Jin Xu

Doctor of Philosophy, (Entomology)
Study Completed: 2010
College of Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
Reproductive behaviour of ephestia kuehniella zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

Mr. Jin XU researched the reproductive behaviour of the Mediterranean flour moth, a major stored product pest. Jin’s study shows that the reproductive activities of this insect are highly rhythmic and the reproductive potential of this insect is affected by biotic and abiotic factors. To achieve the maximum reproductive success, both sexes of this insect have evolved various strategies to choose good mates and control sperm use and egg fertilization. Using a chemical marker, Jin cleverly developed a method for paternity test in insects. With this method Jin elucidated the mechanisms males and females used to influence sperm use pattern and egg fertilization. This work has provided a rounded perspective of the reproductive biology in this species, knowledge of which is vital to appraising prospects for further investigation of its sexual selection and pest management, and use as research materials or hosts of parasitoids for biological control.

Supervisors
Professor Qiao Wang
Professor Keqin Zhang
Professor Russell Death