Project properties
Title Biological control on tomato plants lacking type VI trichomes - NEW
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Julia van Leemput (WUR Bleiswijk)
Examiner(s) Marcel Dicke, Gerben Messelink
Contact info julia.vanleemput@wur.nl
Begin date 2024/02/01
End date 2026/01/01
Description Tomato plants are typically covered in glandular trichomes: sticky hairs that inhibit small pest species. However, these plant hairs also harm beneficial arthropods. Because of this, only a few biological control agents provide sufficient control of pest species in tomato. In this project, we focus on new opportunities for biological control in tomato by using a tomato variety that lacks type VI trichomes.

Upcoming projects:
1) Starting May 2024: The role of glandular trichomes for Macrolophus pygmaeus. This is a generalist predator that is used as a biological control agent in tomato because unlike most arthropods, it can live on trichome-rich plants. Do you want to figure out if these bugs benefit from their adaptations to plants with sticky hairs? Then this is the research project for you!

2) Autumn 2024 (starting Augst): Banker plants for Orius. In developing a new biological control system for tomato, an interesting opportunity is to use banker plants. Do you find biological control intriguing and want to help us find suitable banker plants? Then join us for this research project!

Both projects are suitable for an internship/minor thesis of 24 ECTS. Extension to max. 36 ECTS is possible after consultation. Duration of the research project must be agreed upon in advance.

In spring 2025, there will also be some availability to carry out a thesis/internship on this project.

The thesis/internship will be carried out in Bleiswijk, at the WUR Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs. Within our group 160 people of all different disciplines are working on increasing the sustainability of the greenhouse horticulture sector. The thesis/internship will be done within the Entomology-subteam, that works specifically on biological pest control.

The project on biological control in tomato without type VI trichomes is a collaboration with the Laboratory of Entomology in Wageningen and Rijk Zwaan.

Financial compensation will be provided.

If you are interested in doing your thesis/internship on this project, please contact Julia van Leemput at julia.vanleemput@wur.nl.
Used skills
Requirements For doing a BSc-thesis at Entomology, there are no requirements for specific courses.
For doing a MSc-thesis or Research Practice 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.
For doing an Internship, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806.
Note: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should check the requirements for doing an ENT MSc-thesis, Research Practice or Internship in the study programme of their specialisation.