Closing date: 15 Apr 2024

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project working on ‘Ecology of native and introduced natural enemies of Parthenium hysterophorus in East Africa’ in the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS).

The PhD study is part of the project “Accelerating One Health interventions for tackling pandemics at source (ACCELERATE-ONE HEALTH)” granted to the International Centre of Insect Physiology Ecology (icipe) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Summary of the project

Parthenium hysterophorus, often known as the famine weed, is considered to be one of the most noxious land-based weeds with worldwide and One Health implications (Holm et al., 1997; Kaur et al., 2014; Strathie et al., 2021. It exhibits vigorous colonization in cultivated fields, pastures, roadsides, wastelands, and water courses. Parthenium semiochemicals, such as parthenin, hysterin, hymenin, and ambrosin, have potent allelopathic properties on many plants. These compounds are recognized as inhibitors of germination and radicle formation in both dicot and monocot plants, resulting in a considerable reduction in crop output. Uncontrolled invasion of Parthenium weed in Ethiopia has been found to cause significant yield losses of 40-97% in sorghum grain. Parthenium weed is very hazardous to animals, leading to many health issues such as dermatitis, anorexia, pruritis, alopecia, diarrhoea, eye irritation, and contaminated milk. In fact, if cattle consume a feed containing a large quantity (10-15%) of this weed, it might result in their death. Parthenium pollen grains, dried plant parts, and roots in the air can cause a range of allergies in people, such as dermatitis, hay fever, asthma, and bronchitis. Researchers from icipe discovered that mosquitoes utilize Parthenium weed as a source of sugar for eating and store a significant amount of energy when they feed on this plant (Nyasembe et al., 2015). Further research has demonstrated that the larvicidal activity against mosquitoes can be enhanced by introducing hydroxyl groups to parthenin through structural modification (Milugo et al., 2021).

Traditionally, manual weeding and application of herbicides have been used for its management. However, these approaches are neither effective nor sustainable as it is beyond the reach of many farmers. Furthermore, each plant produces 10,000 – 25,000 seeds in its lifetime which remain viable in the soil, as seed banks up to 10 years, making management a daunting venture. The use of natural enemies has been demonstrated as the most effective, environmentally friendly, and self-sustaining, in the management of this weed in its native and invaded ranges. For example, in South Africa, Parthenium is being effectively controlled through the introduction of three insect natural enemies from Mexico: the stem-boring weevil, Listronotus setosipennis, the leaf-feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata, and the seed-feeding weevil Smircronyx lutulentus (Strathie et al., 2020). Despite the socioeconomic and health implications of this weed in East Africa, its classical biological control, still lags. In this regard, the proposed study seeks to document local natural enemies of Parthenium, introduce these natural enemies, evaluate their performance against Parthenium, study their bio- and chemo ecological interactions and subsequently undertake mass releases and monitor their impact.

Eligibility criteria

• Should be a national of an African country.
• Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as agriculture/Entomology /Environmental Conservation.
• M.Sc. in Entomology/Agriculture.
• Previous experience in classical biological control, invasive weed management and molecular biology research will be an added advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate research findings, prepare detailed reports.
• Willingness to commit full-time to his/her PhD training programme.
• The Master’s degree must have been completed less than six years ago at the time of application.
• Candidates who are staff members of a public university, or considered for university teaching or research staff recruitment, are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified female candidates and candidates from less privileged regions or groups as well as candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The scholarship is fully funded for 3 years, during which the student will conduct fieldwork in Kenya. 

PhD project duration, supervision, and costs

• The duration of the Ph.D. project is for (3) years.
•  The students will be jointly supervised by the university professors and icipe scientists.
• The fellowship includes a stipend of US$700 per month, university fees, visa costs, office costs, and research costs.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 15th April 2024.

• Fill in the application form that requires a well-written abstract based on the above background information (max 750 words, excluding references).
• A concise letter of motivation (including statistical software package for data analysis).
• A detailed CV (name, contact details, age, and gender), the names of at least 3 relevant referees and a recommendation letter.
• Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts indicating all courses and obtained degrees.
• Do not submit your application by email. Only applications and supporting documents submitted online will be accepted. Applications submitted by email will be rejected.

Please note that: -

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• Short-listed candidates are subject to an interview and written assessment.
• Successful candidates will develop a full proposal and register with a university after they commence their PhD programme at icipe.