In our lab, we are interested in studying the ecology, behavior and biology of insects; more specifically, herbivores and natural enemies. 
We also have experience performing bioassays to assess lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides, transgenic crops, crop resistance to herbivores and attraction/repulsion tests to odors.

Currently, we are interested in the following research topics:

Interactions among organisms are complex and can involve several species or taxa. Our lab focuses in 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 perform studies to know basic 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. In press DOI: 10.1007/s10340-017-0903-7
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:
  • Ramirez-Romero et al. 2012 Biocontrol 57:427-440
  • Chailleux et al. 2013 J Pest Sci. 86: 533-541 
  • Tan et al. 2016 Sci. Reports 6:28245
A recent publication on this topic:
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 to understand to what extent, behavior can influence the genetic structure in genetically different populations.
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 important and help to assess biosafety, effectiveness of insecticides, potential employment of odors as attractants or repellents and determining 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.
-2019 News

February 22: Pau got her undergraduate degree. Good job Pau ! Congrats!

February 04: New paper published 'early view' in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

December 06-2018: Dr. Denise Spaan completed the course for proposals preparation to get funding, for students of our Lab. Thanks Denise !

November 23-2018: We were invited to participate in the International Symposium on Green Prevention & Control of Crop Pests, in Tianjin, China.

Research

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