Many ecological interactions are mediated by chemicals. At the University of Idaho Chemical Ecology Program in Entomology, topics of study include the discovery and application of chemically mediated interactions between insect herbivores, predators and parasitoids, plants and disease-causing organisms.

A principal research focus has been the effects of plants surface waxes on the behavior of herbivores, predators and parasitoids. Genetically based differences in the chemical composition of surface waxes influence oviposition and host acceptance behavior of pest insects, including Hessian fly and diamondback moth. These differences suggest a potential for influencing pest attack by plant breeding. In addition, the physical structure and adhesive properties of plant surface waxes are affected by their composition. Reduced crystal structure is conducive to the mobility and effectiveness of arthropod natural enemies of aphids and can enhance spread of aphid specific pathogenic fungi. Pea varieties incorporating this trait are under development as components of IPM systems.

It has long been known that plants infected by certain viruses become more attractive to aphids, especially to those aphid species that are vectors of the viruses. Recently, we have begun to investigate the role of virus induced plant volatiles (VIVs) on aphid behavior. The phenomenon occurs in wheat infected by Barley yellow dwarf virus and in potatoes infected by Potato leaf roll virus. The behavioral and physiological mechanisms of this effect and its implications for virus epidemiology are under investigation. There are several applied and fundamental implications of this discovery. Funds are currently available to support a PhD in this system.

The sugar beet root maggot fly (Tetanops myopaeformis) is the principal pest of sugar beets in North America. Studies underway are examining response of this fly to plant compounds and to its own male - produced pheromone as potential tools for monitoring or targeting insecticides to these insects.

For more information contact: Sanford Eigenbrode