Host/parasite studies of a biological control agent of slugs

Project Info

Slugs are serious pests in both agriculture and horticulture and are a persistent problem for home gardens. They are usually controlled by pesticide pellets containing metaldehyde or ferric phosphate but these can have negative side effects on non-target organisms, including pets and wildlife (so much so metaldehyde has been banned in the UK). A more sustainable and ecologically sound alternative is the parasitic nematode Phasmarhabditis californica, (made by BASF Agricultural Specialities) which has been formulated into a biological control agent (Nemaslug 2.0^®) for use by farmers and gardeners to control pestiferous slugs. Nematodes are mixed with water and sprayed onto soil, where they search for slugs and then infect and kill them in 4-21 days. These nematodes are regularly used in the U.K. and Europe and can provide significant protection against slugs. However, there is little known about the complete host range of P. californica, and what factors affect its ability to kill slugs (e.g. microbiome). To investigate these issues, this PhD project will pursue the following aims:

1. Collect and culture wild strains of P. californica and assess their pathogenicity and microbiome.

2. Understand the factors that affect the pathogenicity of P. californica towards slugs by taking a transcriptomics and experimental approach.

3. Assess the host range of wild strains of P. californica on pestiferous slugs and snails in the U.K.

Essentially, identifying wild P. californica from across the U.K. will be able to help find strains superior in pathogenicity and able to produce higher yields than the current strain used to make Nemaslug® 2.0. Molecular analysis will compare gene expression of wild strains with the current strain (P. californica P19D) to unravel what genes are abundantly expressed and essential for growth and pathogenicity. Lab experiments with P. californica will allow insight into its ability to kill pestiferous slugs and snails native and non-native to the U.K. and problematic to control.

 Supervisory team

The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Rae who is a Reader in Ecological Genetics at LJMU with a specific interest in Phasmarhabditis nematodes, which he has worked on for 20 years. He has published 60+ peer reviewed articles and 3 book chapters, in high impact journals including Frontiers in Immunology, Scientific Reports and PLoS Pathogens.

School info

 The PhD project will take place at Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Biological and Environmental Sciences which is an interdisciplinary hub tackling global ecological and biodiversity challenges through cutting‑edge research. Its researchers work within a vibrant, internationally recognised environment, with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, advanced genomics and microscopy suites, and specialist ecological and anthropological facilities. Nearly 80% of its research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in ecology, evolution, environmental science and conservation.

Entry requirements:

Candidates require a 2:1 degree in relevant subject area. MSc qualification is desirable but not essential.

The candidate must possess knowledge of lab skills e.g. bioassays, survival analysis, microbiology, molecular biology, experimental design, statistical analyses. The project will suit a candidate with a firm scientific background, practical lab experience and the ability to work independently. Knowledge and understanding of parasitology, particularly nematology, is desirable.

Full training will be provided to the candidate along with access to the broad knowledge and expertise held by the supervisory team.

The successful candidate is expected to visit BASF Agricultural Specialities at Littlehampton to learn mass production of nematodes in an industrial setting. The student is also expected to provide quarterly updates to BASF and should have sufficient presentation and industry appropriate communication skills.

The Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science (HITS) and its Schools have dedicated Diversity and Inclusion (DI) Groups. The individual School Diversity & Inclusion Coordinators and the Faculty Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion lead collective action to promote and embed a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity. Some Schools are awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze or Silver in recognition of their respective equality initiatives and action plans. Also, Schools have proactive diversity and inclusion groups that are aimed to support staff and students by addressing the inclusivity requirements that are unique to each School, in alignment with the LJMU Diversity & Inclusion policies. Applicants are invited to visit the Faculty of HITS website https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties and follow the link to each School.