Dr. ir. Jetske de Boer
PostdocTerrestrial Ecology |
Research themes
Research expertiseBiological control Chemical ecology Entomology Insect behaviour
Page last updated: 24-04-2020
I am a post doctoral researcher at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. As an entomologist, I have studied ecology and behaviour of predatory mites, parasitoid wasps, hyperparasitoid wasps and mosquitoes. I am particularly interested in the interactions of these organisms with other species, such as their prey or hosts, and how these interactions influence behaviour, and vice versa. Chemical ecology is an important pillar of my research on insect behaviour. I am fascinated by how insects evolved to respond to chemical cues, and the role of behavioural plasticity in these responses.
My current project at the NIOO focuses on the host searching behaviour of hyperparasitoids of aphid parasitoids in sweet pepper greenhouses, where these fourth trophic level organisms reduce the efficiency of biological control. We aim to develop a synthetic lure to trap hyperparasitoids, thereby making biological control more effective.
Research positions
2017-present Post doctoral research associate at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Main project. Exploring and exploiting phytochemicals to lure hyperparasitoids away from beneficial biocontrol agents. (STW-funded, with Louise E.M. Vet)
2012-2017 Post doctoral research associate at the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
Main project. Chemical signalling of malaria parasites: Call for transmission? (ZonMW-funded, with Willem Takken)
2007-2011 Post doctoral research associate at Evolutionary Genetics, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Main project. Sex determination in Cotesia: integrating genetics and behaviour. (personal grant: ALW-VENI / with Leo W. Beukeboom)
2004-2007 Post doctoral research associate at the Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, USA.
Main project. Evolution of gregarious development in parasitoid wasps: the role of sex determination mechanism. (NSF-funded, with George Heimpel)
Education
1999-2004 Ph.D. at the Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands (Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences)
Thesis-title. Bugs in odour space: How predatory mites respond to variation in herbivore-induced plant volatiles
Promotors. Dr. M. Dicke (Wageningen University) & Dr. M.W. Sabelis (University of Amsterdam)
1994-1999 M.Sc. ‘cum laude’ (includes B.Sc.), Wageningen University, The Netherlands: Ecological Crop Protection