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Application of protein baits in the form of sprays or stations forms the core of fruit fly control measures in citrus and other fruit orchards. Recommendations on application, distribution and amount of protein bait are based on general patterns of behaviour of a few fruit fly species. However, fruit fly species respond differently to protein bait, which may be because of different protein requirements (resulting in different responses to baits with different protein contents) and variation in rates of reproductive maturation.
Higher volumes of bait spray are recommended for bigger tree canopies, which leads to the question of whether more bait units per area is better for fruit fly population suppression. This project will establish the interacting roles of protein bait location, application density and fruit fly physiological state on response by Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis cosyra and Bactrocera dorsalis.
The project is based in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria under the
supervision of Prof. Chris Weldon and Dr Aruna Manrakhan (Citrus Research International).
Table of ContentThe University of Pretoria is a research intensive university. Hence, it is seeking candidates for doctoral studies who will make significant contributions to its research endeavour. As part of South Africa's contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the University of Pretoria has made funds available for two doctoral scholarships for students coming from Commonwealth Countries (excluding South African students). This scholarship is known as the University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship and will be awarded on a competitive basis. The University of ... read more
The project is offered on a full-time basis only. The MSc candidate must begin the project before the end of June 2021 and submit the dissertation for examination by the end of 2022. A generous bursary is available to reimburse registration and tuition fees, and cover living expenses. Research costs will also be covered.
Applications should be addressed to Prof. Chris Weldon by email ([email protected]), and
include a two-page cover letter addressing the essential attributes and a curriculum vitae including the
names, contact details and role of two academic referees.
For more details, click here (pdf)