Peter de Jong's research
My research involves molecular and evolutionary ecology of the interactions between phytophagous insects, their host plants and their natural enemies.
Research
As a model, I study the interaction between the flea beetle, Phyllotreta nemorum, its cruciferous host plants (especially Barbarea vulgaris) and a natural enemy (the parasitoid Aneuclis brevicauda). I aim to understand the evolution of the interactions between these organisms by studying the genetic basis of adaptations and the factors that influence the distribution of these adaptations.
P. nemorum is polymorphic for the presence of resistance genes, which enable the beetles to use B. vulgaris as a host plant. B. vulgaris is unsuitable as host plant for P. nemorum individuals in which the resistance genes are not expressed. The distribution of the resistance genes can be influenced by selection and migration, where ecological factors, such as host plant phenology, abundance of host plant species, and parasitism may play a role.
In my work I try to find the relationship between the geographical- and host plant associated distribution of resistance and population structure, indicated by neutral markers. I also study the selective forces acting on resistance, such as trade-offs associated with the presence of resistance genes, host plant dependent parasitism of P. nemorum, temporal variation in defence of B. vulgaris, availability of the various host plant species, and the interactions between these factors. Eventually the results of this work will contribute to a better understanding of the processes influencing biodiversity.
Applied aspect
Apart from the importance of knowledge about processes connected to biodiversity for management of ecosystems, the genetic basis of the resistance of P. nemorum for defence of B. vulgaris resembles the genetic basis of insecticide resistance in insects. Therefore, the research on this model will certainly yield valuable insights in processes influencing the spread of resistance against insecticides. Moreover, P. nemorum (as well as closely related species) itself is a pest, and it is important to understand its host plant use to be able to develop environmentally benign control methods.
Publications
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Wapenwedloop tussen planten en insecten
In: Muggenzifters en Mierenneukers. Insecten onder de loep genomen / , Huigens, M.E., Jong, P.W., Dicke, M., van Huis, A., Lenteren, J.C., van Maanen, G., Smid, H.M.. - Wageningen : Wageningen Universiteit, Leerstoelgroep Entomologie - ISBN 9789085850922 - p. 86 - 93. -
Muggenzifters en Mierenneukers. Insecten onder de loep genomen
Wageningen : Wageningen Universiteit, Leerstoelgroep Entomologie - ISBN 9789085850922 - p. -
Population structure of the malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Madagascar and Comoros
Acta Tropica 97 (2006)3. - ISSN 0001-706X - p. 292 - 300. -
Comparison of the incidence of sibling cannibalism between male-killing Spiroplasma infected and uninfected clutches of a predatory ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
European Journal of Entomology 103 (2006). - ISSN 1210-5759 - p. 323 - 326. -
Genotypic manipulation of infochemicals to study chemical ecology and community ecology of herbivore-induced plant volatiles
In: Abstracts Breeding for inducible resistance against pests and diseases, Heraklio, Crete, Greece, 27 - 29 April, 2006. - Heraklio, Crete, Greece - p. 16 - 16. -
Genotypic manipulation of infochemicals to study chemical ecology and community ecology of herbivore-induced plant volatiles
In: 5th Biannual Symposium of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS): The exploration interactions with molecular and chemical techniques, Jena, Germany, 20-21 March 2006,in collaboration with Graduate School EPS, The Netherlands. - - p. 41 - 41. -
AFLP markers for the R-gene in the flea beetle, Phyllotreta nemorum, conferring resistance to defenses in Barbarea vulgaris
Journal of Insect Science 5 (2005). - ISSN 1536-2442 - p. 38 - 38. -
Wingless ladybird beetles: genetics, development, fitness consequences and use in biocontrol
In: Present Status of Studies for Utilization of Insect Properties, NIAS/COE International Symposium Tsukuba, Japan, 4-5 October 2005. - - p. 27 - 27. -
Phenotypic plasticity of elytron length in wingless two-spot ladybird beetles Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
European Journal of Entomology 102 (2005)3. - ISSN 1210-5759 - p. 553 - 556. -
Intra- and interspecific host discrimination in arrhenotokous and thelytokous Eretmocerus spp.
Biological Control 33 (2005)1. - ISSN 1049-9644 - p. 74 - 80.