The Genetic Stock Center for the German Cockroach

An Irreplaceable Resource for Research

The Virginia Tech Department of Entomology is an internationally recognized leader in research on the German cockroach. A long term commitment to developing a formal genetics of this insect, along with research on its biology, cytogenetics, behavior and insecticide resistance, has resulted in the establishment of a Genetic Stock Center.

The stocks are a resource unique to Virginia Tech. They constitute the only formal genetics for a hemimetabolous insect. Also, they are needed to detect, understand, and utilize genetic variation in order to devise optimum control strategies, as well as in research on the genetics of insecticide resistance and other traits important to cockroach pest management.

To better help you around the world of cockroach genetics, this page is linked with:

Color pictures of some mutant cockroaches!!!

A list of mutants currently on hand at Virginia Tech, with a brief description of appearance and inheritance.

A list of the chromosome aberration stocks that are also currently maintained.

A list of the stocks that are physiologically resistant to various insecticides.

A linkage map showing the relationships of the mutants, chromosome aberrations and genes for resistance.

 

In the past, researchers around the world have benefitted from the Genetic Stock Center because cockroaches were sent to those who requested them for their work, without charge for the shipments. However, at present, mutant stocks cannot be provided. We hope that increased giving to the endowment will allow us to resume this service. If you have questions, please contact Dr. M.H. Ross, mross@vt.edu

To protect this unique resource, the Department of Entomology has begun a campaign to establish an endowment that will generate enough interest revenue to pay for the permanent operating costs of the Genetic Stock Center. A generous lead-off contribution was given by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

For a prospectus of this endowment or a complete catalogue of mutants, please contact:

Dr. Mary H. Ross or Dr. D.E. Mullins
Department of Entomology
216 Price Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0319

Tel: (703) 231-5844

Fax: 703-231-9131

E-Mail: mross@vt.edu
or mullinsd@vt.edu

Entomology home page/ Photo Album/ Linkage map/ List of mutants/ Chromosome aberrations/ Insecticide resistant stocks