Professor Michael Furlong
Professor

Michael Furlong

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54822

Background

My research focuses on the biological control and integrated management of insect pests. Understanding the ecological and biological relationships between insects and their natural enemies (pathogens, parasitoids and predators) and the interactions between these natural enemies is fundamental to effective biological control and is central to my research. Strategies which manipulate natural enemies to enhance their impact on pest populations are under development, examples include

  • Integration of biological stressors and fungal entomopathogens for improved control of insect pests
  • Reduced insecticide inputs combined with the provision of adult food sources to enhance endemic parasitoid performance
  • Utilizing inducible plant defences to manipulate pests and improve the effectiveness of natural enemies.

Externally funded research projects concentrate on the development of sustainable pest management strategies for insect pests in developing countries. In Indonesia the structure and function of the natural enemy complexes attacking the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and the cabbage cluster caterpillar (Crocidolomia pavonana) are being determined. In Samoa the biology and ecology of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis is being investigated and the possibility of its release as a biological control agent of C. pavonana in Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands explored. Research in Fiji is focused on quantifying field resistance of the diamondback moth to commonly used insecticides. An insecticide resistance management strategy has been developed and will be implemented in collaboration with UN-FAO.

Availability

Professor Michael Furlong is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Crop and pasture production Horticultural production Zoology

Search Professor Michael Furlong’s works on UQ eSpace

186 works between 1993 and 2025
All (186) Journal Article (136) Book Chapter (8) Conference Publication (34) Book (1) Other Outputs (7)

21 - 40 of 186 works

2024

Book Chapter

Introduction

Panwar, Neha, Bansal, Lukesh, Furlong, Michael and Kumar, Sarwan (2024). Introduction. Plant resistance to insects in major field crops. (pp. 1-12) edited by Sarwan Kumar and Michael Furlong. Singapore: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-981-99-7520-4_1

Introduction

2024

Conference Publication

Impacts of increasing global temperatures on Diadegma semiclausum, an important parasitoid of the diamondback moth

Wang, L.Y., Walter, G.H. and Furlong, M.J. (2024). Impacts of increasing global temperatures on Diadegma semiclausum, an important parasitoid of the diamondback moth. IX International Conference on Management of the Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2-5 May 2023. Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan: World Vegetable Center.

Impacts of increasing global temperatures on Diadegma semiclausum, an important parasitoid of the diamondback moth

2024

Other Outputs

Buckwheat-ArthropodSurveys-RawData-JHThurman

Thurman, Jessa and Furlong, Michael (2024). Buckwheat-ArthropodSurveys-RawData-JHThurman. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/847c0aa

Buckwheat-ArthropodSurveys-RawData-JHThurman

2023

Journal Article

Exploiting asynchronous host-parasitoid emergence distributions to optimise insecticide applications and protect beneficial insects– a case study using the citrus gall wasp Bruchophagus fellis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

Mo, Jianhua, Furlong, Michael J., Kirkland, Lisa S. and Stevens, Mark M. (2023). Exploiting asynchronous host-parasitoid emergence distributions to optimise insecticide applications and protect beneficial insects– a case study using the citrus gall wasp Bruchophagus fellis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae). Crop Protection, 174 106428, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106428

Exploiting asynchronous host-parasitoid emergence distributions to optimise insecticide applications and protect beneficial insects– a case study using the citrus gall wasp Bruchophagus fellis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)

2023

Journal Article

Generalist predators shape biotic resistance along a tropical island chain

Wyckhuys, Kris A. G., Leatemia, Johanna Audrey, Fanani, Muhammad Zainal, Furlong, Michael J., Gu, Baogen, Hadi, Buyung Asmara Ratna, Hasinu, Jeffij Virgowat, Melo, Maria C., Noya, Saartje Helena, Rauf, Aunu, Taribuka, Johanna and Gc, Yubak Dhoj (2023). Generalist predators shape biotic resistance along a tropical island chain. Plants, 12 (18) 3304, 3304. doi: 10.3390/plants12183304

Generalist predators shape biotic resistance along a tropical island chain

2023

Journal Article

Synergistic interactions between three insecticides and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), larvae

Rice, Steven J. and Furlong, Michael J. (2023). Synergistic interactions between three insecticides and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), larvae. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 200 107974, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107974

Synergistic interactions between three insecticides and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), larvae

2023

Journal Article

Diamondback moth egg susceptibility to rainfall: effects of leaf surface properties on the direct and indirect impact of simulated rain

Rahman, Md Mahbubur, Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2023). Diamondback moth egg susceptibility to rainfall: effects of leaf surface properties on the direct and indirect impact of simulated rain. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 171 (9), 704-715. doi: 10.1111/eea.13338

Diamondback moth egg susceptibility to rainfall: effects of leaf surface properties on the direct and indirect impact of simulated rain

2023

Journal Article

Editorial: Integrating models into practice: the role of modelling in biocontrol and integrated pest management

