Entomology Student Research, Publications, and Undergraduate Research Symposium

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2097/32160

This collection contains undergraduate research papers, presentations and projects by students in the Department of Entomology. The represented works reflect reviewed quality research in the field of Entomology.

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Open Access
A View from Above: Using Images from Drones to Identify Insects
(2018-12-14) Workman, Megan; McCornack, Brian
The use of unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS (a.k.a. drones), in Agriculture has increased with improvements in technology. Using UAS to scout fields can decrease the amount of time spent per field, allowing more ground to be covered in a day. When using a UAS to scout for insects it is important for the data to be clear enough to make correct identification of any insect present. Changes in the altitude of the flight affect the image quality, affecting the ability to identify. With this experiment we hoped to find which altitudes allowed for correct identification of known insects. The results showed that images taken from an altitude above 4 meters will result in less than 40% correct identification. Pinpointing a key altitude for insect scouting will allow for more correct identification of insects when using UAS systems.
Open Access
Accuracy in UAS GPS Coordinates in Response To Speed
(2018-12-14) Chebultz, Stefan; McCornack, Brian; Bhattarai, Ganesh; Mills, Colton
The purpose of this experiment was to find how much of a difference in GPS accuracy on a UAS system in relation to speed there was (if any) in comparison to an absolute (1-2 cm accuracy) known location provided by a ground station. We began by placing identification makers in a straight line, setting up a TopCon ground station and positioning each of them to an absolute GPS coordinate, and flying a Mavic Pro UAS with GPS positioning abilities over each of the identification markers. After many runs at different hover times, speed and altitude, we found that the GPS coordinates from the UAS would not match with the absolute location of the TopCon.
Open Access
Analysis of the Effects of Hessian Fly (Mayetiola destructor) Parasitism on Resistant and Susceptible of Wheat Protein Synthesis
(2017-12-7) Fleming, Zachary; Motolai, Gergely; Chen, Ming
Hessian flys have caused a large amount of damage to Kansas winter wheat for over 130 years.(R. Je_ Whitworth et. al. 2009). Once wheat is parasitized the larva move from the leaves to the collar of the wheat stock where feeding occurs (Dr. Ming Chen 2017). The feeding of the larva involves the injection of saliva. This saliva is used to fundamentally change the genetics of the wheat to benefit the larva. When infected the wheat increases sugar production to feed the larva. Not only is the function of the wheat changed but also its form. The saliva also causes malformed cell growth with perforated cell membranes. This allows for easier transfers of sugars to the feeding larva (Dr. Ming Chen 2017). The end effect of the parasitism is the weakening and death of the wheat plant before the production of wheat grain can occur. (Whitworth et. al. 2009)
Open Access
Aphid Atraction to Various Mosaic Viruses
(2017-12-7) Nguyen, Valerie; Klein, Peter; Smith, Michael
Aphids are the most common vectors of plant viruses known, and mosaic viruses are easily spread through them [2]. Corn leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis) can be found nearly worldwide, effecting corn and wild cereal growth. Mosaic viruses effect an array of plants, such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), one of Kansas’ main crop produced. These viruses can cause necrosis in the foliage, and can reduce yields. The Potyviruses tested in this experiment were Sugarcane Mosaic Virus, Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus, Sorghum Mosaic Virus, and Johnsongrass Mosaic Virus . With over 100 different species, Potyviruses are the largest genus ssRNA plant viruses transmitted in a non persistent manner by their vectors [1]. Potyviruses are exclusively transmitted by aphids [3]. Studying the attraction of Rhopalosiphum maidis to Potyvirus infected plants can help better the understanding of plant virus transmission and behavior of aphids, leading to improved pest management processes, and benefitting agriculture as a whole.
