University: University of Lethbridge

E-mail Address: Emily.Barnewall@gmail.com

Advisor(s): Drs. Rosemarie De Clerck-Floate and Cameron Goater

Thesis Title: Plant-insect interactions between yellow toadflax, Linaria vulgaris, and a potential biological control agent, the gall-forming weevil, Rhinusa pilosa.

Keywords: weed biocontrol; gall development, impact, Rhinusa pilosa, Linaria vulgaris.

Research Summary:
My thesis research had two main goals. The first was to investigate the intimate plant-insect interactions that occurs during gall development by studying gall induction and gall development of an unconventional gall-inducer. The second goal was to assess the potential impact of a proposed biocontrol agent in a quarantine study. I assessed not only the ability of the agent to potentially suppress the host, but also assessed the development of the proposed agent on multiple host populations from the invasive range. My study system included the gall-forming weevil, Rhinusa pilosa, and the non-native plant, yellow toadflax, Linaria vulgaris. Conducting detailed investigations into the biology, impact, and development of R. pilosa on populations from the invasive ranges may help predict the efficacy of R. pilosa in the field if approved for release and.goes beyond current pre-release testing requirements.

Degree Sought: M.Sc. in Biological Sciences

Expected Year of Completion: 2011