Graduate Research in Using Beneficial Microorganisms from Aquaponic system for Plant Pathogen Suppression in Greenhouse Production

Aquaponics has been becoming increasingly popular in fish and plant production. Residue from aquaponics systems is a rich source of plant nutrients, disease suppression and other beneficial microbial communities. We have funding to support a motivated domestic (i.e. Canadian citizen or permanent resident) M.Sc. or Ph.D. candidate to work on a collaborative, multi-disciplinary project titled “A novel bio-based method to suppress fungal diseases in greenhouse crops”. This project will study the effects of beneficial microorganisms from an aquaponics system on disease suppression in both greenhouse vegetable and ornamental crop production systems. This work will provide new insights regarding opportunities for biological control of pathogenic species and begin developing new tools for growers to pursue sustainable greenhouse crop production.

Most of the research and course work will be conducted at the University of Guelph, the student will also spend time in Quebec with Drs. Grant Vandenberg and Martine Dorais of Université Laval.

Candidates should have completed her/his BSc. or a M.Sc. in plant biology, soil science, microbiology, horticulture, or a related discipline.

Starting Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is found.

Contact: Please call or email for more information about this position. To apply, please provide a letter of interest (2 pages single-spaced), resume, unofficial university academic transcript and contact information for 3 references to:

Dr. Youbin Zheng

Associate Professor

School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario

Tel: 519 824 4120X52741

Email: yzheng@uoguelph.ca