Entomology

INA

Insect pathogenic fungi regulating insect- and mite populations in Central America (Nicaragua and Costa Rica)

Contact:
Eline B. Hågvar


Background: Insect pathogenic fungi are very important naturally occurring mortality factors of plant pest insects and mites. About 750 different fungal species are known to infect insects, and most fungal species that infects insects or mites belong to the class Hyphomycetes or the order Entomophthorales. Species belonging to the class Hyphomycetes mainly causes natural infection and epizootics in soil dwelling pest insects and mites. Fungal species belonging to Entomophthorales mainly cause natural infection in foliar insect and mites. Management practices (monoculture, pesticide spraying, use of fertilizer, shading etc) are important factors for the natural occurrence and prevalence of insect- and mite pathogenic fungi of insects and mites. No studies on the natural occurrence of insect- and mite pathogenic fungi in the important group Entomophthorales have, however, been conducted in Central America. The aim of this thesis is therefore to build up competence and start work on this important group of natural enemies.

Thesis: Several approaches are relevant, and a specific approach must be made based on the student’s field of interests. Collection of insects and mites in different cropping systems and identification of both insect, mites and fungi down to species level will be important in this work. The effect of different cropping systems (e.g. different pasture systems) on species diversity and occurrence is also relevant. Travel expenses will be granted by Statens Lånekasse for utdanning upon application from the student. Noragric students have their own agreements for fieldwork. Financial support of materials needed for field and laboratory studies will be covered by the project benefiting from the work. It should preferably be a 60 ECTS credits Master thesis, but 30 ECTS Master thesis is also of interest.

Supervisor in Norway: Ingeborg Klingen.


Updated: 01.01.06
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