Mr Ryan Nadel
PhD Student
Tree Protection Co-operative Programme
Research Interests
For my PhD I will be studying Thaumastocoris peregrinus. Thaumastocoris peregrinus is one of the new emerging invertebrate pests found within commercially important
exotic Eucalyptus plantations of South Africa. Originating from the eastern regions of Australia, this sap sucking bug (order: Hemiptera) poses a major threat to the forestry
sector by reducing the photosynthetic ability of the tree, resulting in stunted growth and even death of severely infested trees. Eucalyptus viminalis, E. camaldulensis
and its associated hybrids have been noted as being favoured by T. peregrinus.
For my PhD project, I aim to unravel the molecular ecology of T. peregrinus in South African environments. A second focus of the project is to characterise the role of
semiochemicals in host selection and pest control.
Useful links
Information links
Publication links
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Nadel et al. (2010) DNA bar-coding reveals source and patterns of Thaumastocoris peregrinus invasions in South Africa and South America, Biological Invasions, 12 (5) pg 1067 - 1077 DOI 10.1007/s10530-009-9524-2
The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com
