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The goal of this research was to characterize and manipulate insect species via their Ionotropic Receptor (IR) genes with the hope to combat agricultural pests and disease vectors.This work includes an investigation into insects’ ability to sense atmospheric humidity, through the use of mutant Drosophila melanogaster IR40a strains. Canton-S W118, the mutant OR83(b) and two IR40a mutants were tested in 20/70% and 70/70% Relative Humidity Gradient Behavioral Two-Choice Assays to test for Hygrosensation responses.Additionally, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized to create IR25a and IR40a mutant Aedes aegypti. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was fine-tuned for A. aegypti in this thesis and was able to demonstrate Generation Zero transformation in both genes at rates comparable, if not above, the prior publications which investigate the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in mosquitoes.

The goal of this research was to characterize and manipulate insect species via their Ionotropic Receptor (IR) genes with the hope to combat agricultural pests and disease vectors.This work includes an investigation into insects’ ability to sense atmospheric humidity, through the use of mutant Drosophila melanogaster IR40a strains. Canton-S W118, the mutant OR83(b) and two IR40a mutants were tested in 20/70% and 70/70% Relative Humidity Gradient Behavioral Two-Choice Assays to test for Hygrosensation responses.Additionally, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized to create IR25a and IR40a mutant Aedes aegypti. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was fine-tuned for A. aegypti in this thesis and was able to demonstrate Generation Zero transformation in both genes at rates comparable, if not above, the prior publications which investigate the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in mosquitoes.

Repellents are important prophylactic tools for travelers and populations living in endemic areas of malaria, dengue, encephalitis, and other vector-borne diseases. DEET is a safe, broad spectrum repellent, which provides complete protection over a long period of time. Despite its low cost, more affordable alternatives are highly desirable, particularly for those in endemic areas where cost is an impediment. Alternative compounds like IR 3535 and picaridin have been developed using molecular modeling, but the lack of knowledge of the molecular target(s) for DEET has retarded progress towards low cost alternatives. It is known that DEET acts at a distance as an odorant as well as by direct contact, i.e., as a tastant, although DEET reception is primarily mediated by the olfactory system. There is unambiguous evidence that olfactory receptor neurons are involved, and that an odorant receptor co-receptor Orco is essential for DEET reception. In the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, DEET triggers repellence by direct activation of an odorant receptor, CquiOR136, which is also sensitive to a plant defense compound, methyl jasmonate.