Objectif Swarming locusts are crop pests of major importance, displaying unusual outbreaks with an irregular cycle and swarming individuals typical of a high-density distinctive form, the phase gregaria. Here we propose to complete the first ever large-scale population genetic analysis of a swarming locust, the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera. This species is the most devastating locust in Australia due to the frequency and severity of its outbreaks, as well as its widespread distribution across the continent. Genetic spatial structuring analyses will be combined with the evaluation: (i) of the expression of the behavioural phase polyphenism, in which locusts respond to increased local population density by shifting from the solitaria condition, in which they do not aggregate or migrate, to the migratory, swarm-forming phase gregaria, and (ii) of the local resource distribution patterns known to influence the migratory behaviour. This study will considerably enhance our understanding of locust migration in an ecological and behavioural context. Knowledge from this project will be used to enhance preventative locust management in Australia by focusing monitoring and control efforts on critical swarm-forming populations and localities. This project will serve as a model for the application of population genetics to the management of swarming locusts around the world. The proposal is founded on the fields of population genetics, resource ecology, and behaviour, providing the applicant a first rate training in a wide variety of disciplines. Collaborators with varied research skills in academic (University of Sydney and Centre for Biology and Population Management) and applied (Australian Plague Locust Commission) research are involved, strengthening the research initiative and promising a greater unity in tackling an important problem. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture Mots‑clés Orthoptera locust microsatellites migration outbreak phase change population ecology resource ecology Programme(s) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Thème(s) MOBILITY-2.2 - Marie Curie Outgoing International Fellowships (OIF) Appel à propositions FP6-2005-MOBILITY-6 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships Coordinateur INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 147 rue de l'Université PARIS France Voir sur la carte Liens Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Australie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse SYDNEY, NSW Voir sur la carte Liens Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
