The focus of my lab is insect vector biology. We are interested in understanding outcomes and mechanisms underlining the interactions between plants, pathogens, and insect vectors as a means of managing plant pests and diseases. The two key questions of my research program are: (1) how do plant pathogens affect biology and behavior of their insect vectors? and (2) what plant and/or insect factors (genes and proteins) mediate manipulation of insect vectors by plant pathogens?
In addition, we collaborate with a number of scientists on topics related to non-vector insect pests such as mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly.
In addition, we collaborate with a number of scientists on topics related to non-vector insect pests such as mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly.
Main Projects
Photo by Whitney Cranshaw
Hemp pests and diseases
As the production of hemp increases across the United States, so have the challenges in pest and disease identification and management. We have several projects in hemp:
In collaboration with Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, we are interested in biology and pest management options of some key pests of hemp such as hemp russet mite and cannabis aphid.
We are investigating ecology and epidemiology of beet curly top virus (BCTV) and beet leafhopper in hemp.
Using hemp viral metagenomics, we are characterizing the diversity of viruses/viroids in hemp.
As the production of hemp increases across the United States, so have the challenges in pest and disease identification and management. We have several projects in hemp:
In collaboration with Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, we are interested in biology and pest management options of some key pests of hemp such as hemp russet mite and cannabis aphid.
We are investigating ecology and epidemiology of beet curly top virus (BCTV) and beet leafhopper in hemp.
Using hemp viral metagenomics, we are characterizing the diversity of viruses/viroids in hemp.
Molecular interactions between beet curly top virus and leafhoppers
Curly top is serious yield limiting viral disease of surgarbeets in the United States. It is vectored by beet leafhopper. We are studying the effects of the virus on vector biology and molecular mechanisms underlining these effects.
Curly top is serious yield limiting viral disease of surgarbeets in the United States. It is vectored by beet leafhopper. We are studying the effects of the virus on vector biology and molecular mechanisms underlining these effects.
http://ephytia.inra.fr/
Impacts of landscape composition on aphid vectors and PVY prevalence in San Luis Valley
Potato virus Y (PVY) continues to threaten potato production all over the world. PVY has a broad host range and over 50 aphid species transmit the virus. The San Luis Valley in Colorado has a diverse landscape composition including alfalfa, barley, quinoa and other small grains, vegetables and hemp. We are investigating how landscape composition (crop types, spatial arrangement of crops) affects diversity and abundance of aphid vectors and PVY spread in the San Luis Valley.
Potato virus Y (PVY) continues to threaten potato production all over the world. PVY has a broad host range and over 50 aphid species transmit the virus. The San Luis Valley in Colorado has a diverse landscape composition including alfalfa, barley, quinoa and other small grains, vegetables and hemp. We are investigating how landscape composition (crop types, spatial arrangement of crops) affects diversity and abundance of aphid vectors and PVY spread in the San Luis Valley.
Photo by Tessa Albrecht
Biology of the wheat curl mite
The wheat curl mite is a globally important pest that transmit several economically-important viruses including Wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus and High Plains wheat mosaic virus. We are investigating the microbiome of the wheat curl mite and its role in virus transmission.
The wheat curl mite is a globally important pest that transmit several economically-important viruses including Wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus and High Plains wheat mosaic virus. We are investigating the microbiome of the wheat curl mite and its role in virus transmission.
Photo by Kathleen Hanson
Mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly
Wheat stem sawfly is one the most important pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains of North America. In collaboration with Dr. Esten Mason we are studying mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly. We are also working with scientists at the Wheat Genetics Resource Center to identify novel sources of resistance in wild wheat species.
We publish a bi-weekly newsletter on Wheat pests of Colorado during the field season. This is supported by Colorado Wheat.
Wheat stem sawfly is one the most important pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains of North America. In collaboration with Dr. Esten Mason we are studying mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly. We are also working with scientists at the Wheat Genetics Resource Center to identify novel sources of resistance in wild wheat species.
We publish a bi-weekly newsletter on Wheat pests of Colorado during the field season. This is supported by Colorado Wheat.
