The response of phytophagous insects to environmental changes is not passive. They respond to stress through neurohormonally mediated physiological changes and compensatory mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and overcome harmful effects of the stressors. The subproject "Responses of phytophagous pest insects to environmental stressors" (led by Dr. Vesna Perić-Mataruga) deals with the adaptation and plasticity of insects (Limantria dispar, Tenebrio molitor,...) to environmental changes. The effects of magnetic fields, chemicals (cadmium; plant allelochemicals - tannic acid, quercetin; nutritional deficiency) and high temperature (~35°C) on life history traits (survival, development, growth) and physiological parameters (neuroendocrine responses; digestive reorganization; stress proteins – Hsp, antioxidative and detoxification enzymes) are monitored. The results clarify the mechanisms underlying adaptation of insects to stressors and physiological responses that can serve as biomarkers of environmental changes.
Project team:
Dr. Branka Petković, project leader
Collaborators:
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National University in Novi Pazar:
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