The H-SC Genetics class’ work with Virginia Tech researchers continued this with a visit from Professor Dorothea Tholl and her undergraduate student Brendan Karlstrand.

Dr. Tholl introduces her research work to the class

The students were introduced to the fungus gnat (Bradysia) and how its larvae feed on the roots of the Arabisopsis thaliana plants they starting growing 2 weeks ago.  Different lines of A. thaliana were planted with mutations in genes that affect the plant’s ability to defend itself against being eaten by these larvae, and the goal of the project is to understand the effect these mutations will have on plant chemical defense mechanisms.

Dr. Tholl shows the students how to prepare the plants for infestation

Thinning out the plants

Cutting the bridal veil-----in this case, it'll be used for insect netting

The students carefully infested half of their plants with the fungus gnat larvae provided and left the other half uninfested for comparison.  The results after 2 weeks exposure will be used for both the H-SC Genetics class and for Dr. Tholl’s research program at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech student Brendan Karlstrand demonstrates to the class how to isolate and infest the plants with fungus gnat larvae