Dr. Lewis' research emphasis is epizootiology of insect pathogens Beauveria bassiana and Nosema pyrausta, and the compatibility of insect pathogens with beneficial insects. He also directs and conducts research to: develop a program to manage the European corn borer using an introduced egg parasitoid, Trichogramma maidis and the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis; elucidate the entomological significance of the endophytic relationship between Beauveria bassiana and the corn plant; develop the knowledge base to use insect pathogens in sustainable agriculture; and increase the effectiveness of microbial insecticides through formulation and timing of application.

Selected publications:

Sajap, A. S. & L. C. Lewis. 1992. Chronology of infection of European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with the microsporidium Nosema pyrausta: effect on development and vertical transmission. Environ. Entomol. 21: 178-182.

Bing, L. A. & L. C. Lewis. 1992. Endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin in corn: the influence of the plant growth stage and Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). Biocontrol Sci. & Technol. 2: 39-47.

Bing, L. A. & L. C. Lewis. 1992. Temporal relationships between Zea mays, O. nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and endophytic Beauveria bassiana. Entomophaga 37: 525-536.

Bing, L. A. & L. C. Lewis. 1991. Suppression of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) by endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin. Environ. Entomol. 20: 1207-1211.

Lewis, L. C. & L. A. Bing. 1990. Bacillus thuringiensis and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin for European corn borer control: program for immediate and season long suppression. Can. Entomol. 123: 387-393.