Using samples from a running field trial at Rothamsted Research the impact of pest management on beetle communities will be measured.
Department: Agri-Environment
Supervised by: Duncan Coston
The overall aim of the PhD project is to evaluate the impact of the neonicotinoid restriction on Oilseed rape production. It will explore how various current and novel pest management practices impact not only on crop production but insect communities. To this end Pitfall traps have been set in each field trial to capture ground dwelling arthropods as a measure of activity and diversity under the range of pest management practices being tested. This study will open access to these samples which have been collected since September 2016 and will continue into Summer 2017. These samples will be made available for Identification and further interpretation in order to build a better picture of the impact of a loss of neonicotinoid on wider insect communities.
Fieldwork will take place at Rothamsted Research and University of Reading. The student will work alongside one of Rothamsted Research’s research groups and one PhD student Duncan Coston who is currently running this project. Fieldwork: • Setting and collecting pitfall traps from agricultural field trials. Lab work: • Sample sorting • Insect identification • Insect dissections
Qualifications: • In the process of acquiring a degree in a related subject i.e. agriculture, ecology, environmental management, biology Essential Skills and Knowledge: • Some field and lab work experience • Ability to rigorously follow protocols • Attention to detail • Ability to work independently • Genuine interest in the subject area Desirable Skills and Knowledge: • Basic knowledge of entomology, arable systems and experience with any of the methodology used would be an advantage.
Understanding of agricultural field trials. Insect behaviour and dissections
Fieldwork will take place at Rothamsted Research and all sample processing and analyses will be done at Rothamsted Research or University of Reading (Whiteknights campus, Agriculture Building). Accommodation is available at a cost at Rothamsted Research and lifts may also be available.
9-5
Saturday 01 July 2017 - Friday 01 September 2017
2-page CV and 1 page covering letter should be submitted to Duncan Coston (Duncan.coston@rothamsted.ac.uk), applicants will be shortlisted for interview after the closing date.