Main subject area: Agroecology
Pollinators and natural enemies of crop pests are of importance in agricultural plant production as well for biodiversity in the agricultural landscape. As part of an IPM-strategy as well as a concern for the decline in insect number, farmers are increasingly establishing flowerstrips. These are not only considered a food resource for pollinators, but they may also provide food and shelter for natural enemies of crop pests.
Flowerstrips are diverse and may consist from only 2-3 species to mixtures of >20 species and their longevity range from annual to perennial. Information about the value of single species and how they each contribute to the value of the mixture is very limited. However, this knowledge is required if we in future want to design crop tailored flowerstrips to increase crop yield and reduce severity of pests.
Potential topics are agronomic aspects of single species and mixtures, their pollen and nectar resource as well as studies of pollinators or various insect species.
Autumn 2024 or spring 2025
Department of Agroecology, AU-Flakkebjerg, 4200 Slagelse
45 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data
60 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data
We’re stating a new project during 2024, BIO4SEED in collaboration with the vegetable and grass and clover seed industry. We will identify natural enemies of important crop pests and try using them to reduce crop damage. Your thesis work may be carried out in connection to this project.
