Department of Biology
UNIVERSITY of FRIBOURG
| Maria Litto |
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Address: Phone:
+ (41) (0) 26-300 88 67
Email:
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Current researchMy main interests lie on the ecological, evolutionary and genetic aspects of insect-plant interaction and biological invasions, specifically on how the density and the spread of invasive plants can be controlled by biological agents, such as specialist herbivores. I am currently focusing on the rapid local adaptation to biotic and abiotic conditions in the novel range by using the herbivore Ophraella communa (Col.: Chrysomelidae), recently and accidentally introduced into Europe. This North-American chrysomelid beetle has also been introduced into Asia where it is successfully used as a biological control agent of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), an invasive weed with highly allergenic pollen. My PhD project is part of the framework of the EU-COST Action FA1203 on “Sustainable management of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe” (SMARTER; ragweed.eu), that in response to this accidental introduction, has launched an Ophraella Task Force, with the aim of investigating the risks and potential benefits of using O. communa as biological control agent to reduce the population density and the pollen production of common ragweed in Europe. In this context, I am going to explore phenotype-environment correlations, perform artificial selection experiments with O. communa and collaborate with the Post-Doc Sarah Bouchemousse to better understand the genetics of adaptation in O. communa populations.
Curriculum vitae pdf
PublicationsS. Cozzolino, S. Fineschi, M. Litto, G. Scopece, J. Trunschke, F. P. Schiestl Herbivory increases fruit set in Silene latifolia: a consequence of induced pollinator-attracting floral volatiles?, Journal of Chemical Ecology, 41: 622-630, DOI: 10.1007/s10886-015-0597-3 download
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