Alexandre Hiltmann

Research interests

Molecular and Chemical Aspects of EPN foraging behaviour

I am working on the foraging behaviour of the infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Upon host infection, EPNs of the genus Heterorhabditis release their bacterial symbionts (Photorhabdus spp.) that secrete toxins, digestive enzymes, and antibiotics. This process will resolve into the death and the digestion of the host. In addition, the infected host start emitting different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Whether these volatiles impact the foraging behaviour of other nematodes is unclear. Therefore, in my master thesis, I will focus on understanding this aspect in detail using modern chemical and molecular ecology experimental approaches.