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Entomology and Nematology Department

Entomology and Nematology Department

Dr. James P. Cuda

Professor and Fulbright Scholar, Biological Weed Control

Dr. Cuda is a Professor and Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Entomology & Nematology in the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He currently has a split appointment- 65 percent research, 25 percent extension, and 10 percent teaching. Dr. Cuda also is an affiliate faculty member for the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. His research addresses sustainable management of invasive weeds with a focus on biological control. Dr. Cuda has published over 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and has received nearly $2 million in external research funding from state and federal funding agencies since 2004. He has chaired 12 graduate student committees, served as a member or co-chair on an additional 7 committees, and has mentored 14 undergraduate honors students. In the profession, he has been an associate editor of the Journal of Aquatic Plant Management since 2013, and has served as an elected member and chair of the biological control committee for the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), and currently represents the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station on the S1058 regional project on biological control of arthropod pests and weeds. He is a member of the Entomological Society of America, International Organization for Biological Control, International Weed Science Society, Weed Science Society of America, the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society, the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, Florida Entomological Society, and Florida Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals. In the policy arena, Dr. Cuda is actively involved in Florida’s invasive plant management issues by serving on the UF/IFAS Invasive Plant Working Group and is a member of the UF/IFAS Invasive Species Leadership Team.

  • Research

    Using state of the art field and laboratory techniques, Dr. Cuda conducts research to discover and apply knowledge obtained in the scientific discipline of biological control for managing invasive plants. This research program focuses on the identification, importation, and screening of host-specific arthropods for biological control of weeds infesting agricultural lands, natural areas and aquatic systems.

  • Teaching

    Dr. Cuda advises and mentors graduate/undergraduate students, provides guest lectures in appropriate courses for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and teaches a distance education graduate/undergraduate course on consequences of biological invasions (ALS 4162/6935).

Dr. James Cuda in the laboratory

Contact

2107 Steinmetz Hall
Building 970 Natural Area Dr.
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 273-3921
jcuda@ufl.edu

  • Education
    • Ph.D., Entomology, Texas A&M University, 1983
    • M.S., Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 1976
    • B.S., Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 1973
  • Employment
    • Professor ( 2012- present), University of Florida
    • Technical Consultant (1998- present), Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
    • Associate Professor (2004-2012), University of Florida
    • Assistant Professor (1998-2004), University of Florida
    • Visiting Assistant In (1994-1998), University of Florida
    • Supervisory Entomologist (1990-1994), Hillsborough County, Florida
    • Director (1987-1990), Methods Development Center, USDA APHIS Bio-Control Laboratory Bozeman, Montana
    • Postdoctoral Scientist (1984-1987), USDA ARS Grassland Research Laboratory, Temple, Texas
    • Quarantine Officer (1982-1983), Texas A&M University
    • Instructor (1980-1982), Texas A&M University
  • Patents and Books

    Patents

    • B.R. Stevens, J.P. Cuda, L.S. Long. 2011. Materials and Methods for Controlling Pests, U.S. Patent No. 7,181,884. This invention exploits using certain amino acids to kill arthropods and nematodes. In collaboration with former doctoral student (L.S. Long), performed laboratory and field experiments to generate the data used in the preparation of the patent application. Provided expertise, graduate student assistantship, laboratory space, equipment and supplies to conduct patent experiments.

