MSU Extension hires new entomologist

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Miss. -- Commercial growers and home gardeners across the state have a new ally in the battle against insect pests of vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Jermaine Perier, a native of Jamaica, joined the Mississippi State University Extension Service July 1 as an Extension entomologist with regional and statewide duties. He is a member of the faculty and staff who work from the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center and is based at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs. He is also an assistant professor with the MSU Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection.

His focus commodities include all horticultural food groups -- from berries and squash to tomatoes and pecans.

“This is a large number of crops targeted by a larger number of insects, but my intention is to tackle the most pressing issues first,” Perier said. “So, my first step is getting in contact with Extension agents, commercial growers, home gardeners and master gardeners around the state to see what their areas of need are. That will help me tailor my program, which I am very excited to build.”

Perier received a Bachelor of Technology in environmental management from the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, or CASE, in Jamaica. He earned a master’s in entomology from Florida A&M University and a doctorate in entomology from the University of Georgia.

“I want to provide information about management options for all producers in the state and help evaluate existing strategies for those who grow in the field, greenhouse, high tunnels and home gardens,” he said. “I want to provide management options using a range of tools while focusing on integrated pest management and insecticide resistance management.”

He is a member of the Entomological Society of America, American Chemical Society, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, International Association of Black Entomologists, and various Working Groups, including Improving Microbial Control of Arthropod Pests. He also plans to join the Mississippi Association of Entomologists, Nematologists and Plant Pathologists.

The Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station is one of three Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station branches located in the central region and focuses on horticulture research and outreach.