Researcher
My research focuses on insect biology, ecology and physiology, with an emphasis on understanding the complex interactions between insects, their host plants and natural enemies, as well as how insects interact with their environment. I am interested in how these relationships influence pest dynamics and contribute to sustainable pest management practices, especially in the context of climate change. In recent years, my work has expanded to incorporate the use of remote sensing technology, which allows for the development of innovative insect monitoring tools. This interdisciplinary approach helps bridge the gap between ecological understanding and practical pest management solutions, with the aim of reducing pesticide reliance and promoting environmentally-friendly insect pest management practices that are increasingly important in the face of a changing climate.
Schröder ML, Hurley BP, Wingfield MJ, Slippers B, Garnas JR. (2025) Thermal limitations to the biological control of Gonipterus sp. n. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South African Eucalyptus plantations. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 10.1111/afe.70002
Nzuza P, Schröder ML, Heim RJ, Daniels L, Slippers B, Hurley BP, Germishuizen I, Sivparsad B, Roux J, Maes WH. (2025) Assessing Gonipterus defoliation levels using multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data in Eucalyptus plantations. Ecological Informatics 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103301
Barten H, Schröder ML, Slippers B, Howe AG, Lawson SA, Hurley BP. (2023) Reproductive compatibility of a newly imported Australian population of the biocontrol agent Anaphes nitens with an existing South African population. Biological Control 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105403
Johannes Joubert, Benice Sivparsad, Michelle Schroder, Ilaria Germishuizen, Jingyuan Chen, Brett Hurley, Jeremy Allison, Almuth Hammerbacher. (2023) Susceptibility of Eucalyptus trees to defoliation by the Eucalyptus snout beetle, Gonipterus sp. n. 2, is enhanced by high foliar contents of 1,8-cineole, oxalic acid and sucrose and low contents of palmitic and shikimic acid. Plant, Cell & Environment 10.1111/pce.14696
Schröder ML, Nahrung HF, de Souza NM, Lawson SA, Slippers B, Wingfield MJ, Hurley BP. (2021) Distribution of Gonipterus species and their egg parasitoids in Australia: Implications for biological control. Forests 10.3390/f12080969
Schröder ML, Slippers B, Wingfield MJ, Hurley BP. (2020) Invasion history and management of Eucalyptus snout beetles in the Gonipterus scutellatus species complex. Journal of Pest Science 10.1007/s10340-019-01156-y
Schröder ML, Glinwood R, Ignell R, Krüger K. (2014) Visual cues and host-plant preference of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae). African Entomology
Schröder ML, Krüger K. (2014) Preference of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) for lucerne, maize, soybean and wheat and their potential as prospective border crops for Potato virus Y management in seed potatoes. African Entomology