Biological control in apple orchards

Conservation Biological Control in Australian Apple Orchards

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 April 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

Scholarship

$32,192pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

This PhD project is part of the recently funded 5 year Hort Innovation PIPS4Profit project - Pest and Disease Management.

This project seeks to advance integrated pest management (IPM) within Australian apple production systems through the adoption of conservation biological control (CBC) strategies. The successful candidate will explore all aspects of CBC including plant selection, plant establishment, and the ability of this management strategy to control arthropod pests, enhance beneficial arthropod populations and subsequently improve fruit quality and yield. The candidate will be part of a large team and will be expected to undertake laboratory- and field-based research in commercial apple production settings.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Stephen Quarrell

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend co-funded by Agriculture Victoria of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • The scholarship is open to Australian and New Zealand (domestic) candidates and International candidates
  • Research must be undertaken on a full-time basis
  • Applications are open to people with a background in entomology only
  • IELTS English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project.

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Applicants must already have been awarded a first-class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in horticultural entomology and integrated pest management
  • Excellence in written and oral communication skills
  • Must hold Australian driver's license or be able to obtain a license
  • Ability to conduct field work independently

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Experience in apple production research
  • Applicants with peer-reviewed research publications in the area of research will be looked upon favourably

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Stephen Quarrell to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 April 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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