Research Focus
Dr. Megha Parajulee ‘s research focus is on developing ecologically intensive pest management approaches for Texas cotton. The Texas High Plains is one of the lowest insecticide use areas in the cotton belt, Parajulee says, “We focus our insect management research on utilizing biological, behavioral, physical, and ecological parameters.”
The primary goal of Parajulee’s research is to provide cotton growers the pest management tools that they can use in their crop management. Ultimately, the outcome of Parajulee’s research is transferred to growers. “I try to bridge the gap between basic and applied science research with the goal of delivering the program outcome to our target clientele.
Parajulee has a unique position within the Texas A&M System, teaching at Texas Tech University 25% and 75% with Texas AgriLife Research as a cotton entomologist.
Importance of Graduate Students
“My research is balanced between field and laboratory projects, including taxonomic, molecular, and behavioral science research,” Parajulee said. Parajulee has a Ph.D. student working on developing molecular markers to discriminate cryptic species of the insect, Lygus. Another Ph.D. student is developing AFLP markers to examine the host associated relationship of cotton fleahoppers across cotton and non-cotton hosts. “My research is generally graduate student directed. I currently have two Ph.D. students and four M.S. students…graduate students are central figures in a good research program,” according to Parajulee.
Research Future
PHP has encountered an Access Violation at 01D473CD “I think we have put together an excellent research program in cotton entomology. We have emphasized a cropping systems approach of research to integrate agronomic and economic research in pest management programs,” says Parajulee. He expects to continue this trend and ensure that efficient and cost-effective pest management tools are available for the area’s cotton growers.
Megha N. Parajulee, Ph.D. Professor of Cotton Entomology with joint appointment with Texas AgriLife Research
Texas Tech University,
Department of Plant and Soil Science,
Campus Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409 
806. 742-2838 