Department

Biological Sciences

Major

Biological Sciences

Research Advisor

Krishnan, Niranjana

Advisor's Department

Biological Sciences

Funding Source

Missouri S&T

Abstract

Soybean loopers (Chrysodeixis includens) and corn earworms (Helicoverpa zea) are moth pests of soybean and corn fields across the United States, including Missouri. Here, we assessed their toxic and metabolic responses to cypermethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide registered for foliar use in agriculture.

An analysis of literature studies and generation of preliminary dose-response curves in the laboratory indicated that, although corn earworms and soybean loopers belong to the same lepidopteran family (Noctuidae), they show different susceptibilities to topically applied cypermethrin. To assess if metabolic factors are responsible for these differences, we undertook synergistic studies with PBO, TPP, and DEM, which are the inhibitors of three major detoxifying enzymes in the insect body: cytochrome P450s, esterases, and glutathione-s-transferases. We also measured the activity of the detoxifying enzymes through standardized assays.

Findings from this research will be incorporated into a larger project with the goal of identifying surrogate (pest and non-target) species for testing and elucidating differences in susceptibilities. This is necessary to accurately estimate toxic responses within and across taxonomic orders.

Biography

Amberly Scott is a junior at Missouri University of Science and Technology majoring in Biological Sciences while minoring in Chemistry. She is the philanthropy and open lab chair officer of Helix Club, as well as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her academic interests include toxicology and biopharmaceuticals.

Research Category

Sciences

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Document Type

Poster

Award

Sciences – section 2 poster presentation, Second place

Location

Upper Atrium

Presentation Date

14 Apr 2022, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Comments

Joint project with John Sneed and Kathryn Zychinski

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Apr 14th, 1:30 PM Apr 14th, 3:00 PM

Insecticide Metabolic Responses of Two Lepidoptera

Upper Atrium

Soybean loopers (Chrysodeixis includens) and corn earworms (Helicoverpa zea) are moth pests of soybean and corn fields across the United States, including Missouri. Here, we assessed their toxic and metabolic responses to cypermethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide registered for foliar use in agriculture.

An analysis of literature studies and generation of preliminary dose-response curves in the laboratory indicated that, although corn earworms and soybean loopers belong to the same lepidopteran family (Noctuidae), they show different susceptibilities to topically applied cypermethrin. To assess if metabolic factors are responsible for these differences, we undertook synergistic studies with PBO, TPP, and DEM, which are the inhibitors of three major detoxifying enzymes in the insect body: cytochrome P450s, esterases, and glutathione-s-transferases. We also measured the activity of the detoxifying enzymes through standardized assays.

Findings from this research will be incorporated into a larger project with the goal of identifying surrogate (pest and non-target) species for testing and elucidating differences in susceptibilities. This is necessary to accurately estimate toxic responses within and across taxonomic orders.