Entreprise
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.
Adresse
Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150
Poste
Department: AgroBiosciences program, College for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Science, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir, Morocco.
Project Background
Cactus is a perfectly appropriate crop for land rehabilitation in the arid and semi-arid regions of Morocco. With little investment, it can produce important resources for human and animal nutrition, and generate adequate revenues for farmers, thereby improving their livelihoods. In addition to its wide ecologic importance in soil reconstruction (prevents erosion), it also contributes to biodiversity preservation. Cactus plantations are usually undisturbed natural habitats because of no soil cultivation and no pesticide use. Therefore, in the “Green Morocco Plan” cactus has been identified by the “Regional Agricultural Plans” (PAR), as among the most important options for soil rehabilitation in the arid and semi-arid areas. In this regard, several thousand hectares were planted to cactus. This crop has become widely appreciated by a large majority of farmers for its fruit and forage production.
Unfortunately, the sustainability of this extremely resilient ecosystem has become seriously threatened by the appearance of an invasive and devastating pest of cactus, Dactylopius opuntiae. This cochineal, which is specific to cacti, was detected in Morocco in 2014. Since its appearance in Sidi Bennour-Doukkala-Morocco, it has caused enormous damage in several areas of cactus production.
In order to protect cactus plantations in the regions not yet infested by this insect and to rebuild the destroyed cactus areas by new cactus seedlings, an emergency plan was set up by the Ministry of Agriculture to control the cactus mealybug. From an INRA cactus germplasm maintained at the INRA-Experimental Domain, tests were carried out to identify genotypes resistant to the insect. From a first lot of 347 genotypes tested, eight resistant varieties were identified, registered in the Moroccan Official Catalogue, and are being multiplied in several planforms in the country.
Key duties:
The PhD will be expected to:
- Conduct research as part of the project team
- Identify key markers/ main principal components in resistant and susceptible ecotypes.
- Determine the quality of fruits and cladodes of resistant ecotypes.
- Publish in high impact journals in the field.
Applications and selection procedure:
Applications must be submitted on the hiring platform.
The application folder must contain:
- A cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests and motivations.
- A detailed CV.
- Contact information of 2 references
The candidates will be shortlisted and will be invited to an interview.
Profile recherché
Criteria of the candidate
- MSc. in phytochemistry, analytical chemistry, or comparable
- Knowledge in chromatographic techniques.
- Knowledge in quality analysis
- Excellent knowledge in English and French
- High motivation, teamwork capabilities, and communication skills
