Objective
The introduction of non-native organisms to new ecosystems is one of the most pressing environmental problems of the present time. Despite many costly attempts to control alien weeds, new introductions still pose a significant threat to many regions; a problem exacerbated by climate change and increased human travel.
In order to successfully control introduced plants, biologists need to understand more fully ways in which they are able to spread into new areas. One aspect of weed biology that is poorly understood is their interaction with pollinators, in particular non-native insects such as bees. This project aims to determine whether pollination by European honey- and bumblebees aids the spread of invasive weeds in one of the worst affected regions, Australia.
Many plant introductions in Australia do not yet pose a significant problem. However, the plan to introduce bumblebees to mainland Australia could precipitate the spread of so-called 'sleeper weeds', plants whose populations may be limited by the lack of effective pollinators. In this project I will examine weed populations in mainland Australia and Tasmania, where bumblebees are already present, to compare the reproductive success of weeds with and without their main pollinators.
I will also develop a model based on current Tasmanian bumblebee distributions and habitat use, to predict bumblebee spread should they be introduced onto the mainland. Using a novel combination of state-of-the-art molecular and GIS techniques, the project will provide excellent training that will aid the career development of the applicant, and increase the skill base within the EUÂ's scientific community.
In addition to forging collaborative links between two of the leading Universities in Australia and the EU, the project will provide invaluable information to agronomists and farmers as they seek to identify and control potential weed plants of the future.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology ecosystems
- agricultural sciences animal and dairy science apiculture
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call
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.
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships
Coordinator
SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.