Insect Molecular Physiology: Basic Science to Applications

The proposed symposium will bring together scientists working in basic and applied areas of molecular physiology of insects. This will be organized as a whole day program symposium at the next annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America to be held in December 2009 in Indianapolis. The main goal of this symposium is to promote the science of entomology by discussing original research and perspectives leading to excitement and new ideas in young entomologists especially graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and new investigators. About 50 presentations are planned and about 200 scientists are expected to attend. This application addresses the following FY2009 priorities for research projects; 1. Characterization of digestive physiology, endocrine, neurophysiological, or biochemical processes of arthropods and nematodes, 2. Understanding the cellular, biochemical, and molecular level interactions of arthropods or nematodes with associated organisms (e.g. host plants, livestock, microbes, or beneficial organisms) and 3. Elucidation of the mechanism of action of novel targets for pest control, including semiochemicals and fundamental pesticide resistance studies.