Thus, early-season infestation of potato by PLH, although it can have direct negative effects on potato yield, may have delayed benefits measured in terms of decreased CPB density and increased yield. Notably, such interactive effects are not currently used to establish economic thresholds for PLH, or are they considered in making management decisions for pests in most cropping systems. This project offers the opportunity to investigate the PLH-CPB interaction and to study both the direct and indirect effects of induced plant resistance. The project also provides the chance to develop the framework for a more accurate economic threshold for PLH, one that takes into account both the direct impact of leafhopper feeding on potato yield and the possible indirect benefit of diminished CPB populations on leafhopper-induced plants. The position is available 1 April 2001 with funding for two years.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications.