
Overview
Background
The study of insect abundance and distribution.
I am an insect ecologist by "bent" and my students and I work on various applied and basic research areas. We generally take an individuals-process based approach to the study of insect abundance and distribution. We use various "model" systems to ask questions ranging from the effect of host chemistry on oviposition behaviour and early stage caterpillar survival, to the effects of learning on oviposition behaviour at a landscape level and the effects of climate on insect abundance. I prefer to work on Butterfly-plant interactions, particularly Monarchs and milkweeds.
A substantial amount of our applied research has been on the ecology and biology of Helicoverpa spp, the major pest of Australian field crops, and more recently Diamondback moth, a key pest of horticulture.
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Australian National University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University
Works
Search Professor Myron Zalucki’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
Host plants and habitats of Helicoverpa punctigera and H. armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in inland Australia
Gregg, Peter C, Del Socorro, Alice P, Le Mottee, Kristian, Tann, Colin R, Fitt, Gary P and Zalucki, Myron P (2018). Host plants and habitats of Helicoverpa punctigera and H. armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in inland Australia. Austral Entomology, 58 (3), 547-560. doi: 10.1111/aen.12349
2018
Journal Article
Fecundity and egg laying in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): model development and field validation
Noor-Ul-Ane, Muhammad, Kim, Dong-Soon and Zalucki, Myron P. (2018). Fecundity and egg laying in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): model development and field validation. Journal of Economic Entomology, 111 (5), 2208-2216. doi: 10.1093/jee/toy183
2018
Journal Article
Management and population dynamics of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): planting regimes, crop hygiene, biological control and timing of interventions
Li, Z., Furlong, M. J., Yonow, T., Kriticos, D. J., Bao, H., Yin, F., Lin, Q., Feng, X. and Zalucki, M. P. (2018). Management and population dynamics of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): planting regimes, crop hygiene, biological control and timing of interventions. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 109 (02), 1-9. doi: 10.1017/S0007485318000500
2018
Journal Article
Temperature-dependent development of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its larval parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): implications for species interactions
Noor-Ul-Ane, M., Ali Mirhosseini, M., Crickmore, N., Saeed, S., Noor, I. and Zalucki, M. P. (2018). Temperature-dependent development of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its larval parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): implications for species interactions. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 108 (3), 295-304. doi: 10.1017/S0007485317000724
2018
Journal Article
Landscape ecology and expanding range of biocontrol agent taxa enhance prospects for diamondback moth management. A review
Gurr, Geoff M., Reynolds, Olivia L., Johnson, Anne C., Desneux, Nicolas, Zalucki, Myron P., Furlong, Michael J., Li, Zhenyu, Akutse, Komivi S., Chen, Junhui, Gao, Xiwu and You, Minsheng (2018). Landscape ecology and expanding range of biocontrol agent taxa enhance prospects for diamondback moth management. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 38 (3) 23. doi: 10.1007/s13593-018-0500-z
2018
Journal Article
Predicting monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) movement and egg-laying with a spatially-explicit agent-based model: The role of monarch perceptual range and spatial memory
Grant, Tyler J., Parry, Hazel R., Zalucki, Myron P. and Bradbury, Steven P. (2018). Predicting monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) movement and egg-laying with a spatially-explicit agent-based model: The role of monarch perceptual range and spatial memory. Ecological Modelling, 374, 37-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2018.02.011
2018
Journal Article
Integrated use of biological approaches provides effective control of parthenium weed
Shabbir, Asad, Bajwa, Ali Ahsan, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham, Zalucki, Myron, Khan, Naeem and Adkins, Steve (2018). Integrated use of biological approaches provides effective control of parthenium weed. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 64 (13), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/03650340.2018.1464150
2018
Journal Article
Secondary crops and non-crop habitats within landscapes enhance the abundance and diversity of generalist predators
Liu, Bing, Yang, Long, Zeng, Yingda, Yang, Fan, Yang, Yizhong and Lu, Yanhui (2018). Secondary crops and non-crop habitats within landscapes enhance the abundance and diversity of generalist predators. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 258, 30-39. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2018.02.007
