David-Held-Entomology-Plant-Pathology-Auburn-photo

David W. Held

Professor & Chair (Ornamental Horticulture and Turfgrass Entomology)

Department Heads & Managers / Entomology & Plant Pathology

(334) 844-3818 

  dwh0004@auburn.edu 

  

Get In Touch

Address:
301 Funchess Hall
Auburn Univ, AL 36849

Biography

EDUCATION

  • 2003: Ph.D., University of Kentucky (Entomology)
  • 2000: M.S., University of Kentucky (Entomology)
  • 1994: B.S., University of Kentucky (Horticulture Minor in Pest Management)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • October 2020-Present: Chair, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University
  • October 2019-Present: Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University
  • August 2012-October 2019: Associate Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University
  • August 2008-August 2012: Assistant Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University
  • December 2003-July 2008: Extension Specialist, Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University
  • 1995-2003: Research Analyst, Entomology Dept., University of Kentucky
  • 1992-1995: Greenhouse Grower, Red Barn Nursery
  • 1990-1994: Research Assistant, Horticulture Department, University of Kentucky
  • 199-1992: Nursery Maintenance and Landscape Installation, Kendrick and O’Dell Landscaping

HONORS & AWARDS

  • 2021: Alumni Professor, Auburn University
  • 2015: California Dept. of Food and Agriculture, Science Advisory Panel, Pest Detection and Emergency Panel for Japanese beetle
  • 2012: Annual Review of Entomology Invited paper
  • 2010: Auburn University College of Agriculture Dean’s Grantsmanship Award
  • 2002: Annual Review of Entomology Invited paper

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Entomological Society of America

Research

The ecology and management of phytophagous insects particularly those pest attacking turfgrass and ornamental plants. Research interests include plant-insect interactions, insect behavior, and ecotoxicology.

Courses

RECENT COURSES TAUGHT

  • ENTM 4020 — Economic Entomology
  • ENTM 3040 — General Entomology
  • ENTM 5360-6360, 5363-6366 — Landscape Entomology

Publications

Dr. Held’s Textbook – see below please

BOOK CHAPTERS

  • R.C. Williamson, D. W. Held, R. Brandenburg, F. Baxendale. 2013. Turfgrass Insect Pests. In: B. Horgan, J. Stier, and S. Bonos (eds.) Turfgrass Monograph. Crop Science Society of America. (Invited).
  • Held, D.W. and P.J. Vittum. 2012. Japanese beetles. In: C. Prater and R. Brandenburg (eds.) ESA Handbook of Turfgrass Insects. 2nd Ed. (Invited,).
  •  Hellman, J.L. and D.W. Held. 2012. Green June beetle. In: C. Prater and R. Brandenburg (eds.) ESA Handbook of Turfgrass Insects. 2nd Ed. (Invited).
  • Held, D. and D. Potter. 2008. June beetles, Phyllophaga spp. In: J. Capinera [ed] Encyclopedia of Entomology, Kluwer (Invited, revision of 2004 chapter).
  • Held, D.W. 2008. A unique perspective on the biological consequences and Recovery from Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. Proc. Forest Products Society Conference on the Lessons Learned from Natural Disasters. (Invited)
  • Potter, D. and D. Held. 2008. Japanese beetle. In: J. Capinera [ed] Encyclopedia of Entomology, Kluwer (Invited, revision of 2004 chapter).
  • Peck, D.C. and D.W. Held. 2007. Injurious Arthropods: Root Feeders: Crane Flies. In: W.O. Lamp, R.C. Berberet, L.G. Higley, C.R. Baird. ESA Handbook of Forage and Rangeland Insects, Entomological Soc. America.
  • Held, D. and D. Potter. 2004. June beetles, Phyllophaga spp. In: J. Capinera [ed] Encyclopedia of Entomology, Kluwer (Invited).
  • Potter, D. and D. Held. 2004. Japanese beetle. In: J. Capinera [ed] Encyclopedia of Entomology, Kluwer (Invited).
  • Held, D. and D. Potter. 2003. Japanese beetle. In: V. Resh and R. Carde [eds.] Encyclopedia of Insects, Academic, San Diego, CA. (Invited).
  • Potter, D. and D. Held. 2003. May beetle. In: V. Resh and R. Carde [eds.] Encyclopedia of Insects, Academic, San Diego, CA. (Invited).

ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS

  • McGraw, E., J. Roberts, N. Kunte, M. Westerfield, X. Streety, D. Held, L. A. Avila. 2022. Insight into cellular uptake and transcytosis of peptide nanoparticles in Spodoptera frugiperda cells and isolated midgut. ACS Omega (Accepted, in final revision).
  • Carroll, E.P., Carson, K.H, and D.W. Held. 2022. Residues and routes of exposure of insecticides in turfgrass for control of fall armyworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Journal of Entomological Science (In press).
  • Joseph, S.V. Chong, J., Campbell, B., Kunkel, B., Lauderdale, D., Jones, S., Gill, S., Chen, Y., Schultz, P.,
    Held, D., Hale, F., Dale, A., Vafaie, E., Hudson, W., Gilrein, D., Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. 2021. Current pest status and management practices for Systena frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in ornamentals plants in the Eastern USA: An online survey. J. Integrated Pest Manage. 12(1): 17; 1-10.
  • Groover, W., D. Held, K. Lawrence, K. Carson. 2020. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: a novel management strategy for Meloidogyne incongnita on turfgrass. Pest Manage. Sci. 76: 3127-3138.
  • Griffin, M., M. Mullenix, R. Muntifering, D. Held, and S. Dillard. 2020. Evaluation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on stockpiled bermudagrass. Crop Forage and Turf Manage. 2020;6:e20028.
  • Joshi, P. P., A. V. Cleave, D. W. Held, J. A. Howe, and M. L. Auad. 2020. Preparation of slow release encapsulated insecticide and fertilizer based on superabsorbent polysaccharide microbeads. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020;137:e49177.
  • Coy, R.M., D.W. Held, and J.W. Kloepper. 2019. Rhizobacterial treatment of bermudagrass alters tolerance to damage from tawny mole crickets (Neoscapteriscus vicinus Scudder). Pest Manage. Sci. 76: 1078-1084.
  • Kunte, N., E. McGraw, S. Bell, D. Held, L-A. Avila. 2020. Prospects, challenges and current status of RNAi through insect feeding. Pest Manage. Sci. 76: 26-41.
  • Coy, R.M., D.W. Held, and J.W. Kloepper. 2019. Rhizobacterial treatment of tall fescue and bermudagrass increases tolerance to damage from white grubs. Pest Manage. Sci. 75: 3210-3217.
  • Coy, R.M., D.W. Held, and J.W. Kloepper. 2019. Rhizobacterial colonization of bermudagrass by Bacillus spp. in Marvyn loamy sand soil. Appl. Soil Ecol. 141: 10-17.
  • Adesanya, A., D.W. Held, and N. Liu. 2018. Ontogeny, sex, and adult tissues influence activities of detoxification enzymes in the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman. Physiol. Entomol. 43: 306-314.
  • Clem, C.S. and D.W. Held. 2018. Associational interactions between urban trees: Are native neighbors better than non-natives? Environ. Entomol. 47(4): 881-889.
  • Adesanya, A., D.W. Held, and N. Liu. 2017. Geranium intoxication induces detoxification enzymes in the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 143: 1-7.
  • Larson, J., A. Dale, D.W. Held, B. McGraw, D.S. Richmond, K. Wickings, R.C. Williamson. 2017. Optimizing pest management practices to conserve pollinators in turf landscapes: Current practices and future needs. J. IPM 81: 1
  • Coy, R.M., D.W. Held, and J.W. Kloepper. 2017. Bacterial inoculant treatment of bermudagrass alters ovipositional behavior, larval and pupal weights of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Environ. Entomol. 46(4):831-838.
  • McCurdy, J., D.W. Held, J.M. Gunn, and T.C. Barickman. 2017. Dew from warm-season turfgrass as a possible route for pollinator exposure to lawn-applied imidacloprid. Crop Forage Turfgrass Science 2017 :doi:10.2134/cftm2016.09.0063.
  •  Adesanya, A., N. Liu, and D.W. Held. 2016. Host suitability and diet mixing influences activities of detoxification enzymes in adult Japanese beetles. J. Insect Physiol. 88:55-62.
  • Boyd Jr., D.W. and D.W. Held. 2016. Development of Thripastichus gentilei (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in the thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera : Phlaeothripidae). Fla. Entomol. 99:440-444.
  • Obear, G.R., A. Adesanya, P.J. Liesch, R.C. Williamson, and D.W. Held. 2016. Fungicides affect the survival and activities of detoxification enzymes in Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) larvae. Pest Manag. Sci. 72: 966-973.
  • Held, D.W. and *Y. Xu. 2015. Field performance and consumption of indoxacarb bait for control of mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) in turfgrass. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. 1: doi:10.2134/cftm2015.0132
  • Clem, C.S. and D.W. Held. 2015. Species richness of eruciform larvae associated with native and alien plants in the southeastern United States. J. Insect Conserv. 19:987-997.
  • Hong, S.C., G.R. Obear, P.J. Liesch, D.W. Held, R.C. Williamson. 2015. Suitability of creeping bentgrass and bermudagrass cultivars for black cutworms and fall armyworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 108(4): 1954-1960.
  • Bailey, D.L., D.W. Held, A. Kalra, N. Twarakavi, F. Arriaga. 2015. Biopores from mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) increase soil hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates. Appl. Soil Ecol. 94: 7-14.
