Project properties |
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Title | BSc thesis: Seed viability of red-listed orchid species |
Group | Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group |
Project type | thesis |
Credits | 15 |
Supervisor(s) | Bob van Leeuwen |
Examiner(s) | Bob van Leeuwen |
Contact info | bob.vanleeuwen@wur.nl |
Begin date | 2025/10/20 |
End date | 2025/12/12 |
Description | Seeds of some red-listed terrestrial orchid seeds were collected in the Netherlands. For my PhD research I am looking for a motivated student to help with creating seed baits and performing seed viability testing. Seed baits are packets of 0.5µm nylon mesh containing orchid seeds, allowing for mycorrhizal fungi to germinate the seeds while keeping predators out and facilitating retrieval and counting later. You will help to create these packets and bury them in my experimental design at Nergena, where 72 mesocosms with soil are waiting. The results of the seed baits will only be ready after spring 2026. Nonetheless, you will generate data, through the seed viability tests of several orchid species, which you can analyse and report. You can also write hypotheses and a literature overview on mycorrhizal fungi and their extraordinary relationship with orchids.
Start: ASAP (October 2025) End date negociable Send me an email if you're interested. |
Used skills | Laboratory skills |
Requirements | Basic laboratory skills and a steady hand |