2018
Journal Article
Population dynamics of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in northern China: the effect of migration, cropping patterns and climate
Zhu, Liuhong, Li, Zhenyu, Zhang, Shufa, Xu, Baoyun, Zhang, Youjun, Zalucki, Myron P., Wu, Qingjun and Yin, Xianhui (2018). Population dynamics of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in northern China: the effect of migration, cropping patterns and climate. Pest Management Science, 74 (8), 1845-1853. doi: 10.1002/ps.4885
2018
Journal Article
Non-migratory monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.), retain developmental plasticity and a navigational mechanism associated with migration
Freedman, Micah G., Dingle, Hugh, Tabuloc, Christine A., Chiu, Joanna C., Yang, Louie H. and Zalucki, Myron P. (2018). Non-migratory monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (L.), retain developmental plasticity and a navigational mechanism associated with migration. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 123 (2), 265-278. doi: 10.1093/biolinnean/blx148
2018
Journal Article
Feeding behaviour and survival of Bacillus thuringiensis-resistant and Bacillus thuringiensis-susceptible larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) exposed to a diet with Bacillus thuringiensis toxin
Luong, Tuyet T. A. , Zalucki, Myron P. , Perkins, Lynda E. and Downes, Sharon J. (2018). Feeding behaviour and survival of Bacillus thuringiensis-resistant and Bacillus thuringiensis-susceptible larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) exposed to a diet with Bacillus thuringiensis toxin. Austral Entomology, 57 (1), 1-8. doi: 10.1111/aen.12265
2017
Conference Publication
Biological control of diamondback moth in a climate of change
Furlong, M.J., Zalucki, M.P., Shabbir, A. and Adamson, D.C. (2017). Biological control of diamondback moth in a climate of change. VII International Workshop on Management of of the Diamondback Moth and other Crucifer Pests, Bengalaru, India, 23-27 March 2015. Bangalore, India: UAS.
2017
Journal Article
Estimating the landscape distribution of eggs by Helicoverpa spp., with implications for Bt resistance management
Parry, H. R., Paull, C. A., Zalucki, M. P., Ives, A. R., Hulthen, A. and Schellhorn, N. A. (2017). Estimating the landscape distribution of eggs by Helicoverpa spp., with implications for Bt resistance management. Ecological Modelling, 365, 129-140. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.10.004
2017
Journal Article
Density-dependence in the declining population of the monarch butterfly
Marini, Lorenzo and Zalucki, Myron P. (2017). Density-dependence in the declining population of the monarch butterfly. Scientific Reports, 7 (1) 13957, 13957. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-14510-w
2017
Journal Article
The elimination of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, from Brisbane, Australia: The role of surveillance, larval habitat removal and policy
Trewin, Brendan J., Darbro, Jonathan M., Jansen, Cassie C., Schellhorn, Nancy A., Zalucki, Myron P., Hurst, Tim P. and Devine, Gregor J. (2017). The elimination of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, from Brisbane, Australia: The role of surveillance, larval habitat removal and policy. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 11 (8) e0005848, e0005848. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005848
2017
Journal Article
How guilds build success; Aspects of temporal resource partitioning in a warm, temperate climate assemblage of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Sullivan, Gregory T., Ozman-Sullivan, Sebahat K., Lumaret, Jean-Pierre, Bourne, Anne, Zeybekoglu, Unal, Zalucki, Myron P. and Baxter, Greg (2017). How guilds build success; Aspects of temporal resource partitioning in a warm, temperate climate assemblage of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Environmental Entomology, 46 (5), 1060-1069. doi: 10.1093/ee/nvx117
2017
Journal Article
Interpreting surveys to estimate the size of the monarch butterfly population: pitfalls and prospects
Pleasants, John M., Zalucki, Myron P., Oberhauser, Karen S., Brower, Lincoln P., Taylor, Orley R. and Thogmartin, Wayne E. (2017). Interpreting surveys to estimate the size of the monarch butterfly population: pitfalls and prospects. PLoS One, 12 (7) e0181245, e0181245. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181245
2017
Journal Article
Predator–prey interaction between greenhead ants and processionary caterpillars is mediated by chemical defence
Uemura, Mizuki, Perkins, Lynda E., Zalucki, Myron P. and Cribb, Bronwen W. (2017). Predator–prey interaction between greenhead ants and processionary caterpillars is mediated by chemical defence. Animal Behaviour, 129, 213-222. doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.05.023
2017
Journal Article
A generalist herbivore copes with specialized plant defence: the effects of induction and feeding by Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae on intact Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicales) plants
