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Octavio A. Menocal

Postdoctoral 

Research Associate

Rutgers University

Bridgetown, New Jersey

Project Role

Dr. Menocal conducts basic and applied research on two important insect pests of tree fruit—codling moth and plum curculio— in New Jersey apple and peach orchards.

Research Bio

Dr. Menocal’s research focuses on the biology, ecology, and behavior of invasive pests affecting tropical, subtropical, and temperate fruit crops. His work emphasizes the monitoring and management of invasive pests, as well as their interactions with fruit crops and beneficial arthropods. He collaborates closely with other entomologists, plant pathologists, horticulturists, extension agents, and growers to develop practical solutions to emerging challenges in the fruit crop industry.

Octavio Menocal Headshot
The logo for the project with an illustrated peach and apple, an insect flying away from the fruit, and text reading "Cultivating Tomorrow's Orchards"

The Cultivating Tomorrow's Orchards: Evolving and Enhancing IPM in Eastern Tree Fruit Systems Project is made possible by USDA NIFA SCRI #2024-05413.

Contact Information:

Appalachian Fruit Research Station

2217 Wiltshire Road

Kearneysville, WV 25430

Research Partners:

USDA ARS

​Penn State University

Rutgers University

North Carolina State University

University of Georgia

Michigan State University

University of Massachusetts

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Minnesota

Cornell University

© 2026 Cultivating Tomorrow’s Orchard: Evolving and Enhancing IPM in Eastern Tree Fruit Systems. All rights reserved.

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