Steven M. Valles

Research Entomologist

Telephone: (352) 374-5834
Fax: (352) 374-5818
E-mail: steven.valles@ars.usda.gov
http://www.ars.usda.gov/saa/cmave/ifahi/svalles

Education

Ph.D. Entomology (GPA = 4.0). University of Florida (1995). Dissertation: Biochemical Mechanisms Responsible for Stage-Dependent Propoxur Tolerance in the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). Advisor - Simon J. Yu.

M.S. Entomology (GPA = 4.0). University of Florida (1991). Thesis: Development of a Pheromone-Based Monitoring System for the Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Advisor John L. Capinera.

B.S. Biology with Distinction, minor in Chemistry (GPA = 3.6, cum laude). Georgia State University (1989).

Current Research

• Characterization of positive-strand RNA viruses that infect Solenopsis invicta.
• Development of Solenopsis invicta viruses as microbial control agents.
• Development of RNA interference to study functional genomics and pathogenesis in fire ants.
• Examination of microsporidia (Thelohania solenopsae and Vairimorpha invictae) pathogenesis in the fire ant in an attempt to improve infection, sustainability and efficacy.

Refereed Publications

2008

Hashimoto, Y., and S. M. Valles. 2008. Infection characteristics of Solenopsis invicta virus 2 in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. J. Invert. Pathol. 99: 136-140.

Oi, D. H., and S. M. Valles. 2008. Fire ant control with entomopathogens in the USA, pp. 237-257. In A. E. Hajek, T. R. Glare and M. O'Callaghan [eds.], Use of microbes for control and eradication of invasive arthropods. Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Valles, S. M., and Y. Hashimoto. 2008. Characterization of structural proteins of Solenopsis invicta virus 1. Virus Research 136: 189-191.

Valles, S. M., R. M. Pereira, W. B. Hunter, D. H. Oi, C. A. Strong, P. M. Dang, and D. F. Williams. 2008. Solenopsis invicta viruses. United States Patent, Patent No. US 7,332,176 B1, Feb. 19, 2008.

Valles, S. M., C. A. Strong, W. B. Hunter, P. M. Dang, R. M. Pereira, D. H. Oi, and D. F. Williams. 2008. Expressed sequence tags from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta: Annotation and utilization for discovery of viruses. J. Invert. Pathol. 99: 74-81.

2007

Hashimoto, Y., and S. M. Valles. 2007. Solenopsis invicta virus-1 tropism and intra-colony infection rate in the red imported fire ant: A quantitative PCR-based study. J. Invert. Pathol. 96: 156-161.

Porter, S. D., S. M. Valles, T. S. Davis, J. A. Briano, L. A. Calcaterra, D. H. Oi, and A. Jenkins. 2007. Host range of the microsporidian pathogen Vairimorpha invictae at three field sites in Argentina. Florida Entomol. 90: 447-452.

Valles, S. M. 2007. Ethanol preservation of fire ants allows for retrospective screening for Solenopsis invicta virus-1. Florida Entomol. 90: 577-578.

Valles, S. M., and S. D. Porter. 2007. Pseudacteon decapitating flies: potential vectors of a fire ant virus? Florida Entomol. 90: 268-270.

Valles, S. M., C. A. Strong, and Y. Hashimoto. 2007. A new positive-strand RNA virus with unique genome characteristics from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis incivta. Virology 365: 457-463.

Valles, S. M., C. A. Strong, D. H. Oi, S. D. Porter, R. M. Pereira, R. Vander Meer, Y. Hashimoto, L. M. Hooper-Bui, H. Sanchez-Arroyo, T. Davis, V. Karpakakunjaram, K. M. Vail, L. C. Graham, J. A. Briano, L. A. Calcaterra, L. E. Gilbert, R. Ward, K. Ward, J. B. Oliver, G. Taniguchi, and D. C. Thompson. 2007. Phenology, distribution, and host specificity of Solenopsis invicta virus-1. J. of Invert. Pathol. 96: 18-27.

Vander Meer, R. K., R. M. Pereira, S. D. Porter, S. M. Valles, and D. H. Oi. 2007. Area-wide supression of invasive fire ant Solenopsis spp. populations, pp. 487-496. In M. J. B. Vreysen, A. S. Robinson and J. Hendrichs [eds.], Area-wide control of insect pests.

