Contact Information

USDA-ARS
Southern Insect Management Research Unit
141 Experiment Station Road
P.O. Box 346
Stoneville, MS 38776
Ph: (662) 686-5248
Fax: (662) 686-5421

Work Experience

• 2004 to present, Southern Insect Management Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Stoneville, MS, Research Entomologist
• 2003 to 2004, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Research Assistant Professor
• 1995 to 2003, USDA-ARS, CMAVE, Gainesville, FL, Postdoctoral Research Associate
• 1999 to 2002, Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Visiting Lecturer in Genetics
• 2000 to 2003, Division of Information Technology Education, Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL, Instructor in Computer Programming (2000-2003)
• 1994 to 1995, Department of Dairy Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Postdoctoral Research Associate
• 1989 to 1993, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Graduate Research Assistant
• 1985 to 1988, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, Assistant Lecturer

Participation in Scientific Meetings

• Beltwide Cotton Conference (2005 to present). Attended 5 meetings and made 5 presentations.
• Mississippi Entomological Association (2007 to present). Attended 2 meetings and made 1 presentation.
• Entomological Society of America, Southeastern Branch (2007 to present). Attended 2 meetings and made 2 presentations.
• SERA-IEG 23 (2008 to present). Attended 2 meetings and made 2 presentations.
• Society for Invertebrate Pathology (2005-present). Attended 5 meetings and made 6 presentations.

Honors, Awards, Achievements and Recognition

• Chair, Ethics and Rules Committee, Entomological Society of America, 2010-2011.
• Member, Ethics and Rules Committee, Entomological Society of America, 2009 to present.
• Member, IAEA/FAO Coordinated Research Project on tsetse fly genetics, 1999-2003.
• International Atomic Energy Agency Research Fellowship, 1988-1989.

Technical Responsibilities

Dr. Perera's research program currently focuses on studying population genetics of three major pests of cotton in the Mid-South, namely Helicoverpa zea(bollworm/corn earworm), Heliothis virescens(tobacco budworm), and Lygus lineolaris(Tarnished plant bug). He has developed molecular markers based on simple sequence repeats (SSRs or microsatellites), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for all three species and has conducted population genetic studies. He has developed bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries for corn earworm and tarnished plant bug and is developing physical maps of these two species. He has also initiated transcriptome sequencing of all three species to identify SNP markers suitable for population genetic and genetic mapping studies.

Transcriptome data are also being used to develop microarrays to profile gene expression under various experimental conditions. Dr. Perera has used a microarray developed for tobacco budworm to profile gene expression in tobacco budworm larvae fed on Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) toxins.

Dr. Perera's goal is to develop baseline data on genetic characteristics of cotton pest populations to assist effective implementation of resistance management practices. His collaborative research efforts include studies on migratory patterns of bollworm [Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and Mississippi State University (MSU)], population genetics of tarnished plant bug (PSU & MSU), and gene expression in response to Bt toxin ingestion [University of Tennessee].

• Projects

  Insect Control and Resistance Management in Corn, Cotton, Sorghum, Soybean, and Sweet Potato, and Alternative Approaches to Tarnished Plant Bug Control in the Southern United States In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:438523

  Ecologically Sustainable Approaches to Insect Resistance Management in Bt Cotton In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:438533

  Genetic Drift in Peripheral and Source Bollworm Populations-Texas Agrilife Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:439101

  Genetic Drift in Peripheral and Source Bollworm Populations-Pennsylvania State University Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:439106

  Genetic Drift in Peripheral and Source Bollworm Populations-Cornell University Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:439110

  Genetic Drift in Peripheral and Source Bollworm Populations-Tidewater Ag Res & Ext Ctr Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:439112

  Effectiveness of Transgenic Crops Expressing Vegetatively-produced Bt Toxins for Heliothine Control Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444374

  Evaluation of Transgenic Crops for Economically Sustainable Control of Insect Pests Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number:444396

• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • A Chromosome scale assembly of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), genome -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Saha, S., Glover, J.P., Parys, K.A., Allen, K.C., Snejana, G., Kurtz, R., Reddy, G.V., Johnston, S.J., Daly, M., Swale, T. 2023. A Chromosome scale assembly of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), genome. BMC Research Notes. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-023-06408-w.
    
