Alton N Sparks

Professor

Areas of expertise

ZoologyCrop and Pasture ProductionEcological ApplicationsMicrobiologyPlant BiologyHorticultural Production

About

Extension Entomologist with primary responsibilities for insect pest management in commercial vegetable production. Applied research conducted in a wide variety of crops with emphasis in pesticide efficacy and fit into production systems, resistance management, and general IPM.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Entomology

Louisiana State University & Agricultural & Mechanical College, LA, United States (1986)

Master of Science, Entomology

Louisiana State University & Agricultural & Mechanical College, LA, United States (1984)

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Entomology

University of Georgia, GA, United States (1980)

Associate of Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA, United States (1978)

Awards and Honors

Senior Specialist Award (2022)
2021 Friends of Southern IPM, IPM Implementer Award (2021)
International IPM Award of EXCELLENCE Award (2017)
Award of Excellence, Senior Scientist, Extension (2013)
Second Place, applied research state staff poster competition (2013)
Second Place, applied research state staff poster competition (2012)
Donnie H. Morris Award for Excellence in Extension 2010 (2011)
First Place, applied research state staff poster competition (2011)
Second Place, applied research state staff poster competition (2010)
2009 ESA Distingushed Achievement Award in Extension (2009)
First Place, applied research state staff poster competition (2008)

Courses

ENTO 7000: Master's Research (Fall 2025)
ENTO 6130: Internship in Crop Protection and Pest Management (Spring 2026)
ENTO 7000: Master's Research (Spring 2026)
ENTO 7000: Master's Research (Summer 2026)
ENTO 7000: Master's Research (Fall 2026)

Scholarly Works

Vidalia Onion Production Guide, (2026).
McAvoy T, Tyson C, Coolong T, Jackson D, Sparks A … 6 more
Vidalia Onion Production Guide, (2026).
McAvoy T, Tyson C, Coolong T, Jackson D, Sparks A … 6 more
Vegetable Insect Management in Georgia, (2026).
Riley D, Sparks A
Vegetable Insect Management in Georgia, (2026).
Riley D, Sparks A
Thrips parvispinus: An Emerging Threat to Global Horticulture – Biology, Ecology, and Management Insights, Journal of Pest Science, (2025).
Vavilapalli R, Kaur N, Schoeller E, Muhammad A, Mészáros A … 7 more

View full list of scholarly works