2006

Hashimoto, Y., S. M. Valles, and C. A. Strong. 2006. Detection and quantitation of Solenopsis invicta virus in fire ants by real-time PCR. J. Virological Methods 140: 132-139.

Perera, O. P., S. M. Valles, T. B. Green, S. White, C. A. Strong, and J. J. Becnel. 2006. Molecular annalysis of an occlusion body protein from Culex nigripalpus nucleopolyhedrovirus (CuniNPV). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 91: 35-42.

Valles, S. M., and Y. Chen. 2006. Serendipitous discovery of an RNA virus from the cricket, Acheta domesticus. Florida Entomol. 89: 282-283. http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/

Valles, S. M., O. P. Perera, and C. A. Strong. 2006. Gene structure and expression of the glutathione S-transferase, SiGSTS1, from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology 61: 239-245.

2005

Oi, D. H., J. A. Briano, S. M. Valles, and D. F. Williams. 2005. Transmission of Vairimorpha invictae (Microsporidia: Burenellidae) infections between red imported Wre ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) colonies. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 88: 108-115.

Valles, S. M., and R. M. Pereira. 2005. Solenopsis invicta transferrin: cDNA cloning, gene architecture, and up-regulation in response to Beauveria bassiana infection. Gene 358: 60-66.

Valles, S. M., and R. M. Pereira. 2005. Developmental expression of a transferrin in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Florida Entomologist 88: 541-543.

Valles, S. M., and C. A. Strong. 2005. Solenopsis invicta virus-1A (SINV-1A): Distinct species or genotype of SINV-1? Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 88: 232-237.

2004

Oi, D. H., S. M. Valles, and R. M. Pereira. 2004. Prevalence of Theolohania solenopsae (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae) infection in monogyne and polygyne red imported fire ant (Hymenopera: Formicidae). Environ. Entomol. 33: 340-345.

Valles, S. M. 2004. Insecticides, pp. 1191-1197. In J. L. Capinera [ed.], Encyclopedia of Entomology. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA.

Valles, S. M., and J. A. Briano. 2004. Presence of Thelohania Solenopsae and Vairimorpha invicta in South American Populations of Solenopsis invicta. Florida Entomol. 87: 625-627.

Valles, S. M., D. H. Oi, J. A. Briano, and D. F. Williams. 2004. Simultaneous setection of Vairimorpha invictae (Microsporidia: burenellidae) and Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae) in fire ant by PCR. Florida Entomol. 87: 85-87.

Valles, S. M., C. A. Strong, P. M. Dang, W. B. Hunter, R. M. Pereira, D. H. Oi, A. M. Shapiro, and D. F. Williams. 2004. A picorna-like virus from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta: initial discovery, genome sequence, and characterization. Virology 328: 151-157.

2003

Valles, S. M., and R. M. Pereira. 2003. Hydramethylnon Potentiation in Solenopsis invicta by Infection with the Microsporidian Thelohania solenopsae. Biological Control 27: 95-99.

Valles, S. M., and R. M. Pereira. 2003. Use of ribosomal DNA sequence data to characterize and detect a neogregarine pathogen of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenotera: Formicidae). J. Intervertebrate Pathology 84: 114-118.

Valles, S. M., O. P. Perera, and C. A. Strong. 2003. Purification, biochemical characterization, and cDNA cloning of a Glutathione S-transferase from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. J. Insect Biochem. and Molecular Biol. 33: 981-988.

Valles, S. M., and S. D. Porter. 2003. Identification of polygyne and monogyne fire ant colonies (Solenopsis invicta) by multiplex PCR of Gp-9 alleles. Insectes Sociaux 50: 1-2.

2002

Valles, S. M., D. H. Oi, O. P. Perera, and D. F. Williams. 2002. Detection of Thelohania solenopsae (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae) in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by multiplex PCR. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 81: 196-201.

2001

Valles, S.M. & C.A. Strong. 2001. A microsomal esterase involved in cypermethrin resistance in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 71: 56-67.

Sanchez-Arroyo, H., P.G. Koehler, & S.M. Valles. 2001. Effects of the synergists piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S,-tributylphosphorotrithioate on propoxur pharmacokinetics in Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 1209-1216.

