Avian grape predation at vineyards in South Western Ontario: evaluating fruit preferences and non-invasive deterrent methods
Standing
Graduate (Masters)
Type of Proposal
Oral Presentation
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Proposal
Avian grape predation at vineyards in South Western Ontario: evaluating fruit preferences and non-invasive deterrent methods Most fruit colours evolved to attract seed disperses, which causes problems in agricultural areas where damage by birds annually costs growers thousands of dollars per hectare. I will be reviewing what is currently known in this field and I will introduce my proposed Masters research on this topic. The methods of avian control techniques through the years has changed based on the results of past methods and development of newer available technology. Past work quantifying the damage of crops in vineyards and orchards goes back to the 1960’s and lends understanding to some of the factors that influence the degree of avian predation of crops. My Master’s research will quantify avian damage in local vineyards in South Western Ontario and determine whether the intensity of avian grape predation corresponds to fruit colour and/or sugar content. My thesis will also test the efficiency of both current and novel avian deterrent methods in vineyards over the course of the 2019 ripening season. My work has both evolutionary and agricultural implications: it will aid in understanding what drives avian fruit colour preferences and how particular fruits co-evolved to become more attractive to these species, and will help develop the most efficient/ non-invasive management techniques to deter avian crop predation.
Start Date
20-3-2019 12:00 AM
End Date
20-3-2019 12:00 AM
Location
University of Windsor
Grand Challenges
Sustainable Industry
Avian grape predation at vineyards in South Western Ontario: evaluating fruit preferences and non-invasive deterrent methods
University of Windsor
Avian grape predation at vineyards in South Western Ontario: evaluating fruit preferences and non-invasive deterrent methods Most fruit colours evolved to attract seed disperses, which causes problems in agricultural areas where damage by birds annually costs growers thousands of dollars per hectare. I will be reviewing what is currently known in this field and I will introduce my proposed Masters research on this topic. The methods of avian control techniques through the years has changed based on the results of past methods and development of newer available technology. Past work quantifying the damage of crops in vineyards and orchards goes back to the 1960’s and lends understanding to some of the factors that influence the degree of avian predation of crops. My Master’s research will quantify avian damage in local vineyards in South Western Ontario and determine whether the intensity of avian grape predation corresponds to fruit colour and/or sugar content. My thesis will also test the efficiency of both current and novel avian deterrent methods in vineyards over the course of the 2019 ripening season. My work has both evolutionary and agricultural implications: it will aid in understanding what drives avian fruit colour preferences and how particular fruits co-evolved to become more attractive to these species, and will help develop the most efficient/ non-invasive management techniques to deter avian crop predation.