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)

101 - 120 of 186 works

2016

Journal Article

Effect of the postfeeding interval on olfactory responses of thrips to herbivore-induced cotton plants

Silva, Rehan, Walter, Gimme H., Wilson, Lewis J. and Furlong, Michael J. (2016). Effect of the postfeeding interval on olfactory responses of thrips to herbivore-induced cotton plants. Insect Science, 23 (6), 881-892. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12252

Effect of the postfeeding interval on olfactory responses of thrips to herbivore-induced cotton plants

2016

Journal Article

Subsistence farmers’ management of infestations of the little fire ant in garden plots on Bauro, Makira Province, Solomon Islands

Fasi, John, Furlong, Michael J. and Fisher, Diana (2016). Subsistence farmers’ management of infestations of the little fire ant in garden plots on Bauro, Makira Province, Solomon Islands. Human Ecology, 44 (6), 765-774. doi: 10.1007/s10745-016-9856-3

Subsistence farmers’ management of infestations of the little fire ant in garden plots on Bauro, Makira Province, Solomon Islands

2016

Journal Article

Survival and development of Amblypelta nitida Stål, A. l. lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and the egg parasitoid, Anastatus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) at constant rearing temperatures

Govender, Alana W. and Furlong, Michael J. (2016). Survival and development of Amblypelta nitida Stål, A. l. lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and the egg parasitoid, Anastatus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) at constant rearing temperatures. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 19 (3), 651-658. doi: 10.1016/j.aspen.2016.06.011

Survival and development of Amblypelta nitida Stål, A. l. lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and the egg parasitoid, Anastatus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) at constant rearing temperatures

2016

Journal Article

Development, survival, and fecundity of Amblypelta lutescens lutescens (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on distinct phenological stages of different fruit-crop host plants

Lindsay, K. R. and Furlong, M. J. (2016). Development, survival, and fecundity of Amblypelta lutescens lutescens (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on distinct phenological stages of different fruit-crop host plants. Journal of Economic Entomology, 109 (4), 1793-1798. doi: 10.1093/jee/tow151

Development, survival, and fecundity of Amblypelta lutescens lutescens (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on distinct phenological stages of different fruit-crop host plants

2016

Journal Article

Temporal changes in olfactory and oviposition responses of the diamondback moth to herbivore-induced host plants

Ang, Gurion C. K., Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2016). Temporal changes in olfactory and oviposition responses of the diamondback moth to herbivore-induced host plants. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 160 (1), 28-39. doi: 10.1111/eea.12458

Temporal changes in olfactory and oviposition responses of the diamondback moth to herbivore-induced host plants

2016

Journal Article

The effect of rearing temperature on development, body size, energetics and fecundity of the diamondback moth

Garrad, R., Booth, D. T. and Furlong, M.,J. (2016). The effect of rearing temperature on development, body size, energetics and fecundity of the diamondback moth. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 106 (2), 175-181. doi: 10.1017/S000748531500098X

The effect of rearing temperature on development, body size, energetics and fecundity of the diamondback moth

2016

Journal Article

Population dynamics and management of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in China: the relative contributions of climate, natural enemies and cropping patterns

Li, Z., Zalucki, M.P., Yonow, T., Kriticos, D.J., Bao, H., Chen, H., Hu, Z., Feng, X. and Furlong, M.J. (2016). Population dynamics and management of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in China: the relative contributions of climate, natural enemies and cropping patterns. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 106 (2), 197-214. doi: 10.1017/S0007485315001017

Population dynamics and management of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in China: the relative contributions of climate, natural enemies and cropping patterns

2016

Book Chapter

Exploiting ecosystems services for biological control of pests and diseases

Furlong, Michael J. (2016). Exploiting ecosystems services for biological control of pests and diseases. Mainstreaming ecosystem services and biodiversity into agricultural production and management in the Pacific Islands. (pp. 56-65) Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Exploiting ecosystems services for biological control of pests and diseases

2016

Conference Publication

Fungal-insect symbiosis: Exploring the relationship between the yeast, Kodamaea ohmeriand its host, the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida

Amos, Brogan Alice, Leemon, Diana M., Hayes, R. Andrew and Furlong, Michael J. (2016). Fungal-insect symbiosis: Exploring the relationship between the yeast, Kodamaea ohmeriand its host, the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida. 25th International Congress of Entomology, Orlando, FL, United States, 25 - 30 September 2016. Entomological Society of America. doi: 10.1603/ice.2016.112235

Fungal-insect symbiosis: Exploring the relationship between the yeast, Kodamaea ohmeriand its host, the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida

2016

Conference Publication

Diamondback moth resistance to insecticides and its management in the Sigatoka Valley, Fiji

Atumurirava, F., Nand, N. and Furlong, M. J. (2016). Diamondback moth resistance to insecticides and its management in the Sigatoka Valley, Fiji. XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014): International Symposium on Horticulture in Developing Countries and World Food Production, Brisbane, Australia, 17 - 22 August 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1128.17

Diamondback moth resistance to insecticides and its management in the Sigatoka Valley, Fiji

