John Sedlacek

John Sedlacek is a principal investigator of entomology in the KSU Land Grant Program. He holds a PhD in entomology from the University of Kentucky, MEn (Master of Environmental Science) in applied ecology from Miami University, and a BS in biology from Baldwin-Wallace College. His research program promotes sustainable insect pest management by identifying minimally disruptive pest management approaches that conserve biodiversity in sweet corn agroecosystems. One of Sedlacek’s current projects uses multi-trophic insect studies to assess the ecological impact of organic, conventional, and genetically engineered (BT insect-protected) sweet corn production systems. Future studies will examine the impact of plant biodiversity on beneficial insect diversity and pest insect damage in organically and sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables; test the efficacy of beneficial insect attractants; determine insecticidal activity of biologically-based compounds; and determine the long-term sustainability of BT-protected vegetable crops.