The investigators will study the chemical mechanisms involved in the interactions between insects from the southern cone region and organisms in their environment. Their study will include the characterization of the chemical structure and biological function of substances that insects use for defense against predators, communication with conspecifics, protection of progeny and location of food. Structure elucidation will be attained by modern chromatographic (GC, HPLC) and spectroscopic (NMR, MS, IR) techniques. Biological functions will be studied by electrophysiological techniques (EAG) and field and laboratory bioassays, including predation tests for defensive substances and wind tunnel studies for volatile semiochemicals. The study will focus on species likely to produce new natural products of pharmacological value, as well as on certain local pests.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03TW001303-01
Application #
6132697
Study Section
International and Cooperative Projects 1 Study Section (ICP)
Program Officer
Katz, Flora N
Project Start
2000-06-01
Project End
2003-05-31
Budget Start
2000-06-01
Budget End
2001-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$38,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850