The LSU AgCenter recently named Sebe Brown assistant professor of entomology with statewide Extension responsibilities in cotton, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum insect pest management.

Brown is located at the AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria, where, in addition to his Extension field crop responsibilities, he will conduct and support ongoing integrated pest management research activities for these field crops as needed.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in entomology from Texas A&M University, Brown received a master’s degree in entomology from LSU before joining the AgCenter in 2012 as an area entomology agent.

Brown earned his doctorate in entomology from LSU in 2017 and began coordinating entomology research efforts at the AgCenter Tom H. Scott Research and Extension Educational Center in Winnsboro following the resignation of David Kerns.  

The Louisiana subtropical climate allows for great diversity in crop production across the state and at the same time creates complex challenges for insect control in all field crops, Brown said.

Immediate plans include increasing research opportunities on-farm as well as at research stations across the state, working closely with growers and AgCenter agents to broaden insect pest management outreach efforts, he said.

Brown said he looks forward to working with growers to help them identify insect pest issues and refine action thresholds and recommend cost-effective sustainable management strategies.

“My goal is to provide the information producers need to select the best solution for their crop and pest situation,” he said.

Brown and his wife, AgCenter pesticide safety coordinator Kim Pope-Brown, welcomed their first child, Mary Elizabeth, in Sept. 2018.

“We are both excited to be in the Central Region, and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to broaden the scope of my outreach efforts to help our clientele across the state,” Brown said.