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M Alleyne
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Email: vanlaarh@illinois.edu Title: Insect Physiologist
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| Activities | Insect physiologist studying the effects of parasitoids on their host's physiology and behavior. Research will result in the development of successful and safe biological control programs. |
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| Research |
The main area of my research involves the study of selected physiological factors that influence a host's immune response and determine host range of braconid parasitoids (Cotesia flavipes-complex) attacking lepidopteran stemborers (Diatraea saccharalis, D. grandiosella and Ostrinia nubilalis). Results will help explain the diversity of immune responses and counter responses among related insect hosts and parasitoids. The results will also give insights into physiological factors determining host specificity and non-target effects of parasitoids. My most recent experiments have focused on determining if the quantity of different hemocyte morphotypes important to host immune response is altered during host development and parasitization. In addition, I am studying the spreading behavior and gross surface features of different hemocyte morphotypes are different for the different host-parasitoid combinations. I am also studying the role of parasitoid-egg surface features in immunoevasion during early stages of parasitization. For this area of my research I am collaborating with Dr. Robert N. Wiedenmann (INHS-CEE) and Dr. James B. Nardi (Dept. of Entomology-UIUC). Dr. Lawrence M. Hanks and Ms. Jodie Ellis (Dept. of Entomology-UIUC) and myself recently began an investigation of behavioral and physiological traits that are important for competition between an introduced parasitoid (Pimpla disparis) and its native counterparts (Itoplectis conquisitor and Gambrus ultimus). P. disparis is being released in the Midwest at the leading edge of gypsy moth infestations. All three parasitoids have been found to attack the native evergreen bagworm, Thyridopteryx epheraeformis, in central Illinois. We plan to establish a predictive model by determining some of the factors that allow for fluctuations in population dynamics of these parasitoids, such as availability of alternative hosts, overwintering ability, and search efficiency for hosts and food sources (such as flowering plants). In addition, the information learned from this type of project could improve biological control programs by reducing negative effects on non-target species and native natural enemies. In addition to my research, I also teach occasional lectures for various courses at the University of Illinois or Parkland Community College. The lectures usually focus on insect physiology, parasitoid biology and biological control. In addition, I may lecture at grade-, middle- and high-schools on these topics or general entomology. I have also been involved in developing a biological control booth that focuses on beneficial insects, such as parasitoids and predators, for the Insect Expo which is organized by the Illinois Natural History Survey. |
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| Recognition | W.H. Luckmann Award, 1999. |
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| Professional affiliations |
Entomological Society of America | |||
| Selected publications |
Alleyne, M., R. N. Wiedenmann & R. R. Diaz (2001). Quantification and development of teratocytes in novel-association host-parasitoid combinations. Journal of Insect Physiology, V47, pp1419-1427. Alleyne, M. & R. N. Wiedenmann (2001). Encapsulation and hemocyte numbers in three lepidopteran stemborers parasitized by Cotesia flavipes-complex endoparasitoids. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, V100, pp279-293. Alleyne, M. & R. N. Wiedenmann (2001). Suitability of lepidopteran stemborers for parasitization by novel-association endoparasitoids. BioControl, V46, pp1-23. Alleyne, M. , M.A. Chappell, D.B. Gelman & N.E. Beckage (1997). Effects of parasitism by the braconid wasp Cotesia congregata on host metabolic rate in host larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Journal of Insect Physiology, V43(2), pp143-154. Alleyne, M. & N.E. Beckage. Parasitism-induced effects on host growth and metabolic efficiency in tobacco hornworm larvae parasitized by Cotesia congregata (1997). Journal of Insect Physiology, V43(4), pp407-424. |
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| Program Affiliates |
Robert N. Wiedenmann, Center for Ecological Entomology Staff Leellen Solter, Center for Ecological Entomology Staff |
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| Professional society involvement and activities |
Membership committee for the Entomological Society of America Strategic Planning committee for the Entomological Society of America |
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| Education | Ph.D., Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2001 M.S., Entomology, University of California,1995 B.A., Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 1991 | |||
Illinois Natural History Survey - University of Illinois
INRS State Scientific Surveys
