Frank Louws

Bio

Frank Louws has dedicated his life to horticultural science and production, focusing on fruit and vegetable food crops, with expertise in plant pathology, farming systems research, and crop resilience. A Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), Louws also earned the prestigious “APS Excellence in Extension Award” for advancing research into practical, translational outcomes benefiting fruit and vegetable farmers and stakeholders.

As Director of the NSF/NCSU Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) for seven years, he led a team of up to 64 personnel in developing innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, data analytics, and training programs. Their work addressed invasive species and pest management challenges in partnership with local and global collaborators, earning the Center the “APS Excellence in Regulatory Affairs and Crop Security Award.”

At NC State University, Louws has focused on research and extension programs targeting IPM strategies for foliar, fruit-rot, and soilborne pathogens of strawberries and vegetables. Through collaborative research and extension programs, viable alternatives were developed to replace methyl bromide, a soil fumigant and ozone-depleting substance, helping growers comply with the Montreal Protocol and contributing to reductions in stratospheric bromine levels.
Currently, Louws serves as the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Department Head of Horticultural Science, continuing to advance the land grant mission in research, extension, teaching, and service.