PhD position at Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden
"Chemical ecology of cone feeding insects"
The aim of the proposed PhD project is to
increase the knowledge about the reproductive
biology and chemical ecology of species within a
spruce seed-feeding guild of insects. Wood
production has a large socioeconomic role in
Sweden and will also be important for the
sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere in
the future. Seed orchards serve an important role
for the production of high-quality seeds and thus
in the generation of new forests. However,
insects are chronic pests and cause great losses
in seed production. Therefore, more knowledge is
needed about the most important insect species in
order to be able to design reliable and
sustainable monitoring and control strategies.
Within the project different aspects of chemical
ecology of the target species will be studied,
e.g. the role of flower odours for orientation
and selection of oviposition sites, pheromone
communication for mate location, and the role of
odours for attracting natural enemies. Also
studies on dispersal, competition and
climate-induced modifications of life history
strategies might be included.
Last day of applying 2010-11-09
For eligibility/entry requirements, application
process and contact information please visit
http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=24914&Dnr=360102&Type=EU
Please excuse possible double/multiple posting!
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olle Anderbrant, Prof. telephone +46 (0)46 2224997
Department of Biology mobile +46 (0)70 3724997
Lund University
Sölvegatan 37 telefax +46 (0)46 2224716
SE-223 62 Lund e-mail Olle.Anderbrant(a)ekol.lu.se
Sweden
internet http://www.pheromone.ekol.lu.se/oa_homepage.html
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
The 73rd annual Northeastern Forest Pest Council meeting will be held on
22-23 March 2011, at the historic Tom Quick Inn
(http://www.thetomquickinn.net/) in Milford, Pennsylvania (pop. 1,104).
Registration materials, hotel information, and an agenda will be emailed in
December. The developing agenda will include a field tour of long-term
ecological research sites in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational
Area (http://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm) a tour of Gifford Pinchots
ancestral home (http://www.fs.fed.us/na/gt/) the return of the Kodachrome
slide parade, the Gerald N. Lanier graduate student forum, and State and
Province forest pest updates.
If you wish to propose a session topic and/or speakers, please email your
suggestions by November 15th to the NEFPC Vice Chair, Allison Kanoti
(allison.m.kanoti(a)maine.gov)
Please save the dates and consider joining us.
Sincerely,
Dave Mausel
Secretary/Treasurer, NEFPC
Dear colleagues,
In the framework of the research project BACCARA (http://www.baccara-project.eu) we are presently carrying out a meta-analysis on variations of insect parasitism along elevation gradients (considered here as analogues of climate change). For this, we are looking for data on parasitism along elevational gradients. What we are looking for is:
1. Parasitism and/or parasitoid richness of one particular herbivorous insect (no need to be forest insect, although most cases are indeed forest insects) at at least 4 different elevations. We realise that clear transects on a single slope are rare, so we also welcome data on parasitism at different altitudes in a climatically similar region, even when collected on different slopes
2. Insects should preferably be collected from the same plant
3. The elevation difference between the highest and lowest points should be at least 300m but, if the transect is short and on a single slope, 200m is also acceptable.
4. We are interested in total parasitism rates as well as parasitism rates by single parasitoid species and by parasitoid richness (= number of parasitoid species).
If you are aware of such data, we would be grateful if you could let us know. We have already surveyed most of the literature, especially international publications with altitude/elevation and parasitism/parasitoid cited in the abstract. However, papers with data on parasitism at different elevations, in which the elevation factor is not central, are more difficult to find. Furthermore, such data are often found in unpublished theses and reports but tend to disappear when and if the data are published in journals.