  • Entomopathogenicity of ascmycete fungus Cordyceps militaris on the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Glover, J.P., Nufer, M., Perera, O.P., Portilla, M., George, J. 2023. Entomopathogenicity of ascmycete fungus Cordyceps militaris on the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The Journal of Fungi. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/jof9060614.
    
  • Factors affecting population dynamics of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in a mixed landscape with Bt cotton and peanut -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Dos Santos, I., Paula-Moraes, S.V., Beuzelin, J., Hahn, D., Perera, O.P., Fraisse, C.W. 2023. Factors affecting population dynamics of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in a mixed landscape with Bt cotton and peanut. Insects. 14(4):395. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040395.
    
  • Susceptibilities of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from the Mississippi Delta to a diamide insecticide -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Allen, K.C., Little, N., Perera, O.P. 2022. Susceptibilities of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from the Mississippi Delta to a diamide insecticide. Journal of Economic Entomology. 116(1):160–167. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac180.
    
  • Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Helicovera zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Puerto Rico: phenology of flight, analysis of hybrid presence, and insecticide performance in field crops -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Flores-Rivera, X.L., Paula-Moraes, S.V., Johnson, J., Jack, C., Perera, O.P. 2022. Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Helicovera zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Puerto Rico: phenology of flight, analysis of hybrid presence, and insecticide performance in field crops. Journal of Pest Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/finsc.2022.1010310.
    
  • A chromosome-scale genome assembly of a Helicoverpa zea strain resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac insecticidal protein -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Stahlke, A.R., Chen, J., Tembrock, L.R., Sim, S.B., Chudalayandi, S., Geib, S.M., Scheffler, B.E., Perera, O.P., Gilligan, T.M., Childers, A.K., Hackett, K.J., Coates, B.S. 2022. A chromosome-scale genome assembly of a Helicoverpa zea strain resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac insecticidal protein. Genome Biology and Evolution. 15(3). Article evac131. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evac131.
    
  • A chromosome-scale genome assembly of a Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac insecticidal protein resistant strain of Helicoverpa zea -(Pre-print Publication)
    Stahlke, A.R., Chen, J.M., Tembrock, L.R., Sim, S.B., Chudalayandi, S., Geib, S.M., Scheffler, B.E., Perera, O.P., Gilligan, T.M., Childers, A.K., Hackett, K.J., Coates, B.S. 2022. A chromosome-scale genome assembly of a Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac insecticidal protein resistant strain of Helicoverpa zea. bioRxiv. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.04.12.488070.
    
  • Chromosome length genome assembly of the redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Saha, S., Allen, K.C., Mueller, L., Reddy, G.V., Perera, O.P. 2022. Chromosome length genome assembly of the redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood). BMC Research Notes. 15:115:1-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-05924-5.
    
  • Genetic knockouts indicate that the ABCC2 protein in the bollworm Helicoverpa zea is not a major receptor for the Cry1Ac insecticidal protein -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Little, N., Abdelgaffar, H., Jurat-Fuentes, J., Reddy, G.V. 2021. Genetic knockouts indicate that the ABCC2 gene in the bollworm Helicoverpa zea is not a major receptor for the Cry1Ac insecticidal protein. Genes. 12(10):1522. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12101522.
    
  • Unique venom proteins from Solenopsis invicta x Solenopsis richteri hybrid fire ants -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Valles, S.M., Oliver, J., Addesso, K., Perera, O.P. 2021. Unique venom proteins from Solenopsis invicta x Solenopsis richteri hybrid fire ants. Toxicon: X. 9-10:100065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100065.
    
  • Digestive gene expression profiles in the salivary glands and gut of tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Shelby, K., Pierce Iii, C.A., Snodgrass, G.L. 2021. Digestive gene expression profiles in the salivary glands and gut of tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae). Journal of Insect Science. 21:3. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab028.
    
  • Temporal occurrence of plusiinae on soybean in the Mississippi River Delta -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Allen, K.C., Little, N., Perera, O.P. 2021. Temporal occurrence of plusiinae on soybean in the Mississippi River Delta. Journal of Economic Entomology. 114(2):723-727. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaa308.
    
  • ABC transporter mutations in Cry1F-resistant fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) do not result in altered susceptibility to selected small molecule pesticides -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Abdelgaffar, H., Perera, O.P., Jurat-Fuentes, J. 2020. ABC transporter mutations in Cry1F-resistant fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) do not result in altered susceptibility to selected small molecule pesticides. Pest Management Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6106.
    
