The evolution and ecology of herbivory (granivory) in harvester ants

We are collaborating with other ant researchers to study the genetics and evolution of detoxification mechanisms in harvester ants. Harvester ants consume large quantities of seeds that contain relatively high concentrations of plant defensive chemicals, but very little is known about the mechanisms that allow these ants to eat such toxic food.

Effect of genetic introgression on pest management of corn earworm

The corn earworm moth, Helicoverpa zea, is a major crop pest in Colorado and the rest of the USA. This pest species recently hybridized with an old world cousin, Helicoverpa armigera, in South America. About 30% of corn earworms in the USA now have some genes from H. armigera.

Pollination of chile peppers

Chile peppers are an important crop in Colorado. Our lab has found that attraction of insect pollinators, primarily solitary bees, and the subsequent effect of insect pollination on chile pepper yield varies significantly among chile pepper varieties.