Research topics: Insect physiology, behavior, and chemical ecology
Research program: My research background and interests are in the areas of insect-plant relationships and insect chemical ecology. Current research projects involve discovery and development of plant-produced chemicals as insect pest management tools against such insect pests as the striped cucumber beetle, Colorado potato beetle, Mexican bean beetle, green peach aphid and velvetbean caterpillar. I am also investigating the synergism of visual and odor cues used by the striped cucumber beetle and the blueberry maggot fruit fly in host location and acceptance. There are laboratory, greenhouse and field components of each study, and collaborations with other researchers across a range of disciplines are common. Students learn several techniques and procedures in their experimentation, including electrophysiology, insecticide toxicology, and insect behavioral ecology and pest management.
Current Research Projects
Selected Publications
Alford, A.R., and K.D. Murray. 2000. Prospects for citrus limonoids in insect pest management. American Chemical Society Symposium Series 758: 201-211.
Cross, B.A., R.A. McNamee, D.E. O'Day-Senior, R.A. Samuels, C.H. Tenney, and A.R. Alford. 2000. Genetically modified foods: an analysis of issues, perceptions, and concerns by University of Maine honors program students. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on the Economics of Agricultural Biotechnology, International Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology Research, pp. 846-857.
Murray, K.D., S. Hasigawa, and A.R. Alford. 1999. Antifeedant activity of citrus limonoids against Colorado potato beetle: comparison of aglycones and glucosides. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 92: 331-334.
Gallandt, E.R., E.B. Mallory, A.R. Alford, F.A. Drummond, E. Groden, M. Liebman, M.C. Marra, J.C. McBurnie, and G.A. Porter. 1998. Comparison of alternative pest and soil management strategies for Maine potato production systems. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 13: 146-161.
Silk, P.J., L.P.S. Kuenen, A.R. Alford, G.C. Lonergan, and G.G. Grant. 1997. Sex pheromone components of the oak leaf shredder, Croesia semipurpurana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Canadian Entomologist 129: 1001-1008.
Alford, R. 1996. Semiochemicals in potato insect pest management: a sustainable approach to IPM. pp. 81-94. In: G. Boiteau, and R.M. Duchesne, Eds., Potato Pest Control: Development of a Sustainable Approach. Minister of Agriculture Quebec and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Other publications from this laboratory