Anthony Abbate - profile information
More information about Anthony Abbate
- Assistant Research Professor (Pollination Ecology & Conservation)
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Short Bio
Dr. Anthony Abbate is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. His research is broadly focused on insect pollinator conservation, with an emphasis on how human-driven disturbances shape native bee communities in the southeastern United States. His interests include evaluating the pollination requirements of native wildflowers and specialty crops, assessing the impacts of tillage on ground-nesting bees, exploring how invasive plant species and land management practices influence biodiversity, and how forest management techniques influence native bees. Dr. Abbate holds a Master’s degree in Entomology from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Entomology from Auburn University; he also attended The Bee Course in Portal, AZ, and The Midwest Bee Course in St. Louis, MO.More bio information
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Entomology)Auburn University2021
Master of Science (Entomology)University of Florida2017
Bachelor of Arts (Biology)High Point University2012
North Carolina Teaching LicenseHigh Point University2012
Professional Experience
- Research Entomologist Current
- Research Assistant 2014
- High School Science Teacher 2013-2014
Research
The wildflower biochar project: 2022-2027- Biochar, primarily a product of pyrolysis of plant material, has been utilized as a soil amendment for agricultural crops as well as some ornamentals.
- We are investigating how biochar amended soils influence wildflower growth, health, and bloom intensity and how these factors influence the attractiveness of the wildflower plantings to pollinators.
- When farmers plant wildflower plots primarily for supporting beneficial insects such as pollinators, each often implements different management strategies such as a fall mowing, fall light disking, burning etc.
- This project funded by the USDA is investigating the best management practices for wildflower establishment in the southeastern United States so that we can make scientifically backed recommendations for wildflower meadow establishment and maintenance.
- This project is being led by master’s students Zachary Beneduci and Madelyn Thompson.
