Biological models studied

• Invasive pest insects and nematodes: the corn root worm Diabrotica virgifera, Pseudococcid mealybugs, the Asiatic ladybird Harmonia axyridis, aphids, the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus;
• Model insects: Venturia canescens ;
• Insects introduced as biological control agents: The parasitoid Psyttalia lounsburyi, mealybug parasitoids and trichogramma.

Scientific originality of the team

We study invasion biology with various perspectives: behavioural ecology, population dynamics and population genetics. Another original characteristic of the team is its experimental approach to study invasive processes. We use biological control operations as an experimental model and we hope to use our results on invasion biology to improve biological control operations

Current Subject

Which demographic, genetic and environmental factors determine the success or failure of accidental invasions (introduction of a pest) or planned introductions (introduction and acclimatisation of a biological control agent)?

Scientific partnerships and support for programmes

National collaborations: CBGP Montpellier, Bio3P Rennes, INA-PG, University Lyon 1, Plant Breeding and Genetics Division (GAFL) Avignon, CIRAD Montpellier, etc.

International collaborations: CSIRO Australia, EBCL/USDA Montpellier, University of Iowa, Colorado State University, University of Palermo, etc.

The research theme of the team receives support from various federative programmes and through calls for tender (Plant Health and Environment Division of INRA, PACA Regional Authority, Biodiversity Research Fundation (FRB)  and Research National Agency (ANR))