Dr Minette Karsten

Researcher

Email: minettek@sun.ac.za

Host: John S. Terblanche

 

My research interests broadly focus on invasion biology, applied entomology (including integrated pest management) as well as molecular ecology. My primary research goals are centred on using molecular and other tools (for example physiology and morphometrics) to answer questions important for the prevention and management of invasions and integrated pest management using fruit fly pests as case studies. My PhD work focused on answering questions related to dispersal of fruit flies within South Africa as well as intercontinentally. In addition to this research I’m also interested in answering theoretical evolutionary questions surrounding the effects of inbreeding as well as using novel statistical approaches to answer questions surrounding insect pest movement patterns.