    Books, Edited

    1. Rathinasabapathi, B., J.P. Cuda, A.T. Adesogan, W.C. Guasp, and D. Sammons. 2009. Proceedings, 44th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society, Miami, FL, 13-17 July 2008. 314 pp.
    2. Cuda, J.P., A.P. Ferriter, V. Manrique, and J.C. Medal (eds.). 2006. Florida’s Brazilian Peppertree Management Plan: Recommendations from the Brazilian Peppertree Task Force. 2nd edition, Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, FL. 82 pp.
    3. Mahr, D., K. Bloem, J. Cuda, and P. Stiling. 2001. Cactoblastis cactorum in North America: Proceedings of a Workshop for Assessment and Planning, September 20-21, 2000, Tampa, FL. Florida Entomologist Supplement, E.O Painter Printing, DeLeon Springs, FL. 86 pp.
  • Books, Contributor of Chapters
    1. Cuda, J.P. 2015. Novel approaches for reversible field releases of candidate weed biological control agents: Putting the genie back into the bottle, Chapter 7, pp. 137-152. In: J.F. Shroder and R. Sivanpillai (eds.), Biological and Environmental Hazards, Risks and Disasters. Elsevier, Inc., Amsterdam. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-394847-2.00010-3
    2. Baniszewski, J., B.R. Coon, J.P. Cuda, N.E. Harms, M.J. Grodowitz, D.H. Habeck, J.E. Hill, J. Russell, E.N.I. Weeks, 2014. Insects and fish associated with hydrilla, pp. 77-124. In J.L. Gillett-Kaufman, V. Ulrike- Lietze, E.N.I Weeks, Hydrilla Integrated Management. UF|FAS. Gainesville, FL.
    3. Cuda, JP. 2014. Chapter 5: Aquatic plants, mosquitoes and public health, pp. 31-36. In, Gettys LA, Haller WT Petty DG (eds.), Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants: A Best Management Practices Handbook, 3rd edition. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta, GA.
    4. Cuda, JP. 2014. Chapter 8: Introduction to biological control of aquatic weeds, pp. 51-58. In Gettys LA, Haller WT, Petty DG (eds.), Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants: A Best Management Practices Handbook, 3rd edition. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta, GA.
    5. Cuda, JP. 2014. Chapter 9: Insects for biocontrol of aquatic weeds, pp. 59-66. In Gettys LA, Haller WT, Petty DG. (eds.), Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants: A Best Management Practices Handbook, 3rd edition. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta, GA.
    6. Winston, R.L., M. Schwarzländer, H.L. Hinz, M.D. Day, M.J.W. Cock and M.H. Julien, Eds. 2014. Biological Control of Weeds: A World Catalogue of Agents and Their Target Weeds, 5th edition. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team, Morgantown,West Virginia. FHTET-2014-04. 838 pp. (Cuda, J.P., Contributor, Brazilian peppertree, TSA, and Hydrilla).
    7. Cuda, J.P. 2009. Chapter 5: Aquatic plants, mosquitoes and public health, pp. 31-34. In Haller, W.T., L.A. Gettys, and M. Bellaud (eds.), Best Management Practices Manual for Aquatic Plants. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta, GA. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/files/caip/pdfs/bmp3rdedition.pdf.
    8. Cuda, J.P. 2009. Chapter 8: Introduction to biological control of aquatic weeds, pp. 47-54. In Haller, W.T., L.A. Gettys, and M. Bellaud (eds.), Best Management Practices Manual for Aquatic Plants. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta, GA. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/files/caip/pdfs/bmp3rdedition.pdf.
    9. Cuda, J.P. 2009. Chapter 9: Insects for biocontrol of aquatic weeds, pp. 55-60. In Haller, W.T., L.A. Gettys, and M. Bellaud (eds.), Best Management Practices Manual for Aquatic Plants. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta, GA. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/pdfs/AERF_handbook.pdf.
    10. Cuda, J.P. 2008. Biological control of weeds, pp. 501-506. In Capinera, J.L. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Entomology, Second Edition, Kluwer Academic Publishers. Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
    11. Cuda, J.P. 2004. Biological control of weeds, pp. 304-308. In Capinera, J.L. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Entomology, Kluwer Academic Publishers. Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
    12. Cuda, J.P., N.C. Coile, D. Gandolfo, J.C. Medal, and J.J. Mullahey. 2004. Tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum Dunal, nightshade family, Solanaceae, pp. 396-399. In Coombs, E., J. Clark, G. Piper, and A. Cofrancesco (eds.), Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.
    13. Cuda, J.P., D.H. Habeck, S.D. Hight, J.C. Medal, and J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo. 2004. Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius: Sumac Family-Anacardiaceae, pp. 439-441. In Coombs, E., J. Clark, G. Piper, and A. Cofrancesco (eds.), Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.
