Conference proceedings

Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. 2023. “Am I overweight?” New insights into Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) pathway in Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). XII European Congress of Entomology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 16-20

Osan, İ., Ghanbari, S., Doğan, C., Toprak, U. 2023. Characterization of a phospholipase A(1)-like protein and its potential role in the lipid metabolism of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). XII European Congress of Entomology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 16-20.

Toprak, U., Doğan, C., Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G. 2023. Silencing FMRFamide-like peptide (FLP) and short neuropeptide F (sNPF) leads to alter lipid metabolism in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). XII European Congress of Entomology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 16-20.

Öztekin, P., Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Akar, E., Özçubukçu, S., Özen, C., Toprak, U. 2023. Comparative efficacy of a recombinant and chemically-synthesized spider toxin peptide against Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). XII European Congress of Entomology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 16-20.

Yılmaz, B., Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Whyard, S., Toprak, U. 2023. New Target Sites in the Control of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) by RNAi: Facilitated Glucose Transporter Member 1-Like (FTG1) and Protein Transport Protein (Sec23A). XII European Congress of Entomology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece, October 16-20.

Ormanoğlu, N., Ferizli, A.G., Emekci, M., Toprak, U. 2023. Mechanism of phosphine resistance in stored product pests. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Ormanoğlu, N., Ferizli, A.G., Emekci, M., Toprak, U. 2023. A Novel approach to control stored product pests: RNA interference. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Öztekin, S.P., Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. 2023. Spider venoms: Exploring their potential as bioinsecticides. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Mehrvar, A., Toprak, U., Seyedian, S.A., Sheramini, M. 2023. Brine shrimp nauplii play a rapid biomarker role in the chemical screening investigations. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Yıldız, İ., Güney Aydın, E., Yıldız, H.S., Sezen, K., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. 2023. Development of a local Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki-based biopesticide effective on the lepidopteran pests. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Yılmaz, B., Söylemezoğlu, G., Gülnaz, O., Toprak, U. 2023. Formulation and characterization of a local Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis: A Promising alternative to chemical control of Culex pipiens (Diptera:Culicidae). 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

İnak, A., Demirci, B., Özdemir, E., Idan, A.Y., Toprak, U., İnak, E., Van Leeuwen, T. 2023. Greenhouse trials and screening of target-site mutations of Bemisia tabaci populations in Türkiye. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Osan, İ., Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. 2023. The regulation of lipid metabolism in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) through RNAi: Insights from gene silencing experiments. 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. 2023. Can Insulin-like peptide 1a (ILP1a) and Insulin-like peptide 4 (ILP4) be good potential targets for RNAi-based pest control in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)? 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Toprak, U., Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G. 2023. The mystery of the self-cannibalize heroes:Silencing Autophagy related 1 (ATG1) and Autophagy related 8 (ATG8) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). 2^nd International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Bursa, Türkiye, May 15-18.

Toprak, U., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Groves, R.L., Heckel, D., Hegedus, D. 2022. Lipid metabolism in diapause. Joint Annual Meeting of Entomological Society of America & Entomological Society of Canada, Vancouver, Canada, November 13-16.

Ghanbari, S., Doğan, C., Toprak, U. 2022. New insights into insulin-signaling pathway in hibernating Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Joint Annual Meeting of Entomological Society of America & Entomological Society of Canada, Vancouver, Canada, November 13-16.

Aydın, A., Gülnaz, O., Durmuşoğlu, E., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. Biological efficacy of two local Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis isolates on mosquito larvae. 8^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Antalya, Türkiye, October 6-8.

Ghanbari, S., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. Synergistic enhancement of a nuclear polyhedrosis virus isolated from Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Türkiye. 8^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Antalya, Türkiye, October 6-8.

Güney Aydın, E., Sezen, K., Söylemezoğlu, G., Toprak, U. Characterization and insecticidal activity of vip3 protein in Bacillus thuringiensis isolates. 8^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Antalya, Türkiye, October 6-8.

Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D., Groves, R.L., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Cedden, D., Heckel, D. 2021. Linking transcriptomics, proteomics and lipidomics in the fat body of the Colorado potato beetle: Highlights of lipid metabolism in relation to diapause. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, USA, October 30-November 3.

 Doğan, C.,  Groves, R.L., Clements, J., Toprak, U., 2021. Identification of endoplasmic reticulum proteins  in the fat body of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) in relation to diapause. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, USA, October 30-November 3.

Toprak, U., Doğan, C. 2020. “Do I have Diabetes?” An insulin-like peptide receptor and an insulin-like growth factor from the fat body of the Colorado potato beetle. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Virtual, USA, November 11-25.

Doğan, C., Toprak, U. 2020. Identification of mitochondrial carrier proteins from the fat body of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Virtual, USA, November 11-25.