I thank you in advance for your help. Also, sorry for cross-posting in case you receive this message twice
Best regards,
Marc Kenis
Marc Kenis
Head, Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology
CABI Europe - Switzerland
Rue des Grillons 1
CH-2800 Delémont
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 (0)32 4214884
Fax: +41 (0)32 4214871
Email: m.kenis(a)cabi.org <mailto:e.mail@cabi.org>
Visit us at www.cabi.org <http://www.cabi.org/>
Celebrating 100 years of CABI: 1910-2010
CABI improves people's lives worldwide by providing
information and applying scientific expertise to solve
problems in agriculture and the environment
Please pass this announcement out to ForEnt listserve members. Thank you, Melissa Fierke
Ph.D. Assistantship on Emerald Ash Borer at SUNY-ESF, Syracuse NY
A Ph.D. graduate research assistantship is available at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Research will be centered around development, implementation and evaluation of management strategies for emerald ash borer (EAB) in New York State based on four primary objectives 1) Quantification of the ash resource, 2) Delimitation of the infestation 3) Mechanical management of insect densities, 4) Early implementation of biological control. We will be identifying locally high-value areas and unique ecosystems most susceptible to EAB-induced impacts, determining and evaluating realistic management options that will positively affect these areas/ecosystems, and working with local, regional and state partners to implement management activities in the selected areas/ ecosystems. Parts of this project have been set in motion enabling the successful candidate to commence research immediately while still having the flexibility of focusing on particular aspects that are of greater interest and developing their own questions related to and stemming from research supporting the project objectives.
This position is open for a January 2011 start date and an M.S. degree in entomology, forestry, biology or a related field is desired. Ph.D. assistantships at SUNY-ESF provide a competitive stipend, with benefits, and tuition is waived for students on assistantships.
Information about SUNY-ESF can be found at the college website (http://www.esf.edu/) and information about our lab (http://www.esf.edu/efb/faculty/fierke.asp) Questions regarding the position are welcome, just please be sure to include the text "EAB graduate assistantship" in the message subject line.
To apply, please send a CV, cover letter and contact information for three references to:
Melissa K. Fierke
Assistant Professor, Forest Entomology
Department of Environmental & Forest Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
146 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210
Email: mkfierke(a)esf.edu
Phone: (315) 470-6809
Fax: (315) 470-6934
Colleagues:
Please see the attached outreach notice for a term-limited, Biological
Science Technician-Insect and Disease (GS-05) position located in
Asheville, NC. Please feel free to distribute widely and forward to
anyone who may be interested. Thank you,
*******************************************************
Albert "Bud" Mayfield, Research Entomologist
USDA Forest Service
Southern Research Station
1577 Brevard Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 667-5261 ext. 122
FAX: (828) 667-9097
Email: amayfield02(a)fs.fed.us
*******************************************************
To the Listserve Gatekeepers, Please pass this announcement out to
ForEnt listserve members. Thanks. Scott Salom
Two Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships Available
Physiological decline and recovery of eastern hemlock and
consequences to the causal agent, the hemlock woolly adelgid
Two Ph.D. graduate research assistantships are available at Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University at Blacksburg. A first
project goal is to assess the physiological changes within eastern
hemlock trees as they decline from colonization and attack by the
non-native invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). A second goal will
be to determine how the physiological status of the trees change upon
remediation treatments and subsequent recovery. A third goal is to
assess how the declining health of the tree impacts the availability
and quality of nutrients and water resources for HWA as reflected in
the insect's fitness, fecundity, and physiology. One assistantship
is available for work focused on the physiology of the eastern
hemlock and will be directed by Dr. John Seiler (Department of Forest
Resources and Environmental Conservation). A second assistantship
will focus on the pest insect's physiology in relation to changing
host conditions and will be directed by Drs. Scott Salom and Don
Mullins (Department of Entomology). Each will provide a unique
opportunity to work with both forestry and entomology faculty. This
project is supported by the USDA Forest Service.
Eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis L. Carriere, are damaged by the
feeding activities of the non-native HWA, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera:
Adelgidae). HWA nymphs feed on the parenchyma cells in the xylem
rays. Tree health deteriorates due the depletion of photosynthates,
which then inhibits shoot growth and causes bud mortality, twig
dieback, foliage discoloration and premature defoliation. The broad
goal will be to characterize the physiological attributes of tree
decline, so that managers may be able to consider site or stand
amelioration actions that would prevent newly infested trees from
declining so quickly. Findings could also contribute to a better
understanding of factors critical in host resistance. For
assistantship one, An M.S. degree in forestry, plant physiology,
ecophysiology, or related field is required. Previous experience with
whole-plant physiological measurements is desired. For Assistantship
two, an M.S. degree in biology, plant sciences or related field is
preferred.
The Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (FREC)
(http://www.cnre.vt.edu/forestry) at Virginia Tech has excellent
ecophysiology laboratories and strong programs in all aspects of
forestry. Strong supporting programs in Entomology
(http://web.ento.vt.edu/ento) Crop and Soil Environmental Science,
Horticulture, Botany, and Chemistry exist at Virginia Tech
(http://www.vt.edu) Ph.D. assistantships in the Departments of FREC
and Entomology at Virginia Tech provide a very competitive stipend.