  • Temporal variation in genetic composition of migratory Helicoverpa zea in peripheral populations -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Fescemyer, H.W., Fleischer, S.J., Abel, C.A. 2020. Temporal variation in genetic composition of migratory Helicoverpa zea in peripheral populations. Insects. 2020(11):463. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11080463.
    
  • Response of Bt and non-Bt cottons to high infestations of bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens (F.)) under sprayed and unsprayed conditions -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Allen, K.C., Luttrell, R.G., Little, N., Parys, K.A., Perera, O.P. 2019. Response of Bt and non-Bt cottons to high infestations of bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens (F.)) under sprayed and unsprayed conditions. Agronomy. 9(11):759. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110759.
    
  • The digestive system in Zygentoma as a model for high cellulase activity-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Pothula, R., Shirley, D., Perera, O.P., Klingeman, W.E., Oppert, C., Abd-Elgaffar, H., Johnson, B.R., Jurat-Fuentes, J. 2019. The digestive system in Zygentoma as a model for high cellulase activity. PLoS One. 14(2):e0212505.
    
  • Differences between two populations of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), with variable measurements of laboratory susceptibilities to Bt toxins exposed to Non-Bt and Bt cottons in large field cages -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Little, N., Elkins, B.H., Mullen, R.M., Perera, O.P., Parys, K.A., Allen, K.C., Boykin, D.L. 2019. Differences between two populations of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), with variable measurements of laboratory susceptibilities to Bt toxins exposed to Non-Bt and Bt cottons in large field cages. PLoS One. 14(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212567.
    
  • Mitochondrial DNA genome resources of five major Helicoverpa pest species from the Old and New Worlds (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Walsh, T.K., Perera, O.P., Anderson, C.J., Gordon, K.H., Czepak, C., McGaughran, A., Zwick, A., Hacket, D., Tay, W. 2019. Mitochondrial DNA genome resources of five major Helicoverpa pest species from the Old and New Worlds (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Ecology and Evolution. 9(5):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4971.
    
  • Molecular cloning and comparative analysis of transcripts encoding chemosensory proteins from two plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hull, J.J., Perera, O.P., Wang, M. 2020. Molecular cloning and comparative analysis of transcripts encoding chemosensory proteins from two plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris and Lygus hesperus. Insect Science. 27:404-424. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.12656.
    
  • CRISPR/Cas9 mediated high efficiency knockout of the eye color gene vermillion in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Little, N., Pierce III, C.A. 2018. CRISPR/Cas9 mediated high efficiency knockout of the eye color gene vermillion in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). PLoS One. 13(5):e0197567. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197567.
    
  • Arthropod genomics research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Applications of RNA interference and CRISPR gene editing technologies in pest control-(Review Article)
    Gundersen, D.E., Adrianos, S.L., Allen, M.L., Becnel, J.J., Chen, Y., Choi, M.Y., Estep, A., Evans, J.D., Garczynski, S.F., Geib, S.M., Ghosh, S.B., Handler, A.M., Hasegawa, D.K., Heerman, M.C., Hull, J.J., Hunter, W.B., Kaur, N., Li, J., Li, W., Ling, K., Nayduch, D., Oppert, B.S., Perera, O.P., Perkin, L.C., Sanscrainte, N.D., Sim, S.B., Sparks, M., Temeyer, K.B., Vander Meer, R.K., Wintermantel, W.M., James, R.R., Hackett, K.J., Coates, B.S. 2017. Arthropod genomics research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Applications of RNA interference and CRISPR gene editing technologies in pest control. Trends in Entomology. 13:109-137.
    
  • Arylphorin is a mitogen in the Heliothis virescens midgut cell secretome upon Cry1Ac intoxication -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Castagnola, A., Jackson, J., Perera, O.P., Oppert, C., Eda, S., Jurat-Fuentes, J. 2017. Arylphorin is a mitogen in the Heliothis virescens midgut cell secretome upon Cry1Ac intoxication. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 5:e3886. https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.2878v1.
    
