PhD Student

Email: marcelvd.merwe93@gmail.com  
Office: Lab 425, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology

MSc, Microbiology, Rhodes University (2018)

Thesis title: Yeast-baculovirus synergism: Investigating mixed infections for improved management of the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta

Supervisors: Prof Caroline Knox, Prof Martin Hill and Dr Sean Moore

Marcel van der Merwe is a post graduate student registered at Rhodes University who is currently working towards obtaining his PhD. He has been working at the Center for Biological Control (CBC) since 2017. The main focus of his research revolves around yeast-baculovirus synergism, he is looking to improve the efficacy of a biological control agent used to control Thaumatotibia leucotreta or otherwise commonly known as the false codling moth. It involves using yeast as an attractant to enhance the uptake of a baculovirus biopesticide by T. leucotreta.

Research Interests

• Insect virus
• Biological control
• Microbiology 

Recent Publications

van der Merwe, M.; Jukes, M.D.; Rabalski, L.; Knox, C.; Opoku-Debrah, J.K.; Moore, S.D.; Krejmer-Rabalska, M.; Szewczyk, B.; Hill, M.P. 2017. Genome Analysis and Genetic Stability of the Cryptophlebia leucotreta Granulovirus (CrleGV-SA) after 15 Years of Commercial Use as a Biopesticide. International journal of molecular science, 18(11), pp 2327. IF 3.226

Last Modified: Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:59:12 SAST