Michael Parrella

Michael Parrella was born in New Jersey, and earned a B.S. in animal science from Rutgers University. He received a M.S. and Ph.D. in entomology from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Parrella began his academic career in the Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside. After eight years, he relocated to the University of California, Davis, where he now holds appointments in the Departments of Entomology and Environmental Horticulture. Parrella served as chair of entomology on the Davis campus from 1991 to 1999. In 1999, he was named associate dean of agricultural sciences in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Parrella's research interests include the development of integrated pest management strategies on ornamental plants with an emphasis on biological control. His laboratory has played a fundamental role in advancing IPM and biological control strategies in the floriculture industry, and he has trained numerous researchers in prominent floricultural entomology positions across the U.S.

Parrella is the author of more than 350 publications with 200 of them appearing in trade journals. For 10 years he wrote a monthly column for Greenhouse Manager and is a contributing writer for GrowerTalks magazine. He received the California Association Research Award (1986), the Recognition Award from the Entomological Society of America (1987), the Futura Research and Education Award from the Professional Plant Growers Association (1991) the Alex Laurie Research Award from the Society of American Florists (1997), he served as President, Pacific Branch of the Entomological of America (1998) and was the recipient of the Virginia Tech Distinguished Alumni Award (1998).