  • Genomic innovations, transcriptional plasticity and gene loss underlying the evolution and divergence of two highly polyphagous and invasive Helicoverpa pest species -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Pearce, S., Clark, D., East, P., Elfekih, S., Gordon, K., Jermiin, L., Mcgaughran, A., Oakeshott, J., Papanikolaou, A., Perera, O.P. 2017. Genomic basis for the pest status of two Helicoverpa species. BMC Biology. 15:63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-017-0402-6.
    
  • A droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay to detect Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in bulk trap samples -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Zink, F.A., Tembrock, L.R., Timm, A.E., Farris, R.E., Perera, O.P., Gilligan, T.M. 2017. A droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay to detect Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in bulk trap samples. PLoS One. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0178704.
    
  • Effectiveness of microbial and chemical insecticides for supplemental control of bollworm on Bt and non-Bt cottons-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Little, N., Luttrell, R.G., Allen, K.C., Perera, O.P., Parys, K.A. 2017. Effectiveness of microbial and chemical insecticides for supplemental control of bollworm on Bt and non-Bt cottons. Journal of Economic Entomology. 110(3):1039-1051. doi:10.1093/jee/tow323.
    
  • Estimation of long terminal repeat element content in the Helicoverpa zea genome from high-throughput sequencing of bacterial artificial chromosome pools-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Coates, B.S., Abel, C.A., Perera, O.P. 2016. Estimation of long terminal repeat element content in the Helicoverpa zea genome from high-throughput sequencing of bacterial artificial chromosome pools. Genome. 60(4):310-324. doi:10.1139/gen-2016-0067.
    
  • Estimation of median lethal concentration of three isolates of Beauveria bassiana for control of Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) bioassayed on solid Lugys Spp. Diet² -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Portilla, M., Jones, W.A., Perera, O.P., Seiter, N., Greene, J., Luttrell, R.G. 2016. Estimation of median lethal concentration of three isolates of Beauveria bassiana for control of Megacopta cribraria (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) bioassayed on solid Lugys Spp. Diet². Insects. 7(3):31. doi: 10.3390/insects7030031.
    
  • Peripheral genetic structure of Helicoverpa zea indicates asymmetrical panmixia-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Seymour, M., Perera, O.P., Fescemyer, H.W., Jackson, R.E., Fleischer, S.J., Abel, C.A. 2016. Peripheral genetic structure of Helicoverpa zea indicates asymmetrical panmixia. Ecology and Evolution. 6(10):3198-3207. doi: 10.1002/ece3.2106.
    
  • Complete mitochondrial genome of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and expression profiles of mitochondrial-encoded genes in early and late embryos-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Walsh, T.K., Luttrell, R.G. 2016. Complete mitochondrial genome of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and expression profiles of mitochondrial-encoded genes in early and late embryos. Journal of Insect Science. 16(1):40. 1–10. doi: 10.1093/jisesa/iew023.
    
  • Mortality of bollworm and tobacco budworm larvae exposed to microbial and chemical insecticides in treated Bt and non-Bt cotton assays-(Proceedings)
    Luttrell, R.G., Mullen, R.M., Little, N., Allen, K.C., Perera, O.P. 2016. Mortality of bollworm and tobacco budworm larvae exposed to microbial and chemical insecticides in treated Bt and non-Bt cotton assays. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. Memphis, TN. Pp. 168-174.
    
  • Rapid identification of Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer 1 -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Allen, K.C., Jain, D., Purcell, M., Little, N., Luttrell, R.G. 2015. Rapid identification of Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer 1. Journal of Insect Science. 15(1):155. doi:1093/jisesa/iev137.
    
  • Unique synteny and alternate splicing of the chitin synthases in closely related heliothine moths -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Shirk, P.D., Perera, O.P., Shelby, K., Furlong, R.B., LoVullo, E.D., Popham, H.J. 2015. Unique synteny and alternate splicing of the chitin synthases in closely related heliothine moths. Gene. 574(1):121-139.
    
  • Generation of a transcriptome in a model lepidopteran pest, Heliothis virescens, using multiple sequencing strategies for profiling midgut gene expression -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Shelby, K., Popham, H.J., Gould, F., Adang, M.A., Jurat-Fuentes, J. 2015. Generation of a transcriptome in a model lepidopteran pest, Heliothis virescens, using multiple sequencing strategies for profiling midgut gene expression. PLoS One. 10(6):e0128563. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0128563.
    
