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Implications of Integrated Pest Management practice on beetle communities

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 Placement Project

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.

Tasks

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

Skills, knowledge and experience required

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.

Skills which will be developed during the placement

Understanding of agricultural field trials. Insect behaviour and dissections

Place of Work

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.

Hours of Work

9-5

Approximate Start and End Dates (not fixed)

Saturday 01 July 2017 - Friday 01 September 2017

How to Apply

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.


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