Deere, Jacques A., Janssen, Arne, Furlong, Michael J. and Bonsall, Michael B. (2023). Editorial: Integrating models into practice: the role of modelling in biocontrol and integrated pest management. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 11 1243260. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1243260

Editorial: Integrating models into practice: the role of modelling in biocontrol and integrated pest management

2023

Journal Article

Predicting the impacts of climate change on the biological control of Plutella xylostella by Diadegma semiclausum

Wang, Leyun, Zhao, Zihua, Walter, Gimme H. and Furlong, Michael J. (2023). Predicting the impacts of climate change on the biological control of Plutella xylostella by Diadegma semiclausum. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 25 (2), 251-260. doi: 10.1111/afe.12548

Predicting the impacts of climate change on the biological control of Plutella xylostella by Diadegma semiclausum

2023

Journal Article

Confirming the identity of the Hypogeococcus species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) associated with Harrisia martinii (Labour.) Britton (Cactaceae) in Australia: Implications for biological control

Ezeh, Angela E., Hereward, James P., Day, Michael D., Taylor, Tamara and Furlong, Michael J. (2023). Confirming the identity of the Hypogeococcus species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) associated with Harrisia martinii (Labour.) Britton (Cactaceae) in Australia: Implications for biological control. Austral Entomology, 62 (2), 235-245. doi: 10.1111/aen.12641

Confirming the identity of the Hypogeococcus species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) associated with Harrisia martinii (Labour.) Britton (Cactaceae) in Australia: Implications for biological control

2023

Journal Article

Sex dependent transcriptome responses of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. to cold stress

Wang, Leyun, Etebari, Kayvan, Walter, Gimme H. and Furlong, Michael J. (2023). Sex dependent transcriptome responses of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. to cold stress. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics, 45 101053, 101053. doi: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101053

Sex dependent transcriptome responses of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. to cold stress

2023

Journal Article

Helicoverpa armigera preference and performance on three cultivars of short‐duration pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan): the importance of whole plant assays

Volp, Trevor M., Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2023). Helicoverpa armigera preference and performance on three cultivars of short‐duration pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan): the importance of whole plant assays. Pest Management Science, 79 (2), 627-637. doi: 10.1002/ps.7230

Helicoverpa armigera preference and performance on three cultivars of short‐duration pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan): the importance of whole plant assays

2023

Journal Article

The abundance and geographic distributions of two species of ticks in South Australia: Bundey Bore revisited

Teo, Ernest J. M., Bull, C. Michael, Burzacott, Dale, Zalucki, Myron P., Furlong, Michael J., Barker, Dayana and Barker, Stephen C. (2023). The abundance and geographic distributions of two species of ticks in South Australia: Bundey Bore revisited. Austral Ecology, 48 (3), 563-584. doi: 10.1111/aec.13284

The abundance and geographic distributions of two species of ticks in South Australia: Bundey Bore revisited

2023

Journal Article

Continent‐wide evidence that landscape context can mediate the effects of local habitats on in‐field abundance of pests and natural enemies

Akter, Salma, Rizvi, Syed Z. M., Haque, Ahsanul, Reynolds, Olivia L., Furlong, Michael J., Melo, Maria C., Osborne, Terry, Mo, Jianhua, McDonald, Simon, Johnson, Anne C. and Gurr, Geoff M. (2023). Continent‐wide evidence that landscape context can mediate the effects of local habitats on in‐field abundance of pests and natural enemies. Ecology and Evolution, 13 (1) e9737, 1-11. doi: 10.1002/ece3.9737

Continent‐wide evidence that landscape context can mediate the effects of local habitats on in‐field abundance of pests and natural enemies

2023

Journal Article

Multitrophic interactions between coccinellids and their parasitoids in natural and managed plant systems: host plant and aphid prey species matter

Rajput, Imran A., Ahmed, Agha M., Khan, Khalid A., Zalucki, Myron P., Abro, Ghulam H., Furlong, Michael J. and Ghramh, Hamed A. (2023). Multitrophic interactions between coccinellids and their parasitoids in natural and managed plant systems: host plant and aphid prey species matter. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 43 (6), 2011-2020. doi: 10.1007/s42690-023-01117-0

Multitrophic interactions between coccinellids and their parasitoids in natural and managed plant systems: host plant and aphid prey species matter

2022

Journal Article

What defines a host? Oviposition behavior and larval performance of Spodoptera frugiperda (lepidoptera: noctuidae) on five putative host plants

Volp, Trevor M., Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2022). What defines a host? Oviposition behavior and larval performance of Spodoptera frugiperda (lepidoptera: noctuidae) on five putative host plants. Journal of Economic Entomology, 115 (6), 1744-1751. doi: 10.1093/jee/toac056

What defines a host? Oviposition behavior and larval performance of Spodoptera frugiperda (lepidoptera: noctuidae) on five putative host plants

2022

Journal Article

Responses of diamondback moth to diverse entomopathogenic fungi collected from non-agricultural habitats – effects of dose, temperature and starvation

