About the Project
Bumblebees are amongst the most ecologically and economically important groups of pollinators, but many species are suffering serious declines. Reasons for the declines are thought to include habitat loss, nutritional stress, and both existing and emerging diseases. However, the interactions between these factors is likely to be critical, and the roles of flower diversity and composition in maintaining the resistance to disease of bumblebees is unclear. A strong understanding of this is crucial to inform the provision of flower resources in conservation and agricultural schemes. This project will work with one of the leading charities concerned with pollinator conservation, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, to investigate the effects of the diversity and composition of flower resources on the health and disease resistance of bumblebees, using a combination of controlled laboratory experiments, extensive field experiments and sampling in the UK, and sensitive molecular ecology methods to detect parasite infections. The project will provide the student with an outstanding training experience and the opportunity to make a real contribution to pollinator conservation.
Funding Notes
A NERC-funded Industrial CASE studentship for 4 years in collaboration with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Only full time UK students are eligible for this funding. Applicants must have a 1st or 2:1 class BSc (Hons) or equivalent in ecology, zoology or related discipline, and genuine interest in pollinator conservation, agroecology and parasitology. For further queries, contact Professor William Hughes ([Email Address Removed]), including a copy of your CV. To apply complete the form at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/. Apply for September 2015 entry. Mention William Hughes in “suggested supervisor” section. Include brief statement of interest (up to 2 pages), CV, two academic references, UG/PG transcripts.
References
Graystock, P., Yates, K., Evison, S.E.F., Darvill, B., Goulson, D. & Hughes, W.O.H. 2013. The Trojan hives: harmful pollinator pathogens imported and distributed in bumblebee hives. J Appl Ecol 50:1207-1215.
Graystock, P., Yates, K., Darvill, B., Goulson, D. & Hughes, W.O.H. 2013. Emerging dangers: deadly effects of an emergent parasite in a new pollinator host. J Invert Pathol 114:114-119
Foley, K., Fazio, G., Jensen, A. B. & Hughes, W.O.H. 2012. Nutritional limitation and resistance to opportunistic Aspergillus parasites in honey bee larvae. J Invert Pathol 111:68-73.
Whitehorn PR, O’Connor S, Wackers FL & Goulson D. 2012. Neonicotinoid pesticide reduces bumblebee colony growth and queen production. Science 336: 351-352.
Whitehorn, P.R., Tinsley, M.C., Brown, M.J.F., Darvill, B. & Goulson, D. 2011. Genetic diversity, parasite prevalence and immunity in wild bumblebees. Proc R Soc Lond B 278: 1195-1202.