Internship in applied insect behaviour

Impact of repellent compounds on the feeding and egg-laying behaviours of the European
hazelnut weevil, Curculio nucum (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)

In Europe, Curculio nucum is the main pest of hazelnuts. Adults drill shells to feed and/or to
deposit eggs. Feeding activities lead to aborted embryos and larvae feed on kernel, in both
cases, empty nuts are harvested. Kernel abortion is a clear net loss for growers. Without
treatment, 80% of yield can be reduced and. To date, no biological control is available while
hazelnut production increase year after year.
Compounds or natural products could disrupt the behaviour of the weevil towards its
hazelnut. These products could act in different ways, from a physical barrier to olfactory or
visual mask, or even through repellent cues. Candidate products have already been tested,
with promising results. The aim of the study is to find new products and to confirm their
efficacy in both, lab and field conditions.

Free accommodation and scholarship provided

Aims of the study
(1) To build a detailed ethogram of feeding and egg-laying behaviors,
(2) To test new potentially repellent products and to understand their mechanism of
actions
(3) Finally, to confirm the effectiveness of candidate products in both, lab and field
conditions
Profil requiered: Rigor, autonomy, curiosity and critical sense; Knowledge and interest in
ethology; Personal car recommended for field experiments.