Using DNA Sequences to Determine the Geographic Origins of Agriculturally Important Invasive Leafmining Flies

The increased global movement of people and goods has resulted in introduction of agricultural pests into new areas. Understanding the patterns and processes of colonization by introduced species is crucial in planning interventions and management strategies. However, determining the origin and colonization patterns of invasive species can be difficult. Molecular markers such as DNA sequence data can help determine the history of movement by an invasive species. Liriomyza huidobrensis is a leafmining fly that feeds within leaf tissue of crops, including potatoes and beans. Although native to South America, it has spread throughout the world and is of great concern. Understanding the origin and pathways of dispersion can determine the means of spread, possibly leading to the development of interception and control programs. We analyzed 2125 base pairs of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase genes (COI & COII) in a phylogeographic approach to uncover distribution of genetic variation of L. huidobrensis. Our phylogeographic analysis of mitochondrial COI and COII found substantial geographic structure within L. huidobrensis in its native range, but almost none within and between invasive populations around the world.The data suggest that the invasive populations trace to the Peru/Ecuador region. We are collecting additional data to test this hypothesis.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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Holi is a spring festival in India and Nepal, also known as the festival of colors or the festival of sharing love. It is also celebrated in Pakistan, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Mauritius, and Fiji. It is celebrated in the month of Phalgun on full moon day according to Hindu calendar. 

 This colorful festival also celebrates the eternal love of Radha and Krishna.It teaches humankind to transcend above the caste and creed. It is a festival to forget old grievances and meeting others with great warmth & high spirit. This festival begins with lightening of bonfire on Holi eve. Next day, people play Holi with different types of colors, abirs and gulals. They greet each other with "Shubh Holi" i.e. Happy Holi and send warm wishes of the festival. 

Click the following link for a brief video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaysqwFoVOE

Make sure you look out for The Hindu Students Council’s Holi event, to celebrate the festival of colors! It is on April 15th at 4pm on the Quad and is free for everyone!

Urban Resources Initiative Internships in Baltimore

Summer 2016

For descriptions of the internship projects listed below visit their website.

Opportunities with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks:

·         Conservation and Archiving of the Records of the Recreation Division

·         Park and Recreation Program Promotion

·         Park or Recreation Center User Survey

·         Outdoor Recreation Activities/Healthy Baltimore Initiative

·         Weed Warriors Program Tracking & Outreach

·         Recreation Center or Aquatics Program Assistant

·         Documenting Property Values and Community Perceptions Near  Major Parks

·         Assist Development of a Plan for a Major Park

Opportunities with the Parks & People Foundation:

·         Buried Hydrologic Resource Overlay Mapping

·         Vacant Lot Re-Use: Assessing Vacant Lot Maintenance and Stewardship

·         Growing Green Initiative: Resource Guide

·         Community Greening Resource Network (CGRN) Assistant

·         Urban Ecology Education (Baltimore Ecosystem Study)

Skill Set Required: 

See the web site listing for specific skills, background, and interests for each of the internships.

Preferred Areas of Study/Major(s):

Environmental Science/Studies and other liberal arts majors

Some Details:

In Baltimore, MD

Summer 2016 (June-August)

15-20 hours per week

Flexible Workdays

Application Requirements: 

Priority Application Deadline: April 15, 2016

Required Documentation:

Resume, Cover Letter, Other - Faculty contact for reference

To apply, go to www.parksandpeople.org/learn/urban-resources-initiative

URI has provided internships for Baltimore-area students with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and with the Parks & People Foundation for over 25 years.