Our research interests are rather broad, covering both basic and applied problems in agricultural and natural ecosystems. We are very interested in how plant-herbivore interactions are influenced by anthropogenic pollution of air (ozone, acidic precipitation) and water (heavy metals and metalloids). As part of this work, we are investigating how increasing concentrations of contaminants impact plant physiology, and how any resulting chemical or growth changes may impact insect development and behavior. We are also interested in how pollutants will change gene expression and defensive chemical production in genetically modified plants. These studies on plant physiology have stimulated additional interests in how and when plants can compensate for insect damage. Although initially of a basic physiological nature, most of this work ultimately finds practical application in economic threshold development, IPM, and natural ecosystem management.