Research & Development

Since joining the Arborjet team in 2013, Don Grosman is utilizing his broad knowledge of entomology and insect control strategies to help develop the next evolution in plant health technology. He holds a PhD. in Entomology from the Virginia Tech, a M.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine, Orono, and Bachelor of Science in Forest Biology from SUNY-CESF, Syracuse. Previously, Don served as Coordinator of the Forest Pest Management Cooperative based with the Texas Forest Service (17 years). He has conducted ground-breaking research in protecting the urban and natural forests against pests, including bark beetles, seed and cone insects, pine tip moth, and leaf-cutting ants. He has also discovered the efficacy of emamectin benzoate against several pine bark beetles, ambrosia beetles, and stem gall wasps.

At Arborjet, Don coordinates with Director of Research & Development Joe Doccola and President Russ Davis to identify, develop, and evaluate environmentally friendly and effective products and application systems for southern and western United States markets. He conducts laboratory and field bioassays with emphasis on the applied control of natural and urban forest insect and disease. A prolific author, Don has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals; is a frequent presenter at conferences; and is a member of various societies and committees including the Entomological Society of America and the International Society of Arboriculture – Texas. Don has been recognized with several awards such as the Forest Research Award and the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Services.

Don has relocated with family to New Hampshire. Outside work, he spends time with family, wood carving, and repairing his log home, and in 2016 he started a Christmas tree farm.