Ames, Iowa
January 12, 2009
Aphid researchers, including those
working on soybean aphid, will refine their defense strategies
against aphids at a research symposium on Jan. 16 in Ames. The "Second
ISU Aphid Research Symposium" is one of the
faculty-organized events being sponsored by the
Office of Biotechnology
as part of its 25th anniversary celebration in 2009.
According to symposium organizers, the event is being held to
enhance awareness of aphid-related research at Iowa State,
exchange ideas, identify areas of emphasis for future research
and explore possibilities for new research collaborations.
"The economic importance of aphids, the soybean aphid in
particular, is increasing in Iowa," said Bryony Bonning, an
entomologist at Iowa State and one of the symposium organizers.
"Ongoing research into aphid biology, aphid-plant interaction
and management will play a key role in sustainable crop
production in Iowa, especially as the adoption of biorenewable
crops presents new aphid-related challenges."
The one-day symposium will be held in the Ensminger Room, 1204
Kildee Hall, from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. The day begins with
keynote speaker Dr. Fiona Goggin, University of Arkansas, who
will speak on the molecular and physiological bases for plant
defenses against aphids. The symposium will highlight both
current and future potential research needs relating to invasion
of the soybean aphid, changing agricultural practices in
response to the bioeconomy and climate change.
For more information about the "Second ISU Aphid Research
Symposium," contact symposium organizers Bryony Bonning, (515)
294-1989,
bbonning@iastate.edu or Matthew O'Neal, (515)
294-8622, oneal@iastate.edu.
Registration is free. To register, contact Dai Nguyen at
dna112@iastate.edu.
In addition to the Office of Biotechnology 25th anniversary
celebration, other sponsors of the symposium include the
university's Center for Plant Responses to Environmental
Stresses and the Iowa Soybean Association.
The Office of Biotechnology was established at
Iowa State University in
1984 as part of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research to
offer innovative programs in biotechnology research, education,
outreach and technology transfer. A Biotechnology Council of
leading biotechnology faculty from the Colleges of Agriculture
and Life Sciences, Engineering, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and
Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine makes funding and program
recommendations. The Office of Biotechnology has provided $13.8
million to more than 128 new faculty to help them initiate their
research programs. It has awarded more than 200 fellowships for
outstanding graduate students. The office operates
state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities that serve on- and
off-campus researchers. The Biotechnology Outreach Education
Center of the Office of Biotechnology trains educators and
students throughout the year, provides free laboratory supplies
for K-12 and extension educators throughout Iowa, and develops
innovative new curricula. The office helps fund a full-time
biotechnology liaison who works with faculty and industry to
facilitate interactions that promote research, economic
development and technology transfer. |
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