Cucumber is one of the most important vegetables in the world and its genome has recently been sequenced. In the proposed research we will exploit this information to improve cucumber traits involved in indirect plant defense (enhancing biological control) and to identify new genes that are (strongly) induced by spider mites and thrips, two major pest herbivores in cucumber. In response to herbivory, plants release a complex blend of volatiles providing valuable cues for herbivores and their natural enemies. In cucumber, the volatile profile emitted after spider-mite or thrips infestation mainly consists of terpenoids, such as (E)-?-ocimene and (E)-4,8-dimethyl nonatriene. Both components are known to be attractive to predatory mites and other natural enemies. Previous research demonstrated that biological control of cell-feeding herbivores, such as spider mites but also thrips, can be improved by changing the volatile emission either through a GMO approach by introduction of terpene synthase genes or by exploiting the genetic variation in induced volatile emission already present in cucumber. In the research proposed here we will exploit the recently available knowledge about the cucumber genome to facilitate improvement in biological control of spider mites and thrips in cucumber. Hereto, bioinformatics will be combined with metabolic profiling of volatiles and transcript profiling of the genes that encode for their biosynthesis, in various cucumber accessions. Furthermore, we will study the behaviour of various natural enemies of spider mites and thrips. Our integrated approach consisting of bioinformatics, metabolite profiling, transcriptomics and behavioural analyses will lead to the identification of genes and their regulatory sequences that in cucumber are responsible for (induced) indirect defence mechanisms. The anticipated results will lead to improved biological control of spider mites and thrips in cucumber.

Eligibility:
An MSc degree in Biology, Plant Biotechnology or Plant Sciences with a multidisciplinary profile. You should be a molecular biologist or plant biotechnologist with affinity to bioinformatics and interest in insect-plant interactions. Experience with investigating arthropod behavior and statistics will be considered an additional value. You should be a team player with demonstrable experience in collaboration with (bio)chemists, and/or entomologists. You have a good knowledge of the English language (oral and written), and have excellent communication skills.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 14 January 2011
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