From an Inquiry-Guided Project to a CURE in General Biology
Goals of Project
Research Goals
- Determine the efficacy of using the parasitoid wasp, Anisopteromalus calandrae in combination with environmentally safer essential oils as bio-control for Callosobruchus maculatus.
- Can cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus) detect the recent presence of parasitoid wasps and does this influence egg laying behavior and what role, if any, can this be applied in the use of bio-control?
- Determine the role kinship can play in parasitoid decisions to hyperparasitize larvae of cowpea Weevils: will they choose to parasitize larvae already parasitized by relatives or non-relatives.
- Determine what role knowledge of kinship can play in decisions regarding the use of Anisopteromalus calandrae as bio-control agents and does the addition of other control measures mitigate that role?
Student Goals
- Students will design an experiment that aims to advance knowledge regarding methodology to control Cowpea Weevils that could be applied in low-to-no cost scenarios.
- Students will learn to collaborate in determining Experimental Design, the equitable sharing of project responsibilities, and communication of results to others.
- Students will be able to conduct an appropriately sized literature review and contribute to the growth of a research library regarding both species that can be utilized by future General Biology students.
Methods
During summer of 2018, several General Biology I students helped design, and test the protocol currently be used in this project. They were the first students to test for repellent effects of four essential oils (Clove bud, Citronella, Scotch Pine Needle, Cypress) on male and female cowpea weevils in two-way choice chamber experiments. Within each choice chamber, one chamber received filter paper with a control (acetone) and the opposite side, essential oil in acetone. Eight beetles of each sex were placed into separate chambers and allowed to move freely for 20 minutes. After that time, the number of beetles on each side were of the choice chamber were counted. Each group experienced six trials, and five blocks of trials were conducted. After making some slight modifications to the methodology, all students in the Fall of 2018 participated in the project. In addition to the four essential oils mentioned earlier, five other essential oils (White Camphor, Cinnamon Leaf, Sweet Orange, Spruce, and Tea Tree) were made available to students.
Currently, students use choice chambers and solutions of essential oils, which have been diluted in acetone to a 5% concentration. Using the two-way choice chambers, students observe, record information, and collect data concerning the following:
- Chemotaxis behavior of C. maculatus to diluted essential oil solutions.
- Chemotaxis behavior of C. maculatus to a body-wash produced from A. calandrae
- Using Choice-chambers to determine a RI for essential oils.
Results
During summer 2018, my BIO 111 students tested four essential oils (Clove bud, Citronella, Scotch Pine Needle, Cypress) for their influence on male and female cowpea weevils' choice in two-way choice chamber experiments. Within each choice chamber, one chamber received filter paper with a control (acetone) and the opposite side, 5% essential oil in acetone. Eight beetles of each sex were placed into separate chambers and allowed to move freely for 20 minutes. After that time, the number of beetles on each side were counted on each side of choice chamber. Each group experienced six trials, and five blocks of trials were conducted. Three of the essential oils (see below) had an impact on beetle choice. Scotch pine needle oil had no effect.
This CURE has been published to CUREnet.