Peter Mc Evoy

Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Insect Interactions, Ecology and Biological Control of Invasive Plant Species, Conservation of Plants and Insects

Description of Research

The research in my laboratory focuses primarily on the ecology of invasive plant species and their biological control using insects and pathogens. With support from NSF, USDA, and other sources, I have pursued a comprehensive program linking field observations, experiments, and mathematical modeling to test assumptions and predictions of ecological theories applied to biological invasions and biological pest control.  In addition, I maintain a broad interest in population and community ecology and am involved in studies of plant population dynamics; ecology and evolution of plant life history features (dispersal, dormancy, perenniality, iteroparity); and host-plant selection by insects.  I have worked closely with Eric Coombs (Oregon Department of Agriculture) and others to develop and implement biological control programs on state, regional, and national scales.   My work extends to public policy issues surrounding invasions and release of new organisms into the environment, as reflected in studies conducted for the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), the National Research Council (NRC), and other government and non-government organizations.