Objective
Research objectives and content
Foraging strategies of parasitoids (parasitic wasps) show considerable variability between species. Part of this variability is considered to be related to the degree of specialization of parasitoids in terms of host species attacked. For parasitoids attacking a large variety of herbivore species (generalists), specific information on the identity of the herbivore is of less importance than for parasitoids that attack only one or a few herbivore species (specialists). The behavior of specialist parasitoids is hypothesized to be fixed to specific cues and therefore less flexible. For generalists such fixed, specialized behavior does not to seem functional and therefore they are thought to respond to general cues initially, and then learn to associate cues with host availability during successful host encouners. The aim of the project is to test this hypothesi by studying and comparing the host location and attack behavior of several aphid parasitoid species, that differ in their diet breadth. Studying the foraging strategies of generalists and specialists is essential to determine the adaptive value of interspecific differences in foraging strategies. Furthermore, it provides essential information for the application of parasitoids in biocontrol. To improve the scientific basis and reliability of biological control it is necessary to understand the behavioral ecology of the natural enemies used.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
At Rothamsted there is a long established working group with aphid parasitoids, an ideal group of insects to tackle fundamental (theoretical) questions within an applied system. Working with this research group would offer me an excellent training, especially with respect to chemical analysis and identification of semiochemicals. Furthermore, considering my present project, it would be a great opportunity to study parasitoid foraging behavior in an agriculturally important tritrophic system. Links with industry/ industrial relevance (22)
Current working place is industry (Bayer AG, Central research division, section semiochemicals) .
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.
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries agriculture agronomy plant protection
- natural sciences biological sciences ecology
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology entomology
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences behavioural ecology
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
Coordinator
AL5 2JQ Harpenden
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.