Field study to establish baseline variation in agricultural systems using white cabbage as a model species (Alleen Engelse tekst)

In the ERGO project which investigates the possible impact of Genetically Modified Plants in relation to baseline information there is a position for a student who wants to investigate the variation of different cabbage cultivars in relation to soil organisms. In this project the student can actually him or herself choose from a variety of topics depending on his or her interests and motivation.

In May we will start a field experiment in cooperation with the Wageningen University (department of Entomology). They will look at the variation aboveground and we at the NIOO will look into the diversity belowground.

To give some ideas what you might be able to do in this project

• Investigate the microorganism community over the duration of field season with PCR-DGGE and link this to plant chemical data.
• Do the same but for various other groups (e.g. mites).
• Look at the aboveground diversity in morphology and /or anatomy to link to aboveground insect abundance.
• To establish the variation in enzyme activity or organic soil contents.

If you yourself have ideas, you are of course welcome to think of something.

Location
Heteren, field site located in Wageningen.

Supervisor
Patrick Kabouw www.nioo.knaw.nl/ppages/pkabouw contact me at p.kabouw@nioo.knaw.nl or tel: 026-4791206.