emyr davies

Science

Dr Thomas G. Emyr Davies

Molecular Entomologist

Protecting Crops and the Environment

PUBLICATIONS
Location
Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ
Tel
+44 (0) 1582 938 759
Email
emyr.davies@rothamsted.ac.uk
Professional Platforms
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Research ID
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Associated Websites

Rothamsted Insectary

Biography

Emyr’s research has focused on understanding the molecular basis of target site (voltage-gated sodium channel, ryanodine receptor) resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, DDT and diamide insecticides in agricultural pests and vectors of human disease. His recent research has been exploiting advances in genome editing based on CRISPR to make targeted changes in insect genomes and assess the effect on their phenotypes. Emyr also manages a DEFRA-approved testing facility at Rothamsted for evaluating the effectiveness of crop protection products on a wide range of invertebrate pest species. This facility also provides an interface with the agro-chemical industry and commercial growers where invertebrate pest issues can be identified and discussed – see more at The Rothamsted Insectary.

Strategic Programme

  • Smart Crop Protection (SCP)

PhD Projects

  • Investigating the breakdown of chemical control in brown planthoppers from Asia
  • Investigation and characterisation of diamide insecticide resistance due to target site mutations in the ryanodine receptor of lepidopteran pests
  • New opportunities to investigate insecticide and acaricide ion channel targets through their differential interactions with novel chemical agonists
  • Investigating the molecular and biochemical basis of insecticide selectivity against the solitary bee Osmia bicornis
  • The biological and molecular factors influencing the control of two whitefly species (Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporium) on different host plants
  • Molecular impacts of chronic pesticide exposure on honey bee learning and memory
  • Innovating insect production to counter malnutrition and support aquaculture in Africa

Awards

  • 1990 - PhD in Science - SERC-Case studentship, Institute of Grassland & Environmental Research, Aberystwyth, UK
  • 1986 - Bachelor (Hons) of Science, Plant Biochemistry Department, Swansea University, UK

Measures of Esteem

  • Editorial Board Member: Nature Scientific Reports
  • Editorial Board Member: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Editorial Board Member: Advances in Zoology and Botany
  • Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society