research program investigating insect cuticle structure, chitin metabolism, tanning chemistry, neuropeptides, molting, digestion, and the use of biopesticides and insect growth regulators for insect pest control
Insect biochemistry and physiology: cuticle sclerotization and molting, chitin and catecholamine metabolism, digestive enzymes, stored product insect pest control, and biopesticide development in transgenic plants.
Specific research projects include:
1. Insect cuticle structure and tanning metabolism.
2. Insect chitin metabolism.
3. Development of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins as biopesticides in transgenic plants.
4. Development of chicken avidin as a biopesticide in transgenic corn.
5. Development of digestive enzyme inhibitors as potential biopesticides in transgenic plants.
6. Development of insect growth regulators as grain protectants.