Additionally, tuition is waived for students on assistantships.
Graduate research assistants are actively involved in the
departmental teaching program.
Interested students should contact either:
Dr. John Seiler, jseiler(a)vt.edu Dr. Scott Salom, salom(a)vt.edu
Professor of Forest Ecophysiology Professor of Forest Entomology
Department of Forest Resources and Department of Entomology
Environmental Conservation (0324) Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-2794
(540) 231-5461
http://web.ento.vt.edu/ento/personalPage.jsp?uuid=814879http://www.forestry.vt.edu/Faculty/JohnSeiler.html
Fellow forest entomologists worldwide might be interested that there
are several important events that will take place at the upcoming 58th
Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, 12-15
December in San Diego, California USA.
1) Dr. Kenneth Raffa, (University of Wisconsin) has been selected to
deliver the Founders' Memorial Award lecture. This is a high honor
and Dr. Raffa's lecture will honor the late Dr. Andrew Delmar Hopkins,
a "founding father" of forest entomology in the US.
2) Dr. Patrick Tobin (US Forest Service Northern Research Station,
Morgantown, WV) will be awarded the "Early Career Innovation Award"
for his outstanding career achievements.
3) Dr. David Wood (University of California Berkeley) will be honored
in a special symposium, "Fifty Years of Forest Entomology at
UC–Berkeley: A Symposium Honoring the Lifetime Achievements of David
L. Wood" organized by Dr. Steven Seybold.
I think we can all feel proud about the prominence given to forest
entomologists at this meeting. and we should all congratulate Raffa,
Tobin and Wood for their achievements. More information about the
conference is available at http://www.entsoc.org/am/index.htm
-Sandy
--
Andrew Liebhold http://sandyliebhold.com
Northern Research Station 304-285-1512
USDA Forest Service 304-285-1505 FAX
180 Canfield St. 724-317-8668 mobile
Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: Naturalia Scientific Editions [mailto:info@naturalia-editions.com]
Gesendet: Donnerstag, 23. September 2010 18:07
An: office(a)iufro.org
Betreff: Methods for catching beetles
METHODS FOR CATCHING BEETLES
By Carlos Aguilar Julio
English version
See on www.naturalia-editions.com
BOOK REVIEW
Many methods have been written about the collection of beetles in the world.
However, only very specific papers were developed until now, for example:
the traps, or about specific sampling methods of some families or genera of
Coleoptera in the planet.
This book aims provide to the scientific world and for students a collection
of knowledge and experience of the author and others professionals of
entomology, related to methods and capture techniques, transfer and
preservation of Coleoptera, encompassed in a single work.
This study tool has long been expected. There are many forums (especially in
the internet) which perceived the need for instruction about this subject.
Our colleagues were the first to applaud this initiative, describing it as
very valuable in relation to its content.
Now the students can count throughout this material, which is complement of
development in the field activities, through practice.
The methods of capture are varied and numerous, such as or more than the
number of families of beetles.
Early detection of environmental damage, which can be detected through the
study of beetles populations and / or endangered species (it require also
knowledge for the capture of different species in selected environments)
will provide help for the implementation of measures to assist the
conservation and protection of the environment.
On the other hand, there is a tacit agreement among entomologists, in which
the number of known species of Coleoptera is very small compared with the
suspected number of existing species. This reminds us that phrase regarding
the tip of the iceberg, and arouse our interest about how much we are
lacking to know.
This book offers:
1) A brief summary of the physical and structural characteristics of major
biomes in the world.
2) Instructions to collect beetles in every kind of environment such as
savannas, forests, deserts, streams, rivers, mountains, caves, beaches,
mangroves, dunes, etc.
3) Specific details about all beetles families known until now, in the long
chapter "Where do they live? What do they eat? How to collect them?"
4) A variety of traps chosen according to their effectiveness, and how to
make them by yourself.
Finally, we hope that this tool now available to all supporters of life on
this planet, serve to understand it, preserve and improve it.
