Influence of agricultural management on the ecology of nematodes in vineyards of New England

 In this project, you will assist a graduate student with extraction and identification of nematodes from vineyard soils.

Anticipated Time Commitment:

  • 13 weeks with  3 (flexible but up to 6) hours/week during the Spring 25 semester

Project Duration:

  • Spring 2025 with continuation possible.

Compensation:

  • Credits
Name of research group, project, or lab
Petit
Website
https://www.umass.edu/stockbridge/about/directory/elsa-petit
Why participate in this opportunity?
  • Hands-on experience: Extract and identify soil nematodes.
  • Explore sustainable agriculture: Study how vineyard practices impact soil health.
  • Build skills: Gain lab techniques and analytical thinking experience.
  • Career preparation: Opens pathways to internships, research, or graduate studies.
Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Arboriculture
Biology
Ecology
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Science
Horticultural Science
Microbiology
Natural Resources Conservation
Plant and Soil Science
Plant Biology
Science (Interdepartmental)
Sustainable Food & Farming
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Academic background: A strong interest in plant science, ecology, or environmental studies. Coursework in biology, soil science, or agriculture is preferred but not required.

Skills: Basic lab skills and attention to detail are a plus. Familiarity with microscopes is helpful but not essential.

Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
5-7 h/wk
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Ind. Study Credit
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned
  • Nematode extraction: Learn the sugar flotation method for extracting nematodes from soil samples.
  • Nematode identification: Use microscopy to identify and classify nematode taxa and trophic groups (e.g., bacterial feeders, fungal feeders, plant-parasitic).
  • Soil biodiversity analysis: Study the diversity and abundance of nematode communities with different vineyard management practices and grape genotypes.
  • Statistical analysis: Analyze data to compare nematode community compositions and assess the effects of management practices and grape genotype.
Project start
Spring 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
Elsa Petit
epetit@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Petit
Email address of project director or principal investigator
epetit@umass.edu
1 sp. | 6 appl.
Hours
1-4 h/wk (+2)
1-4 h/wk5-7 h/wk8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Arboriculture (+11)
ArboricultureBiologyEcologyEcology and Environmental SustainabilityEnvironmental ScienceHorticultural ScienceMicrobiologyNatural Resources ConservationPlant and Soil SciencePlant BiologyScience (Interdepartmental)Sustainable Food & Farming