  • Sells, S.M., D.W. Held, S.F. Enloe, N.J. Lowenstein, and L.G. Eckhardt. 2015. Impact of cogongrass management strategies on generalist predators in cogongrass-infested longleaf pine plantations. Pest. Manag. Sci. 71: 478-484.
  • Coy, R.M., D.W. Held, and J.W. Kloepper. 2014. Rhizobacterial inoculants increase root and shoot growth in ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass. J. Environ. Hortic. 32(3) :149–154.
  • Gorzlancyk, A.M.,D.W. Held, C.M. Ranger, Z. Barwary, and Dong-Joo Kim. 2014. Capture of Cnestus mutilatus, Xylosandrus crassiusculus and other Scolytinae (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) in response to greenlight emitting diodes, ethanol, and conophthorin. Fla. Entomol. 97(1): 301–303.
  • Ranger, C., A. Gorzlancyk, K. Addesso, J. Oliver, M. Reding, P. Schultz, and D. Held. 2014. Conophthorin enhances the electroantennogram and field behavioral
    response of Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to ethanol. Agric For. Entomol. 16(4):327–334.
  • Gorzlancyk, A.M.,D.W. Held, Dong-Joo Kim, and C.M. Ranger. 2013. Capture of Xylosandrus crassiusculus and other Scolytinae (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) in response to visual and volatile cues. Fla. Entomol. 96: 1097-
    1101.
  • Enloe, S.F., N.J. Loewenstein, D.W. Held, L.G. Eckhardt and D.K. Lauer. 2013. Impacts of prescribed fire, glyphosate, and seeding on cogongrass, species richness and species diversity in longleaf pine. Invasive Plant Sci. Manage. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/IPSM-D-13-00007.1
  • Xu, Y., D.W. Held, and X.P. Hu. 2013. Dietary choices and their implication for survival and development of omnivorous mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). Appl. Soil Ecol. 71:65–71.
  • Held, D.W. and D.A. Potter. 2012. Problems and prospects for managing turfgrass insect pests with reduced chemical inputs. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 57: 329–354.
  • Xu, Y., D.W. Held, and X.P. Hu. 2012. Potential negative effects of earthworm prey on damage to turfgrass by omnivorous mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) Environ. Entomol. 41:1139-1144.
  • Chong, S.C., R.C. Williamson, and D.W. Held. 2012. Leaf biomechanical properties as mechanisms of resistance to black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) amond Poa species. Entomologia Exp. Applic. 145: 201–208.
  • Chong, S.C., R.C. Williamson, and D.W. Held. 2012. Preference and performance of black cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Poa species. J. Environ. Hortic. 29(4):207–212.
  • Barden, S.A., D.W. Held, and L.C. Graham. 2011. Lack of interactions between red imported fire ants or fire ant control products and white grubs (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae) in turfgrass. J. Econ. Entomol. 104: 2009–2016.
  • Hong, S.C., D.W. Held, and R.C. Williamson. 2011. Beneficial arthropods and predation on black cutworm larvae (Agrotis ipsilon) in close mown creeping bentgrass. Fla. Entomol. 94(3):714–715.
  • Held, D.W. and S.A. Parker. 2011. Efficacy of soil-applied neonicotinoid insecticides against Azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyroides, in the landscape. Fla. Entomol. 94(3): 599–607.
  • Abraham, C., D.W. Held, and C. Wheeler. 2010. Monitoring the seasonal and diurnal activity of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae). Appl. Turfgrass Sci. doi:10.1094/ATS-2010-0312-01-RS
  • Held, D.W., C. Wheeler, D.W. Boyd Jr. 2009. Kaolin particle film prevent galling by Gynaikothrips uzeli. Plant Health Progress. doi:10.1094/PHP-2009-0407-02-RS
  • Held, D.W. and C.H. Ray. 2009. Asiatic garden beetle, Maladera castanea Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs found in damaged turf in Alabama. Fla. Entomol. 92: 670–672.
  • Held, D.W. and D. W. Boyd. 2008. New records of Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera:Phlaeothripidae) on Ficus benjamina in Texas and O’ahu, Hawaii. Pan-Pacific Entomol. 84(2): 77–80.
  •  Goddard, J., S. Upshaw, D. Held, and K. Johnson. 2008. Severe envenomation by the Brown Widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae) South Med J. 101(12): 1269–1270.
  • Held, D.W., C. Wheeler, C.M. Abraham, and K. Pickett. 2008. Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) attacking fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae in turfgrass. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2008-07XX-01-RS.
  • Abraham, C.M., Held, D.W. and C. Wheeler. 2008. First report of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in Alabama. MidSouth Entomol. 1:81–84.
  • Held, D. W. and D. W. Boyd. 2008. Monitoring and management of Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), an exotic thrips attacking Ficus benjamina Pest. Manag. Sci. 64: 133–140.
  •  Robbins PS, Alm SR, Armstrong CD, Averill AL, Baker TC, Bauernfiend RJ, Baxendale FP, Braman SK, Brandenburg RL, Cash DB, Couch GJ, Cowles RS, Crocker RL, DeLamar ZD, Dittl TG, Fitzpatrick SM, Flanders KL, Forgatsch T, Gibb TJ, Gill BD, Gilrein DO, Gorsuch CS, Hammond AM, Hastings PD, Held DW, et al. 2006. Trapping Phyllophaga spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) with sex attractants in the United States and Canada. J. Insect Sci. 6:39, available online: insectscience.org/6.39.