Jorge Barrett Viedma
Editor
Naturalia - Scientific Collection
www.naturalia-editions.com
info(a)naturalia-editions.com
METHODS FOR CATCHING BEETLES
By Carlos Aguilar Julio
English version
Limited Edition
14.8 x 21 cm
320 pages
16 color plates
160 images
Full color cover
Price: $ 76 plus $ 5 shipping
Payment by Western Union to:
Rafael Barrett Viedma
Zapican MH4-S9 - El Pinar
15008 Canelones - URUGUAY
Attach your mailing address and we will send your copy
Please forward this invitation to interested parties...
Predicting Behavior of Forest Diseases as Climate Changes ? November 3,
2010 and December 2, 2010
Please join us for a free hour-long webinar to address the potential
synergistic effects of climate change and forest diseases on tree and
forest health. Speakers will present case studies of sudden aspen
decline, Swiss needle cast, Alaska yellow cedar decline and other diseases
to illustrate drivers of tree declines and management options to minimize
the undesirable effects of forest diseases as climate changes. The hour
concludes with questions and answer among speakers and participants.
This webinar will be offered twice: Wednesday, November 3, 2010 from
1:15-2:15 P.M. and again on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 9:30-10:30
A.M. The number of participants for each session is limited so please
register soon. We will reply with a toll-free call in number and a link
to the online webinar.
Visit http://ucanr.org/wwetac_registration to register for either session.
Please contact Janice Alexander (jalexander(a)ucdavis.edu,415-499-3041) for
more information.
Sponsored by USDA Forest Service, Western Wildland Environmental Threat
Assessment Center & Pacific Southwest Research Station; University of
California Cooperative Extension, Marin County; and University of
California, Santa Barbara.
- Susan Frankel, Janice Alexander and Erica Fleishman
Susan J. Frankel
Sudden Oak Death Research Program Manager
USDA-Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
Mailing address:
PO Box 245
Berkeley, CA 94701
Street address:
800 Buchanan Street, West Annex Building,
Albany, CA 94710-0011
Phone: 510-559-6472 FAX :510-559-6440
sfrankel(a)fs.fed.us
and
Janice Alexander
UC Cooperative Extension, Marin County
415.499.3041
jalexander(a)ucdavis.edu
and
Erica Fleishman
Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
University of California, Santa Barbara
(805) 893-7352
fleishman(a)bren.ucsb.edu
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP AVAILABLE IN ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY AT
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Development and field testing of a SMART trap for improved management
of Xylosandrus ambrosia beetles in horticulture production nurseries
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This proposed standard research and extension
project takes a transdisciplinary and multistate approach to develop a
SMART trap as the cornerstone of a more environmentally-sound IPM
program for ambrosia beetles in commercial nurseries. Xylosandrus
ambrosia beetles are aggressive pests of woody plants and most attacks
on woody plants in production are fatal. Current monitoring tactics
aren’t specific enough to provide producers with timely, accurate
information to make management decisions. Therefore, insecticides are
over applied with negligible impact on damage and losses. This project
will investigate olfactory and visual cues used by ambrosia beetles to
locate hosts. These cues will be incorporated into a prototype trap,
which will be field tested and compared to conventional trap performance
in nurseries. Once beetles are trapped, sensors will identify the
species present based on wingbeat frequencies and determine the species
and abundance of fungal symbionts. The extension component is an
evolving program of education, research dissemination, and
demonstrations where growers can interact directly with the researchers
and participate in the project. Annually, programs will be presented
that include biological information and updates of on-going research.
In the final two years, on-site demonstrations and field days will
enable growers to participate in the project.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 2011
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have an M.S. in
Entomology or related field. Experience with ambrosia beetle behavior,
ecology, or taxonomy is preferred. Interested students must apply to
the Auburn University Graduate School and meet the minimum requirements
of the department. Demonstration of independent and creative scholarly
activity, publications, and presentations are preferred. In-state and
out-of-state travel will be required for this project so a valid
driver’s license is necessary. Proper visa requirements must be
met.
COMPENSATION: The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend
funded for three years (and possibly a fourth if necessary) through the
funded project based on availability of funding and satisfactory
performance. Currently, there is a tuition waiver for qualifying
students. This is subject to change during the project. If so, the
successful candidate, not the department, will be responsible for
tuition charges.
QUESTIONS: Interested persons should contact Dr. David W. Held via
telephone (334-844-3818) or e-mail (david.held(a)auburn.edu) AA/EEO
Announcement attached.
