Unlocking the Secrets of Super-bugs: How Insects Become a Threat to Agriculture
Our research at SVSU is focused on understanding the biology of insect vectors of crop diseases, specifically sap-sucking insects. We are addressing three key research questions:
1. How do insects become super-bugs?
2.How do super-bugs become invasive?
3.How do invasive super-bugs turn into supervectors of plant diseases in agroecosystems?
To answer these questions, we use a combination of field expeditions, molecular biology techniques in the lab, and bioinformatics to study the DNA (genomic) and RNA (transcriptomic) sequence information of superbug insect species. By integrating this genomic data with ecological modeling, we are able to reconstruct the invasion histories of these insects and predict future threats. Our ultimate goal is to use our findings to develop innovative strategies for managing these insects and protecting crops for growers. We are currently seeking motivated students at any level of experience to join our research group and be a part of this exciting work.
1. How do insects become super-bugs?
2.How do super-bugs become invasive?
3.How do invasive super-bugs turn into supervectors of plant diseases in agroecosystems?
To answer these questions, we use a combination of field expeditions, molecular biology techniques in the lab, and bioinformatics to study the DNA (genomic) and RNA (transcriptomic) sequence information of superbug insect species. By integrating this genomic data with ecological modeling, we are able to reconstruct the invasion histories of these insects and predict future threats. Our ultimate goal is to use our findings to develop innovative strategies for managing these insects and protecting crops for growers. We are currently seeking motivated students at any level of experience to join our research group and be a part of this exciting work.
Super-bugs: A growing threat to food securityThe term "superbug" typically refers to bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics. However, in the super-bugs lab, a super-bug can be an insect species or groups of species with unique adaptive traits that allow them to quickly thrive in new environments. They are highly invasive and form large swarms that can even impact urban areas. They can also spread plant viruses and become supervectors of plant diseases, posing a threat to food security worldwide. What makes super-bugs even more intriguing is that they can be at early stages of speciation, with porous gene flow barriers allowing for their intra-specific hybridization. Their systematics can be perplexing and their genomes reveal a history of past and contemporaneous hybridization and horizontal transfers.
Teaching StoriesECOL EVOL DIV LAB// DECEMBER 6, 2022In this Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, students had the opportunity to put their scientific inquiry skills into action by carrying out three research projects throughout the semester. At the end of each project, a "conference simulation day" was organized where students presented their findings through visual aids and developed their oral communication skills by sharing their research with their peers. The student with the best elevator speech was awarded a prize. The below picture is an example of the students' science communication in action.
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ABOUT MEJorge earned his Ph.D. in Plant Science, with a focus on Entomology and Insect Science, from the University of Arizona. Following his graduation, he completed four years of postdoctoral research on the biology of insect vector species at Dr. Judith Brown's lab, also at the University of Arizona. He is now considered an expert in the biology and evolution of whitefly cryptic species. Reach Jorge at: Office: Science West 158 Phone: 989-964-4176 Email: [email protected] |