Graduate Assistantship in the Agricultural Landscape Ecology Lab – Dr. Mary Gardiner, The Ohio State University
Widespread occurrence of the exotic invasive shrub common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica, has resulted in cascading ecosystem disservices across the north central U.S. A landscape approach to understanding and managing these effects is required to enhance agricultural production and protect the natural resource base. Common buckthorn invades natural areas where it directly reduces native biodiversity. In addition, it serves as the primary overwintering host of the exotic soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, allowing it to successfully overwinter in the north central U.S. Soybean aphid negatively impacts the production of soybean and vegetable crops by direct feeding and vectoring plant viruses. Moreover, the presence of soybean aphid has facilitated an increase in the exotic multi-colored Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis, leading to the decline of several native lady beetle species. Harmonia adults also invade homes where they cause human allergies. The goal of this project is to develop a fundamental quantitative understanding of the cascading impacts of this keystone invader on ecosystem function and services, and to develop economically and ecologically rational strategies for its management at landscape-scales. This USDA-funded project is regional in scope and includes a citizen science component. Both PhD and MS will be considered. Student could begin program in Fall 2010 or Spring 2011. For more information contact Mary Gardiner: gardiner...@osu.edu.