  • Boyd, D.W. and D.W. Held. 2006. Androthrips ramachandrai (Thysanoptera:Phlaeothripidae): an introduced thrips in the United States. Fla. Entomol. 89: 455–458.
  • Held, D.W. and J. Gelhaus. 2006. Damage in centipede sod associated with Crane fly and March fly larvae (Diptera: Tipulidae, Bibionidae) in Mississippi. Fla. Entomol.
    89: 89–90.
  • Held, D.W., D. Boyd, T. Lockley, G.B. Edwards. 2005. Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in the southeastern United States: Distribution and review of biology. Fla. Entomol.88(4): 538 540.
  • Held, D.W. 2005. Occurrence of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera:Sphecidae), ectoparasite of mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.), in coastal Mississippi. Florida Entomol. 88(3): 327–328.
  • Potter, D.A., D.W. Held, M.E. Rogers. 2005. Natural organic fertilizers as a risk factor for Ataenius spretulus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) infestation on golf courses. Int. Turfgrass Society Res. J. 10: 753–760.
  • Held, D.W. 2004. Relative susceptibility of woody landscape plants to Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). J. of Arboric. 30: 328–335.
  • Potter, D.A., L. Foss, R. E. Baumler, and D.W. Held. 2004. Managing eastern tent caterpillars Malacosoma americanum (F.) on horse farms to reduce risk of mare reproductive loss syndrome. Pest Manag. Sci. 61: 3–15.
  •  Held, D. W. and D. A. Potter. 2004. Floral characteristics affect susceptibility of hybrid tea roses, Rosa  hybrida, to Japanese beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 97: 353–360.
  • Held, D. W. and D. A. Potter. 2004. Floral affinity and consequences of flower-feeding and diet mixing for the Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Oecologia 140:312–319.
  • Held, D. W., J. A. Gels, E. J. Marsland, and M. L. Griffin. 2003. Graduate Student Debate 2000: Controversial issues regarding biological control in the United States. J. K. Tomberlin (Ed.) Am. Entomol. 49: 238–249.
  • Held, D. W. and D. A. Potter. 2003. Characterizing toxicity of Pelargonium spp. and two other reputedly toxic plant species to Japanese beetles (Coleoptera:
    Scarabaeidae). Environ. Entomol. 32: 873–880.
  • Stephens, M., D. W. Held, L. H. Townsend, and D. A. Potter. 2003. Timing of
    emergence of Eastern Tent Caterpillars and management with reduced risk insecticides and treatment strategies. Proc. First Symposium on Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome, Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexintgon, KY.
  • Held, D. W., P. Gonsiska, and D. A. Potter. 2003. Evaluating companion planting and non-host masking odors for protecting roses from the Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 96: 81–87.
  • Gels, J. A., D. W. Held, and D. A. Potter. 2002. Hazards of insecticides to bumble bees, Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apididae), foraging on flowering white clover in turf. J. Econ Entomol. 95: 722–728.
  • Potter, D. A. and D. W. Held. 2002. Biology and management of the Japanese beetle. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 47: 175–205.
  • Rogers, M., D. W. Held, and D. A. Potter. 2001. Effects of two plant growth regulators on suitability of creeping bentgrass for turfgrass insects. Int. Turfgrass
    Soc. Res. J. 9: 3–6.
  • Held, D. W., T. Eaton, and D. A. Potter. 2001. Potential for habituation to a neem-based feeding deterrent in Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica. Entomol. Exp.Applic. 101: 19–23.
  • Held, D. W., D. A. Potter, R. S. Gates, and R. G. Anderson. 2001. Modified atmosphere treatments as a potential disinfestation technique for arthropod pests in greenhouses. J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 430–438.
  • Walston, A. T., D. W. Held, N. R. Mason, and D. A. Potter. 2001. Absence of interaction between endophytic perennial ryegrass and susceptibility of Japanese beetle grubs to Paenibacillus popilliae Dutky J. Entomol. Sci. 36: 105–108.
  • Kunkel, B. A., D. W. Held, and D. A. Potter. 2001. Lethal and sublethal effects of bendiocarb, halofenozide, and imidacloprid on Harpalus pennsylvanicus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) following different modes of exposure in turfgrass. J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 60–67.
  • Lopez, R., D. W. Held, and D. A. Potter. 2000. Management of a mound-building ant, Lasius neoniger Emery, on golf putting greens and tees using delayed-action baits or fipronil. Crop Sci. 40: 511-517.
  • Potter, D. A. and D. W. Held. 1999. Absence of food aversion learning by a polyphagous scarab, Popillia japonica Newman, following intoxication by geranium, Pelargonium x hortorum. Entomol. Exp. Applic. 91: 83-88.
  • Kunkel, B. A., D. W. Held, and D. A. Potter. 1999. Impact of halofenozide, imidacloprid, and bendiocarb on beneficial invertebrates and predatory activity in turfgrass. J. Econ. Entomol. 92: 922-930.
  • Potter, D. A., P. G. Spicer, D. W. Held, and R. E. McNiel. 1998. Relative susceptibility of cultivars of flowering crabapples, lindens, and roses to defoliation by Japanese beetles. J. Environ. Hort. 16:105–110.

