PhD position: Pest insect damages on oilseed rape

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PhD position: Pest insect damages on oilseed rape

Oilseed rape is the main oilseed crop produced in temperate climates like Switzerland. However, numerous pest insects threaten its production that require high levels of crop protection and is difficult to achieve in low input or organic conditions. Sowing oilseed rape with legume companion plants has shown good results on weed suppression and nitrogen nutrition. However, their impact on pest insects is subject to large variations and the mechanisms involved still need to be clarified.
The role of oilseed rape genotype is also unclear.
In this research project, we aim to test a selection of genotypes grown with and without faba bean to identify the role of both genotype and companion plants on plant growth, as well as on the associated insect cohort and their severity, in order to propose a combination of measures to reduce crop protection and maintain yield in oilseed rape production. We also will characterize canopy characteristics like plant architecture, temp., quality of light, resources allocation, mineral composition in the plant and its surrounding environment that impact plant and insect development. The trials will be conducted both in the field and in controlled conditions.

About us

Agroscope is the Swiss federal center of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers carry out their work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld, Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

The position is offered by AgroParisTech and Agroscope, with the groups Varieties and Crop management and Enotmology. The candidate will be inscribed in Ecole doctorale ABIES of AgroparisTech

• Proactively participate to the experimental set-up establishment
• Prepare samples and conduct laboratory analyses
• Carry out field and glasshouse work with plants and insects, together with our field work team
• Collect and manage data
• Conduct statistical analyses
• Publish your research in peer-reviewed journals and present if at scientific conferences

• Master degree in crop sciences, entomology or plant physiology
• A strong interest in crop physiology and entomology as well as plant-insect interactions
• Interest for applied research and field work
• Knowledge in advanced statistical analysis
• Communicative and flexible personality with the ability to work independently and accurately
• Achievement-oriented, open-minded personality with good capacity for teamwork
• Good communication and writing skills in English and French