Tahnee Bennett

Entomology Masters candidate

Office: S30, Second Floor, Life Science Building
Email: g16b4622@campus.ru.ac.za

BSc, Entomology and Microbiology (2018), Rhodes University
BSc (Hons), Entomology, Rhodes University (2019)

Thesis title: Genetic analysis and field application of a UV resistant strain of CrleGV for improved control of Thaumatotibia leucotreta.

Supervisors: Prof. Martin Hill, Dr Sean Moore, Dr Michael Jukes, & Prof. Caroline Knox

Tahnee completed her undergrad studies majoring in Entomology and Microbiology at Rhodes University. She joined the CBC in 2019 in her honours year, where, her first project investigated the natural occurrence of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV) and the Cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus (CrpeNPV) in Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae in citrus orchards. Her second project investigated competition between two cryptic species of biocontrol agents at different temperatures. She am currently doing her masters working with a UV resistant strain of CrleGV, and the project aims to investigate the genetic and biological stability of a UV-resistant strain of CrleGV-SA which has potential for improved control of T. leucotreta.

Last Modified: Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:48:16 SAST