Objective
Insects have a matchless capability to adapt, which is apparent from the beguiling diversity of insects, as well as in their notorious habit to invade our agro-ecosystems. As insects rely strongly on their sense of smell, such adaptive radiation and speciation events are generally accompanied olfactory adaptation. Yet, the neuroethological bases of olfactory adaptation remain largely elusive.
The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis, is a textbook example of pheromone polymorphism. The existence of two clearly differentiated pheromone strains intrigued the curiosity of the chemical ecologists, especially since these pheromone strains seem to be fixed to different host plants. One pheromone strain strongly prefers ancestral host plants such as hop and mugwort, whereas the other strain has shifted to maize since its introduction in Europe in the 16th century.
We are close to completing the characterization of molecular and physiological changes underlying its radical shift in pheromone preference. Although, the shift in the olfactory circuitry underlying this dichotomy in host choice is unknown.
I will characterize the olfactory component of this host plant divergence in the ECB using a multidisciplinary approach, including electrophysiology, chemical analysis peripheral neurophysiology, central neuroanatomy, bahvioral and field tests.
The host shift of the ECB serves as an example of host shifts induced through human created ecological niches. In addition, concomitant with our study of how the olfactory circuitry accommodates shifts, I will identify hop, mugwort and maize volatiles that attract ECB, which can be useful in novel monitoring control strategies of this pest species.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
2462 MARTONVASAR
Hungary
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