We are currently looking for a motivated student for a M.Sc. project at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena (Germany). In this project, the student will investigate a highly evolved and complex structure, which is specialized for the transportation of fungal spores in fungus-farming ambrosia beetles.
Ambrosia beetles are fungus-farming bark beetles (Curculionidae), which encompass around 16 species in Germany and more than 3400 worldwide. They typically colonize the xylem of recently dead trees in which they drill their tunnel systems. Here, the beetles cultivate a species-specific nutritional fungus, which allows them to survive in such a challenging environment. However, a very specific structure is characteristic for all ambrosia beetles, the so-called mycetangia or mycangia. This structure is highly evolved and is specialized for the transportation of fungal spores from the initial nest to a new one. Without it, the survival of the beetles would be even more challenging. However, little is known about the function (e.g. fungal uptake) as well as the chemistry (e.g. secretions) of mycetangia. Therefore, research on this fascinating structure of ambrosia beetles would provide novel insights into the interaction between the beetle and its fungal symbiont.
Within this project, the student will examine the mycetangia of two common and widespread native ambrosia beetles using state-of-the-art-technique focussing on:
- Field work
- Rearing of beetles on an artificial diet
- Isolation of mycetangial structures from beetles
- Preparation of crude extracts
- Identification of major involved compounds (e.g. fatty acids, amino acids)
- Bioassays with extracts/compounds using competitive and antagonistic fungi
If you are generally interested in microbiology, mycology and ecology, and want to find out more about this project (e.g. details, start date), don´t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Dr. Maximilian Lehenberger
mlehenberger@ice.mpg.de
Prof. Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon
gershenzon@ice.mpg.de
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