Kyaw Tun

Citation

Thesis Title
Multitrophic Interactions Involving the Giant Willow Aphid, Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin)

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Willows have been valued in New Zealand for soil conservation, riverbank stabilisation, horticultural shelterbelts, and spring pollen for honeybees. However, these willows are now severely infested by the giant willow aphid, causing negative impacts on host plant physiology and growth and indirectly posing a unique problem to the apiculture industry. Mr Tun investigated the aphid interactions with host plants, associated insect species, and soil microbes to fill knowledge gaps in sustainable aphid management. His work has direct relevance to ecological questions regarding aphid invasion and will be valuable in helping to manage the giant willow aphid in New Zealand, as well as internationally. In addition, there were some significant insights into theoretical considerations relating to plant defence mechanisms and plant-soil interactions.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Maria Minor
Dr Trevor Jones
Dr Andrea Clavijo McCormick