Sample interview questions: How do you assess the impact of plant diseases on pollinators or beneficial insects?
Sample answer:
Assessing the Impact of Plant Diseases on Pollinators or Beneficial Insects
Field Observations:
- Monitor pollinator activity in infected versus healthy plant populations.
- Observe the frequency and duration of visits by pollinators to diseased flowers.
- Track the foraging behavior of beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs, lacewings) in the presence of plant diseases.
Laboratory Studies:
- Collect and analyze pollen and nectar samples from diseased flowers to determine if they contain harmful substances.
- Conduct bioassays to assess the toxicity of plant pathogens (e.g., mycotoxins, bacteria) to pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Examine the effects of plant diseases on the nutritional value of pollen and nectar.
Molecular Techniques:
- Analyze microbial communities associated with diseased flowers to identify potential pathogens and their potential effects on pollinators.
- Use gene expression studies to determine… Read full answer