Published on Jan. 26, 2023
Updated on March 17, 2023
Chase Floyd joined the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center Jan. 1 as an assistant research professor and state extension specialist for crop protection. In this position, Floyd will research and develop pest thresholds to maximize producer yield retention and incorporate new technology and methods to aid Missouri producers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chase to our team as the new state extension specialist for crop protection,” said Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of CAFNR Extension. “His focus on researching and developing pest thresholds will greatly benefit Missouri’s row crop producers, which will help us reach our goal of doubling the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030.”
Floyd received his bachelor’s degree in integrated pest management and master’s in agronomy with a minor in entomology from Mississippi State University and his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Arkansas.
“Chase is an excellent addition to our team of researchers conducting research that translates to solving real-world problems for producers throughout Missouri and beyond,” said Shibu Jose, CAFNR associate dean for research. “I look forward to seeing his work help our producers make appropriate management decisions to control pests and improve crop yields.”
His dissertation focused on creating a management plan for the rice billbug, which has recently earned major pest status. His time in Arkansas was spent obtaining as much biological and ecological information as possible on the previously unresearched pest. He developed techniques for controlling the rice billbug, which helped inform producers on proper management decisions.
“When I began my higher education in agriculture my goal was to be in a career where I could interact with producers as well as the agriculture industry and provide information to better their operations,” Floyd said. “I look forward to providing a positive impact on Missouri agriculture and being a member of a university that aspires to do the same.”
The Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center, part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, is located near Portageville, Mo. You can reach out to Floyd at chasefloyd@missouri.edu