Our lab focuses in understanding the interactions among the components of our biological model (tomato-herbivores [whiteflies and aphids]-natural enemies [parasitoids and predators]) and what factors regulate these interactions.
Collaborators: Carla V. Sánchez Hernández (Molecular Biology Lab, UdG) Nicolas Desneux (INRA-France) Roger Guevara (INECOL AC) Refugio Lomelí Flores (COLPOS, Montecillo) Koppert Mexico SA de CV Organismos Benéficos para la Agricultura SA de CV.
Funding: Mexican Council for Science and Technology (Conacyt).
Biology
We perform studies to better know basic aspects in the biology of insects such as their life cycles, the duration of their developmental periods and their reproduction process.
Funding: PRO-SNI-UdG
Behavior
Our group is interested in describing behavioral traits of insects. We focus mainly on foraging behavior and courtship behavior. For example, we are interested in understanding how these behaviors are modulated by factors such as the aromas, the acoustic signals or the presence of predators.
Collaborators: Andrea L. Joyce (UC-Merced, USA) Remedios Mendoza (Unidad SARA, UV, Veracruz) Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT).
Funding: UCMEXUS-Conacyt
Evolution
We are interested in understanding to what extent, behavior can influence the genetic structure in genetically different populations.
Collaborator: Julio S. Bernal (Texas A&M University, USA).
We are also involved in a project to understand how a pest has evolved in different regions of the world. PI: Nicolas Desneux (INRA, France) Collaborator: Ricardo Ramirez-Romero
Applied research
In our lab we are also interested in performing applied research projects that respond to specific needs of companies and producers, on the following domains:
1) Assessment of lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides. 2) Impact of transgenic crops on insects. 3) Assessment of crop resistance to herbivores. 4) Evaluation of attractive or repulsive properties of volatiles (odorant compounds).
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.
