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)

41 - 60 of 186 works

2022

Journal Article

Discovery of a novel jingmenvirus in Australian sugarcane soldier fly (Inopus flavus) larvae

Colmant, Agathe M. G., Furlong, Michael J. and Etebari, Kayvan (2022). Discovery of a novel jingmenvirus in Australian sugarcane soldier fly (Inopus flavus) larvae. Viruses, 14 (6) 1140, 1-10. doi: 10.3390/v14061140

Discovery of a novel jingmenvirus in Australian sugarcane soldier fly (Inopus flavus) larvae

2022

Journal Article

Carbon benefits of enlisting nature for crop protection

Wyckhuys, Kris A. G., Furlong, Michael J., Zhang, Wei and GC, Yubak D. (2022). Carbon benefits of enlisting nature for crop protection. Nature Food, 3 (5), 299-301. doi: 10.1038/s43016-022-00510-1

Carbon benefits of enlisting nature for crop protection

2022

Journal Article

Transcriptomics reveal several novel viruses from canegrubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in central Queensland, Australia

Etebari, Kayvan, Lenancker, Pauline, Powell, Kevin S. and Furlong, Michael J. (2022). Transcriptomics reveal several novel viruses from canegrubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in central Queensland, Australia. Viruses, 14 (3) 649, 649. doi: 10.3390/v14030649

Transcriptomics reveal several novel viruses from canegrubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in central Queensland, Australia

2022

Journal Article

Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): chemical profile of the cuticle and possible chemical mimicry in a honeybee (Apis mellifera) pest

Amos, Brogan A., Furlong, Michael J., Leemon, Diana M., Cribb, Bronwen W. and Hayes, R. Andrew (2022). Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): chemical profile of the cuticle and possible chemical mimicry in a honeybee (Apis mellifera) pest. Apidologie, 53 (1) 7. doi: 10.1007/s13592-022-00921-w

Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): chemical profile of the cuticle and possible chemical mimicry in a honeybee (Apis mellifera) pest

2022

Journal Article

Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia

Rizvi, Syed Z. M., Reynolds, Olivia L., Haque, Ahsanul, Furlong, Michael J., Mo, Jianhua, Melo, Maria C., Akter, Salma, Sandoval-Gomez, Vivian E., Johnson, Anne C. and Gurr, Geoff M. (2022). Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia. Austral Entomology, 61 (1), 3-28. doi: 10.1111/aen.12588

Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia

2022

Journal Article

Corrigendum to ‘‘Examination of population genetics of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and the incidence of its biocontrol agent (Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) in the South Pacific Islands Current'' [Research in Insect Science 1 (2021) 100015](S2666515821000081)(10.1016/j.cris.2021.100015)

Etebari, Kayvan, Hereward, James, Sailo, Apenisa, Ahoafi, Emeline M., Tautua, Robert, Tsatsia, Helen, Jackson, Grahame V. and Furlong, Michael J. (2022). Corrigendum to ‘‘Examination of population genetics of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and the incidence of its biocontrol agent (Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) in the South Pacific Islands Current'' [Research in Insect Science 1 (2021) 100015](S2666515821000081)(10.1016/j.cris.2021.100015). Current Research in Insect Science, 2 100035, 100035. doi: 10.1016/j.cris.2022.100035

Corrigendum to ‘‘Examination of population genetics of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and the incidence of its biocontrol agent (Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) in the South Pacific Islands Current'' [Research in Insect Science 1 (2021) 100015](S2666515821000081)(10.1016/j.cris.2021.100015)

2021

Journal Article

Trichogramma species in Samoa and their potential as biological control agents against the large cabbage moth, Crocidolomia pavonana

Foster, Brodie J., Hereward, James P., Uelese, Aleni, Walter, Gimme H. and Furlong, Michael J. (2021). Trichogramma species in Samoa and their potential as biological control agents against the large cabbage moth, Crocidolomia pavonana. Biological Control, 164 104781, 104781. doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104781

Trichogramma species in Samoa and their potential as biological control agents against the large cabbage moth, Crocidolomia pavonana

2021

Journal Article

Exploration of RNA-Seq data to identify a potential pathogen of the leaf-mining moth, Stomphastis thraustica (Meyrick, 1908) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Etebari, Kayvan, Taylor, Dianne B.J., Rahman, Md. Mahbubur, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham, Furlong, Michael J. and Asgari, Sassan (2021). Exploration of RNA-Seq data to identify a potential pathogen of the leaf-mining moth, Stomphastis thraustica (Meyrick, 1908) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Data in Brief, 40 107708, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107708

Exploration of RNA-Seq data to identify a potential pathogen of the leaf-mining moth, Stomphastis thraustica (Meyrick, 1908) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

2021

Book Chapter

Biological control and climate change

Furlong, Michael J., Day, Michael D. and Zalucki, Myron P. (2021). Biological control and climate change. Biological control global impacts challenges and future directions of pest management . (pp. 220-235) edited by Peter G. Mason. Clayton, VIC Australia: CSIRO Publishing.

