The focus of my lab is plant virus-insect vector interactions and pest management. 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? We are interested in understanding these interactions as a means of managing plant pests and diseases.
I also oversee the CSU Wheat Entomology Program focused on the wheat stem sawfly.
I also oversee the CSU Wheat Entomology Program focused on the wheat stem sawfly.
Main Projects
Emerging diseases of 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 related to disease identification and management 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 related to disease identification and management in hemp:
- We are characterizing the diversity of viruses/viroids in hemp using metagenomics and developing early detection techniques.
- We are investigating ecology and epidemiology of beet curly top virus (BCTV) and beet leafhopper in hemp.
- We are assessing the impact and vector transmission of hop latent viroid (HLVd) in hemp.
Photo by J. Pitt
Adaptive role of cannabinoids and other secondary metabolites in hemp-herbivore interactions
Cannabis sativa is known for the presence of cannabinoids, which include Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and more than 100 related secondary metabolites. In addition to cannabinoids, C. sativa also possesses a range of defense mechanisms (namely terpenes and phenolic compounds) that are conserved across dicots and well described in other model plant species. We are characterizing how variation in secondary metabolites in C. sativa affects key hemp pests by using RILs and evaluating the functional role of the candidate pest resistance genes using viral vectors.
Cannabis sativa is known for the presence of cannabinoids, which include Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and more than 100 related secondary metabolites. In addition to cannabinoids, C. sativa also possesses a range of defense mechanisms (namely terpenes and phenolic compounds) that are conserved across dicots and well described in other model plant species. We are characterizing how variation in secondary metabolites in C. sativa affects key hemp pests by using RILs and evaluating the functional role of the candidate pest resistance genes using viral vectors.
Molecular interactions between beet curly top virus (BCTV) and leafhoppers in sugar beets
Curly top disease is serious yield limiting viral disease of sugar beets 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. We are characterizing the role of critical genes in the insect vector using RNAi and using nanoparticle-mediated RNAi delivery for pest control under field conditions.
Curly top disease is serious yield limiting viral disease of sugar beets 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. We are characterizing the role of critical genes in the insect vector using RNAi and using nanoparticle-mediated RNAi delivery for pest control under field conditions.
Insecticide susceptibility in beet leafhoppers and other major pests of sugar beets
While neonicotinoid seed treatment is highly effective in controlling majority of sugar beet pests, there are reports of resistance in other cropping systems. We are examining insecticide resistance in major sugar beet pests including beet leafhoppers, black bean aphids, lygus bugs and spider mites.
While neonicotinoid seed treatment is highly effective in controlling majority of sugar beet pests, there are reports of resistance in other cropping systems. We are examining insecticide resistance in major sugar beet pests including beet leafhoppers, black bean aphids, lygus bugs and spider mites.
http://ephytia.inra.fr/
Population dynamics of aphid vectors and potato virus Y (PVY) prevalence
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 landscape composition (crop types, spatial arrangement of crops) and environmental factors affecting the 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 landscape composition (crop types, spatial arrangement of crops) and environmental factors affecting the diversity and abundance of aphid vectors and PVY spread in the San Luis Valley.