2015

Journal Article

Genome wide discovery of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and their expression in insecticide resistant strains

Etebari, Kayvan, Furlong, Michael J. and Asgari, Sassan (2015). Genome wide discovery of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and their expression in insecticide resistant strains. Scientific Reports, 5 (14642) 14642, 14642. doi: 10.1038/srep14642

Genome wide discovery of long intergenic non-coding RNAs in Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and their expression in insecticide resistant strains

2015

Journal Article

Abundance of Aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its main predeators in organic and conventional cotton fields in north-west China

Lu, Z-Z., Perkins, L. E., Li, J-B, Wu, W-Y, Zalucki, M. P., Gao, G-Z and Furlong, M. J. (2015). Abundance of Aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its main predeators in organic and conventional cotton fields in north-west China. Annals of Applied Biology, 166 (2), 249-256. doi: 10.1111/aab.12178

Abundance of Aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its main predeators in organic and conventional cotton fields in north-west China

2015

Journal Article

Assessing the impact of natural enemies in agroecosystems: Towards “real” IPM or in quest of the Holy Grail?

Zalucki, Myron P., Furlong, Michael J., Schellhorn, Nancy A., MacFadyen, Sarina and Davies, Andrew P. (2015). Assessing the impact of natural enemies in agroecosystems: Towards “real” IPM or in quest of the Holy Grail?. Insect Science, 22 (1), 1-5. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12172

Assessing the impact of natural enemies in agroecosystems: Towards “real” IPM or in quest of the Holy Grail?

2015

Conference Publication

Disruption of Nisotra basselae oviposition to improve pest management on Abelmoschus manihot in the Solomon Islands

Vaqalo, M., Furlong, M. J. and Zalucki, M. P. (2015). Disruption of Nisotra basselae oviposition to improve pest management on Abelmoschus manihot in the Solomon Islands. XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014), Brisbane, Australia, 17-22 August 2014. Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science. doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1102.18

Disruption of Nisotra basselae oviposition to improve pest management on Abelmoschus manihot in the Solomon Islands

2014

Journal Article

Linking habitat complexity with predation of pests through molecular gut-content analyses

Szendrei, Zsofia, Bryant, Alexandria, Rowley, Daniel, Furlong, Michael J., Schmidt, Jason M. and Greenstone, Matthew H. (2014). Linking habitat complexity with predation of pests through molecular gut-content analyses. Biocontrol Science and Technology, 24 (12), 1425-1438. doi: 10.1080/09583157.2014.944098

Linking habitat complexity with predation of pests through molecular gut-content analyses

2014

Journal Article

Combining ecological methods and molecular gut-content analysis to investigate predation of a lepidopteran pest complex of Brassica crops

Furlong, Michael J., Rowley, Daniel L., Murtiningsih, Rini and Greenstone, Matthew H. (2014). Combining ecological methods and molecular gut-content analysis to investigate predation of a lepidopteran pest complex of Brassica crops. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 153 (2), 128-141. doi: 10.1111/eea.12231

Combining ecological methods and molecular gut-content analysis to investigate predation of a lepidopteran pest complex of Brassica crops

2014

Journal Article

Application of spinosad increases the susceptibility of insecticide-resistant Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to pyrethroids

Lambkin, Trevor A. and Furlong, Michael J. (2014). Application of spinosad increases the susceptibility of insecticide-resistant Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to pyrethroids. Journal of Economic Entomology, 107 (4), 1590-1598. doi: 10.1603/EC13473

Application of spinosad increases the susceptibility of insecticide-resistant Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to pyrethroids

2014

Journal Article

Responses of Thrips tabaci to odours of herbivore-induced cotton seedlings

Silva, Rehan, Walter, Gimme H., Wilson, Lewis J. and Furlong, Michael J. (2014). Responses of Thrips tabaci to odours of herbivore-induced cotton seedlings. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 151 (3), 239-246. doi: 10.1111/eea.12188

Responses of Thrips tabaci to odours of herbivore-induced cotton seedlings

2014

Journal Article

Trichogramma chilonis Ishii: a potential biological control agent of Crocidolomia pavonana in Samoa

Uelese, Aleni, Ridland, Peter M., Stouthamer, Richard, He, Yu-rong, Ang, Gurion, Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2014). Trichogramma chilonis Ishii: a potential biological control agent of Crocidolomia pavonana in Samoa. Biological Control, 73, 31-38. doi: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2014.03.011

Trichogramma chilonis Ishii: a potential biological control agent of Crocidolomia pavonana in Samoa

2014

Journal Article

Iwao's patchiness recession through the origin: biological importance and efficiency of sampling applications

Waters, Edward Kyle, Furlong, Michael J., Benke, Kurt K., Grove, James Robin and Hamilton, Andrew John (2014). Iwao's patchiness recession through the origin: biological importance and efficiency of sampling applications. Population Ecology, 56 (2), 393-399. doi: 10.1007/s10144-013-0417-y

Iwao's patchiness recession through the origin: biological importance and efficiency of sampling applications

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

    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

    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

    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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Ecosystem services of aerial insectivores in agricultural landscapes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Annabel Smith, Dr April Reside

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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