired in June, 1999; Dr. Fernando Vega transferred into the IBL from the Montpellier European Biological Control Laboratory in August, 1999; Dr. Stephen Rehner joined the laboratory in June, 2000 to add a research element on insect-pathogenic fungi to the unit; Dr. Edward Dougherty retired in September of 2000 and Dr. Robert Schroder did likewise in November 2000; and Dr. Don Weber joined the lab in Februray 2002 to fill the vacancy left by Robert Schroder. During a reorganization of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in November, 2000, Dr. Ralph Webb was transferred to the Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory.

Dr. Matthew Greenstone joined the laboratory as Research leader in August 2002. The IBL currently has 13 scientists, 1 postdoctoral associate and 16 support staff personnel addressing IBL's future role in developing cost effective, environmentally safe agents for the biocontrol of insect pests of agricultural importance. The Laboratory is dedicated to problem solving, whether it be developing a biological control agent, a component such as an ultraviolet (UV) protectant for the control agent, or developing a knowledge base with which to use these technologies.

Scientists in the Insect Biocontrol Laboratory are interested in developing partnerships with industry and university colleagues.

Please contact us by e-mail at lynnd@ba.ars.usda.gov,
by phone at 301-504-5689,
by FAX at 301-504-5104,
or by mail at

USDA,ARS, BA, PSI,
Insect Biocontrol Lab,
BARC-West, Bldg. 011A, Rm. 214
10300 Baltimore Ave.,
Beltsville,MD 20705-2350