Dr. Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski
Contact Information
Citrus Research and Education Center
Lake Alfred, Florida
Entomology and Nematology
Phone: 863.956.1151 ext. 1244
Fax: (863) 956-4631
Email: pelzstelinski@ufl.edu
Education
Ph.D. 2008. Departments of Entomology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior - Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
M.S. 2004. Department of Entomology - Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
B.A. 2001. Biology, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI
Past Positions
Post Doctoral Researcher 2008. University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL
Research Assistant 2004-2008. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Research Assistant 2002-2004. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Specialization
Vector Biology and Insect Microbial Community Ecology
Research
My research program focuses on the biology and microbial ecology of insect vectors of plant diseases. Currently, I am investigating transmission of the Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri,to further the development of successful ACP management programs. Aspects of this research include evaluating the effects of Las on ACP fitness and investigating the distribution and function of ACP endosymbionts.
Refereed Papers
Pelz-Stelinski, K. S., R.H. Brlansky, and M.E. Rogers. 2010. Transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Journal of Economic Entomology. In press.
Hartung, J. S., S. E. Halbert, K. S. Pelz-Stelinski, R. H. Brlansky, C. Chen, F. G. Gmitter. 2010. Lack of evidence for transmission of ‘Candidatus’ Liberibacter asiaticus through true citrus seed. Plant Disease. In press.
M.G. Kaufman, K. S . Pelz-Stelinski, D. Yee, S. Juliano, P. Olstrom, and E.D.Walker. 2010. Stable isotope analysis reveals detrital resource base sources of the tree hole mosquito, Ochlerotatus triseriatus. Ecological Entomology. In press.
Forbes, A. A., K. S. Pelz-Stelinski, and R. Isaacs. 2010. Transfer of life history phenology from mothers to progeny in a solitary univoltine parasitoid. Physiological Entomology. 35: 192-195.
Pelz-Stelinski, K. S., M.G. Kaufman, and E.D. Walker. 2010. Senescent leaf exudate increases mosquito survival and microbial activity. Ecological Entomology. 35: 329-340.
Pelz-Stelinski, K. S., L. J. Gut, and R. Isaacs. 2006. Behavioral responses of Rhagoletis cingulata (Diptera: Tephritidae) to GF-120 insecticidal bait enhanced with ammonium acetate. Journal of Economic Entomology. 99: 1316-1320.
Pelz-Stelinski, K. S., L. J. Gut, and R. Isaacs. 2006. Vertical position of traps influences captures of eastern cherry fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). Florida Entomologist. 89: 80-83.
Stelinski, L.L., K.S. Pelz-Stelinski, and L.J. Gut. 2006. Male Diachasma alloeum parasitoids from two host species of tephritid fruit flies respond equally to female-produced sex pheromone. Physiological Entomology.
Stelinski, L. L., K. S. Pelz-Stelinski, O. E. Liburd, and L. J. Gut. 2006. Control strategies for Rhagoletis mendax disrupt host-finding and ovipositional capability of its parasitic wasp, Diachasma alloeum. Biological Control. 36: 91-99.
Pelz-Stelinski, K.S., L.J. Gut, L.L. Stelinski, O.E. Liburd, and R. Isaacs. 2005. Host-fruit volatiles are attractive to Rhagoletis mendax and R. cingulata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Environmental Entomology. 34:1013-1018.
Pelz, K. S., R. Isaacs, J. Wise, and L. J. Gut. 2005. Protection of fruit against infestation by apple maggot and blueberry maggot flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) using GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait. Journal of Economic Entomology. 98 (2): 432-437.
Stelinski, L. L., K. S. Pelz, and O. E. Liburd. 2004. Field observations quantifying attraction of the parasitic wasp, Diachasma alloeum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to blueberry fruit infested by the blueberry maggot fly, Rhagoletis mendax (Diptera: Tephritidae). Florida Entomologist. 87: 124-129.