Open Access
Aspirin-Induced Mortality in AedesaegyptiMosquitoes
(2018-12-14) Fischer, Reagan; Haeker, Cody; Silver, Kristopher
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector for many dangerous diseases including yellow fever, Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue virusest Currently, the best method for suppressing infection with these viruses is by controlling their arthropod vectors, however the continual use of conventional insecticides to control Ae. aegypti mosquitoes has led to the development of significant levels of resistance to these chemicals. Accordingly, new methods are needed. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that mosquitoes may be sensitive to treatment with aspirin or its metabolites in a blood meal. Previous studies with aspirin in insects have mainly focused on the ability of aspirin to enhance longevity and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and crickets, but one study showed that aspirin in water where larvae are developing causes significant mortality and signs of neurotoxicity. While treating larvae in this manner is not practical for vector control, this result, in addition to the anecdotal evidence, prompted the question of whether aspirin consumed in a blood meal can cause mortality in adult mosquitoes. Accordingly, we fed adult female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes differing concentrations of aspirin in human blood and measured mortality for four days following the blood meal. The concentrations chosen correspond to plasma concentrations of aspirin in humans who have consumed 100 mg (a baby aspirin), 1 g (normal adult dose), or 10 g (overdose), respectively. Our results indicate that these concentrations of aspirin are insufficient to cause significant mortality in the mosquitos. Although unsuccessful, modification of our methods, use of a different mosquito species, or use of aspirin metabolites in our bioassays may yet show a significant impact of aspirin consumption on mosquito survival.
Open Access
Aspirin-Induced Mortality in AedesaegyptiMosquitoes
(2018-12-14) Haeker, Cody; Fischer, Reagan; Silver, Kristopher
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector for many dangerous diseases including yellow fever, Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses! Currently, the best method for suppressing infection with these viruses is by controlling their arthropod vectors, however the continual use of conventional insecticides to control Ae. aegypti mosquitoes has led to the development of significant levels of resistance to these chemicals. Accordingly, new methods are needed. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that mosquitoes may be sensitive to treatment with aspirin or its metabolites in a blood meal. Previous studies with aspirin in insects have mainly focused on the ability of aspirin to enhance longevity and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and crickets2.4, but one study showed that aspirin in water where larvae are developing causes significant mortality and signs of neurotoxicity. While treating larvae in this manner is not practical for vector control, this result, in addition to the anecdotal evidence, prompted the question of whether aspirin consumed in a blood meal can cause mortality in adult mosquitoes. Accordingly, we fed adult female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes differing concentrations of aspirin in human blood and measured mortality for four days following the blood meal. The concentrations chosen correspond to plasma concentrations of aspirin in humans who have consumed 100 mg (a baby aspirin), 1 g (normal adult dose), or 10 g (overdose), respectively. Our results indicate that these concentrations of aspirin are insufficient to cause significant mortality in the mosquitos. Although unsuccessful, modification of our methods, use of a different mosquito species, or use of aspirin metabolites in our bioassays may yet show a significant impact of aspirin consumption on mosquito survival.
Open Access
Assessing the long-distance repellency of long-lasting insecticide netting to a suite of post-harvest insects
(2018-12-14) Alonso, Alicia Amairani; Wilkins, Rachel; Morrison III, William R.
Insects are our main competitors for food on the planet (1). In fact, growers lose 10-30% of crops during storage, processing, and marketing after harvest each year to stored product insects (2,3). Challenges to current management include increasing insecticide resistance to phosphine (4), which is the most common insect fumigant. Another challenge has been an increasing demand for organic or low insecticide-input products by consumers (5). To meet these challenges we came up with an alternative management approach, a long lasting insecticide netting (LLIN). Insecticide-treated nets have been widely used as a tool for malaria vector control in tropical regions since the early 1990s (6). These nets are typically treated with a pyrethroid insecticide, such as permethrin or deltamethrin, which repel, incapacitate, and kill mosquitoes that land on the nets. Researchers have recently begun exploring the use of LLINs for management of agricultural pests in high value specialty crops (7). More recently, work with LLINs in post-harvest settings has demonstrated that this tool can induce mortality, as well as significantly decrease the movement and dispersal capacity of post-harvest insects (8). Some possible uses for LLIN include being used to line windows, vents, eaves, or other openings into food facilities. However, anecdotal evidence from IPM practitioners has suggested that pyrethroids, which the LLIN contains, may be repellent to specific groups of insects. In order for LLIN to be an effective tool at intercepting and preventing infestation by stored product insects, we must demonstrate that the netting is not repellent to a range of post-harvest insects.
