Geographic variation in the Drosophila suzukii susceptibility to its coevolved larval parasitoids

Research theses
Abstract

This internship for master’s degree thesis will investigate the interactions between different Italian populations of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii and two coevolved Asian larval parasitoids. The activities will be carried out via laboratory bioassays for assessing key biological (e.g., degree of parasitism, encapsulation rate) and physiological parameters (e.g., hemocyte count) of such interactions. The MS student will be actively involved in colony maintenance, literature review, experimental bioassays, and data analysis, under the close supervision of the thesis advisor. The thesis will provide the candidate with valuable experience in ecological and applied pest control and management. Other similar projects will be available in the near future.

Keywords
immune escape
Master
Plant health
sustainability
ERC sector(s)
LS Life Sciences
Thesis supervisor
Name supervisor
Antonio Biondi
E-mail
antonio.biondi@unict.it
University of Catania (UNICT), Italy
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Name of the host University
University of Catania (UNICT)
EUNICE partner e-mail of destination Research
eunice@unict.it
Country
Italy
Student profile
Thesis level
Master
PhD
Minimal language knowledge requisite
English B1
Additional info
Start date
Length of the research internship
6 months
Financial support available (other than E+)
No
Research interests for cooperation opportunities
Motivated students are warranted for lab bioassays, supervised by prof. Biondi and a post-doc. Authorship/co-authorship on a manuscript for potential publication on a top-ranked journal is expected