Daniel Cormier, researcher | Entomology

Daniel Cormier

Researcher, Ph.D.

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About

Daniel Cormier (Ph.D.) holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy with a specialization in phytoprotection, along with a minor in organic agriculture. He also earned a doctorate in entomology at McGill University. His thesis topic involved the survey of two parasitoids that attack the eggs of a crop pest and the elucidation of the seasonal and chemical ecology of these natural enemies. Daniel joined IRDA in 1999 and currently works as a fruit crop research entomologist specializing in apple and cranberry production. His research focuses on managing crop pests with new strategies that pose less risk to the environment and human health, in compliance with the Integrated Fruit Production Program. These control strategies include the use of predators, parasitoids, bacteria, viruses, trap cropping, reduced-risk insecticides, bio-insecticides, exclusion nets, as well as mating disruption. He participated in the development and validation of a predictive and interactive bio-climatic model that shows the impact of a phytosanitary treatment on pest populations. Recently Daniel coordinated the Québec-wide implementation of a program to combat the codling moth using mating disruption. He has co-supervised four master's students and three doctoral students, and currently co-directs three graduate students. Daniel has contributed to 39 scientific articles published in international journals, 77 scientific presentations, 105 scientific posters, along with 151 presentations and 35 posters aimed at a non-scientific audience.

Area(s) of Expertise

Developing strategies that reduce risks for the environment and human health
Managing orchard layouts that encourage biological pest control
Using parasitoids and predators for apple crop protection

Related research project(s)

2017-2019 • Fruit production

Exclusion nets made from biobased polymers

The purpose of this project is to test the general hypothesis that biobased polymers can be used to replace fossil-fuel-based products and reduce the use of pesticides without increasing GHG emissions.

Researchers: Gérald Chouinard Daniel Cormier

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2016-2019 • Fruit production

Selection, mass rearing, and field efficiency of a predaceous strain of mullein bug

The goal of the project is to select a strain of the mullein bug to control two spotted and red spider mites when populations tend to explode.

Researcher: Daniel Cormier

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2014-2018 • Fruit production

Development of a cropping system for organic raspberries in high tunnels

Evaluate the toxicity of biological pesticides or repellents to control the spotted wing drosophila on everbearing raspberries grown in tunnels.

Researcher: Daniel Cormier

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2014-2018 • Fruit production

Developing a cropping system for organic strawberries

In a high density strawberry crop grown in sod covered with plastic mulch, evaluate the toxicity of bioinsecticides for controlling tarnished plant bugs and strawberry blossom beetles and of bioherbicides for controlling weeds in and between crop rows.

Researcher: Daniel Cormier

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2014-2017 • Fruit production

Mating disruption as a new control method for the dogwood borer

This project consisted of using mating disruption to control dogwood borers in five orchards.

Researcher: Daniel Cormier

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2014-2017 • Fruit production

Developing a sprayable attracticide to control tephritid flies in fruit production

The aim of the project was to test a series of attracticides that can be mixed and applied with regular sprayers with no additional specialized or expensive equipment or modifications required.

Researcher: Daniel Cormier

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