Topic: Morphological and genetic characterisation of Monalonion spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) populations on cocoa trees in Bahia, Brazil
Dates: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2028
CBGP supervisors: E. Shimbori & J.C. Streito
University : Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz,  Ilhéus (BA), Brazil

Using material collected from cocoa trees, Isabella will work on integrating morphological and DNA data to determine the species of Monalonion collected from the cocoa trees and their haplotypes. Specimens previously identified by the student will be examined and photographed. Representatives of the different species and morphotypes will be processed in the laboratory, following standard methodology to obtain molecular marker sequences. The results will be analysed and compared with previous morphological identifications. The technical facilities for specimen collection, molecular biology and bioinformatics have all the necessary infrastructure for these procedures.