RESEARCH TOPICS FOR XXXIX CYCLE – Selection procedure for one position with grant on the specific topic “Sustainable management of insecticide-resistant aphid populations through integrated biological control strategies”
Title of the Research Topic: Sustainable management of insecticide-resistant aphid populations through integrated biological control strategies
1 (one) position with grant with PNRR DM 117/2023 funds, Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 3.3 for research activities at Koppert Italia Srl
Scientific Tutor: Prof. Lara Maistrello
Research topic: Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae), are insects capable of causing serious damage in a short time to various crops of great economic interest (orchards, vegetables, herbaceous plants) both in greenhouses and in open fields. In recent years in various countries, including Italy and the Netherlands (respectively headquarters of the promoter Koppert Italia and of the parent company Koppert B.V.) there has been an increase in the populations of insecticide-resistant aphids, with important repercussions in terms of increase in their impact on various crops and increasing difficulties in the management of these insects. This project aims to provide concrete solutions in the management of resistant aphid populations, through the identification, application and implementation of alternative sustainable strategies to the currently used insecticide products. In particular, focusing on specific targets of particular interest (e.g. Myzus persicae and Aphis gossipyii) the effectiveness of the integration of different biological control strategies focused on the use of entomophagous (predators and parasitoids) and entomopathogenic organisms will be evaluated and behavioral manipulation strategies to effectively reduce aphid populations and associated economic losses in specific situations. Planned activities are in line with the "From producer to fork" strategy, as they aim to enhance the ecosystem service of biological control by natural antagonists, promoting a virtuous system of progressive reduction of synthetic insecticides in agroecosystems, thus also significantly contributing to the restoration of biodiversity.
The PhD candidate will carry out the research and training activities mainly at the Applied Entomology Laboratory and at least 12 months at the Koppert Italia facilities, in particular during the summer periods of the three years to carry out tests in the greenhouse and in the field. The period abroad will be at least 6 months and will be carried out in part at the Koppert B.V. headquarters in the Netherlands and at a research institution able to offer skills and instruments not available at other structures.
Crucial to develop this project is a certified knowledge and good experience in the use of software for statistical data processing (possibly “R” software).