Transition state theory, synthesis of novel inhibitors and spectrophotometric diagnostic substrates, and molecular biology are being utilized to delineate esterase and epoxide hydrolase mechanistic action in insects. The isolation and study of key elements from the insect juvenile hormone regulatory system and the tick endocrine system; and genomics, structure/activity and physiological studies on insect digestion are being applied to research and development of novel biological and chemical pesticides. Insect genes responsible for pesticide metabolism (esterases, epoxide hydrolases, paraoxinases, and monooxygenases are being applied to the bioremediation of environmental pollutants using bacterial, viral and plant recombinants. Molecular biology studies are being conducted in the regulation of xenobiotic metabolism in insects and the development of biochemical and generic assays for monitoring insecticide resistance in IPM. New technologies are being developed in the enzyme-linked immunoassay of small molecules and enzyme-linked DNA/DNA hybridization assays. Novel insect repellents and pesticide delivery technology are under research and development and are at various states of commercialization with industrial partners.
Research and Demonstration

• Juvenile Hormone Regulation
• Tick Endocrinology
• Mechanisms and Management of Insecticide Resistance
• Novel Insecticide Discovery
• Insect Toxicology
• Bioremediation