Research Accomplishment Reports 2010

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Insect Molecular Physiology: Basic Science to Applications

S.R. Palli
Department of Entomology

 

Non-Technical Summary

The field of insect molecular physiology has been fragmented in recent years by a variety of trends. Major meetings have increasingly focused on individual physiological processes and hormones (ecdysone, juvenile hormone, and neurohormones) and have convened at locations outside the United States. These meetings have also drawn the attention and support of foreign governments and businesses seeking novel methods for insect pest management.

The field has been further fragmented because some workers are focused on the use of model organisms to address basic issues, whereas others are focused on aspects of insect molecular physiology that are more relevant for economically important pests. Further, some workers primarily work at the developmental level, whereas others are using molecular methodologies.

The proposed symposium is intended to counter many of these fragmenting trends and reinvigorate this area of research and raise its visibility within the United States.