PhD: Electrophysiological and molecular identification of novel biopesticides

This PhD project aims to identify and develop new tools for integrated pest management in cotton. It is part of a wider CRDC project UWS1401: Novel insecticides and synergists from endemic and exotic flora. While adoption of transgenic cotton has lowered synthetic insecticide use against Helicoverpa spp., secondary pests, eg, green mirid and whitefly continue to be of concern. Because pest resistance must also be managed, there is a need to investigate and develop novel options, such as biopesticides and semiochemicals.