INVITED REVIEWS

  • Held, D.W. and D.A. Potter. 2012. Problems and prospects for managing turfgrass insect pests with reduced chemical inputs. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 57: 329–354.
  • Potter, D. A. and D. W. Held. 2002. Biology and management of the Japanese beetle. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 47: 175–205.

NON-REFEREED PUBLICATIONS

About 64 Conference Proceedings, Technical Reports, Published Abstracts, or in Trade Journal mostly published as a co-author with my graduate and undergraduate students, or technicians.

About 15 Extension publications mostly published as a co-author with my AU or regional collaborators.

Dr. David Held, Urban Landscape Entomology textbook

Textbook – Urban Landscape Entomology

The first textbook in this subject area. This book outlines the issues and key concepts in Urban Landscape Entomology. It will serve as a reference text for practitioners in the field and a textbook for Landscape Entomology/Horticultural Entomology courses at universities. October 2019.

Author: David Held
Paperback ISBN: 9780128130711
eBook ISBN: 9780128130728
Imprint: Academic Press
Published Date: 12th September 2019
Page Count: 224
BUY NOW

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Although he does not have an Extension appointment, Dr. Held currently leads a multidisciplinary team as Director of Alabama IPM programs. Within his program, Held and his students delivery science-based programming to several national, regional, and in state Green Industries organizations. These include meetings and field days for the the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Alabama Nursery Landscape Association, Alabama Turfgrass Association, Louisiana Turfgrass Association, LA-MS GCSAA, GCSAA Gulf Coast chapter, MS Turfgrass Association, the AL Green Industry Training Center, and various Master Gardener groups. Dr. Held also organizes and conducts various outreach efforts to increase entomological literacy. These include a science based entomology day camp in Auburn during summer and the Ag Round-Up.