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)

121 - 140 of 186 works

2014

Journal Article

Fruitspotting bugs, Amblypelta nitida Stål and A. lutescens lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae): a review of the potential for integrated management practices

Danne, Alana W., Llewellyn, Richard, Huwer, Ruth K. and Furlong, Michael J. (2014). Fruitspotting bugs, Amblypelta nitida Stål and A. lutescens lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae): a review of the potential for integrated management practices. Austral Entomology, 53 (1), 112-123. doi: 10.1111/aen.12059

Fruitspotting bugs, Amblypelta nitida Stål and A. lutescens lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae): a review of the potential for integrated management practices

2014

Journal Article

Contrary effects of leaf position and identity on oviposition and larval feeding patterns of the diamondback moth

Ang, Gurion C. K., Silva, Rehan, Maxwell, Sean L., Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2014). Contrary effects of leaf position and identity on oviposition and larval feeding patterns of the diamondback moth. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 151 (1), 86-96. doi: 10.1111/eea.12172

Contrary effects of leaf position and identity on oviposition and larval feeding patterns of the diamondback moth

2014

Journal Article

Preface

Rosenfield, Kenneth and White, Christopher J. (2014). Preface. Interventional Cardiology Clinics, 3 (1), v-vi. doi: 10.1016/j.iccl.2013.10.001

Preface

2014

Book Chapter

Pesticides and integrated pest management practice, practicality and policy in Australia

Adamson, David, Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2014). Pesticides and integrated pest management practice, practicality and policy in Australia. Integrated pest management: experiences with implementation, global overview. (pp. 387-411) edited by Rajinder Peshin and David Pimentel. Berlin, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-7802-3_16

Pesticides and integrated pest management practice, practicality and policy in Australia

2013

Journal Article

How Predictable Are the Behavioral Responses of Insects to Herbivore Induced Changes in Plants? Responses of Two Congeneric Thrips to Induced Cotton Plants

Silva, Rehan, Furlong, Michael J., Wilson, Lewis J. and Walter, Gimme H. (2013). How Predictable Are the Behavioral Responses of Insects to Herbivore Induced Changes in Plants? Responses of Two Congeneric Thrips to Induced Cotton Plants. PLoS One, 8 (5) e63611, e63611.1-e63611.9. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063611

How Predictable Are the Behavioral Responses of Insects to Herbivore Induced Changes in Plants? Responses of Two Congeneric Thrips to Induced Cotton Plants

2012

Journal Article

"Menage a trois": the problem with three-way interactions involving predatory wasps

Ang, G. C. K., Zalucki, M. P. and Furlong, M. J. (2012). "Menage a trois": the problem with three-way interactions involving predatory wasps. Macquarie Matrix, 2 (2), 1-13.

"Menage a trois": the problem with three-way interactions involving predatory wasps

2012

Journal Article

Estimating the economic cost of one of the world’s major insect pests, Plutella xylostella: Just how long is a piece of string?

Zalucki, Myron P., Shabbir, Asad, Silva, Rehan, Adamson, David, Shu-Sheng, Liu and Furlong, Michael J. (2012). Estimating the economic cost of one of the world’s major insect pests, Plutella xylostella: Just how long is a piece of string?. Journal of Economic Entomology, 105 (4), 1115-1129. doi: 10.1603/EC12107

Estimating the economic cost of one of the world’s major insect pests, Plutella xylostella: Just how long is a piece of string?

2012

Journal Article

Developmental responses of the diamondback moth parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) to temperature and host plant species

Dosdall, L. M., Zalucki, M. P., Tansey, J. A. and Furlong, M. J. (2012). Developmental responses of the diamondback moth parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) to temperature and host plant species. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 102 (4), 373-384. doi: 10.1017/S0007485311000708

Developmental responses of the diamondback moth parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) to temperature and host plant species

2012

Journal Article

Diamondback moth oviposition: Effects of host plant and herbivory

Silva, Rehan and Furlong, Michael J. (2012). Diamondback moth oviposition: Effects of host plant and herbivory. Entomologia Experimentalis Et Applicata, 143 (3), 218-230. doi: 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2012.01255.x

Diamondback moth oviposition: Effects of host plant and herbivory

2011

Journal Article

Metabolic mechanisms only partially explain resistance to pyrethroids in Australian broiler house populations of lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Lambkin, Trevor A. and Furlong, Michael J. (2011). Metabolic mechanisms only partially explain resistance to pyrethroids in Australian broiler house populations of lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 104 (2), 629-635. doi: 10.1603/EC10377

Metabolic mechanisms only partially explain resistance to pyrethroids in Australian broiler house populations of lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

2011

Conference Publication

Predicting outbreaks of a migratory pest: An analysis of DBM distribution and abundance revisited

Zalucki, M. P. and Furlong, M. J. (2011). Predicting outbreaks of a migratory pest: An analysis of DBM distribution and abundance revisited. International Workshop on Management of the Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests (6th, 2011), Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 21-25 March 2011. Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan: AVRDC: The World Vegetable Centre.