    14. Medal, J.C., J.P. Cuda, and D. Gandolfo. 2004. Gratiana boliviana, pp. 399-401. In Coombs, E., J. Clark, G. Piper, and A. Cofrancesco (eds.), Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.
    15. Cuda, J.P., and G.R. Buckingham. 2002. Control Biologico de Malezas en Sistemas Acuaticos y en Areas Pantanosas en los Estados Unidos, pp. 70-76. In Medal, J., and H. Norambuena (eds.), Manual de Control Biologico de Plantas Invasoras. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
    16. Cuda, J.P., D. Gandolfo, J.C. Medal, R. Charudattan, and J.J. Mullahey. 2002. Chapter 23, Tropical soda apple, wetland nightshade, and turkey berry, pp. 293-309. In Van Driesche, R., B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, S. Lyon, and R. Reardon (eds.), Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. USDA Forest Service Publication FHTET-2002-04, Morgantown, WV.
    17. Hight, S.D., J.P. Cuda, and J.C. Medal. 2002. Chapter 24, Brazilian peppertree, pp. 311-321. In Van Driesche, R., B. Blossey, M. Hoddle, S. Lyon, and R. Reardon (eds.), Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States. USDA Forest Service Publication FHTET-2002-04, Morgantown, WV.
  • Refereed Proceedings
    1. Medal, J., Gandolfo, D., Gaskalla, R., Overholt, W., Diaz, R., Charudattan, R., Bustamante, N., 77 Davis, B.J., Hibbard, K., Fox, A., Díaz, J., Roda, A., Amalin, D., Hight, S., Stansly, P., Gioeli, K., Osborne, L., Seller, B., McKay, F., Usnick, S., Sudbrink, D., Cuda, J., Pitelli, R., Santana, A., Vitorino, M., Beal, L., Buss, A., Pedrosa, J.H., Bredow, E., Ohashi, D., Wikler, C. and Gravena, R. 2014. Biological control of Solanum viarum in Florida, USA: a successful project, p. 77-81. Proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, F.A.C. Impson, C.A. Kleinjan and J.H. Hoffmann (eds), 2-7 March 2014, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
    2. Medal, J.C., W.A. Overholt, P.A. Stansly, A. Roda, L.S. Osborne, K. Hibbard, R. Gaskalla, E. Burns, J. Chong, B. Sellers, S.D. Hight, J.P. Cuda, M. Vitorino, E. Bredow, J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo, and C. Wikler. 2008. Establishment, spread, and initial impacts of Gratiana boliviana (Chrysomelidae) on Solanum viarum in Florida, pp. 589-593. In Julien, M.H., R. Sforza, M.C. Bon, H.C. Evans, P.E. Hatcher, H.L. Hinz, and B.C. Rector (eds.), Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, CAB International, Wallingford, UK.
    3. Faria, A.B.V., R.W. Barreto, and J.P. Cuda. 2008. Fungal pathogens of Schinus terebinthifolius from Brazil as potential biological control agents, pp. 270-277. In Julien, M.H., R. Sforza, M.C. Bon, H.C. Evans, P.E. Hatcher, H.L. Hinz, and B.C. Rector (eds.), Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, CAB International, Wallingford, UK.
    4. Wessels, F.J., J.P. Cuda, and M.T. Johnson. 2005. A novel form of Caribbean fruit fly (Tephritidae) suppression: Classical biological control of the preferred host Psidium cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae). Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society 118: 205-207.
    5. Medal, J., D. Ohashi, D. Gandolfo, F. McKay, and J.P. Cuda. 2004. Risk assessment of Gratiana boliviana (Chrysomelidae), a potential biocontrol agent of Solanum viarum (Solanaceae) in the USA, pp. 292-296. In Cullen, J.M., D.T. Briese, D.J. Kriticos, W.M. Lonsdale, L. Morin, and J.K. Scott (eds.), Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia.
    6. Cuda, J.P., S.D. Hight, C.G. Martin, J.C. Medal, L.W. Treadwell, W.A. Overholt, and J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo. 2003. Classical biological control of Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) in Florida: Progress and problems, pp.139-152. In Cannizzaro, P.J. (ed.), Proceedings of the 30th Annual Conference on Ecosystems Restoration and Creation. Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL, October.
    7. Cuda, J.P., J.C. Medal, M.T. Johnson, J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo, M.D. Vitorino, and C.W. Wikler. 2003. Potential for using weed biological control for source reduction of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Florida and Hawaii, erratum. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods. Honolulu, HI, 14-18 January 2002, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Morgantown, WV, FHTET-2003-05, 573 pp.
