Insects use various sensory cues to locate resources such as food, mates, and oviposition sites. One such cue is olfaction, or the sense of smell. Dr. Dykstra’s research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of insect olfaction and how it can be used to manipulate insect behavior.
For example, some insects are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2), which is produced by many living organisms, including humans. Dr. Dykstra has studied how insects use CO2 as a cue for host location, as well as how they are able to detect CO2 at very low concentrations.
Dr. Dykstra has also studied chemoreceptive proteins, which are important for detecting chemical cues in the environment. These proteins are found in the antennae and mouthparts of insects, and they play a critical role in mediating insect behavior.
Overall, Dr. Dykstra’s research on insect olfaction, CO2 detection, and chemoreceptive proteins has important implications for pest management and agricultural practices. By understanding how insects use these sensory cues, we can develop new strategies for controlling insect pests and protecting crops.