PhD design

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• Invasion routes and genetic structure of the invasive populations : In a context of recent European outbreaks (Switzerland and Finland 2015, Germany and France 2016), and in order to anticipate and to manage further ALB introductions, it is particularly important to uncover ALB's invasion routes as well as its pathways of dispersal in the invaded areas. I'm working on the genetic structure of its invasive populations with a specific focus on the European outbreaks. I mainly use mitochondrial DNA (COI gene) and microsatellite markers, and I plan to use ABC as tools to retrace the invasion route. I'm also collaborating with a team working on isotope pattern of ALB specimens from different countries to uncover the provenance of specimens of unknown origin.
  
  Read the publications : genetic structure; invasion route; native population structure; North American invasion
   

• Ecology and impact on the native fauna : Despite the growing number of studies focusing on ALB invasion, little is known about its real impact on the native fauna. I try to understand to which extend ALB settlement affects European ecosystems. I'm using pheromon traps to get an overview of the diversity of xylophagous species in urban and natural areas, affected or not by ALB.
  
  Read the publication : Fan et al, 2018
   

• Dispersal : Studies have shown that ALB tends to stay in the same area and even on the same tree if the resource is sufficient, but few is known about the real flying capacities of these beetles. I'm thus developping the use of flight mills on ALB adults to get an idea of their flying abilities. Morphometrical data will be added to the results. This approach could lead to highlight ALB dispersal mecanisms within an outbreak, and could help to implement dispersion models.
  
  Read the publication : Javal et al, 2017

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• Thermobiology and respirometry : Temperature is a key factor for most of the biological processes. Uncovering the tolerance of an invasive species under thermic stress could help to anticipate its spread through an invaded area. I worked with Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) and Citrus Longhorned Beetle (CLB) larvae to compare their abilities to tolerate cold stress. I used respirometry as a proxy of metabolism to investigate the response of the two species under cold stressing conditions.
  
  Read the publication : Javal et al, 2017