Doğan, C., Groves, R.L., Toprak, U. 2020. A new model from the Mid-West to study human lipid metabolism disorders: The Colorado potato beetle. American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology North Central Regional Meeting, Madison, WI, March 7.

• Doğan, C., Güney, G., Bayram Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. A chicken or egg question in lipid research: Does calcium homeostasis affect lipid metabolism or lipid metabolism affect calcium homeostasis? Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
• Güney, G., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Toprak, U. 2019. Peritrophin knock out induces baculovirus infection in Spodoptera littoralis. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
• Doğan, C., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Bayram Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Functional analysis of the Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) in lipid metabolism of Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
• Doğan, C., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Bayram Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Characterization of Seipin and Neuropeptide F genes in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
• Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Further characterization of clock genes in Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
• Cedden, D., Güney, G., Amutkan, D., Suludere, Z., Toprak, U. 2019. SEM and light microscopy of the fat body and digestive system in overwintering Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, St. Louis, USA, November 17-20.
• Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Babaroğlu, N., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of novel hemiptericins in sunnpest, Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae). Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 – August 1.
• Özdemir, E., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U., Evlice, E. 2019. Identification of entomopathogenic nematodes in Central Anatolia with a comparison of two barcoding loci. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 – August 1.
• Doğan, C., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of antimicrobial peptides in wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 – August 1.
• Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Güney, G., Güney, E., Sezen, K., Hegedus, D.D., Heckel, D., Kaydan, M.B. 2019. Temporal midgut transcriptome of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) larvae in response to Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 – August 1.
• Güney, G., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Bayram, Ş., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.D., Sezen, K., Güney, E., Cedden, D., Toprak, U. 2019. Silencing ABC and Cadherin genes in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) treated with Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis Cry δ-endotoxin. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Valencia, Spain, July 28 – August 1.
• Güney, G., Bekkaoui, D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.D., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Bayram, Ş., Kaydan, M.B., Toprak, U. 2019. Characterization of major proteins involved in the lipid metabolism of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Doğan, C., Hänniger, S., Heckel, D.G., Hegedus, D.D., Bayram, Ş., Kaydan, M.B., Toprak, U. 2019. Characterization of calcium-binding proteins in the fat body of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Cedden, D., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of circadian timekeeping genes in Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Köse, E., Toprak, U. Diet, obesity and beyond: Lessons from Insects. 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Aydın, A., Toprak, U., Durmuşoğlu, E. 2019. Bacillus-based bioinsecticides in mosquitoe control: Mode of action and resistance scenarios. 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Doğan, C., Bayram, Ş., Kaydan, M.B., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of fatty acid binding and transport proteins in Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Potential target sites in pest control. 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Babaroğlu, N., Ertürk, S., Kaydan, M.B., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D.D. 2019. 1^st Comparative midgut proteomics from feeding and hibernating Sunnpest, Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae). 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Babaroğlu, N., Ertürk, S., Kaydan, M.B., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Hegedus, D. 2019. Comparative fat body transcriptomics and proteomics from feeding, aestivating and hibernating wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults. 1^st International Molecular Plant Protection Congress, Adana, Turkey, April 10-13.
• Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Güney, G., Doğan, C., Sezen, K., Heckel, D. 2019. Cathepsins are downregulated in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae) larvae during Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis 7^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
• Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş. 2019. The antimicrobial lysozymes are active in hibernating wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). 7^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
• Yusuf Idan, A., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of midgut lysozymes in sunn pest Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae). 7^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
• Gürkan, M.O., Baldwin, D., Toprak, U. 2019. Identification of a new Spodotera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate from Turkey. 7^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.
• Aydın, A., Durmuşoğlu, E., Toprak, U. 2019. An Evaluation on the resistance of select insects against Bacillus-based biopesticides. 7^th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Kayseri, Turkey, September 11-13.

• Toprak, U. 2018. Use of molecular techniques in the studies of insecticide resistance. The Symposium for Phosphine Resistance in Stored Grain Pests, Plant Health Central Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey, July 11.

