Jeremy Nichol McNeil 
the Helen Battle Professor in the Department of Biology,
University of Western Ontario, is one of Canada's foremost ecological
entomologists, internationally renowned as an outstanding behavioural
and chemical ecologist.
His research program has two main themes. The first, at the interface
between animal behaviour and physiology, examines the reproductive
biology of migratory insects. The second looks at interactions
between insects and plants, as well as those between herbivorous
insects and their natural enemies.
These research projects have contributed significantly to our
fundamental understanding of insect migration in response to habitat
change, and plant-herbivore-natural enemy interactions.
In addition, the information generated has provided insight to
alternate management strategies for the control of insect pests
that are ecologically more acceptable than synthetic insecticides.
Professor McNeil is also very involved in the public awareness of science speaking
to school children and other members of the general public,
in different countries around the world for more than 20 years.
This lecture will take place in Convocation
Hall which is located on the second floor of University Hall
at McMaster University (click here
for a campus map)
This public lecture is free and all are
welcome. To reserve your seat, please call:
905-525-9140, extension 27965
or by e-mail research@mcmaster.ca
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Governor General's Lecture Series RSC: The Academies
(Royal Society of Canada)
at McMaster University
Wednesday October 18, 2006
Convocation Hall 7 pm
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In search of alternatives
to synthetic pesticides: Eavesdropping on Mother Nature
Insects cause considerable losses in
agricultural and forest ecosystems, as well as vectoring
(carrying disease-causing microorganisms from one host
to another) many important diseases of livestock and
man.
Synthetic insecticides are still the backbone of many
pest management programs, as they are fast acting and
can be applied when needed. However, their use/misuse
can also result in a number of undesirable effects,
which include the development of insecticide resistance
in pest species and detrimental impacts on non-target
species, including humans.
Consequently, we must seek alternative means of control
that are acceptable from ecological, economic, and sociological
perspectives.
Chemical ecology, despite what one might think when
hearing the name, offers such alternatives. This interdisciplinary
research field investigates how naturally occurring
chemicals mediate interactions within and between species.
In this presentation, Dr. McNeil will give examples
of how basic research examining the chemical cues insects
use when making decisions about “what to eat”,
“where to lay eggs” and “with whom
to mate” has lead to the development of effective
means of managing certain pest species.
Thus, listening to Nature’s “conversations”
will not only give us a greater appreciation of the
fascinating world around us, but also provide more eco-friendly
ways of controlling pests in the years to come.
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