With this project we aim to develop new approaches in biological pest control with generalist predators that can contribute to the reduction of pesticide use in greenhouses. Ornamental crops in Dutch greenhouses experience increasing problems with "old" established and "new" invasive thrips species. The most noxious species is western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis, which is also an efficient vector of plant viruses. Current new invasive species are Thrips setosus and Echinothrips americanus. Biological control of these thrips species is often not successful, mainly because potential natural enemies did not establish well in crops. This can be caused by the lack of suitable oviposition sites, food sources or a possibly mismatch between habitat preferences of the predators and pests. In this project we will evaluate the potential of new species of anthocorid predatory bugs as biological control agents of old and new thrips species that occur in Dutch greenhouse ornamental crops and develop tools to optimize their control efficacy. Studies include population dynamical greenhouse trials, spatial dynamics of predators, habitat preferences and manipulation, mixed diet effects, intraguild predation and predator-mediated food web interactions. The project is focusing on both the fundamental aspects of biological control and on finding practical biological control solutions for growers.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate, interested in curiosity-driven research who can work in a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative spirit.

You have:

• An MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences or a related discipline.
• Proven interest in insect ecology and biological pest control.
• Interest in fundamental research.
• Experience with experimental research on insects.
• Excellent research skills.
• Experience with statistical data analysis.
• Ability to work independently.
• bility to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in English, written and spoken.
• Organizational and communication skills.

Within the BU Greenhouse Horticulture and the Laboratory of Entomology, PhD students are encouraged to supervise MSc thesis students when such opportunities arise.

We offer a full-time position (38 hours), initially for 1 year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another three years. Gross salary per month € 2266,- in the first year rising to € 2897,- per month in the fourth year, for a fulltime appointment. The candidate will be based at the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture in Bleiswijk and partly at the Laboratory of Entomology in Wageningen.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.

We have a vacancy for a PhD position 'Biological control of old and new thrips species in greenhouses', which is financed by Stimuflori, a foundation that supports innovations in greenhouse ornamental crops. The position is embedded in the Laboratory of Entomology of Wageningen University and the entomology team of the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture of Wageningen Research. Both groups consists of ambitious scientists and we aim at a multidisciplinary approach from cellular to community level to unravel biological phenomena underlying the functioning of plant-insect communities, insect vectored diseases, insect neurobiology, biological control and insects as food and feed. The Laboratory of Entomology and the the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture are part of the Plant Sciences Group of Wageningen University and Research Centre.