Institute of Forest Ecology
Topic
Mycobiota associated with the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) in forest and urban ecosystems
PhD. program
Environmental Science
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Katarína Pastirčáková, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra
Annotation
The oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) is among the most significant invasive insect species negatively affecting the health status of oak stands in both forest and urban environments. In addition to direct damage to host trees, this species may also play a role in the transmission of microorganisms. The aim of this PhD thesis is to study the mycobiota associated with the oak lace bug and to evaluate its species diversity and ecological significance in forest and urban ecosystems. The research will focus on the identification of fungi isolated from the oak lace bug, including phytopathogenic and entomopathogenic species, and on comparing their species composition in relation to habitat type and seasonal dynamics of insect populations. The methodology will include field sampling, isolation and cultivation of fungi, their morphological and molecular identification, and diversity analyses using ecological indices. The results of this study have the potential to provide new insights into the mycobiota associated with invasive insects on oak trees and may contribute to the development of ecologically sustainable strategies for the protection and management of oak stands in both forest and urban environments. Thesis will be part of national projects.