Insect Cold-Hardiness and Diapause: Regulatory Relationships

Miami University, Oxford OH

Investigators

Abstract

Collaborative research between investigators at Miami University and Ohio State University will focus on physiological and ecological mechanisms used by insects for winter survival. Many overwintering insects are exposed simultaneously to cold and desiccating conditions. Since both freezing and desiccation subject cells to drying, the goal of this research is to determine whether physiological responses to these stresses are similar. Using two insect models, one species that cannot tolerate freezing (a flesh fly) and one that tolerates extensive internal freezing (a gall fly larvae), the investigators will conduct a series of field and laboratory studies to determine the limits of organismal and cellular survival in relation to protective physiological responses including ion regulation and stress proteins. The results of these studies may indicate whether adaptations protecting against desiccation stress could have given rise to the evolution of insect cold-hardiness. Furthermore, this work may provide new tools both for the disruption of insect pest populations, and for the long-term storage of insects and other organisms at low temperature.