MSc Study Opportunity
Biotic and abiotic factors impacting on grasshopper assemblages in Zululand sugarcane

The Problem
Grasshopper species outbreaks in sugarcane have been regularly reported from the Empangeni region in Zululand for many years. As they re-appear in the same areas year after year, the local sugarcane farmers are concerned, and need knowledge based sustainable control options developed within an Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management Plan for these species assemblages.

The Project
Despite this regular occurrence of grasshopper/locust outbreaks, there is no knowledge on the identification of the species making up these assemblages, their life cycles, ecological preferences, natural enemies and impacts of other biotic and abiotic factors on their population fluctuations. There is thus no basis on which to develop good control measures. A  dedicated two year post-graduate study (under field and laboratory conditions) on the biosystematics and agro-ecology of the grasshopper assemblages and their interactions with each other and the environment (both past and present), including investigating aspects of their life cycles in relation to these, the presence/absence of natural enemies, and impact of the known phenomenon of swarming behaviour being mediated by specific pheromones produced by juveniles, would go a long way to develop possible control measures. A morphometric approach on collected individuals could lead to the development of an early warning system for pest outbreaks.  This study is thus aimed to provide  knowledge on which to base an integrated pest management approach against these crop spoilers. This project will be linked with the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University, where current research on grasshoppers is underway.

The Candidate
The ideal candidate must hold a BSc Honours degree in Entomology and/or Ecology and be enthusiastic about field work, insect rearing and insects and their biosystematics, population biology and ecology. This is a team-orientated project and the ability to get on with others is essential.

The Position
The successful candidate will be provided with a competitive bursary and a dynamic, well-resourced and friendly working environment based at SASRI. Candidates who have secured or applied for NRF funding are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Contact
A resumé and covering letter, outlining why the candidate is suited to the position, should be sent  as soon as possible, but not later than 30 November 2011, either to:
 Dr Pia Addison, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University (pia@sun.ac.za)   OR
  Prof. D.E. Conlong, Crop Biology Resource Centre, SASRI, Private Bag X02, Mt Edgecombe, 4300. KZN. South Africa. (des.conlong@sugar.org.za).