Dr. Ash Sial is an Assistant Professor in Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. He has research, extension, and teaching appointments. He serves as the blueberry entomologist as well as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator for the state of Georgia.
His research focuses on understanding biology and ecology of economically important arthropod pests of perennial fruit crops and utilizing that information to develop sustainable IPM programs. Much of his current research is focused on developing and implementing systems-based IPM programs to effectively manage the invasive pest, Drosophila suzukii – the spotted wing drosophila, in conventional and organic small fruit production systems such as blueberries.
His program is well funded with competitive grants. Since his joining UGA, he has won over $19.5 million in competitive grants through NIFA and other agencies as lead PD or participating Co-PD.
Currently, he is lead Project Director on a $2 million project through OREI and is Co-PD on two multi-regional SCRI grants. He has published 26 peer-reviewed research papers, written several extension articles, and delivered numerous presentations and webinars. As IPM Coordinator, he works very closely with applied entomologists, plant pathologists, weed scientists, and faculty members in other related disciplines throughout the UGA system to coordinate IPM related activities across the state.
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