The research performed in our lab aims to understand how multitrophic interactions among herbivores and natural enemies take place, the factors and the mechanisms underlying those interactions, using four perspectives:
ecological, behavioral, evolutionary and applied (biological control)

Interactions among organisms are complex and can involve several species or taxa. Our lab focuses on understanding the interactions among some organisms (plants, herbivores, and natural enemies) and what factors regulate these interactions.
Some publications on this topic include:
  • Velasco-Hernández et al. 2013 PLoS One 8(11): e80679
  • ​Velasco-Hernández et al. 2015 Pest Manag. Sci. 71: 1346–1353
  • Bao-Fundora et al. 2016 Pest Manag. Sci.​ 72: 1110-1116
Biology: our group performs studies to know fundamental aspects in the biology of insects such as their life cycles, the duration of their developmental periods, and their reproduction processes.
Some publications on this topic include:
  • Velasco-Hernández et al. 2017 Entomol. Gen. 36: 347-367
  • Romano et al. 2017. J Pest Sci. 91:341-349
Biological Control is a pest control alternative that employs natural enemies to keep pest populations under control. We study natural enemies' performance controlling crop pests and the processes underlying this pest control strategy.
Some publications on this topic include:
  • Chailleux et al. 2013 J Pest Sci. 86: 533-541 
  • Tan et al. 2016 Sci. Reports 6:28245
  • Jaworski et al. 2019. J Appl. Ecol. 56:1176-1188.
Behavior is a major component of survivorship, fitness, and animal adaptation. This is why we are interested in describing behavioral aspects of insects. We focus mainly on foraging behavior and courtship behavior.
Some publications on this subject include:
  • Desneux et al. 2010 Ecotoxicology 19:1183-1192
  • Ramirez-Romero et al. 2012 Biocontrol 57:427-440
  • Ramirez-Romero et al. 2014 J Insect Behav. 27: 804-815​
Evolution: we are interested in understanding the extent to which behavior can influence the genetic structure in genetically different populations.
A recent publication on this topic:
  • Ramirez-Romero et al. 2019 Insect Sci. 26:283-296 
We also have experience assessing lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides, transgenic crops, crop resistance to herbivores, and attraction/repulsion tests to odors. These bioassays are essential and help to assess biosafety, the effectiveness of insecticides, potential employment of odors as attractants or repellents, and determining the resistance of crops to herbivores. 
Some publications in this domaine include: 
  • ​Ramirez-Romero et al. 2008. Ecotoxicology  and Environmental Safety: 70: 327-333.
  • Ramirez-Romero et al. 2008. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology: 91: 110-115
  • Desneux et al. 2006. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: 25: 2675-2682
  • Desneux et al. 2010. Ecotoxicology: 19:1183-1192.
-2021 News

Feb 18: New ms accepted for publication in Microbial Pathogenesis.

-2020 News

Nov 06: New ms accepted for publication in Biological Control.

September 1: Dr. Ornella Barreto joined our group as a posdoctoral fellow.

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