| Patrick Dowd |
|
CONTACT
Phone: (309) 681-6242
Fax: (309) 681-6686
Room: 2300
USDA ARS NCAUR
1815 N University
Peoria, IL 61604
EDUCATION
PhD, Insecticide Toxicology and Biochemistry, LSU
MS, Entomology, Virginia Tech
BS, Agronomy, Virginia Tech
AREA OF EXPERTISE
Molecular targets and mechanisms for insect control.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Insects cause billions of dollars of losses to crops each year. They also facilitate the introduction of toxin-producing molds into several crops, including corn. Discovery of plant-derived pest resistance genes and mechanisms can lead to the more desirable use of native genes to promote resistance to insects and fungi. However, we have shown that plant genes that code for proteins that affect plant pathogenic fungi can also inhibit growth of fungi used to control insects.
My research interests currently include determining which varieties of corn can positively or negatively influence the effectiveness of fungi used to control insects. I’m also interested in determining and understanding the genes involved in compatible and incompatible interactions, both on the part of the plant and the strains of fungi used to control insects, and determining additives for formulations of the fungi used to control insects that will counteract the plant factors that interfere with their effectiveness. Field corn and sweet corn, especially varieties of sweet corn used in organic production, are the major crops I'm interested in.
The compatible integration of more pest resistant plants, and strains or formulations of fungi that control insects, can lead to better yields and profits for growers, an adequate supply of crop materials for end users, and a safer product for humans and animals.
LAB MEMBERS / SUPPORT STAFF / VISITING SCIENTISTS
Current:
David Lee (Biological Science Laboratory Technician)
Alumni:
Postdocs:
Samuel Shen, Scientist with USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Fernando Vega, Scientist with USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Eric Johnson, Scientist with USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Scott Pinkerton, Professor, Bellevue University
Students/interns:
Some examples (based on most recent information known):
Doug Hanson, M.D.
Cynthia Meeker, R.N.
Emily Bell, graduate student
David de la Cruz, M.D.
Ben Ade, graduate student
Yewande Taiwo, graduate student
COLLABORATION / COOPERATION:
National:
Several at NCAUR
Jeff Cary, USDA-ARS, Southern Regional Research Center
Richard and Sue Musser, Dept. Biology, Western Illinois University
Marilyn Warburton, USDA- ARS, Mississippi State
Foreign:
Heiko Vogel (through Richard Mussser) Max Planck Institute.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Chemical Society
Entomological Society of America
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (affiliate through ACS)
Board Certified Entomologist in General Entomology, and Pesticide Development, Analysis and Toxicology.
Publications Indexed by Google Scholar
Click here to view Google Scholar entries for Pat Dowd
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