Determine the longevity of spores/pollen as an artificial marker
| Problem: | Variability of markers in artificial marking techniques gives a broader range of research options. However, longevity of the marker on the marked organism determines the value of the marking technique. In past laboratory research, the longevity of spores and pollen in corn earworm adults and stinkbugs was one week. Actual longevity of the marker on the insects may vary from laboratory research because of insect activity. |
| Objective: | Determine the longevity of spores/pollen in stinkbugs and corn earworm adults in more “field” conditions. |
| Approach: | Insects will be captured from wild populations and fed various spores/pollen. These insects will be allowed to fly via the flight mill and then examined for the presence of the spore/pollen. |
Gretchen D. Jones