NEXT-GENERATION APPROACHES FOR MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF STORED PRODUCT INSECTS

Objective 1: Expand genomic resources for stored product insects and use functional genomics to find new gene targets or pathways for biorational control, identify genes that insects use to detect and respond to sensory cues, and improve nutritional content of stored product insects as food sources for humans and livestock. Subobjective 1A: Improve genomic resources for stored product insects. Subobjective 1B: Use functional genomics to identify genes that insects use to respond to pheromones and kairomones. Subobjective 1C: Genetic research to improve insects as animal feed. Subobjective 1D: Investigate molecular responses that allow insects to recover after exposure to insecticides and oral RNAi. Objective 2: Improve monitoring strategies for stored product insects through the identification of new attractants, improve understanding of insect response to traps and attractants, and develop and evaluate remote sensing and imaging technologies for detection of stored product insects and other quality issues. Subobjective 2A: Identify new semiochemicals that can be used as attractants or repellents for stored product insects and evaluate factors that impact active spaces around traps and packages. Subobjective 2B: Develop remote sensing and imaging for rapid detection of stored product insect infestations and other grain quality issues that occur during storage. Objective 3: Improve and develop new pest management tools and strategies for stored product insects in bulk grain storage and food facilities that focus on preventing infestations and reducing risks associated with insecticides. Subobjective 3A: Develop tools that exclude insects from infesting products, bulk storage facilities, and food processing plants. Subobjective 3B: Develop and use long-term monitoring data to improve pest management practices. Subobjective 3C: Optimize use of aerosols for treatment and management of stored product insects. Subobjective 3D: Evaluate efficacy of reduced-risk insecticides for pest management, grain protection, and residual surface treatments. Subobjective 3E: Investigate the impacts of behavior-based integrated pest management (IPM) tactics on insect behavior.