  • Expression profiles of Astakine-like transcripts in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, exposed to fungal spores of Beauveria bassiana -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Shelby, K., Perera, O.P., Snodgrass, G.L. 2015. Expression profiles of Astakine-like transcripts in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, exposed to fungal spores of Beauveria bassiana. Insect Molecular Biology. 24(4):480-490. DOI:10.1111/imb.12175.
    
  • Temporal and spatial genetic variability among tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Mididae)population in a small geographic area -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Gore, J., Snodgrass, G.L., Jackson, R., Allen, K.C., Abel, C.A., Luttrell, R.G. 2015. Temporal and spatial genetic variability among tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Mididae)population in a small geographic area. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 1-12 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/sau016.
    
  • Influence of maize and pigweed on tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) populations infesting cotton-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Jackson, R.E., Allen, K.C., Snodgrass, G.L., Krutz, J.L., Gore, J., Perera, O.P., Price, L.D., Mullen, R.M. 2014. Influence of maize and pigweed on tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) populations infesting cotton. Southwestern Entomologist. 39(3):391-400.
    
  • Challenges to monitoring Bt resistance in Helicoverpa zea-(Abstract Only)
    Little, N., Luttrell, R.G., Perera, O.P. 2014. Challenges to monitoring Bt resistance in Helicoverpa zea. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences. January 6-8, 2014 New Orleans, LA p.699.
    
  • Cloning and expression profiling of odorant-binding proteins in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hull, J.J., Perera, O.P., Snodgrass, G.L. 2014. Cloning and expression profiling of odorant-binding proteins in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris. Insect Molecular Biology. 23(1):78-97.
    
  • A comparison of diapause termination in tarnished plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) from the Mississippi Delta and Springfield, Illinois-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Snodgrass, G.L., Jackson, R.E., Perera, O.P., Allen, K.C., Portilla, M. 2013. A comparison of diapause termination in tarnished plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) from the Mississippi Delta and Springfield, Illinois. Southwestern Entomologist. 38(3):385-392.
    
  • Analysis of the population structure of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Heteroptera: miridae) in the palaearctic region using microsatellite markers-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Sanchez, J., La Spina, M., Perera, O.P. 2012. Analysis of the population structure of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Heteroptera: miridae) in the palaearctic region using microsatellite markers. Ecology and Evolution. 2(12):3145-3159. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.420.
    
  • Effect of food and temperature on emergence from diapause in the tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Snodgrass, G.L., Jackson, R.E., Perera, O.P., Allen, K.C., Luttrell, R.G. 2012. Effect of food and temperature on emergence from diapause in the tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae). Environmental Entomology. 41:1302-1310.
    
  • Genetic structure and gene flow among Brazilian populations of Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Domingues, F.A., Silva-Brandao, K.L., Abreu, A.G., Perera, O.P., Blanco, C.A., Consoli, F.L., Omoto, C. 2012. Genetic structure and gene flow among Brazilian populations of Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 105(6)2136-46.
    
  • Identification of the western tarnished plant bug (lygus hesperus) olfactory co-receptor orco: expression profile and confirmation of atypical membrane topology-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hull, J.J., Hoffmann, E.J., Perera, O.P., Snodgrass, G.L. 2012. Identification of the western tarnished plant bug (lygus hesperus) olfactory co-receptor orco: expression profile and confirmation of atypical membrane topology. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 81(4):179-198.
    
  • Analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes for natal host determination of tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: miridae) adults-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Jackson, R.E., Snodgrass, G.L., Allen, K.C., Perera, O.P., Price, L.D. 2012. Analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes for natal host determination of tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: miridae) adults. Southwestern Entomologist. 37:123-132.
    
  • The complete genome sequence of a single-stranded RNA virus from the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Snodgrass, G.L., Allen, K.C., Jackson, R.E., Becnel, J.J., O'Leary, P.F., Luttrell, R.G. 2012. The complete genome sequence of a single-stranded RNA virus from the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 109:11-19.
    
  • Utilization of tall goldenrod by the tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) in the production of overwintering adults and as a possible winter food source-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Snodgrass, G.L., Jackson, R.E., Perera, O.P., Allen, K.C., Luttrell, R.G. 2011. Utilization of tall goldenrod by the tarnished plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) in the production of overwintering adults and as a possible winter food source. Southwestern Entomologist. 3:225-232.
    
