Project properties
Title Classical biological control of Drosophila suzukii in the Netherlands (Thesis or Internship)
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type internship
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Dr. T. Bukovinszki
Dr. Martine Kos
Examiner(s) Prof. dr. B. Wertheim
Contact info WUR Field Crops: tibor.bukovinszki@wur.nl
WUR Entomology: martine.kos@wur.nl
Begin date 2025/05/01
End date 2025/10/01
Description The invasive spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) causes major damage to fruit production. An underlying reason for this is that there are no specialized natural enemies present to regulate its populations in the Netherlands, and the species can reproduce unhindered. We are currently in the process to obtain a permit for the import and release of a co-evolved specialized natural enemy of the spotted wing drosophila from its native range, the parasitic wasp Ganaspis kimorum.
We expect that the species will establish itself and specifically suppress populations of the spotted wing drosophila in Dutch landscapes. In order to make this a successful biocontrol effort, the rearing and released of the beneficial should be carried out efficiently and in a targeted way.
In this project you will get to work with a new natural enemy of the spotted wing drosophila. Depending on your preference, you can carry out your project on different activities, such as helping to set up, characterize and optimize the rearing, and participate in the field release and post-release monitoring of the beneficial.
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 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. In exceptional cases, other prerequisite courses can be acknowledged if approved by the Education Coordinator Martine Kos.
For doing a MSc-internship at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806.
Note 1: these courses need to be done in your MSc, not the BSc!
Note 2: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should select at least one of the courses linked to an Entomology thesis/internship in their specialization (in consultation with their ENT-supervisor).