Identification of genes underlying major QTLs for saccharification and biofuel production potential of barley straw

A major BBSRC-funded project, the Cell Wall Lignin Programme of the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre is currently identifying QTLs for biofuel-relevant traits of barley straw. The QTLs are identified by association genetics, correlating sugar yields on straw digestion (saccharification) with the presence/absence of specific gene alleles in a large population of 640 spring barley genotypes. The yields of sugar reflect the likely relative yields of biofuel should these different barley genotypes be used as a biomass feedstock. Markers close to the QTLs can be used in molecular breeding to improve other grasses (wheat, Miscanthus) for bioenergy applications.We are also mapping eQTLs for lignin biosynthesis genes in the same population in order to identify regulators of lignin biosynthesis, since lignin inhibits sugar release. This studentship will focus on one major QTL or eQTL and aiims to identify and characterise the causal gene using appropriate methods (fine mapping, expression analysis, reverse genetics, etc). Understanding how these genes influence cell wall traits will expand opportunities for targeted improvement of plant biomass by rational 'designer' approaches.