CONGRATULATIONS TO RENEE PRASAD, THE WINNER OF THE 2004 COMSTOCK AWARD (GRAD STUDENT OF THE YEAR) FOR THE PACIFIC BRANCH OF THE ESA!! 
 

Welcome to...

THE SNYDER LAB HOMEPAGE

 

Research Interests

We study the ecology of predators and parasitoids, using a combination of large-scale field experiments and behavioral studies in the laboratory. We work at the interface between basic and applied ecology. Biological control is a rigorous test of how well we really understand predator-prey interactions, because we try to manipulate agricultural systems to increase the effectiveness of natural enemies. 

The focus of our research has been untangling the complex ecological role of generalist predators. These predators feed not only on herbivores, but also on other predators. Thus, generalist predators can either contribute to biological control by eating pests, or interrupt biological control by eating other natural enemies. 

Right now the Big Questions in the lab are:

  1. Does greater biodiversity among natural enemies lead to more effective biocontrol? More predator species might provide a broader-based attack on different pest life stages, but also might provide more opportunities for predators to feed on one another. In a series of field experiments, we have been experimentally manipulating the natural enemies of aphids to investigate whether a more diverse group of predators reduces the likelihood of pest outbreaks.
  2. Can we strengthen biological control by diversifying on-farm habitats? We are attempting to increase predator densities, and thus herbivore suppression, by providing undisturbed in-field refuges for natural enemies. Here our study system is smaller mixed vegetable farms on the west side of Washington.
  3. Do alternative prey alter the strength of herbivore regulation by predators? Alternative (non-pest) prey can improve biological control, if these prey supplement predator nutrition and thereby increase overall predator densities, or disrupt pest control, if non-pest prey distract predators from feeding on target pests.
  4. Are there important ecological links between soil fertility and the biological control of insects? Organic and other cropping systems under the larger heading of "sustainable agriculture" seek to build organic matter in soil. We are examining whether increased organic matter in the soil provides supplemental food for detritivores, who in turn might serve as supplemental prey to predators.
Washington is very diverse ecologically, with equally diverse agriculture.  More than 100 crops are grown here, providing opportunities for students to find a system that matches almost any question of interest.

Address
Department of Entomology
Washington State University
Pullman, WA  99164-6382
phone: 509/335-3724
fax: 509/335-1009
E-mail: wesnyder@wsu.edu

Predators on wildflowers planted as a refuge for natural enemies.
 
 

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