Predicting outbreaks of a migratory pest: An analysis of DBM distribution and abundance revisited

2011

Conference Publication

Natural mortality of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in commercial cabbage crops in the highlands of West Java, Indonesia

Murtiningsih, R., Ridland, P. M., Sofiar, E. and Furlong M. J. (2011). Natural mortality of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in commercial cabbage crops in the highlands of West Java, Indonesia. Sixth International Workshop on Management of the Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 21-25 March 2011. Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan: AVRDC- The World Vegetable Center.

Natural mortality of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in commercial cabbage crops in the highlands of West Java, Indonesia

2011

Conference Publication

Diamondback moth resistance to commonly used insecticides in Fiji

Atumurirava, F. and Furlong, M. J. (2011). Diamondback moth resistance to commonly used insecticides in Fiji. Sixth International Workshop on Management of the Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 21-25 March 2011. Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan: AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center.

Diamondback moth resistance to commonly used insecticides in Fiji

2011

Conference Publication

Host plant selection by Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): Effect of herbivory and adult experience

Ale, B., Zalucki, M. P. and Furlong, M. J. (2011). Host plant selection by Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): Effect of herbivory and adult experience. International Workshop on Management of the Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests (6th, 2011), Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 21-25 March 2011. Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan: AVRDC: The World Vegetable Centre.

Host plant selection by Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): Effect of herbivory and adult experience

2011

Conference Publication

Field evaluation of insect exclusion netting for the management of pests on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in the Solomon Islands

Neave, S. M., Kelly, G. and Furlong, M.J. (2011). Field evaluation of insect exclusion netting for the management of pests on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in the Solomon Islands. International Workshop on Management of the Diamondback Moth and Other Crucifer Insect Pests (6th, 2011), Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 21-25 March 2011. Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan: AVRDC: The World Vegetable Centre.

Field evaluation of insect exclusion netting for the management of pests on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in the Solomon Islands

2010

Journal Article

Responses of susceptible and cyfluthrin-resistant broiler house populations of lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to γ-cyhalothrin

Lambkin, Trevor A., Rice, Steven J. and Furlong, Michael (2010). Responses of susceptible and cyfluthrin-resistant broiler house populations of lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to γ-cyhalothrin. Journal of Economic Entomology, 103 (6), 2155-2163. doi: 10.1603/EC09403

Responses of susceptible and cyfluthrin-resistant broiler house populations of lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to γ-cyhalothrin

2010

Journal Article

Exploiting predators for pest management: The need for sound ecological assessment

Furlong, Michael J. and Zalucki, Myron P. (2010). Exploiting predators for pest management: The need for sound ecological assessment. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 135 (3), 225-236. doi: 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2010.00988.x

Exploiting predators for pest management: The need for sound ecological assessment

2010

Journal Article

Effects of an ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and evidence for virus transmission by a larval parasitoid

Furlong, Michael J. and Asgari, Sassan (2010). Effects of an ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and evidence for virus transmission by a larval parasitoid. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 103 (2), 89-95. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2009.11.001

Effects of an ascovirus (HvAV-3e) on diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and evidence for virus transmission by a larval parasitoid

2010

Conference Publication

The potential of sesame oil extracts for Meloidogyne javanica control

McCarthy, J. W., Aitken, E. A. B., Furlong, M. J. and Cobon, J. A. (2010). The potential of sesame oil extracts for Meloidogyne javanica control. 6th Australian Soilborne Disease Symposium, Twin Waters, Qld., Australia, 9-11 August 2010. Toowoomba, Qld, Australia: Australasian Plant Pathology Society.

The potential of sesame oil extracts for Meloidogyne javanica control

2009

Journal Article

Crocidolomia pavonana larval foraging: behavior and feeding site preferences on cabbage, Brassica oleracea

Takeuchi, H, Zalucki, MP and Furlong, MJ (2009). Crocidolomia pavonana larval foraging: behavior and feeding site preferences on cabbage, Brassica oleracea. Entomologia Experimentalis Et Applicata, 133 (2), 154-164. doi: 10.1111/j.1570-7458.2009.00918.x

Crocidolomia pavonana larval foraging: behavior and feeding site preferences on cabbage, Brassica oleracea

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

    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

    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

    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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