Zalucki, M. P., Zalucki, J. M., Perkins, L. E., Schramm, K., Vassao, D. G., Gershenzon, J. and Heckel, D. G. (2017). A generalist herbivore copes with specialized plant defence: the effects of induction and feeding by Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae on intact Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicales) plants. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 43 (6), 608-616. doi: 10.1007/s10886-017-0855-7
2017
Journal Article
Behavior as a mechanism of insecticide resistance: evaluation of the evidence
Zalucki, M. P. and Furlong, M. J. (2017). Behavior as a mechanism of insecticide resistance: evaluation of the evidence. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 21, 19-25. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.05.006
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Food utilization efficiency in neonates of a polyphagous caterpillar
Newly hatched caterpillars are a critical stage in the life cycle of butterflies and moths. Yet few studies have assessed how well first instars convert food intake into body mass.
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Optimal foraging in Lepidopteran larvae - or sabotaging the right meal size
Caterpillars of the milkweed butterflies have to first sabotage the latex based defense system of their host plant before they can feed. Is the area isolated by vein snipping and trenching behaviour sufficient for a caterpillar to complete an instar?
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Egg size and survival of first instar caterpillars on host plant
Species within the Lepidoptera lay eggs of different sizes. Generally the bigger the butterfly the bigger the egg, but not always. Is the survival of neonates on host plants related to initial egg size.
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Caterpillar foraging when predators are around
Do caterpillars adjust there feeding behaviour in response to the presence of predators?
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Pollen feeding in adult Lepidoptera: getting a nitrogen fix
Many adult butterflies and moths have pollen adhering to their mouth parts. Are they able to utilise the pollen as a food source?
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Is there empty suitable habitat for plant feeding insects?
Ever wonder why there is so much greenery that is seemingly not eaten by insect herbivores? Is the food simply not suitable or is it not used for other reasons?
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Metapopulation dynamics and the matrix revisited
Do butterflies use the matrix or is it just treacherous landscape?
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Predicting potential range and abundance of invading species
How well can we "predict" the range and abundance of species that have recently established in new geographic locations?
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
-
Doctor Philosophy
A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
-
Doctor Philosophy
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
Doctor Philosophy
Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr James Hereward, Professor Michael Furlong
-
Master Philosophy
Systematics of the processionally caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
-
Doctor Philosophy
Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr James Hereward, Professor Michael Furlong
-
Doctor Philosophy
Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr James Hereward, Professor Michael Furlong
-
Doctor Philosophy
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
Doctor Philosophy
Synergistic interactions between insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
Master Philosophy
Systematics of the processionally caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
-
Doctor Philosophy
Factors shaping butterfly conservation on Australian islands
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Salit Kark
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The biology, ecology, and management of Processionary caterpillars Ochrogaster lunifer, primary agents of equine amnionitis & foetal loss (EAFL)
Principal Advisor
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2021
Master Philosophy
The butterflies of the Torres Strait islands - a fauna in review
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The role of food nutrition: effects on foraging behavior, dealing with plant secondary metabolites and parasites in Helicoverpa armigera larvae
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The value of grasslands for pest suppression: an assessment of grassland refuge quality and their integration into agricultural landscapes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Survival of diamondback moth eggs and neonates: the effects of rainfall
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the risk of establishment by the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (L.)(Diptera: Culicidae), through rainwater tanks in Queensland: back to the future.