  • Evaluation of anonymous and expressed sequence tag derived polymorphic microsatellite markers in the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: noctuidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Blanco, C.A., Ballard, L., Silva-Brandao, K.L., Domingues, F.A., Abel, C.A. 2011. Evaluation of anonymous and expressed sequence tag derived polymorphic microsatellite markers in the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: noctuidae). Southwestern Entomologist. 36(3):287-294.
    
  • Microsatellite variation in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) populations in the southern United States-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Blanco, C. 2011. Microsatellite variation in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) populations in the southern United States. Southwest Entomology. 36(3):271-286.
    
  • Reduced levels of membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase are common to lepidopteran strains resistant to Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Jurat-Fuentes, J., Karumbahiah, L., Jakka, S.K., Ning, C., Liu, C., Wu, K., Jackson, J., Gould, F., Blanco, C., Portilla, M., Perera, O.P., Adang, M.J. 2011. Reduced levels of membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase are common to lepidopteran strains resistant to Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis. PLoS One. 6:e17606.
    
  • Characterization of ten polymorphic microsatellite markers in Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) (Heteroptera: Miridae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    
    
  • Draft Transcriptome Assembly of the Tobacco Budworm, Heliothis virescens (L.)-(Abstract Only)
    Shelby, K., Perera, O.P. 2010. Draft Transcriptome Assembly of the Tobacco Budworm, Heliothis virescens (L.) [abstract]. Arthropod Genomics Symposium. 52:37.
    
  • Utilization of Early Soybeans for Food and Reproduction by the Tarnished Plant Bug (Heteroptera: Miridae) in the Delta of Mississippi-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Snodgrass, G.L., Jackson, R.E., Abel, C.A., Perera, O.P. 2010. Utilization of Early Soybeans for Food and Reproduction by the Tarnished Plant Bug (Heteroptera: Miridae) in the Delta of Mississippi. Environmental Entomology. 39(4): 111-121 DOI: 10.1603/EN09379
    
  • Offspring from Sequential Matings between Bacillus thuringiensis-Resistant and Bacillus thuringiensis-Susceptible Heliothis virescens Moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Gould, F., Groot, A., Abel, C.A., Perera, O.P. 2010. Offspring from Sequential Matings between Bacillus thuringiensis-Resistant and Bacillus thuringiensis-Susceptible Heliothis virescens Moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 103:861-868
    
  • Conventional breeding used to improve Bt cotton-(Review Article)
    Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Perera, O.P., Meredith Jr, W.R. 2009. Conventional breeding used to improve Bt cotton. Information Systems for Biotechnology News Report.
    
  • Response of Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac incorporated into different insect artificial diets-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Gould, F., Vega-Aquino, P., Jurat-Fuentes, J., Abel, C.A., Perera, O.P. 2009. Response of Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac incorporated into different insect artificial diets. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102(4):1599-1606.
    
  • Cloning & Characterization of the Cry1Ac-binding Alkaline Phosphatase (HvALP) from Heliothis virescens-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Willis, J.D., Adang, M.J., Jurat-Fuentes, J. 2009. Cloning & Characterization of the Cry1Ac-binding Alkaline Phosphatase (HvALP) from Heliothis virescens. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.39:294-302.
    
  • Production of mRNA from the cry1Ac Transgene differs among Bollgard® lines which correlates to the level of subsequent protein.-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Perera, O.P., Meredith Jr, W.R. 2009. Production of mRNA from the cry1Ac Transgene differs among Bollgard® lines which correlates to the level of subsequent protein. Transgenic Research. 18:143-149.
    
  • Hepatitis virus protein X-Phenylalanine Hydroxylase fusion proteins identified in PKU mice treated with AAV-WPRE vectors -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Embury, J.E., Frost, S., Charron, C.E., Madrigal, E., Perera, O.P., Poirier, A.E., Zori, A., Carmicalr, R., Flotte, T.R., Laipis, P.J. 2008. Hepatitis virus protein X-Phenylalanine Hydroxylase fusion proteins identified in PKU mice treated with AAV-WPRE vectors . Gene Therapy and Molecular Biology. 12:69-76.
    