Hegedus, D., Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C. 2017. Insight into the structure and formation of the lepidopteran peritrophic matrix based on studies of the bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata). Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, USA, November 5-8.
Caner, E., Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Hegedus, D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Erlandson, M., Heckel, D. 2017. The molecular architecture of Leptinotarsa decemlineata peritrophic matrix: Implication of the first model in a beetle system. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, USA, November 5-8.
Toprak, U. 2017. Mass production and storage possibilities of the biocontrol agent, Turkish Strain of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus. 28th International Scientific-Expert Conference of Agriculture and Food Industry, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 27-29.
Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Hegedus, D. 2017. Silencing chitin deacetylase, insect intestinal mucin and response to pathogen genes in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae): Increases and decreases in the biological activity of baculoviruses. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, August 13-17.
Toprak, U. 2017. First report of iflavirus infection in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, August 13-17.
Caner, E., Toprak, U., Bayram, Ş., Hegedus, D., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Erlandson, M., Heckel, D. 2017. Modeling peritrophic matrix defense against pathogens infecting per os in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae). Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, August 13-17.
Veli, A., Caner, E., Güney, G., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2017. Identification of putative coleoptericins in Leptinotarsa decemlieneata (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae). 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Toprak, U. 2017. Comparison of liquid and powder formulations of Turkish strain of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus on Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Güney, G., Caner, E., Gömeç, S., Gürkan, M.O., Toprak, U. 2017. Effect of synergistics targeting peritrophic matrix on baculoviral activity under laboratory conditions. 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Caner, E., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2017. A novel immunity related protein of the peritrophic matrix that enriches the innate defense against per os infective entomopathogens. 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Caner, E., Toprak, U. 2017. Resistance mechanisms of insects against Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins: Perspectives and recent insights. 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Kayretli, D., Güney, G., Caner, E., Bayram, Ş., Toprak, U. 2017. Identification of retroviral elements expressed in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) midgut. 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.
Köse, E., Doğan, C., Güler, A., Güney, G., Toprak, U. 2017. Entomopathogenic viruses as biological control agents in Turkey. 6th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Tokat, Turkey, September 14-16.

Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Erlandson, M. 2016. New insights into lepidopteran peritrophic matrix synthesis. In the symposium “Insect biocomposites: cuticles and peritrophic matrices”. International Congress of Entomology, Orlando, FL, USA, September 25-30.

Ozdemir, E., Toprak, U., Çavdar, S., Bekkaoui,D., Hegedus, D. 2015. New target sites in pest control: Examining the role of REPAT Proteins in defence against baculoviruses. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, August 9-13.
Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Ozdemir, E., Baldwin, D., Coutu, C., Bekkaoui, D., Bayram, Ş., Gurkan, M.O. 2015. Peritrophic matrix proteomics of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae): Targets for pathogens infecting per os. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada, August 9-13.
Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O., Gömeç, S., Özdemir, E., Caner, E. 2015. Efficacy of different formulations of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus with synergistics targeting midgut defense under greenhouse conditions. 5th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D. 2015. Relating peritrophic matrix structure and function to baculovirus efficacy. 5th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
Gömeç, S., Özdemir, E., Caner, E., Hegedus, D., Toprak, U. 2015. Modeling midgut defense in response to pathogens in Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). 5th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
Özdemir, E., Toprak, U., Bekkaoui, D., Hegedus, D., Gömeç, S., Caner, E., Canlı, H. 2015. Insect intestinal mucins in Spodoptera littoralis: Sacrifices of baculoviral infections. 5th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.
Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O., Erlandson, M. 2015. Morphological, biochemical, and phylogenetic analyses of Turkish isolate of Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus. 5th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Congress, Ankara, Turkey, September 9-11.

Toprak, U., Çavdar, S. 2014. Enhancing baculoviral activity by synergistics targeting insect midgut physiology. International Conference on Biopesticides 7 (ICOB 7), Antalya, Turkey, 19-25 October.
Toprak, U., Guz, N. 2014. Four important actors of lipid metabolism in sunn pest, Eurygaster spp. (Hemiptera:Scutelleridae): Adiphokinetic hormone, protein kinase, trigliceride lipase, lipophorin. 5th Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
Guz, N., Toprak, U. 2014. Molecular characterization of genes related to metabolic resistance in sunn pest. 5th Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
Dağeri, A., Guz, N., Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2014. Molecular aspects of sunn pest embryo development: The Vitellogenins. 5th Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
Toprak, U., Demirci, Y., Guz, N., Hegedus, D.D., Coutu, C., Baldwin, D., Yurtkuran, Z., Gürkan, M.O., Bayram, Ş. 2014. Potential midgut genes that could be targeted in the control of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). 5th Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.
Toprak, U., Guz, N., Demirci, Y. 2014. Midgut genomics of overwintering sunn pest. 5th Plant Protection Congress, Antalya, Turkey, February 3-5.

Toprak, U., Hegedus, D.D., Erlandson, M.A., Theilmann, D. 2013. Baculovirus-insect peritrophic matrix interaction: Can we develop more effective baculoviruses using the knowledge on enhancin-insect intestinal mucin substrate specificity? 4th Entomopathogens and Microbial Control Symposium, Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Turkey, September 11-14.
Toprak, U., Yurtkuran, Z., Aşutlu, G., Demirci, Y., Gürkan, M.O. 2013. An alternative to chemical insecticides in pest control: The baculoviral biopesticides and their formulation. 4th Ecology Congress, Tekirdağ, Turkey, Mayıs 2-4.