    8. Cuda, J.P., and D.L. Sutton. 2000. Is the aquatic weed hygrophila, Hygrophila polysperma (Polemoniales: Acanthaceae), a suitable target for classical biological control?, pp. 337-348. In Spencer, N.R. (ed.), Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, Bozeman, MT, July 4-14, 1999. USDA, ARS, Sidney, MT, and Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
    9. Medal, J.C., D. Gandolfo, R.A. Pitelli, A. Santana, J.P. Cuda, and D.L. Sudbrink, Jr. 2000. Progress and prospects for biological control of Solanum viarum Dunal in the USA, pp. 627-631. In Spencer, N.R. (ed.), Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, Bozeman, MT, July 4-14, 1999. USDA, ARS, Sidney, MT, and Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
    10. Vitorino, M.D., J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo, and J.P. Cuda. 2000. Biology and specificity tests of the sawfly - Heteroperreyia hubrichi Malaise, 1955 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae), a potential biological control agent for Brazilian peppertree - Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), pp. 645-650. In Spencer, N.R. (ed.), Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, Bozeman, MT, July 4-14, 1999. USDA, ARS, Sidney, MT, and Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
    11. Sudbrink, D.L., Jr., G.L. Snodgrass, C.T., Bryson, J.C. Medal, J.P. Cuda, and D. Gandolfo. 2000. Arthropods associated with tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum, in the southeastern U.S.A., pp. 247-248. In Spencer, N.R. (ed.), Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, Bozeman, MT, July 4-14, 1999. USDA, ARS, Sidney, MT, and Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
    12. Vitorino, M.D., J.H. Pedrosa-Macedo, C. Wikler, L.P. Sousa, J.C. Medal, and J.P. Cuda. 2000. Brazilian peppertree - prospects for biological control, pp. 689-690. In Spencer, N.R. (ed.), Proceedings of the X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, Bozeman, MT, July 4-14, 1999. USDA, ARS, Sidney, MT, and Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
    13. Cuda, J.P., G.A. Logarzo, M.A. Casalinuovo, and C.J. DeLoach. 1996. Prospects for biological control of weedy sesbanias (Leguminosae) in the southeastern United States, pp. 137-142. In Moran, V.C., and J.H. Hoffmann (eds.), Proceedings of the IX International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, January 1996, Stellenbosch, South Africa. University of Capetown.
    14. Habeck, D.H., J.C. Medal, and J.P. Cuda. 1996. Biological control of tropical soda apple, pp. 69-72. In Mullahey, J.J. (ed.), Proceedings of the Tropical Soda Apple Symposium, Bartow, FL, January 1996. University of Florida.
    15. Cuda, J.P., B.W. Sindelar, and J.H. Cardellina II. 1989. Proposal for an integrated management system for spotted knapweed, Centaurea maculosa Lam., pp 197-203. In Proceedings of the Knapweed Symposium, Bozeman, MT, January 1989. Plant and Soil Science Department and Cooperative Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.
    16. Cuda, J.P., and H.R. Burke. 1986. Biology and impact of Trichobaris texana (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on silverleaf nightshade, Solanum elaeagnifolium, in central Texas. pp. 721-734. In Delfosse, E.S. (ed.), Proceedings of the VI International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, August 1984, Vancouver, Canada. Agriculture Canada.
    17. DeLoach, C.J., P.E. Boldt, H.A. Cordo, H.B. Johnson, and J.P. Cuda. 1986. Weeds common to Mexican and U.S. rangelands: Proposals for biological control and ecological studies, pp. 49-68. In Patton, D.R., C.E. Gonzales, A.L. Medina, L.A. Segura, and R.H. Hamre (eds.), Management and Utilization of Arid Land Plants: Symposium Proceedings. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-135.
  • Non-refereed Publications
    1. Mukherjee, A., J.P. Cuda, W.A. Overholt, and C. Ellison. 2008. Biological control of Hygrophila polysperma: Searching for natural enemies in India - first trip report. Aquatics 30: 20-22.
    2. Cuda, J. P., A. S. Brammer, R. M. Pereira, & M. Broza. 2004. Interference of natural regulation of the aquatic weed mosquito fern (Azolla caroliniana) by the red imported fire ant. Aquatics 26: 20-26.
    3. Overholt, W.A., and J.P. Cuda. 2005. University of Florida scientists explore Africa for natural enemies of hydrilla. Aquatics 27: 18-20.
    4. Diaz, R., W. A. Overholt, and J. P. Cuda. 2003. Wetland weeds: West Indian Marsh Grass. Aquatics 25: 8-12.
    5. Cuda, J.P., B.R. Coon, J.L. Gillmore, and T.D. Center. 1999. Preliminary report on the biology of a hydrilla tip mining midge (Diptera: Chironomidae). Aquatics 21: 15-18.
    6. Cuda, J.P. 1995. Utilization of pennyworts (Hydrocoytle spp.) as food plants by the southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania. Aquatics 17: 4-10.