Dr. Matt O’Neal and Jarod Perez from Iowa State University will share details about a new option for pest control called RNAi. The RNAi method is an alternative to chemical control methods, and it also targets a specific problem species without harming other wildlife. O’Neal and Perez will explain how RNAi works as they describe a new product for beekeepers that uses RNAi to target varroa mites within honey bee colonies.
This webinar qualifies for 0.5 CEU in IPM for Certified Crop Advisers.
Join us on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT). Be sure to register to receive the link. The recording will be added to the NCIPMC YouTube channel within a week.
Presenters
Matthew O’Neal
Professor, H.A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University
Dr. O’Neal is an applied Entomologist who conducts research to develop more economic and environmentally sustainable pest management solutions.
This includes exploring how RNAi-based technology can improve pest management, resulting in more selective pesticides. During the past 10 years he has also worked with honey bees to address the many challenges affecting beekeepers in the Midwest agricultural landscape.
Jarod Perez
Graduate Student Research Assistant, Iowa State University
Jarod Perez is a master’s student in the O’Neal lab at Iowa State University. His research has been focused on comparing honey bee colonies that use an agricultural practice called prairie strips against conventional beekeeping sites for honey production. Jarod has been working with honey bees for four years, and is interested in colony nutrition and Varroa management.
Link to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bVAJVXjNRwSnzQ6rz5bPnw#/registration
