Robert Koch

Associate Professor, Extension Entomologist, and Director of Graduate Studies

530B Hodson Hall

1980 Folwell Avenue

219 Hodson Hall

St Paul, MN 55108

Education

B.A. Biology, St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN, 1999
Ph.D. Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 2005

Areas of Interest

Extension

Dean's Award for Distinguished Campus-Based Faculty (U of MN Extension)

My extension program focuses on delivery of information on the identification and integrated management of arthropod pests of soybean. The goals are to identify and address the needs of my clientele (i.e., soybean growers, crop consultants, industry and government agency personnel, Extension staff, and other stakeholders). Research-based information is conveyed through presentations, and traditional and electronic media. Soybean Extension Entomology Page

Research

My research program focuses on applied ecology and integrated pest management of arthropods associated with soybean. The goal, in conjunction with my extension program, is to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of soybean production through integrated pest management. The research program is broadly based in integrated pest management, emphasizing scouting (sampling and remote sensing) and evaluation and integration of control tactics (chemical and biological controls and host plant resistance). The program focuses on existing pests of soybean, particularly soybean aphid, and also addresses new threats and challenges to soybean production, such as new invasive species and arthropod resistance to pesticides.

Select Publications

Please see: Google Scholar Profile & List of Publications

Students Advised

Current:
Rafael Carlesso Aita, MS student
James Menger, MS student
Rosa (Tina) Lozano, MS student

Past:

Zach Marston, Ph.D (co-advised by Ian MacRae) (2019)
Hailey Shanovich, MS (2019)
Obiratanea da Silva Queiroz, MS (2019)

Daniela Pezzini, MS (2018)

Anthony Hanson, Ph.D (2017)
Tavvs Alves, Ph.D (co-advised by Ian MacRae) (2016)
Anh Tran, MS (2016)
Erica Nystrom, MS (co-advised by Robert Venette) (2016)