Open Access
Assessing Trogodermavariabileas a behavioral surrogate for the quarantine pest, Trogodermagranarium(Coleoptera: Dermestidae), through dual choice assays
(2017-12-7) Grosdidier, Robert; Morrison, William R.; Arthur, Frank; Domingue, Michael
Stored product pests are a leading cause of post harvest losses in nations around the world, accounting for up to 20% of losses in some developing nations. The Khapra beetle (or KB), Trogoderma granarium(Fig. 1A), is a threat to the biosecurity of the U.S., and represents the only stored product species under quarantine in the country. In the past several years, there has been an increasing frequency of T. granariumat ports of entry and borders in the U.S. Because researchers can only work with the pest in quarantine, research on T. granariumis necessarily limited because only a handful of facilities have permission to keep colonies of the species. The closely related beetle, Trogoderma variabile (the warehouse beetle or WHB; Fig. 1B) is commonly present throughout stored product facilities in the U.S., causes economic losses (Fig. 2A),and is not under quarantine. Due to physical similarities (Fig. 1), and their close relatedness, it is possible that their behavioral responses are also similar. This raises the question of whether one can act as a behavioral surrogate for the other, which would speed research into how T. granarium would respond to stimuli if it gained entry in the U.S.
Open Access
Beecoming Modern
(2018-12-14) Maue, Ellie; Marshall, Jeremy
As an architecture student I am constantly looking at nature for design inspirations, and my search often leads me to the structure and design of bees. These tiny creatures are some of the best builder, but their habitat is being destroyed day after day by human development. To combat this, “bee blocks” are often used to provide shelter for the bees, so that they can hibernate and remain undisturbed. However, these blocks lack the ingenuity and complex design ability that bees used to place in their structures. So, in order to regain what they lost, I decided to reimagine the traditional bee block. ! Accomplish this goal involved researching the previous man-made and bee-made structures was crucial, along with finding out key elements required to build this structure so that it is safe for bees. After doing this research, I then worked on redesigning it in a way that drew inspiration from original bee structures, without losing its actual functionality. This ended with a sculpture like design, that is fully functional, and relatively easy to build; making it a structure both worthy of the bee’s presence, easy for the average individual to build, and perfect in helping preserve future bee populations.
Open Access
Behavioral Response of Rhyzopertha dominica, Lesser Grain Borer, to Wheat Volatiles
(2018-12-14) Conner, Paige; Scheff, Deanna S.
The lesser grain borer is a grain pest that eats and damages grain products such as rice, corn, wheat, and millet (Edde, 2012). The lesser grain borer has a tendency to to reproduce rapidly and explode into big infestations under optimal conditions, which become hard to control (Johnson, 2000). Controlling these infestations has been moderately successful with the use of pheromones, which attract the beetles (El-Azi, 2011). The purpose of this research is to pinpoint the lesser grain borer’s potential preference of different wheat volatiles it is given, and find the strongest response. The hypothesis is that certain samples that have higher moisture, a stronger odor, or an added pheromone that could elicit the strongest response to the volatiles than samples that do not have these conditions. The results obtained from this research indicate that our hypothesis is fairly correct, showing the aged, wet wheat with an added pheromone had the highest preference among all samples tested. The significance of this research should bring the gap closer between effectively controlling the lesser grain borer and grain safety, which will maximize the product, reduce the potential hazards to human health, and be the framework for other similar problems with grain pests around the world
Open Access
Behavioral responses of Tribolium castaneum to mycotoxin contaminated wheat
(2018-12-14) Fifield, Adriane; Gerken, Alison; Scully, Erin
Red flour beetles are major pests of stored grains throughout the world. Since the females can lay up to 300-400 eggs in their lifetime, an infestation can get out of control quickly (Brown et al, 2009). Although ingestion of stored product insects is not associated with any major health risks to humans or animals, infested products can have a pungent odors and are often unsuitable for consumption (Smith et al, 1971). To understand what may attract the beetles to a food source, we tested to see how they would react to mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), a common mycotoxin found in stored grains that have been contaminated with mold (Sobrova et al, 2010). Red flour beetles routinely feed on grain that has been contaminated with mold; however, it is unknown if red flour beetles follow volatile cues from mold to find food sources. This research is to find out if red flour beetles are attracted to wheat that has been contaminated with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). The results show that the male beetles avoided the mycotoxin and that the females show neither an attraction or an avoidance of the volatile. Ultimately, identifying compounds that attract or repel stored product insects can help us develop novel behaviorally based-strategies to prevent insects from locating food sources.
Open Access
Bioactivities of Proctolin Mimetic in Drosophila melanogaster
(2018-12-14) Brunkow, Jenna; Fatehi, Soheila; Park, Yoonseong
The insect neuropeptide proctolin was originally purified for its myotropic actions on insect hindguts, however it has been shown to be distributed widely throughout arthropods. This pentapeptide, RYLPT or Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr, is highly conserved across arthropod species. We were interested in whether observable bioactivity, physiological and behavioral changes, occurs upon the injections of proctolin or proctolin mimetic peptides. We found strong activities of proctolin and proctolin mimetic in immediate inductions of proboscis behavior and defecation. Peptidomimetics showed strong activities opening a new revenue for development of new class of insecticidal compound.
