Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, has developed resistance to insecticides and is very difficult to control currently as adequate and reliable biocontrols are not available. WFT caused crop damage of >£20m to high value protected strawberry in the UK alone and worldwide direct damage is in excess of £5 billion per annum, (Kirk, WDJ, Keele University, 2014). This project will develop effective entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) formulations, using nanoparticles to encapsulate the EPF spores, for control of WFT in strawberry and other pests. A few EPF based (=bioinsecticides) products are currently commercially available for some insect pests, but pick-up of the formulated fungal spores by thrips and other pests is low even when spores are present on foliage and flowers and the level of control is poor (Defra HL01107). This project will develop encapsulated EPF formulations that increase spore pick-up, longevity and hence efficacy of the EPF as a pesticide to control WFT.
Established in 1962, Keele University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small town of Keele (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), West Midlands. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, Keele University is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 9,000-9,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Keele University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 57 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.