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Master Philosophy
Necrophagous insects in Queensland and their potential use as forensic indicators.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
The risk of bluetongue virus introduction into northern Australia via the airborne spread of Culicoides midges from Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Does Wolbachia modify dengue mosquito biology: Investigating effects of Wolbachia on Aedes aegypti behaviour, physiology and gene expression
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Reproductive biology of three invasive milkweed species in south-east Queensland
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
THE ARCHITECTURE OF RED CEDAR, Toona ciliata M. Roem AND ITS MODIFICATION BY THE CEDAR TIP MOTH, Hypsipyla robusta Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) ¿ A VIRTUAL MODEL -
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jim Hanan
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
The ecology and management of lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in eastern Australian broiler houses
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
LOCALISED OUTBREAKS OF BROWN PLANTHOPPER (NILAPARVATA LUGENS STAL) IN CAMBODIAN RICE ECOSYSTEMS: POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
ECOLOGY OF TRICHOGRAMMA SPP. IN THE ORD RIVER IRRIGATION AREA AND THEIR ROLE IN COTTON IPM
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY OF SPIDERS IN CITRUS ECOSYSTEMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PEST MANAGEMENT
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY OF THE PACIFIC DAMSEL BUG, Nabis kinbergii REUTER (HEMIPTERA: NABIDAE), IN COTTON FARMING SYSTEMS: TOWARDS 'REAL' IPM
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
THE USE OF PREDATORS FOR CONTROL OF HELICOVERPA SPP. IN GRAIN CROPS IN SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
Xylophagous insects: developments in feeding assays
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
RESISTANCE TO SORGHUM MIDGE AND MANAGEMENT OF PANICLE PESTS IN SORGHUM
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
The biology and characterisation of the ascoviruses (ascoviridae: ascovirus) of helicoverpa armigera hubner and helicoverpa punctigera wallengren (lepidoptera: noctuidae) in Australia
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Observations on the biology and ecology of Anopheles farauti in north Queensland, Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nigel Beebe
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Herbivore-plant interactions: implications for the biological control of Harrisia martinii (Cactaceae) by Hypogeococcus species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr James Hereward, Professor Michael Furlong
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The effects of climate on the abundance and the geographic distribution of ticks in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong, Professor Stephen Barker
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Insect migration and conservation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Richard Fuller
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2022
Master Philosophy
Responses of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley to herbivore induced host plants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Aspects of temporal resource partitioning among dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of the Kizilirmak Delta on the Black Sea coast of Turkey
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ron Johnstone
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Insect-plant interactions: oviposition and larval-feeding behaviour of diamondback moth
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Ecology and behaviour of Amblypelta lutescens lutescens Distant (Hemiptera: Coreidae) in avocado orchards.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Choice of feeding sites, growth and survival by Crocidolomia pavonana (F.)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2016
Master Philosophy
Investigating the impacts of the natural enemy trichogramma chilonis ishii on populations of crocidolomia pavonana in Samoa
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2015
Master Philosophy
Diamondback moth resistance to commonly used insecticides and its management in Fiji
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Biology and ecology of Nisotra basselae on Abelmoschus manihot in Solomon Islands
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Gaining more from invasive plant management than just weed control
Associate Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
The potential colonisation and establishment of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) as an arbovirus vector in eastern Australia
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
TOWARDS THE IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF PARTHENIUM WEED: COMPLEMENTING BIOLOGICAL CONTROL WITH PLANT SUPPRESSION
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Adkins
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2010
Master Philosophy
The tale of the two shoals: How individual experience influences shoal behaviour
Associate Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of the biological control program of groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia L. Asteraceae)
Associate Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Plants, pests and pollinators: combining technologies to crack the odour code
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jimmy Botella
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Termite foraging interactions with a protective barrier system
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barry Noller
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Designing and development of synthetic barrier materials for the protection of wooden structures against termites
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barry Noller
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
ESTABLISHMENT RISK MODELLING OF INVASIVE ORGANISMS: Solenopsis invicta AS A CASE STUDY
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki directly for media enquiries about:
- Insect behaviour
- Insect conservation
- Insect-plant interactions
- Pest management
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