The Herms Lab focuses on ecological interactions between insects and woody plants, and their implications for pest management.  Our research explores a wide variety of topics including plant defense theory, chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions, phenotypic plasticity in expression of plant defense, and impacts of invasive insects on forest communities.  Currently, our research has a major focus on the ecology and management of emerald ash borer (EAB).

Applied research and extension programs focus on pest management in forests, urban forests, ornamental landscapes, nurseries and Christmas tree plantations.  Specific projects focus on plant health care for arborists and landscape managers; phenology and degree-day models as user-friendly tools for predicting pest activity and timing pest management decisions, and ecologically-sound pest management for the home yard and garden.

We welcome you to explore our webpage to learn more about our research, outreach and teaching, download publications and presentations, and find useful links to programs and projects currently related to the lab.

Useful Links: 

OSU Entomology

Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center

OSU Extension

Ohioline OSU Extension Fact Sheets & Bulletins

Ash Alert OSU EAB Website

National EAB Website (emeraldashborer.info)

OSU Climate Change Outreach Team

Growing Degree Days and Phenological Calendar for Ohio 

OSU Phenology Garden Network

Global Eradication and Response Database