Biodiversity and ecological traits of mycophagous beetles in vineyards General informations(M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Mycophagous beetles, which feed on fungi found in soil or vegetation, represent an understudied functional group whose role in vineyard functional ecology remains unknown. Preliminary results revealed a significant population of these insects in the vineyards of the Centre Val-de-Loire region. Exploratory molecular analyses of the internal compartment of a few individuals have revealed a significant fungal taxa diversity. Among these taxa, various grapevine pathogens have been identified, including fungi associated with wood diseases (e.g., esca and black rot) and those responsible for grape mold. These initial results suggest that these insects could play a significant role in microbiological dynamics, soil health, and the ecological balance of vineyards.
Therefore, the objective of this thesis is threefold: (1) to determine the taxonomic diversity of mycophagous beetles in vineyards and the composition of their diet, (2) to analyze trophic flows in the laboratory, and (3) to explore their ecological roles and functions in viticultural systems. To this end, insect collection campaigns will be organized in the DEPHY/BSV plot network in Indre-et-Loire (37), in collaboration with the French Wine Institute. Their diet will then be investigated in the laboratory by analyzing their intestinal contents using high-throughput molecular analysis techniques (metabarcoding) and methods for tracing organic matter flows. These analyses will provide a better understanding of their interactions with pathogenic fungi and define their ecological role in vineyards. Then, the link with disease pressures, agricultural practices (e.g., tillage and production methods) and landscape components can be studied.
Overall, this PhD project will explore whether the diversity of mycophagous beetles has negative or positive impact on vine health. Are they disease vectors and inoculum, or are they regulators with a bioindication function before the onset of vine disease symptoms? The results will inform discussions and avenues for further study to develop sustainable vineyard management tools.

Your Work Environment

The PhD student will be based at the Institute for Research in Insect Biology (IRBI), UMR 7261 CNRS – University of Tours (France) and will join the IRBI's ESORE (Social Evolution and Environmental Responses) team. The student will also benefit from the facilities and expertise of the UAR METIS and the BBV.
The thesis will be supervised by four individuals with complementary expertise:
Marlène Goubault (HDR): co-supervisor, expert in behavioral ecology – IRBI
Arnaud Lanoue (HDR): co-advisor, expert in analytical phytochemistry – BBV
Ingrid Arnault, co-advisor and specialist in the experimental development of biocontrol methods (functional biodiversity, biopesticides) – UAR METIS
Simon Dupont: co-advisor and expert in entomology and molecular biology – IRBI
The thesis project is funded by the FONGIVIN 2026–2029 project (financial support from CASDAR— Special Account for Agricultural and Rural Development - and CNIV - National Committee of Wine Interprofessionals - through the National Vineyard Sustainability Plan).
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Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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