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Resistance Frequency in Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Andow, D.A., Gould, F., Abel, C.A., Sumerford, D.V., Hernandez, G., Lopez, J., Adams, L.C., Groot, A., Leonard, R., Parker, R., Payne, G., Perera, O.P., Teran-Vargas, A.P. 2009. Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Resistance Frequency in Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 102:381-387
    
  • Characteristics of Eleven Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Garlapati, R.B., Cross, D., Perera, O.P., Caprio, M. 2009. Characteristics of Eleven Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Molecular Ecology Notes. 9:822-824.
    
  • An Empirical Test of the F2 Screen for Detection of Bacillus thuringiensis-Resistance Alleles in Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Perera, O.P., Gould, F., Sumerford, D.V., Hernanderz, G., Abel, C.A. 2008. An Empirical Test of the F2 Screen for Detection of Bacillus thuringiensis-Resistance Alleles in Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 101(4):1406-1414.
    
  • Characterization of Microsatellite Loci in the Western Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Shrestha, R.B., Parajulee, M.N., Perera, O.P., Scheffler, B.E., Densmore, L.S. 2007. Characterization of Microsatellite Loci in the Western Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae). Molecular Ecology Notes. 7:1342-1344. (doi:10.1111/j.147-8286.2007.01875.x)
    
  • Chararacteristics of Thirteen Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers in the Corn Earworm, Helicovepa zea (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Blanco C.A., SchefflerB.E., and Abel C.A. 2007. Characteristics of 13 ploymorphic microsatellite makers in the corn earworm, Helicovepa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Mol. Ecol. Notes. doi: 10.1111/j.147-8286.2007.01806.x
    
  • Monitoring Bacillus thuringiensis-Susceptibility in Insect Pests That Occur in Large Geographies: How to Get the Best Information When Two Countries are Involved-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Perera O. P., Boykin D., Abel C.A., Gore J., Matten S. R., Ramirez-Sagahon J. C., Teran-Vargas A. P. 2007. Monitoring Bacillus thuringinesis-susceptibility in insect pests that occur in large geographies: How to get the best information when two countries are involved. J. Inv. Pathol. 95:201-207
    
  • Characterization of Eight Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers from the Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera O. P., Snodgras G.L., Scheffler B.E., Gore J., and Abel C. A. 2007. characterization of eight ploymorphic microsatelliet markers in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois). Mol. Ecol. Notes. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2007.01747.x
    
  • Proteins associated with Culex nigripalpus Nucleopolyhedrovirus (CuniNPV) occluded virions-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Green, T.B., Stevens, S.M., White, S.E., Becnel, J.J. 2007. Proteins associated with Culex nigripalpus Nucleopolyhedrovirus (CuniNPV) occluded virions. Virology. 81(9):4585-4590.
    
  • Paternity allocation in a mutant Heliothis virescens colony-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Perera, O.P., Groot, A., Hernandez, G., Teran-Vargas, A.P. 2008. Paternity Allocation in a Mutant Heliothis virescens Colony. Southwestern Entomologist. 33:253-263.
    
  • Incorporation of Rhodamine B into Male Tobacco Budworm Moths Heliothis Virescens to use as a Marker for Mating Studies-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Blanco, C.A., Perera, O.P., Ray, J.D., Taliercio, E.W., Williams III, L.H. 2006. INCORPORATION OF RHODAMINE B INTO MALE TOBACCO BUDWORM MOTHS HELIOTHIS VIRESCENS TO USE AS A MARKER FOR MATING STUDIES. Journal of Insect Science. 6:05. AVAILABLE ONLINE: insectscience.org/6.05.
    
  • MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF AN OCCLUSION BODY PROTEIN FROM CULEX NIGRIPALPUS NUCLEOPOLYHEDROVIRUS (CUNINPV)-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Perera, O.P., Valles, S.M., Green, T.B., White, S.E., Strong, C.A., Becnel, J.J. 2006. MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF AN OCCLUSION BODY PROTEIN FROM CULEX NIGRIPALPUS NUCLEOPOLYHEDROVIRUS (CUNINPV). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 91(1):35-42.
    
  • GENE STRUCTURE AND EXPRESSION OF THE GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE, SIGSTS1, FROM THE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT, SOLENOPSIS INVICTA-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Valles, S.M., Perera, O.P., Strong, C.A. 2006. Gene Structure and Expression of the Glutathione S-transferase, SiGSTS1, from the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 61: 239-245.
    

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