Applied Entomology Laboratory ~ Dr. Andrei Alyokhin
Research
- Interactions between native and introduced lady beetle species. A number of recent studies indicated that establishment of exotic lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) may have adverse affects on native lady beetle species. Using records maintained at the Aroostook Research Farm, we have analyzed changes in coccenillid community inhabiting potato crops in northern Maine over the past 31 years. Prior to 1980, lady beetle communities were comprised almost exclusively of the two native species, Coccinella transversoguttata Brown and Hippodamia tredecimpunctata (Say). Starting 1980, an exotic species Coccinella septempunctata L. became permanently established in potato crops and quickly started to dominate lady beetle community. Two other exotic species, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), and Propylea quatordecimpunctata (L.) became prominent members of the lady beetle community in 1995 and 1996. Invasion by exotic species was followed by a significant decline in the abundance of C. transversoguttata and H. tredecimpunctata, and a significant increase in the overall diversity of lady beetle community. The abundance of aphid prey was substantially reduced after the establishment of H. axyridis. The observed trends demonstrated the profound effects that exotic natural enemies may have on target and non-target native species, and highlighted the importance of their thorough evaluation before initiating biological control programs. However, it is important to keep in mind that they took placed in potato agroecosystem, which is as alien to Northern Maine as H. axyridis or Propylea quatordecimpunctata (or, for that matter, as Sumatran rhinoceros). Currently, we are investigating what is going on in the lady beetle communities in native habitats.
Representative Publications:
- Finlayson, C. J., A. V. Alyokhin, and E. W. Porter. 2009. Interactions of native and non-native lady beetle species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with aphid-tending ants in laboratory arenas. Environmental Entomology 38: 846-855. [Full Text]
- Finlayson, C. J., K. M. Landry, and A. V. Alyokhin. 2008. Abundance of native and non-native lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in different habitats in Maine. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 101: 1078-1087. [Full Text]
- Alyokhin, A. and G. Sewell. Changes in a lady beetle community following the establishment of three alien species. Biological Invasions 6: 463-471. [Full Text]
Insecticide testing program. Insecticides remain to be a foundation of insect pest management in commercial agriculture. Their safe and efficient use is impossible without a good understanding of ecological ramifications of toxin release in the environment. In cooperation with chemical companies, we conduct an extensive (100 treatments tested in 2007) insecticide screening program on potatoes. We are mostly interested in insecticide impacts on target and non-target organisms, as well as on the spread of insect-vectored disease among potato plants. Recently, we have been also looking at sublethal effects of an insect growth regulator novaluron on the Colorado potato beetle reproduction.
Representative Publications:
- Alyokhin, A., J. Makatiani, and K. Takasu. 2010. Insecticide odour interference with food-searching behaviour of Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in a laboratory arena. Biocontrol Science and Technology 20: 317-329. [E-mail to request a reprint]
- Alyokhin, A., R. Guillemette, and R. Choban. 2009. Stimulatory and suppressive effects of novaluron on the Colorado potato beetle reproduction. Journal of Economic Entomology 102: 2078-2083. [E-mail to request a reprint]
