Project Number: 3622-22000-026-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 26, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
To optimize the production, quality and effectiveness of mass-reared natural enemies (insects) for the integrated pest management of insect and weed pests by: 1) optimizing artificial diets and other rearing techniques; 2) developing methodologies for induction and termination of diapause; 3) identifying susceptibility and potential for resistance to insecticides; 4) developing diagnostic techniques to monitor fecundity, diapause, insecticide resistance or stress associated with these methodologies.

Approach:
Use biochemical, proteomic and genomic methodologies to identify critical genes, hormones, proteins, peptides, enzymes and metabolites associated with reproduction, diapause and insecticide resistance. Use these compounds in the development of diagnostic techniques for the improvement of nutritional, developmental and environmental regimes in order to enhance production of high quality beneficial insects for augmentative biological control.

Project Team

Coudron, Thomas - Tom Shelby, Kent

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003