Department of Entomology

Abstract: A pursuit for alternative control measures to combat both economically and medically important arthropods has increased due to the phasing out of conventional insecticides. Octopamine, a biogenic amine, has significant physiological functions in insects, and signals through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This receptor is a preferential target because of its minimal expression in mammalian tissues. Essential oils are complex mixtures composed of a variety of compounds, in particular various forms of terpenes and phenols. The role of essential oils and their components is to protect the plant from herbivores, viruses, and microbial pathogens while attracting beneficial organisms. The presented research will focus on the development of a high-throughput screening system. Specifically, expression of the Periplaneta americana α-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
MS thesis seminar