Scale and mealybugs are significant pests in viticulture. These pests feed by sucking sap from grapevines, leading to significant economic loss. They promote the formation of sooty mould and act as key vectors for virus transmission between vines. Despite the availability of some biological and chemical control methods, these options are often very limited or non-selective. A better understanding of the biology and ecology of scale insects will improve our ability to manage these significant pests and reduce their impact on Australia’s wine industry.
Aim: Using an integrative approach this project will address key knowledge gaps in our understanding of scale and mealybug biology and ecology in the context of viticulture. The PhD will combine methods from ecology and whole organism biology with cutting edge techniques in genomics and recent technological advances in biodiversity monitoring to gain a comprehensive understanding of scale population dynamics, population genetics and potential new biological controls.
Importantly, the project will improve understanding of residual reservoirs and mobility of scale and mealy bug populations – knowledge that is needed to help avoid rapid re-infection of vineyards.
Meet the PhD student for this project
Yilin Bai
My name is Yilin Bai, and I’m a PhD student researching scale and mealybug control in Australian viticulture using genomics and machine learning tools.
I have broad interests that focus on applying quantitative biology and bioinformatics methods to ecological problems. My previous projects have explored quantitative animal behaviour and plant phylogenetics.
Outside of research, I enjoy hiking, fishing, and theatre.
Supervisors and advisors
Associate Professor Megan Head, The Australian National University.
Dr Anthony Borneman, Australian Wine Research Institute.
Dr Markus Herderich, Australian Wine Research Institute.
Dr Chris Ward, Australian Wine Research Institute..
Approach
This project will include the following tasks:
- Conduct studies on the biology and ecology of Scale insect in the field and/or in the lab to determine how life-histories vary with the spatial and temporal environment.
- Develop robust and simple to use diagnostic tools for species identification.
- Use cutting edge genomic methods to study metapopulation dynamics of Scale insects. With the aim of investigating connectedness of populations, sources and sinks, characterising spatial and temporal variability, and assessing how Scale insects move throughout the landscape to determine over what spatial scale management should occur
- Use new technologies employing genomic sequencing, imaging and machine learning to monitor natural enemies of Scale insect in vineyards and inform integrated pest management options for biocontrol. What potential natural enemies are present, when and how do their numbers correlate with Scale populations and management practices
Questions? Questions about this project can be directed to Sarah Adams, Chief Operating Officer, at plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au or +61 459 341 281.