Valles, S.M., F. M. Oi, and C.A. Strong. 2001. Purification and Characterization of trans-Permethrin-Metabolizing Microsomal Esterases from the Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 31: 715-725.

2000

Strong, C.A., S.M. Valles, P.G. Koehler & R.J. Brenner. 2000. Residual Effectiveness of Blatticides Applied to Surfaces Contaminated with German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Feces. Florida Entomol. (In press).

Liu, Z., S.M. Valles & K. Dong. 2000. Novel Point Mutations in the German Cockroach para Sodium Channel Gene are Associated with Knockdown Resistance (kdr) to Pyrethroid Insecticides. Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. (In press).

Valles, S.M., F.M. Oi, T. Wagner, and R. J. Brenner. 2000. Toxicity and In Vitro Metabolism of trans-Permethrin in Eastern Subterranean Termite. J. Econ. Entomol. (In press).

Valles, S.M., K. Dong & R.J. Brenner. 2000. Mechanisms Responsible for Cypermethrin Resistance in a Strain of German Cockroach, Blattella germanica. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 66: 195-205.

1999

Valles, S.M., P.G. Koehler & R.J. Brenner. 1999. Comparative Insecticide Susceptibility and Detoxification Enzyme Activities Among Pestiferous Blattodea. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 124C: 227-232.

Valles, S.M. & R.J. Brenner. 1999. Variation in Hydramethylnon Susceptibility Among Insecticide-Resistant German Cockroaches (Blattodea: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 92: 617-623.

Valles, S.M. 1999. -Cyhalothrin Resistance Detection in the German Cockroach, (Blattodea: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 92: 293-297.

1998

Valles, S.M. 1998. Toxicological and Biochemical Studies with Field Populations of the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 62: 190-200.

Valles, S.M., W.L.A. Osbrink, F.M. Oi, R.J. Brenner, & J.E. Powell. 1998. Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Activity in the Dark Southern Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 91: 1131-1135.

Dong, K., S.M. Valles, M.E. Scharf, B. Zeichner, G.W. Bennett. 1998. The Knockdown Resistance (kdr) Mutation in Pyrethroid-Resistant German Cockroaches. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 60: 195-204.

1997

Valles, S.M. 1997. Stage-Dependent Bendiocarb Tolerance in the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). J. Entomol. Sci. (In Press).

Valles, S.M., H. Sánchez-Arroyo, & P.G. Koehler. 1997. Temperature Effects on -Cyhalothrin Toxicity in Insecticide-Resistant and -Susceptible German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). Florida Entomol. (in press).

Valles, S.M., P.G. Koehler, & R.J. Brenner. 1997. Antagonism of Fipronil Toxicity by Piperonyl Butoxide and S,S,S-Tributyl Phosphorotrithioate in the German Cockroach. J. Econ. Entomol. 90: 1254-1258.

Yu, S.J. & S.M. Valles. 1997. Carboxylamidase Activity in the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Other Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, and Dictyoptera. J. Econ. Entomol. 90: 1521-1527.

Valles, S.M. 1997. A Vacuum-Assisted Apparatus for Collection of Live German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) from the Field. J. Entomol. Sci. 32: 416-420.

1996

Valles, S.M. & S.J. Yu. 1996. German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Gut Contents Inhibit Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenases. J. Econ. Entomol. 89: 1508-1512.

Valles, S.M., S.J. Yu, & P.G. Koehler. 1996. Biochemical Mechanisms Responsible for Stage-Dependent Propoxur Tolerance in the German Cockroach. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 54: 172-180.

Valles, S.M. & S.J. Yu. 1996. Tissue Localization, Developmental Expression, and Induction of Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenases in the German Cockroach. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 54: 31-39.

Valles, S.M., C.A. Strong, & P.G. Koehler. 1996. Inter- and Intra-Instar Food Consumption in the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 79: 171-178.

Valles, S.M. & S.J. Yu. 1996. Detection and Biochemical Characterization of Insecticide Resistance in the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 89: 21-26.

1994

Valles, S.M., S.J. Yu, & P.G. Koehler. 1994. Detoxifying Enzymes in Adults and Nymphs of the German Cockroach: Evidence for Different Microsomal Monooxygenase Systems. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 49: 183-190.

