Novel approaches to the phenotypic and molecular characterisation of genetic variation in the forage legume species lucerne (Medicago sativa)

The world’s population is projected to increase to 9 billion by the year 2050. To ensure food security and to support this population growth, it is estimated that agricultural productivity will need to increase by at least 70%. This challenge, combined with new state-of-the-art phenotyping and molecular technologies that allow us to quickly uncover adaptive natural variation, means that it is an exciting time to be involved in crop development. We are looking for a talented and motivated young scientist to take on this challenge.

One breeding strategy that can be employed to increase productivity is to adapt existing species to allow them to be grown beyond their traditional range by improving their tolerance of abiotic stresses such as drought, cold or acid soil types. Lucerne (Medicago sativa), also known as alfalfa, is the highest yielding of the temperate forage legumes and is most widely grown in warm-temperate regions of the USA and continental Europe. However, it is not widely grown in the UK, in part due to its relatively poor performance on heavier or acid soils, and in wet conditions. Systematic evaluation of lucerne natural genetic variation under UK conditions has, to date, not been carried out. The aim of this project will be to characterise variation in a large and highly diverse collection of commercial varieties, ecotypes and landraces maintained in the IBERS genebank, to uncover the genetic variation necessary to develop a UK based lucerne breeding programme. Evaluation of germplasm will combine plant breeding, phenomics and genomics skills. IBERS is in the unique position of accommodating the National Plant Phenomics Centre for high throughput phenotypic characterisation of plant populations, combined with international standard next generation sequencing facilities and bioinformatics expertise. IBERS has unparalleled opportunities for training and research linking together phenomics and genomics data to uncover phenotype-genotype associations.

This PhD studentship provides an opportunity to gain world-class expertise in genomics, phenomics and bioinformatics, particularly as they are applied to solving the global challenges of crop development. Training will be given in modern breeding methodologies, and the successful candidate will join a highly successful plant breeding team and play a central role in the development of a new commercial breeding programme. They will also benefit from a placement with Germinal Holdings, an international seed company, where they will gain experience relevant to future employability in applied aspects of plant breeding, end user requirements and marketability of varieties.

Supervisors: Dr Rosemary Collins/Dr David Lloyd, IBERS, Aberystwyth
Industrial partner: Germinal Holdings