Project properties

Title Biological control of root flies - in collaboration with Koppert Biological Systems (literature study)
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 12, 18, 24-30
Supervisor(s) Prof. dr. M. Dicke
Examiner(s) Prof. dr. M. Dicke
Contact info Martine Kos (martine.kos@wur.nl)
Begin date 2020/10/05
End date 2021/02/01
Description This project is mostly suitable as a BSc-thesis, but could be prolonged into a MSc-thesis or MSc-internship. It is a literature study (no experimental work involved) together with Koppert Biological Systems.

Title: Are you the one who wants to help us to investigate the possibilities of biological control of root flies (Delia spp.)?

Koppert Biological Systems is the leading authority in biological crop protection. Koppert is also active in outdoor crops. Due to then more and more restrictive rules on the use chemical pesticides root flies are an increasing problem in different crops.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person who will help us with the first steps in finding a biological solution for the control of Delia flies. A literature study has to be carried out for Delia radicum (cabbage root fly), Delia antiqua (onion fly) and Delia platura (bean seed fly) in the following crops: allium crops (onion, leek), brassica crops (cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, rape seed), bean, pea, lettuce and spinach. Regions to focus on are Europe and North America. Which natural enemies of these pest are known and what is known about their biology and about their potential to be used as biocontrol agents? Which of them have already been studied in more detail in laboratory or field experiments?
We are also interested in other types of non-chemical solutions and monitoring technologies. What are your recommendations to Koppert for the most interesting biological solution(s) to work on?

Are you the right person to help us with our journey to find sustainable solutions? Then please contact us.

Type of project: Literature study

Period : as soon as possible

Used skills
Requirements For doing a BSc-thesis at Entomology, there are no requirements for specific courses.
For doing a MSc-thesis or internship at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806 + a second ENT-course (preferably ENT-30306 or ENT-50806 or ENT-53806). As an alternative for the second ENT-course, PHP-30806 or BHE-30306 can be selected.
Note: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should check the requirements for doing an ENT MSc-thesis or internship in the study programme of their specialisation.