Are you passionate about entomology, viticulture, and innovative pest management solutions? Join us in a cutting-edge research project aimed at addressing a critical challenge in Ontario’s vineyards!
Who We’re Looking For:
We seek a student with a strong interest in pest management and sustainable agricultural practices. Ideal candidates will have a background in biological sciences, entomology, or related fields.
Location: Biological Sciences, Brock University & Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI)
Start Date: September 1, 2025
Project Title and Overview:
Development of new tools for monitoring and control
of Grape Mealybug, a major insect vector of grapevine viruses
Grape mealybugs (Pseudococcus maritimus) are scale insects (Order: Hemiptera) that are sap-sucking insect pests of grapevines and vectors of the economically important Grapevine leaf roll-associated viruses (GLRaVs). Monitoring for mealybugs constitutes the main component of vineyard integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Male sex pheromone traps are widely used for mealybug monitoring and management and mating disruption (MD) is the tool used in current IPM programs to control scale insects in vineyards. Various pheromone lures that have been deployed in Ontario but have not been successful at trapping the males in Ontario or in other parts of Canada. Pheromones have the advantages over the hazardous chemicals of not killing the pest, but reducing the number of male adults, their reproduction rate, and guiding the timely application of insecticides. The research objective is to develop a pheromone lure that will attract male mealybugs for mealybug monitoring activities and to develop alternative control methods for mealybug vectors with a primary focus on mating disrupting pheromone (MD).
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Malkie Spodek at ([email protected]) for more information and application instructions.
Take this opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions in vineyard management while advancing your academic career!
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Malkie Spodek at ([email protected]) for more information and application instructions.
Take this opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions in vineyard management while advancing your academic career!