Valles, S.M. & P.G. Koehler. 1994. Influence of Carbon Dioxide Anesthesia on Chlorpyrifos Toxicity in the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 87: 709-713.

1993

Valles, S.M. & J.L. Capinera. 1993. Response of Southern Armyworm, Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Larvae to Selected Botanical Insecticides and Soap. J. Agric. Entomol. 10: 145-153.

Koehler, P.G., C.A. Strong, R.S. Patterson, & S.M. Valles. 1993. Differential Susceptibility of German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Sexes and Nymphal Age Classes to Insecticides. J. Econ. Entomol. 86: 785-792.

1992

Valles, S.M., R.R. Heath, & J.L. Capinera. 1992. Production and Release of Sex Pheromone by Diaphania nitidalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Periodicity, Age, and Density Effects. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 85: 731-735.

Valles, S.M. & J.L. Capinera. 1992. Periodicity of Attraction of Adult Melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata. Florida Entomol. 75:390-392.

1991

Valles, S.M., J.L. Capinera, & P.E.A. Teal. 1991. Evaluation of Pheromone Trap Design, Height, and Efficiency for Capture of Male Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in a Field Cage. Environ. Entomol. 20: 1274-1278.

Other Publications:

Valles, S.M. 2000. What Makes Roaches Resistant? Pest Control Magazine. April: 58-61.

Hashimoto, Y., and S.M. Valles. 2007. Solenopsis invicta virus 1 tissue tropism and intra-colony infection rate in the red imported fire ant: A quantitative PCR-based study. Proceedings of the 2007 Imported Fire Ant Conference, Gainesville, FL, 4/23-25/07.

Vander Meer, R.K., R.M. Pereira, S.D. Porter, S.M. Valles, and D.H. Oi. 2005. Areawide suppression of invasive fire ant populations. FAO/IAEA International Conference, Area-Wide Control of Insects, Proceedings of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, 5/9-13/05.

Oi, D., S.M. Valles, and R. Pereira. 2003. Prevalence of the fire ant pathogen Thelohania solenopsae in monogyne and polygyne colonies. Proceedings of the 2003 Imported Fire Ant Conference, Palm Springs, CA, 3/30-4/1/03.

Valles, S.M. 2001. Membrane-bound Esterase Involvement in Cypermethrin Resistance in the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica. Resistant Pest Management Newsletter. Michigan State University. 11(1): 25-28.

Liu, Z., J. Tan, T-D. Tsai, S. Valles, A. Goldin, & K. Dong. 2001. Knockdown resistance (kdr) to pyrethroid insecticides in the German cockroach. Resistant Pest Management Newsletter. Michigan State University. 11(1): 25.

Valles, S.M. Relationship Between Insecticide Resistance Level and Detoxification Enzyme Activity in the German Cockroach: Can Surrogate Substrates be Used to Detect Resistance? Proceedings of the National Conference on Urban Entomology, 1998.

Valles, S.M., W.L.A. Osbrink, F.M. Oi, R.J. Brenner, and J.E. Powell. Characterization of Cytochrome P450 Monoxygenases in the Dark Southern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes virginicus. Proceedings of the National Conference on Urban Entomology, 1998.

Valles, S.M. 1998. Status of Cockroach Resistance and Field Testing Methods. 1998 Department of Defense Pest Management Workshop, "Force Protection and Environmental Stewardship." 24 February 1998.

Valles, S.M. 2004. "Insecticides" J.L. Capinera [ed.] Encyclopedia of Entomology, Kluwer Academic Press, pp. 40-49.

Valles, S.M. & S.J. Yu. 1997. Insecticide Susceptibility in the German Cockroach: Developmental Aspects. Research Signpost "Recent Research Developments in Entomology" 1: 37-47.

Valles, S.M. 1996. Extension fact sheet on German cockroach biology and management available on the World Wide Web at GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU/~INSECT/.

Valles, S.M. and P.G. Koehler. 1996. Insecticides Used in the Urban Environment: Mode of Action. University of Florida Extension Fact Sheet #ENY-282.

Valles, S.M. 1994. Alternatives to Traditional Pesticides, in, Least Toxic Household Pest Control Using IPM Strategies, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service.