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James D. Harwood

Assistant Professor, Arthropod Ecology

Ph.D. Cardiff University (2001)

 

Department of Entomology
S-225 Agricultural Science Center N
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
Ph: 859.257.4264
Fax: 859.323.1120
Email: james.harwood@uky.edu

Research Interests

My research program focuses on elucidating the ecological interactions between generalist predators, most notably spiders and beetles, and their prey in terrestrial ecosystems. These studies attempt to discern subtle, but often significant, trophic linkages between natural enemies and invasive pests, identifying the role of generalist predators in pest regulation, the effect of dietary diversification on the reproductive capacity (and hence biological control potential) of predators, and the stability of complex food webs.

 

The dynamic interactions between predators and prey are being studied by integrating ecological field research and molecular gut-content analysis. Monoclonal antibodies have enabled us to identify direct levels of predation in the field and ascertain the effects of alternative prey on the biocontrol potential of predator communities, whilst DNA-based gut-content analyses offer valuable opportunities for studying multiple trophic connections between generalist predators and their prey. Rather than laboratory studies which allow controlled evaluation of predator-prey interactions and diet quality, these techniques which utilize post-mortem analyses allow the dynamic relationships between individuals to be broken down in the field. This is especially important in generalist predators, given that many species preferentially feed on non-pest food resources and selectively diversify their diet, thus improving their growth and development.

 

Incorporation of multi-disciplinary approaches has also enhanced our understanding of the relationship between non-target arthropods and the transgenic agroecosystem. We are currently examining the ecology and behavior of generalist predators in Bacillus thruringiensis corn with ecological field surveys, behavioral experiments in the laboratory and antibody-based immunoassays.

 

Information for Prospective Graduate Students

If you are interested in graduate school to pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. in these broad themes in insect ecology, please contact me.

 

 

Postdoctoral Scholars

 

Graduate Students

 

Undergraduate Project Students

• Mark Adams, B.S. Student, University of Kentucky, Major: Agricultural Biotechnology
• Brittany McCowan, B.S. Student, University of Kentucky, Major: Agricultural Biotechnology

 

Full Publication List

 

Selected Publications

 

Arthropod Ecology

• Harwood JD, Obrycki JJ (2007). Web-site selection strategies of linyphiid spiders in alfalfa: implications for biological control. BioControl, 52, 451-469.
• Symondson WOC, Cesarini S, Dodd PW, Harper GL, Bruford MW, Glen DM, Wiltshire CW, Harwood JD (2006). Biodiversity vs. biocontrol: positive and negative effects of alternative prey on control of slugs by carabid beetles. Bull. Entomol. Res. 96, 637-645.
• Harwood JD, Obrycki JJ (2005). Web-construction behavior of linyphiid spiders (Araneae, Linyphiidae): competition and co-existence within a generalist predator guild. J. Insect Behav. 18: 593-607.
• Harwood JD, Sunderland KD, Symondson WOC (2003). Web-location by linyphiid spiders: prey specific aggregation and foraging strategies. J. Anim. Ecol. 72, 745-756.
• Harwood JD, Sunderland KD, Symondson WOC (2001). Living where the food is: web-location by linyphiid spiders in relation to prey availability in winter wheat. J. Appl. Ecol. 38, 88-99.

 

Molecular Ecology

• Harwood JD, Desneux N, Yoo HYS, Rowley DL, Greenstone MH, Obrycki JJ, O'Neil RJ (2007) Tracking the role of alternative prey in soybean aphid predation by Orius insidiosus: a molecular approach. Mol. Ecol. 16, 4390-4400.
• Harwood JD, Bostrom MR, Hladilek EE, Wise DH, Obrycki JJ (2007). An order-specific monoclonal antibody to Diptera reveals the impact of alternative prey on spider feeding behavior in a complex food web. Biol. Control, 41, 397-407.
• Sheppard SK, Harwood JD (2005). Advances in molecular ecology: tracking trophic links through predator-prey food webs. Funct. Ecol. 19, 751-762.
• Harper GL, King RA, Dodd CS, Harwood JD, Glen DM, Bruford MW, Symondson WOC (2005). Rapid screening of predators for multiple prey DNA targets. Mol. Ecol. 14, 819-828.
• Harwood JD, Sunderland KD, Symondson WOC (2004). Prey selection by linyphiid spiders: molecular tracking of the effects of alternative prey on rates of aphid consumption in the field. Mol. Ecol. 13, 3549-3560.

 

GMO Risk Assessment

• Harwood JD, Samson RA, Obrycki JJ (2007). Temporal detection of Cry1Ab-endotoxins by coccinellid predators in fields of Bacillus thuringiensis corn. Bull. Entomol. Res. 97, in press.
• Harwood JD, Samson RA, Obrycki JJ (2006). No evidence for the uptake of Bt Cry1Ab-endotoxins by the carabid predator Scarites subterraneus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in laboratory and field experiments. Biocontr. Sci. Technol. 16, 377-388.
• Harwood JD, Obrycki JJ (2006). The detection and decay of Cry1Ab Bt-endotoxins within non-target slugs, Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Mollusca: Pulmonata), following consumption of transgenic corn. Biocontr. Sci. Technol. 16, 77-88.
• Harwood JD, Wallin WG, Obrycki JJ (2005). Uptake of Bt-endotoxins by non-target herbivores and higher order arthropod predators: molecular evidence from a transgenic corn agroecosystem. Mol. Ecol. 14, 2815-2823.