Open Access
Can the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli colonize the gut of Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)?
(2018-12-14) McKenzie, Taylor; Vanderree, Tessa; Maldonado-Ruiz, Paulina; Park, Yoonseong; Zurek, Ludek
Ticks are obligate blood feeding ectoparasites and vectors of several mammalian pathogens (Williams-Newkirk et al, 2014). In addition to pathogens they also carry a bacterial community with commensal and symbiotic relationships (Bonnet et al, 2017). Using a culture-dependent approach we previously reported a high prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria in the gut of field collected lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum). These results suggested that epithelial immunity functions to control Gram-negative bacteria in A. americanum. In this study, we used a culturing and non-culturing approach to measure the outcome of E.coli (Gram-negative) when fed to female adult lone star ticks (n=16). Results showed a significant reduction of E.coli at Days 1, 3 and 7 post bacterial feeding. qPCR of 16S rDNA confirmed reduction of bacterial rDNA when compared to water fed ticks (n=16). Our results suggest that there is a midgut epithelial immune response in place, which mainly targets Gram-negative bacteria!
Open Access
Can the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia colicolonize the gut of Lone Star Tick(Amblyomma americanum)?
(2018-12-14) Vanderree, Tessa; McKenzie, Taylor; Maldonado-Ruiz, Paulina; Park, Yoonseong; Zurek, Ludek
Ticks are obligate blood feeding ectoparasites and vectors of several mammalian pathogens (Williams-Newkirk et al, 2014). In addition to pathogens they also carry a bacterial community with commensal and symbiotic relationships (Bonnet et al, 2017). Using a culture-dependent approach we previously reported a high prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria in the gut of field collected lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum). These results suggested that epithelial immunity functions to control Gram-negative bacteria in A. americanum. In this study, we used a culturing and non-culturing approach to measure the outcome of E.coli (Gram-negative) when fed to female adult lone star ticks (n=16). Results showed a significant reduction of E.coli at Days 1, 3 and 7 post bacterial feeding. qPCR of 16S rDNA confirmed reduction of bacterial rDNA when compared to water fed ticks (n=16). Our results suggest that there is a midgut epithelial immune response in place, which mainly targets Gram-negative bacteria!
Open Access
Cases of Lyme Disease Appear to Follow Periodic Cycles Linked to Geography
(2018-12-14) Van Pelt, Nicholas; Marshall, Jeremy
We are studying the spread of Lyme disease through Wisconsin. It is important because the number of people diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the US is around 300,000, annually (CDC 2017). The CDC has collected data of reported Lyme Disease cases since 2001. When looking at the data we noticed that the trends of cases of Lyme disease followed a cyclical pattern. The cycles varied widely. We hypothesized that environmental and geographical factors could affect the main vector of Lyme Disease, Ixodes scapularis (the black-legged tick). After analyzing Lyme Disease data from the CDC and using a map making software (Paint Maps 2018), we found that geographical distribution had a marked effect on the rate at which counties cycled between up and down trends in infection rates. These findings are important because they give us more insight into possible control methods to keep the black-legged tick, and therefore Lyme Disease, at a manageable level.
Open Access
Characterizing Website Traffic Driven by Different Media Types
(2018-12-14) Long, Calista; Johnson, Wendy
The audience for KSU Ag Extension services consists of crop managers across Kansas; traditionally reached through face-to-face events and delivery of paper-based materials. The myFields program is an alternative, online approach for delivering information; important in light of budget cuts that reduce face-to-face events and paper publications. The extension of myFields has been defined by social media, newsletters, and the radio. Our goal is to look at the analytics of the site and to determine which extension outlet is the most effective for driving user traffic to the website. We want to know; how do different media outlets drive user traffic to myFields.info? Using new data available on the site, we will track site analytics after pushing the data release on 1) social media (Twitter), 2) the agronomy department’s newsletter (eUpdates), and 3) KSU’s ag radio show (Ag Today). Specifically, we used the release of 2018 corn performance data on our Demonstration Plot Data tool to audiences as a driver to the site. The results suggest that the eUpdate article was the most successful extension resource considering the length of time people spent on the site, but the Radio spot was extremely successful as a jump in page views.
