E-mail: ftndjomatchoua@gmail.com
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Research topic: modeling nonlinear dynamic of biopolymers in insects and animals; Modeling plants damages spread induced by insect pest and crop yield losses applicable to stem borers and maize plant.
Microtubules (MTs) are fibrous organic biopolymers with cylindrical and hollow shape constituted of discrete subunits. Their primary function is the backbone of cells ensuring its shape and linking organelles in well-defined sites. They also serve as support for the transport of organelles. Alpha helix protein is useful and ubiquitous in living organism. They are the first line of protection against pathogens of vertebrates and invertebrates. Existing experiments about electrical and mechanical properties of MTs and alpha helical proteins are not well understood on the theoretical point of view. The first part of this thesis is to build model to better explain the electrical and mechanical behavior of these proteins. The study will allow us gain more knowledge about biophysical process inside the insect.
Lepidopteran stem borers are serious insect pests of maize in sub Saharan Africa. Because of the vulnerability and importance of this agricultural resource, it is important to build models to predict damages and yield losses induced by those insect pests. To achieve this goal, we will firstly analyze collected field data on maize plant damages induced by the insect pest. Furthermore, an appropriate calibrated modeling tool will be use to provide a more direct and simple representation of damage spread by emphasizing progressive plant contagion and infestation propagation. The modeling will account the severity level of infestation, the geometrical pattern analysis and stochastic aspect of infestation. Moreover, we will attempt to model yield loss due to the herbivore insect pest.
Overall Objectives:
1. To develop model to better understand biophysical process inside insects and animals.
2. To predict spatial and temporal propagation and impacts of maize stem borers.
3. To predict crop losses in term of biomass due to maize stem borers.