Details

Category: 
Student subject
Function: 
Student (HBO)
Student (University)
Department: 
Terrestrial Ecology
Biere Group
Contact: 
Arjen Biere
Haymanti Saha
Closing date: 
Monday 3 May 2021

Plants often recruit root symbionts to improve nutrient uptake and activate its defense system against various pests. Currently, a variety of biological control agents are available for use, including beneficial microbes that promote growth and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress, but further development of these will require a greater understanding of the complex interactions among plants, microbes, pests, and environment.

This research project investigates the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) on plant growth and resistance against insect pests and attraction of insect natural enemy, and how this is modified under different abiotic factors. What is the impact of mycorrhizae on plant defense and is it altered under different abiotic conditions? Do changes in plant biochemistry mediate such alteration?

Under greenhouse conditions, experiments will be conducted on impact of light quality and different soil phosphorous level on the effects of mycorrhizae against important agricultural pest of Solanum lycopersicum. The internship will be available between May and August.

Type of work

Will mostly involve pot experiments in greenhouse. Taking various plant and insect measurements. Tissue and total plant sampling during harvest and analyze data using statistical methods.

Requirements

  • Strong interest in biology or microbe-plant-insect interactions 
  • Experience handling insects
  • The working language will be English, Dutch is not a requirement
  • Please send in your CV along with your application.

Information / application

Please contact Dr. Arjen Biere (Senior Research Scientist, A.biere@nioo.knaw.nl) or Haymanti Saha (PhD, H.saha@nioo.knaw.nl) to apply for the internship or if you have any queries.