Parasites of Aphids on Wheat and Sorghum in Oklahoma: Identification Based on Empty Mummies

Abstract

The biological control of insects is an important alternative to chemical control, especially with the ever increasing awareness of the impact of toxicants on our environment. I am fortunate to be working in this area of entomology, and I hope that the material reported in this thesis will be useful in future biological control efforts. However, the professional training that is very much a part of a Master's program has been important to my personal development during this study. For introducing me to the role that entomological research fulfills, as well as encouragement in conducting, presenting, and critiqueing that research, I am grateful to Dr. Raymond D. Eikenbary, who served as graduate chairman for my committee. I am indebted to Dr. William A. Drew, not only for serving on my committee, but for.valuable advice and exposure to new ideas and philosophies. I would like to thank Dr. Robert Burton, for serving as a committee member, for encouragement, and for providing greenhouse facilities for a portion of this study. Dr. John Sauer served as a committee member, and I thank him for his advice, as well as his thought-provoking questions that cause one to look beyond the scope of a particular issue.