Parasitoids, DNA barcoding, and food webs

UPDATE Dec 2011: Postdoc available- see Research Openings. We are applying sensitive DNA barcoding approaches to understand host parasitoid interactions in agricultural systems. We are now able to screen the host species of parasitoid wasps (e.g. aphids) for the presence of parasitoid DNA using rapid PCR techniques. These studies allow a different way to understand both food webs and natural control of agricultural pests. See Research Openings page for more details.