We identify and test insect-specific microbial organisms for pest control. Left: Section through an insect virus occlusion body. Right: Colonies of the insect-pathogenic bacterium Chromobacterium subtsugae
We develop methods to augment the role of beneficial insects in suppressing insect pest populations. Left: Parasitoid wasp parasitizing a larva of the gypsy moth. Right: Spotted ladybird beetle feeding on eggs of the Colorado potato beetle
We identify, synthesize, and deploy insect pheromones and other attractants against insect pests. Left and center: Detection and structures of dogwood borer mating pheromone compounds. Right: Pheromone-laced trap covered with dogwood borer males.
We conduct research to discover and develop new methods to protect people from biting, blood-sucking arthropods, such as (from left to right) bedbugs, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Examples of molecular methods used in our laboratory: Left: Pest feeding assay using leaves treated with a toxin-expressing virus vector. Right: PCR analysis of beneficial insect gut contents
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