Christina DiFonzo

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Professor & Field Crops Entomologist
Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center

Degrees:
Ph.D. - University of Minnesota, Entomology (1995)
M.S. - University of Minnesota, Entomology (1993)
B.S. - Mercyhurst College, Biology (1987)

Bio

Dr. Christina DiFonzo grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania and began her career focusing on the epidemiology and management of aphid-vectored viruses in potatoes. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Volcani Center in Israel studying plant viruses and aphids, she joined MSU in 1996 as the Pesticide Education Coordinator and field crops entomologist, transitioning to full-time field crops work in 2002 following the discovery of soybean aphid in North America. Her expertise and long-standing interest in aphids earned her the nickname “Aphid Queen.” She serves on approximately 15-20 graduate student committees each year, often as the outside member for students in agronomy, weed science, soil science and plant pathology.

Concentrations

Integrated pest management in field crops

Courses Taught

ENT404: Fundamentals of Entomology

Insect classification, identification, diversity, physiology and ecology. Importance of insects to humans and the environment. Insect collection required.

ENT477: Pesticides in Pest Management

Chemistry, modes of action, product development and regulation of pesticides. Environmental and social aspects of pesticide use.

Research

DiFonzo’s research focuses on solving insect-related problems in Michigan field crops and providing management recommendations based on applied studies. Her work spans corn, soybean, dry beans, small grains, forage crops, sugar beets and hemp. She has studied soybean aphid, Bt resistance, neonicotinoid seed treatments, genetically modified crops, aphid biology and identification, and pesticide regulation. Recent projects include studies on Asiatic garden beetle, western bean cutworm and stink bugs.

Learn more about the Field Crops Entomology Program at MSU.

Extension

DiFonzo’s extension program delivers practical, science-based guidance to Michigan growers, with a focus on insect management challenges across multiple cropping systems. Over the past decade, her efforts have centered on soybean aphid, western bean cutworm, Bt resistance and neonicotinoid seed treatments, while also addressing general pest management issues. She develops widely used decision-support tools, including maintaining the Handy Bt Trait Table for the United States, and provides timely recommendations through field demonstrations, grower meetings and extension publications.