• Guz, N., Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Coutu, C., Dageri, A., Mousavi, M., Bayram, Ş, and Gurkan, M.O. 2012. Comparative fat body transcriptome analysis of sunn pest in overwintering and summer populations. 24^th International Congress of Entomology, Daegue, South Korea, 19-26 August.

• Hegedus, D., Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Baldwin, D. 2011. Synthesis and architecture of the Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix. 6^th International Symposium on Molecular Insect Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2-5 October.

• Toprak,U., Baldwin, D., Hegedus, D., Gillott, C., Harris, S., Theilmann, D., Erlandson, 2010. Mamestra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus enhancin substrate specificity and insect intestinal mucin structural types. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Trabzon, Turkey, July 11-15.
• Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Hegedus, D., Gillott, C., Erlandson, M. A new target in insect control: peritrophic matrix. Annual Meeting of the Canadian Society of Agronomy, Saskatoon, Canada, June 20-24.

• Toprak, U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2009. Mucins “on guard”?: Impact of a baculovirus metalloprotease on Mamestra configurata insect intestinal mucins. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, USA, December 13-16.
• Hegedus, D., Erlandson M.A., Toprak, U., Gillott, C., Karcz, S. 2009. Recent insights into the structure of the Mamestra configurata Type I peritrophic matrix. 8^th International Workshop on Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera, Orthodox Academy of Crete Kolympari, Crete, Greece, August 23-29.
• Erlandson, M.A., Ethier, S., Toprak, U., Hegedus, D., Theilmann, D.A. 2009. Baculoviruses associated with Mamestra configurata (bertha armyworm): Role of viral enhancing factor (vef) in the infection process. 8^th International Workshop on Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera, Orthodox Academy of Crete Kolympari, Crete, Greece, August 23-29.
• Toprak , U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott , C., Hegedus, D. 2009. Mucins “always on guard”: Characterization of insect intestinal mucins in Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). University of Saskatchewan, Biology Department Graduate Student Symposium, Saskatoon, Canada, April 9.

• Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2008. Characterization of new proteins from the Mamestra configurata International Symposium on Insect Midgut Biology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China, April 7-11.
• Toprak , U., Baldwin, D., Erlandson, M., Gillott , C., and Hegedus, D. 2008. Mucins “always on guard”: Characterization of insect intestinal mucins in Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Entomological Society of Saskatchewan Annual Meeting, Saskatoon, Canada, December 5.

Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of seven new proteins from Type-I lepidopteran peritrophic matrix. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA, December 9-12.
Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of six new Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix proteins and interaction of MacoNPV enhancin with insect intestinal mucins. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Quebec City, Canada, August 12-16.
Erdoğan, T., Gürkan, M.O., Toprak, U. 2007. Detoxification enzymes of Spodoptera littoralis infected with a baculovirus. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Quebec City, Canada, August 12-16.
Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of three new insect intestinal mucins from lepidopteran peritrophic matrix and interaction of MacoNPV enhancin with McIIM1. Entomological Society of Canada Annual Meeting, Saskatoon, Canada, Sep 29-Oct 3.
Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. Characterization of six new proteins from the lepidopteran peritrophic matrix: A new structural model. PUBS Annual Meeting, Regina, Canada, February 22-24.
Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2007. The newer model of lepidopteran peritrophic matrix with six new proteins. University of Saskatchewan, Biology Department Graduate Student Symposium, Saskatoon, Canada, April 10.

• Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2006. Towards a functional model for Type-I lepidopteran peritrophic matrix. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, U.S.A., December 10-13.
• Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D., Li, Q. 2006. Characterization of MacoNPV enhancin and its interaction with Mamestra configurata peritrophic matrix proteins. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Wuhan, China, August 27-September 1.
• Susurluk, H., Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2006. Impact of SDS in baculovirus occlusion body purification buffer on biological activity. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Wuhan, China, August 27-September 1.
• Toprak, U., Erlandson, M., Gillott, C., Hegedus, D. 2006. A new model of lepidopteran peritrophic matrix. Entomological Society of Saskatchewan Annual Meeting, Saskatoon, Canada, December 7.
• Toprak, U., Gillott, C., Erlandson, M., Hegedus, D. 2006. The role of enhancin in baculovirus pathogenesis and its interaction with the peritrophic matrix. University of Saskatchewan, Biology Department Graduate Student Symposium, Saskatoon, Canada, April 4.

• Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. Enhancement in activity of Turkish SpliNPV-B to Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) by an optical brightener. Society for Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting, Anchorage, USA, August 7-11.
• Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. A friendly insect pest control strategy for environment: The Baculoviruses. II. International Environmental Protection Symposium, Dumlupınar University, Kütahya, Turkey, September 8-10.
• Toprak, U., Gürkan, M.O. 2005. An alternative management model of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to chemical control. II. International Environmental Protection Symposium, Dumlupınar University, Kütahya, Turkey September 8-10