CUP Undergraduate Research
Title
Insecticides and Invertebrate Neurophysiology: Testing the Efficacy of Caffeine as an Insecticide
Date of Award
Spring 4-1-2018
Document Type
Restricted Access Thesis
College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Math & Science
Degree Name
Biology, BA
First Advisor
Wayne Tschetter, Ph.D.
Abstract
All organisms have adapted to escape or fight predators to ensure their own survival. Chrysanthemum flowers have insecticidal properties through a natural compound called pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is neurotoxic to insects but is not photostable. With the growth of human population and environmental changes, pyrethrin has been artificially modified into compounds known as pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are neurotoxic, photostable, and insoluble in water. The widespread use of pyrethroids in agricultural pesticides, has led to an increased concern for the affected non-target species. This study looked at the effect of pyrethroids on insect neurophysiology and tested the efficacy of a proposed natural insecticide, caffeine. Our results suggest that caffeine is an effective insecticide toward the common house cricket. Furthermore, data showed increased neuronal activity prior to decline and death as a result of a depolarized membrane of neurons. This thesis also discusses the complications and future directions of finding an organic, yet effective insecticide.