Biological control and climate change

2021

Journal Article

Diverse host immune responses of different geographical populations of the coconut rhinoceros beetle to Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) infection

Etebari, Kayvan, Gharuka, Maria, Asgari, Sassan and Furlong, Michael J. (2021). Diverse host immune responses of different geographical populations of the coconut rhinoceros beetle to Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) infection. Microbiology Spectrum, 9 (2) e00686-21, e0068621. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.00686-21

Diverse host immune responses of different geographical populations of the coconut rhinoceros beetle to Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) infection

2021

Other Outputs

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 (2021). A high-quality de novo genome assembly based on nanopore sequencing of a wild-caught coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros). doi: 10.1101/2021.09.12.459717

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

2021

Journal Article

A new dicistro-like virus from soldier fly, Inopus flavus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a pest of sugarcane

Asselin, Angelique K., Etebari, Kayvan, Furlong, Michael J. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2021). A new dicistro-like virus from soldier fly, Inopus flavus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a pest of sugarcane. Archives of Virology, 166 (10), 2841-2846. doi: 10.1007/s00705-021-05171-2

A new dicistro-like virus from soldier fly, Inopus flavus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a pest of sugarcane

2021

Journal Article

Climatic requirements of the southern paralysis tick, Ixodes cornuatus, with a consideration of its host, Vombatus ursinus, and the possible geographic range of the tick up to 2090

Teo, Ernest J.M., Hailu, Semira, Kelava, Samuel, Zalucki, Myron P., Furlong, Michael J., Nakao, Ryo, Barker, Dayana and Barker, Stephen C. (2021). Climatic requirements of the southern paralysis tick, Ixodes cornuatus, with a consideration of its host, Vombatus ursinus, and the possible geographic range of the tick up to 2090. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 12 (5) 101758, 1-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101758

Climatic requirements of the southern paralysis tick, Ixodes cornuatus, with a consideration of its host, Vombatus ursinus, and the possible geographic range of the tick up to 2090

2021

Journal Article

Assessing the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle spraying of aqueous ozone as an outdoor disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2

Albert, Simon, Amarilla, Alberto A., Trollope, Ben, Sng, Julian D.J., Setoh, Yin Xiang, Deering, Nathaniel, Modhiran, Naphak, Weng, Sung-Hsia, Melo, Maria C., Hutley, Nicholas, Nandy, Avik, Furlong, Michael J., Young, Paul R., Watterson, Daniel, Grinham, Alistair R. and Khromykh, Alexander A. (2021). Assessing the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle spraying of aqueous ozone as an outdoor disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2. Environmental Research, 196 110944, 110944. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110944

Assessing the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle spraying of aqueous ozone as an outdoor disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2

2021

Journal Article

Conservation biological control research is strongly uneven across trophic levels and economic measures

Johnson, Anne C., Liu, Jian, Reynolds, Olivia, Furlong, Michael J., Mo, Jianhua, Rizvi, Syed and Gurr, Geoff M. (2021). Conservation biological control research is strongly uneven across trophic levels and economic measures. Pest Management Science, 77 (5), 2165-2169. doi: 10.1002/ps.6162

Conservation biological control research is strongly uneven across trophic levels and economic measures

2021

Journal Article

Examination of population genetics of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and the incidence of its biocontrol agent (Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) in the South Pacific Islands

Etebari, Kayvan, Hereward, James, Sailo, Apenisa, Ahoafi, Emeline M., Tautua, Robert, Tsatsia, Helen, Jackson, Grahame V. and Furlong, Michael J. (2021). Examination of population genetics of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and the incidence of its biocontrol agent (Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) in the South Pacific Islands. Current Research in Insect Science, 1 100015, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.cris.2021.100015

Examination of population genetics of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and the incidence of its biocontrol agent (Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus) in the South Pacific Islands

2021

Journal Article

Balancing nutrients in a toxic environment: the challenge of eating

Wang, Peng, Vassao, Daniel G., Raguschke, Bettina, Furlong, Michael J. and Zalucki, Myron P. (2021). Balancing nutrients in a toxic environment: the challenge of eating. Insect Science, 29 (1) 1744-7917.12923, 289-303. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12923

Balancing nutrients in a toxic environment: the challenge of eating

2021

Journal Article

Climatic requirements of the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, with a consideration of its possible geographic range up to 2090

Teo, Ernest J. M., Vial, Melanie N., Hailu, Semira, Kelava, Samuel, Zalucki, Myron P., Furlong, Michael J., Barker, Dayana and Barker, Stephen C. (2021). Climatic requirements of the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, with a consideration of its possible geographic range up to 2090. International Journal for Parasitology, 51 (4), 241-249. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.08.011

Climatic requirements of the eastern paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, with a consideration of its possible geographic range up to 2090

2021

Journal Article

Detection of deformed wing virus (DWV) in the Vietnamese walking stick Medauroidea extradentata (Phasmatodea)

Shelomi, Matan, Lin, Wei, Johnson, Brian R., Furlong, Michael J. and Etebari, Kayvan (2021). Detection of deformed wing virus (DWV) in the Vietnamese walking stick Medauroidea extradentata (Phasmatodea). Virus Research, 293 198263, 198263. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198263

Detection of deformed wing virus (DWV) in the Vietnamese walking stick Medauroidea extradentata (Phasmatodea)

2021

Journal Article

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) based on long-read nanopore sequencing

Filipovic, Igor, Hereward, James P., Rasic, Gordana, Devine, Gregor J., Furlong, Michael J. and Etebari, Kayvan (2021). The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) based on long-read nanopore sequencing. PeerJ, 9 e10552, e10552. doi: 10.7717/peerj.10552

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) based on long-read nanopore sequencing

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

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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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