Theodore Pollack, a senior from Montgomery Village, Maryland, developed a passion for agriculture early on. His interest was sparked in high school while working at a farm with a brewery, where he learned to grow corn and barley—key ingredients in brewing. It was there he became familiar with the malting process, an essential step in making craft beer. Drawn to MSU for its strong agricultural program and Southern hospitality, Pollack enrolled in 2021 to pursue an agricultural science degree.

Pollack's journey took an unexpected turn last summer when Dr. Fred Musser, interim head of agricultural science and plant protection and MAFES entomology professor, invited him to join a plant bug research study. Pollack chose to seize the academic opportunity, which ended up being a pivotal decision in his professional development.

"I had little interest in research before working in Dr. Musser's lab. But he encouraged me to join the study, and I'm so glad I did. I have a deep respect for the research happening at MSU, not just from my own experiences, but from witnessing the dedication and rigor across so many different projects. It really solidified my passion for this field," said Pollack.

Pollack's research focused on discovering the most effective method of trapping tarnished plant bugs, a significant agricultural pest. Collaborating with other researchers at the MAFES R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center and a local farm in Noxubee County owned by Nathan Giesbrecht, they set various traps in fields of cotton, soybean, alfalfa, and roadside vegetation. The team experimented with different pheromone trapping methods such as delta traps, bucket traps, and sticky traps using a synthetic sex pheromone, as well as a more traditional method of capturing insects—sweep net sampling—to compare effectiveness.

Using pheromones—chemicals insects release to attract mates—the researchers enhanced the traps' ability to lure arthropods. Based on previous studies by Justin George, a research entomologist with the Southern Insect Management Research Unit at USDA-ARS in Stoneville, they knew that red-colored traps paired with synthetic pheromones were most effective in attracting the insects. However, Pollack's research revealed differences in results between sweep net sampling and sticky traps. While sweep nets quickly captured bugs in quickly, sticky traps collected more long-term data over a week, leading to varied outcomes.

The study was not without challenges. Pollack and his team encountered complications with skewed data, particularly when farmers treated their crops during testing. At the Noxubee County site, crop treatments continued as usual, which impacted the research. However, at the MAFES R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, they had more control over crop management, allowing for more accurate testing.

Despite these hurdles, Pollack's research offered valuable insights into pest management. He presented his findings at several conferences, including the Mississippi Association of Entomologists, Nematologists and Plant Pathologists; the Southeastern branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America; and the MSU Undergraduate Research Symposium. His research contributed to improving strategies for monitoring tarnished plant bug populations, a critical step toward better pest control.

"My favorite part of this research study is what I gained from it. The research was fun, and I learned so much from it, but I've been able to meet so many people that I wouldn't have met otherwise. I was able to present my work and meet professionals in the field, which is an awesome experience that I truly appreciate," Pollack said.

The ultimate goal of the study is to develop practical methods for farmers to monitor pest populations in their fields. While the research was largely academic, it suggested that bucket traps could be a useful tool for farmers to routinely track pests. By identifying the presence of harmful insects, growers can take timely steps to protect their crops.

Pollack spent this past summer working for a local crop consultant, a position he secured through connections made during his research. This experience reinforced his passion for a career in crop consulting, where he hopes to assist farmers in managing the often-overwhelming task of monitoring crops. His work includes assessing tarnished plant bug samples and recommending efficient solutions to safeguard the fields.

This research was funded by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, in collaboration with the USDA-ARS Southern Insect Management Research Unit.