Rizal, Leela M., Furlong, Michael J. and Walter, Gimme H. (2022). Responses of diamondback moth to diverse entomopathogenic fungi collected from non-agricultural habitats – effects of dose, temperature and starvation. Fungal Biology, 126 (10), 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.funbio.2022.08.005

Responses of diamondback moth to diverse entomopathogenic fungi collected from non-agricultural habitats – effects of dose, temperature and starvation

2022

Journal Article

Island and mountain ecosystems as testbeds for biological control in the anthropocene

Wyckhuys, Kris A. G., Sanchez Garcia, Francisco J., Santos, Ana M. C., Canal, Nelson A., Furlong, Michael J., Melo, Maria C., Dhoj, G. C. Yubak and Pozsgai, Gabor (2022). Island and mountain ecosystems as testbeds for biological control in the anthropocene. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10 912628. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2022.912628

Island and mountain ecosystems as testbeds for biological control in the anthropocene

2022

Journal Article

A high-quality de novo genome assembly based on nanopore sequencing of a wild-caught coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros)

Filipović, Igor, Rašić, Gordana, Hereward, James, Gharuka, Maria, Devine, Gregor J., Furlong, Michael J. and Etebari, Kayvan (2022). A high-quality de novo genome assembly based on nanopore sequencing of a wild-caught coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros). BMC Genomics, 23 (1) 426, 1-15. doi: 10.1186/s12864-022-08628-z

A high-quality de novo genome assembly based on nanopore sequencing of a wild-caught coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros)

2022

Journal Article

Differential temperature responses between Plutella xylostella and its specialist endo‐larval parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum —Implications for biological control

Wang, Leyun, Etebari, Kayvan, Zhao, Zihua, Walter, Gimme H. and Furlong, Michael J. (2022). Differential temperature responses between Plutella xylostella and its specialist endo‐larval parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum —Implications for biological control. Insect Science, 29 (3), 855-864. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12967

Differential temperature responses between Plutella xylostella and its specialist endo‐larval parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum —Implications for biological control

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Supporting farming system adaptation to climate and biological threats (Project led by QDAF)
    Cotton Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Viruses to aid biological control of major root-feeding pests of sugarcane
    Sugar Research Australia Limited
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Impact of mosquito control programs on Australian native bees
    Mosquito and Arbovirus Research Committee
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Towards more sustainable pest control strategies through a metagenomic survey of viral entomopathogens in canegrubs populations
    Sugar Research Australia Sugar Industry Research Awards
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Exploring the ecological underpinnings and leverage mechanisms for climate-resilient, Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) suppressive cropping systems in the Asia-Pacific
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Gender-differentiated impact study of the COVID-19 home gardening initiative/strategy for enhancement of food security in Fiji (ACIAR ARSF grant administered by UNE)
    University of New England
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Investigation into citrus blossom bugs in avocados
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2024
    Responding to emerging pest and disease threats to horticulture in the Pacific islands
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Field and landscape management to support beneficial arthropods for IPM on vegetable farms (Horticulture Innovation Australia grant administered by Charles Sturt University)
    Charles Sturt University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2020
    Feeding behaviour of Soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)) larvae and the effects on sugar cane
    Sugar Research Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Integrated Crop management strategies for root and tuber crops: strengthening national and regional capacities in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Manipulation of regulatory microRNAs to supress insecticide resistance in the diamondback moth
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Creating a novel lure and kill device for Queensland Fruit Fly
    Plant Biosecurity CRC
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    An analysis of fruitspotting in bug activity in avocado crops from fruit-set to harvest
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    A multi-targeted approach to fruitspotting bug management
    New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2017
    Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Invasion ecology of thrips in relation to seedling cotton
    Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2010
    Optimising the Productivity of the Potato/Brassica Cropping System in Central and West Java
    Department of Agriculture and Food (Western Australia)
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Exploiting inducible plant signals for improved pest management
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Travel Grant - Canberra 13 - 15 December 2005
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2012
    Integrated Pest Management in a Sustainable Production System for Brassica Crops in Fiji and Samoa
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Travel - pre project development trip in fiji and Samoa
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Michael Furlong is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Chemical ecology and conservation biological control of fruitfully by the parasitoid, Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr James Hereward

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Sustainability of IPM adoption: Understanding and predicting farmers¿ pest management behaviour in Fiji

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synergistic interactions between insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki, Dr James Hereward

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Ecology and management of the citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis)

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki, Dr James Hereward

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Proactive pest management of Spodoptera litura in Northern Australia cotton systems

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Stingless bees and pesticides: identifying exposure pathways and lethal and sublethal effects

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Ecosystem services of aerial insectivores in agricultural landscapes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Annabel Smith, Dr April Reside

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring entomopathogenic viruses for biological control of insect pests

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sassan Asgari, Dr Kayvan Etebari

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring entomopathogenic viruses for biological control of insect pests

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sassan Asgari, Dr Kayvan Etebari

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Michael Furlong directly for media enquiries about:

  • Biological control
  • Insect ecology
  • Insect pathology
  • Integrated pest management
  • Pest management

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