MSU Extension Agronomic Entomology Lab

MSU Extension Agronomic Entomology Lab Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Wheat stem sawfly is one of the most important insect pests of cereal crops in the Great Plains. In Montana, adults bega...
06/23/2026

Wheat stem sawfly is one of the most important insect pests of cereal crops in the Great Plains. In Montana, adults began emerging in late May and will remain active for a few more weeks.



Female sawflies are slightly larger than males and can be recognized by their ovipositor, which they use to lay eggs inside stems. A female can lay 30-50 eggs in a lifetime. The larvae develop inside the stem, feed on plant tissues, and cause economic damage.



Our lab is currently working on several research projects to improve wheat stem sawfly management. Stay tuned for updates and new findings!



Photo credit: C. Lavigne & T. Oppedisano (MSU Extension Entomology)

Kaelin Smith is a Research Associate in the Oppedisano lab. She assists with a variety of lab projects and field work an...
06/05/2026

Kaelin Smith is a Research Associate in the Oppedisano lab. She assists with a variety of lab projects and field work and is currently working on a research project focused on wheat stem sawfly–wheat chemical interactions. Kaelin recently graduated with a master’s degree in Entomology from Montana State University and also earned her bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Connecticut. In her free time, she enjoys tending to her houseplants, fishing, and gardening. Her favorite insect is the mole cricket!

Maya Clark is currently a second-year master’s student studying insect behavior in the Oppedisano lab. Her research invo...
06/05/2026

Maya Clark is currently a second-year master’s student studying insect behavior in the Oppedisano lab. Her research involves understanding and improving biological control of the wheat stem sawfly (a major pest in Montana). Originally from Seguin, TX, she received her undergraduate degree in Biological Foundations of Behavior from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. She enjoys finding and observing insects in the field, especially her favorite, snakeflies.

Connor Lavigne is a science filmmaker with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecosystem Science and Policy from the Univers...
06/05/2026

Connor Lavigne is a science filmmaker with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecosystem Science and Policy from the University of Miami. He is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Science and Natural History Filmmaking at MSU. Connor loves exploring flora, fauna, and fungi through photography, sharing the beauty and complexity of nature with those who share his passion. This summer, Connor is a part of the Oppedisano lab, collecting photographs of insect pests and beneficials in field crops.

Trevor Nation is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Oppedisano lab. He is pursuing a degree in Plant Science at ...
06/05/2026

Trevor Nation is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Oppedisano lab. He is pursuing a degree in Plant Science at Montana State University. He is currently assisting the lab researchers with various research projects and is also starting his own undergraduate research project on ferns under the supervision of Dr. Sylvia Kinosian. Originally from Portland, OR, Trevor enjoys caring for and learning about plants, animals, and organic systems. He hopes to become a researcher in one of these fields and one day open his own plant nursery.

Dr. Tiziana Oppedisano is an Assistant Professor and Extension Agronomic Entomology Specialist at Montana State Universi...
06/05/2026

Dr. Tiziana Oppedisano is an Assistant Professor and Extension Agronomic Entomology Specialist at Montana State University. Her lab focuses on insect ecology, plant–insect interactions, and integrated pest management in field crops across Montana. Through her research and extension program, she works closely with growers to develop practical, science-based solutions to insect pest challenges. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and caring for her two cats. Her favorite insects are leafhoppers!

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1911 W Lincoln Street Lab 10
Bozeman, MT
59718

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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