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, hemp pests and diseases, Mexican bean beetle pest management, and entomophagy/insect husbandry.
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, hemp pests and diseases, Mexican bean beetle pest management, and entomophagy/insect husbandry.
Main Projects
Photo by Jinlong Han
Genetic variation in vector competency of thrips species
There can exist variation among individuals and populations in their ability to transmit plant pathogens. We are interested in understanding differences in vector competency at the phenotypic level and link those differences to changes in genes and proteins at the genotypic level. We are using Soybean vein necrosis virus-thrips system to study vector competency in thrips species.
There can exist variation among individuals and populations in their ability to transmit plant pathogens. We are interested in understanding differences in vector competency at the phenotypic level and link those differences to changes in genes and proteins at the genotypic level. We are using Soybean vein necrosis virus-thrips system to study vector competency in thrips species.
Photo by Tessa Albrecht
Ecology and epidemiology of wheat curl mite-transmitted viruses
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 looking into biological (fecundity, survival) and molecular factors (genes and proteins) that affect transmission of single versus multiple viruses. In collaboration with Dr. Scott Haley and Dr. Stephen Pearce, we are identifying new sources of resistance to wheat curl mite and viruses. This project is funded by Colorado Wheat Research Foundation.
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 looking into biological (fecundity, survival) and molecular factors (genes and proteins) that affect transmission of single versus multiple viruses. In collaboration with Dr. Scott Haley and Dr. Stephen Pearce, we are identifying new sources of resistance to wheat curl mite and viruses. This project is funded by Colorado Wheat Research Foundation.
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 and is caused by a number of different Curtovirus species. We are interested in understanding the effects of the different virus strains on vector biology and behavior and molecular mechanisms underlining these effects. This project is funded by Western Sugar Cooperative Joint Research Committee.
Curly top is serious yield limiting viral disease of surgarbeets in the United States. It is vectored by beet leafhopper and is caused by a number of different Curtovirus species. We are interested in understanding the effects of the different virus strains on vector biology and behavior and molecular mechanisms underlining these effects. This project is funded by Western Sugar Cooperative Joint Research Committee.
Photo by Kathleen Hanson
Mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly
Wheat stem sawfly is probably the most important pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains of North America. This pest has the most unusual biology--adult lay eggs in wheat stems, larvae then canniblize each other allowing only one sole survivor that moves to the base of the stem, in preparation for pupation, the larvae cuts a notch, causing the plant to lodge. As a result of this life history, wheat stem sawflies are protected from insecticides. In collaboration with Dr. Frank Peairs and Dr. Scott Haley , we are studying mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly.
Wheat stem sawfly is probably the most important pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains of North America. This pest has the most unusual biology--adult lay eggs in wheat stems, larvae then canniblize each other allowing only one sole survivor that moves to the base of the stem, in preparation for pupation, the larvae cuts a notch, causing the plant to lodge. As a result of this life history, wheat stem sawflies are protected from insecticides. In collaboration with Dr. Frank Peairs and Dr. Scott Haley , we are studying mechanisms of resistance to wheat stem sawfly.
Photo by Whitney Cranshaw
Hemp pests and diseases
Coming into this new era of hemp production, the arthropod pests and diseases associated with the crop in the United States have been essentially undescribed. 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.
Coming into this new era of hemp production, the arthropod pests and diseases associated with the crop in the United States have been essentially undescribed. 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.
Organic management options for Mexican bean beetle
Mexican bean beetle is becoming a serious pest of dry beans in the High Plains region. The beetles and larvae feed on foliage, moreover adults are vectors of several plant viruses. In collaboration with Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, Dr. Paul Ode, and Dr. Mark Uchanski we are looking into an integrated approach for management of Mexican bean beetle in organic dry bean. This project is funded by Colorado Dry Bean Committee.
Mexican bean beetle is becoming a serious pest of dry beans in the High Plains region. The beetles and larvae feed on foliage, moreover adults are vectors of several plant viruses. In collaboration with Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, Dr. Paul Ode, and Dr. Mark Uchanski we are looking into an integrated approach for management of Mexican bean beetle in organic dry bean. This project is funded by Colorado Dry Bean Committee.
