Chemical Ecology - Agriculture

Chemically mediated interactions between plants and insects are central in many habitats, both natural ones and those influenced by human activities. The aim of our research is to establish sustainable control methods for pest insects of socioeconomically important crops.

The group mainly studies multitrophic ecological interactions between plants and herbivorous insects, where chemical signals are essential. We combine and integrate ecological, evolutionary, physiological and applied assays with in-depth expertise in chemical analysis to identify behaviourally and physiologically active olfactory signals and to gain a comprehensive understanding of how they influence our study systems.

The research includes different aspects of ecology that affect both host plant and mate choice in insects. Important research is also done on preserving insect biodiversity, and on monitoring and controlling pests. Our aim is to produce novel and interesting scientific advancements, as well as applicable knowledge that responds to societal needs and sustainable development.

These are some of our current research areas

Host plant selection in moths:

• Reliable host plant recognition
• Exploring transgenerational plasticity in insect host plant selection
• Impact of host plant range on pesticide resistance evolution
• Phenotypic plasticity during range expansion
• Ecological immunity

Pest management in oilseed rape:

• Interactions between insects and oilseed rape – dynamic consequences in the wake of the Brassica pod midge as a novel emerging pest
• Spatiotemporal dynamics of insect pests and pathogens in agroecological systems – using spatial planning to prevent population buildup and crop damage

PheroBio at SLU:

• Identify sex pheromones and aggregation-sex pheromones of rare insects and develop methods for   systematic and efficient monitoring of biodiversity