Education/Training
BS Horticulture Science 1992. Beijing Agricultural University
MS Horticulture Science 2000. China Agricultural University
PhD Horticulture Science 2003. Kansas State University
Graduate Certificate in Entomology. 2003. Kansas State University |
Areas of Specialization/Research
(1) Plant nutrient physiology and the use of cultutral and other alternative pest control tactics in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
(2) Landscape BMPs to reduce urban stormwater runoffs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from commercial green areas or residential landscapes.
(3) Use of landscape plantations to remove excess nutrients (nitrate and phosphates) from urban runoffs. |
Professional Experience
1992 – 1997. Researcher, Beijing Gardening and Landscape Research Institute
2000 – 2003. Research Assistant, Kansas State University
2004 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of California, Riverside
2004 Faculty, LSU AgCenter
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Awards/Grants
2005. Lake Pontchartrain Foundation: reducing urban non-point runoff with constructed wetlands. 1 year. $68,000. Major Cooperator
2005. Establishing a research area for evaluating new groundcover varieties under full-sun condition. 1 year. $1,450. Metro Area Horticulture Foundation. PI
2005. Southern region IR-4 Project Hammond Research Station 2005. 1 year. $9,000. IR-4 Southern Region Program. PI |
Publications/Presentations/Patents
Opit, G. P., Y. Chen, K. A. Williams, J. R. Nechols, and D. C. Margolies. 2005. Plant age, fertilization, and biological control affect appearance of twospotted spider mite damage on ivy geranium: development of action threshold. J. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci. 130: 159-166.
Chen, Y., K.A. Williams, B.K. Harbaugh, and M.B. Bell. 2004. Effects of tissue phosphorus and nitrogen in Impatiens wallerana on western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis ) population levels and plant damage. HortScience. 39(3): 545-550.
Chen, Y. and K.A. Williams. Quantifying western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) damage on ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum L.) with Adobe Photoshop and Scion Image Software. J. Kansas Entomological Society. in press
Yan Chen and George Opit. 2005. Managing twospotted spider mite. Ornamental Outlook, July, 31-32
Opit, G., Y. Chen, J. Nechols, K. A. Williams, and D. Margolies. 2005. Two pests to be on the lookout for – scouting helps control thrips, twospotted spider mites. GMPRO (Greenhouse Management Program) 25: 46-52
Opit, G. P., K. Williams, D. Margolies, J. Nechols, and Y. Chen. 2003. Look before you leap – managing an infestation of twospotted spider mites on ivy geranium. Greenhouse Business, September: 25-26
Chen, Y. and K.A. Williams. 2003. Tips to track down thrips before they thrive on your spring crops. Greenhouse Business, November. 25-26
Chen, Y., J. Nechols, K.A. Williams, G. Opit, and D.C. Margolies. 2003. Scouting strategies for the troublesome trio: western flower thrips, whiteflies, and twospotted spider mites, Part I: why and how to scout thrips. Greenhouse Business, December. |