The goal of this research was to characterize and manipulate insect species via their Ionotropic Receptor (IR) genes with the hope to combat agricultural pests and disease vectors.

This work includes an investigation into insects’ ability to sense atmospheric humidity, through the use of mutant Drosophila melanogaster IR40a strains. Canton-S W118, the mutant OR83(b) and two IR40a mutants were tested in 20/70% and 70/70% Relative Humidity Gradient Behavioral Two-Choice Assays to test for Hygrosensation responses.

Additionally, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was utilized to create IR25a and IR40a mutant Aedes aegypti. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was fine-tuned for A. aegypti in this thesis and was able to demonstrate Generation Zero transformation in both genes at rates comparable, if not above, the prior publications which investigate the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in mosquitoes.