Dr. Frank M. Davis is internationally recognized for his expertise in lepidopterous insects attacking crop plants, plant resistance to these insects, and insect rearing. During his 42 years with USDA-ARS—34 of them as a research entomologist with the Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit at Mississippi State—he jointly released 12 germplasm lines and one maize population, received one patent, and published 163 scientific papers (124 of them in refereed journals).
Davis and colleagues identified the female southwestern corn borer pheromone and developed technology that uses the synthetic pheromone in monitoring adult populations throughout the pest’s range. He developed a highly reliable and efficient rearing system that is used throughout the Unites States and abroad for the southwestern corn borer, fall armyworm, and other lepidopteran species.
Before retiring in 1999, Davis was an adjunct professor with Mississippi State University since the late 1960s, where he also received his three degrees in entomology. In 2000, the Mississippi Senate passed a resolution recognizing Davis’ contributions to agriculture. Also, Davis is the vice mayor and a member of the Board of Aldermen for the city of Starkville, Mississippi.
(updated September, 2005)