Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Seminar

October 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hilo Campus, Wentworth 9

TITLE: Host shifting of Rhagoletis pomonella in the wild wild West

SPEAKER: Dr. Sheina Sim
UH Manoa and USDA-ARS, Hilo HI

All are welcome!

As scientists, we don't often have the opportunity to observe the early stages of a biological introduction nor the beginnings of a speciation event. The discovery of the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella, in the western US offers a unique opportunity to study both of these events in an agriculturally and economically important system that is well known as a model for the study of incipient sympatric speciation. Its recently observed introduction to the western United States allows for the testing of hypotheses regarding the origins of western populations. In addition, discovery of its attack on native black hawthorns (Crataegus douglasii) and invasive ornamental hawthorns (C. monogyna) are relevant to studies on sympatric host shifts of phytophagous insects as a result of divergent selection.


Event Sponsor
Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science, Hilo Campus

More Information
Donald Price, 808-974-7365, donaldp@hawaii.edu, http://tcbes.uhh.hawaii.edu/

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