This international dissertation enhancement award will support travel and living expenses to the United Kingdom of Robert G. Stewart, a graduate student of Donald W. Hall at the University of Florida. Mr. Stewart will conduct studies in pest control with Alison Blackwell of the Unviersity of Dundee and John Pickett, Head, Biological and Ecological Chemistry Department at Rothamsted Agricultural Experimental Station in England. The objective of the research is to evaluate the components of the yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria, as possible attractants for suveillance and/or control of the insect Culicoides mississippiensis or salt marsh biting midge. This insect is a major pest along the Florida gulf coast. The proposed studies will identify a blend of potential attractrants through electroantennogram measurements and confirm the electrophysiological activity of the blend through bioassay methods. The project takes advantage of unique expertise in the United Kingdom. The UK researchers are expert in the development of electroantennogram techniques for very small delicate insects. Their collaboration will advance understanding of insect-plant associations for control of insect pests and disease vectors.
