The University of Idaho has hired Armando Falcon-Brindis as an assistant professor of entomology and extension specialist based at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center.

He will start Jan. 7.

Falcon-Brindis has an extensive research background in pollinators, biological pest control agents, ecology and taxonomy, according to a release from the UI College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

“I like to understand why we have a certain pool of species in one area,” he said. “What are those conditions making those species occur?”

Now a research associate with the University of Kentucky, Falcon-Brindis has focused on insect pests affecting hemp production as well as field crops such as soybeans, corn and wheat. His approach to integrated pest management includes bio-pesticides and various biological control options in addition to using chemical pesticides.

With UI, he plans to explore whether some of the same biological control methods he has used for hemp will prove effective in protecting hops — a major crop in the Parma area and a member of the same plant family.

“It will be great to do some experiments with biological pesticides,” Falcon-Brindis said in the release. “There are oils, bacteria and viruses that are currently being used, and they can be a good option if you spray them at the right time.”

He also is interested in conducting research on mint, including trials involving pest-resistant mint cultivars, the use of natural enemies of mint pests, and biological control options to quash pest populations.

USDA estimates that 75% of food crops raised in the U.S. depend on pollinators, which are in decline, according to the university. Falcon-Brindis said he aims to apply his background in native pollinators to helping growers of crops that require pollinators, such as alfalfa and tree fruit.

“There’s a lot of research that already demonstrates that native bees and native pollinators are way better at pollinating and helping the plants set seeds and fruits compared with honeybees,” he said.

Falcon-Brindis plans to evaluate the entomology of the Treasure Valley’s agricultural landscape and surrounding native plant communities. He will use several statistical tools and new approaches to modeling to analyze his data.

He aims to incorporate artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce labor; to use drones to aid in early detection of pests, crop diseases and crop stress; and to use sensors for early detection of harmful insects as well as for insect tracking and remote counting.

“I wish for my research findings to improve people’s lives,” said Falcon-Brindis, who will move to Idaho with his wife, Gabriela, and their 8-year-old daughter. “We’re so excited to move over there. I feel joy and excitement to start working and collaborating with colleagues.”

He was educated in Mexico, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2009 in animal science, a master’s degree in 2014 in environmental science and a doctoral degree in 2019 in natural resources management.