Development of alternative strategies for eco-sustainable management of grapevine leafhoppers

Position: Post-doctoral research appointment Institute: Uni. Palermo
Posted on: 04/06/2026 Deadline: 04/07/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

07/AGRI-05 - Plant Pathology And Entomology

Description

Laboratory tests will explore the sensory mechanisms regulating habitat and host search in the main leafhopper species associated with autochthonous and allochthonous grapevine cultivars. Electroantennography and behavioural bioassays will analyse the responses of these phytophagous species to VOCs emitted by cultivated and wild plants in western Sicily, assessing plant attractiveness and the influence of vineyard management on colonisation. To develop alternatives to synthetic insecticides, laboratory tests will evaluate the biocidal impact of essential oil-based products. These will be applied using a Potter Precision Tower to determine both lethal and sublethal effects. The study will contribute to sustainable plant defence protocols in compliance with environmental criteria and the DNSH principle of the White Wine Identity project.

Compensation

28,456 Euro

Job posting website

http://www.unipa.it/albo.html

Number of positions

1

Funding body

Università degli Studi di Palermo

How to apply

pec@cert.unipa.it