In memory of Alfio Nucifora, entomologist

Abstract

Alfio Nucifora, Entomology Professor of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania and senior member of the Gioenia Academy of the Natural Sciences, Catania, Italy, passed away on February 5, 2014. Alfio was born on April 5, 1932, in a pleasant small town at the foothills of Etna. After completing the high school, he enrolled in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of University of Catania and became involved in a M.Sc. research program under the guidance of Prof. V. Lupo, Entomology Institute of that Faculty. The project focused on the management of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella, in the apple orchards of Etna. He earned a M.Sc. degree in a Agricultural Sciences with a major in Entomology from University of Catania, in 1955. After graduation, he became assistant entomologist in 1959, in the same Entomology Institute where he continued his research and teaching activities studying tarsonemid mites. A study that he completed with NATO-CNR grant at the Department of Entomology of University of Kansas, Lawrence (Kansas) under the guidance of Dr. R.E. Beer. At his return and after conducting research on mites and plant protection from arthropod pests of many fruit crops and fruit trees in Sicily, he became assistant professor in 1967 and full professor in 1975. His research interest encompassed Applied Acarology, Entomology and Nematology and is well documented by about 150 research papers and extension publications. His interaction with Entomology ceased in 2007 when he retired from any investigative activity. Alfio Nucifora initiated his career under the influence of the expansion of the use of synthetic organic insecticides, which initially provided excellent crop response. However, Alfio soon became aware of the collateral adverse effect of these chemicals. He realized that a modern pest management cannot exclude completely the use of pesticide, which should be included into the Agricultural ecosystems as compatible components of the moderne agriculture. This concept is reflected in his publications. Alfio was an unselfish person with an outgoing personality and a strong religious conviction. He was always concerned about the welfare of students, colleagues and persons socially associated with his life activities. He is survived by his wife Concetta Calabretta, who with great affection assisted and cooperated scientifically with him, sons Salvatore, Rosario, Angelo and Antonio and daughters Maria Teresa and Caterina.