Open Access
The chemistry of sex games: Why do male crickets transfer large amounts of dopamine to females during copulation?
Rodriguez, Larry; Marshall, Jeremy L.; cricket
Dopamine is an important biological molecule that plays a critical role in how behaviors are “punished” or “rewarded”. And while dopamine has been studied with regard to a wide range of behaviors, including memory, diet and addiction, it has not been found previously to be transferred from one individual to another during copulation. However,the ejaculates of male ground crickets (Allonemobius socius) can contain up to 100pg of dopamine, which is roughly 10X the normal physiological dose required to modify behavior in insects. So, the question is, why are male crickets transferring so much dopamine to females during sex? There are several alternative hypotheses, derived from sexual selection and sexual conflict theory, which may explain the function of dopamine as an agent of sexual reward or punishment, respectively. Our preliminary data suggest that dopamine acts as a punishment, whereby the greater the amount of dopamine transferred to the female, the longer it takes for the female to re-mate. As a consequence, females receiving larger doses of dopamine are likely forced to store and utilize more of that male’s sperm relative to a female who receives smaller amounts of dopamine. This “punishment” effect is particularly strong when a female re-mates with a different male. While further experiments are needed to clarify the role of dopamine in the chemistry of cricket sex, our data suggest that sexual conflict over mating rates may be driving the evolution of dopamine usage as a sexual punishment in this system.
Open Access
Comparison of Leaf Reflectance of Sorghum Plants Infested by Sugarcane Aphids
(2018-12-14) Dick, Nathaniel; Bhattarai, Ganesh P.; McCornack, Brian
Sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Homiptera: Aphididae; Fig. 1A), is a significant pest to sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (Fig. 1B). Sorghum fields are regularly surveyed to detect pest infestation. Remote sensing methods using satellite and aircraft data are expected to provide an efficient alternative to field surveys. However, spectral signature of sugarcane aphid infested sorghum plants is not well understood. We evaluated reflectance spectra of sorghum leaves infested by sugarcane aphids. We used those spectral data to estimate indices that are related to photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll', anthocyanin, and carotenoids. We also estimated an aphid index, damage sensitive spectral index (DSSI)". We used these data to examine whether indices differ between pest infested and uninfested plants. We predicted that plants infested by aphid will have higher levels of anthocyanin, carotenoids, and DSSI indices compared to the control plants. In contrary, chlorophyll index will be greater for uninfested plants.
Open Access
Corn Leaf Aphids Do Not Benefit from Greenbug Feeding and Plant Damage
Barkoviak, Hayley; Enders, Laramy; Smith, Michael; hayrae143; Barkoviak, Hayley; Enders, Laramy; Smith, Michael
Greenbugs (Schizaphis graminum) are known for their devastating effects on crops including cereal grains. Their saliva contains toxins, which break down the plants defenses and allow the aphids to utilize nitrogen from the plant. This quality makes the greenbug more destructive than other species including the corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis). To observe whether aphid feeding influences the success of other aphid species that later feed on the same plant, we designed an experiment which measured aphid virulence and plant damage. We found that the presence of aphids generally stunts plant growth, combined damage of two aphid species is greater than a single species, and damage done by greenbugs does not necessarily benefit corn leaf aphids.
Open Access
Cricket Paralysis Virus Threatens Cricket Farm Business
(2018-12-14) Piper, Savannah; Marshall, Jeremy; Nouri, Shahideh
Crickets are a vital source of protein for many human and animals such as frogs, geckos, lizards and are starting to make a debut as an ingredient in dog food. When crickets are consumed it is vital the crickets are free of disease (Dunn). One disease that crickets are susceptible to is the cricket paralysis virus. Cricket paralysis virus (CPV) can “infect several insect orders such as Diptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera and Hymenoptera, as well as a diverse range of cultured insect cells”(King). The cricket paralysis virus belongs to the family of viruses classified as Dicistroviridae. Dicistroviridae viruses can be characterized as “small enveloped viruses with monopartite, linear, and positive sense RNA genomes”(Valles). A collection of cricket samples from a cricket farm was sent to the lab to be tested for the cricket paralysis virus. If the crickets test positive for the cricket paralysis virus then the cricket farm may be forced to shut down. However, the results of the experiment were negative for the virus. These results are crucial because they impact the people or animals that consume these crickets, the fate of the business that produces the crickets, and contributes to more experiments related to the cricket paralysis virus.