Tim Hazard
MSc student

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My study organism is Dicyphus hesperus Knight, an omnivorous biocontrol agent used in tomato greenhouses to control soft-bodied arthropod pests (especially whiteflies). I am currently investigating which cues it utilizes in plant and prey orientation and recognition. From this, I hope to elucidate the factors influencing plant and prey choice, and ultimately how this affects foraging behaviour. The aim of this research is to provide insights into ways of manipulating the greenhouse environment to reduce feeding damage to tomato fruits inflicted by D. hesperus when its prey are scarce.