(BBSRC DTP) Manipulating plant genetic diversity to improve resilience in grasslands

For years the agricultural sector has pursued cultivation of crops with identical genetic properties so that variation in the resulting phenotype is as small as possible. Whilst there can be good reasons to do this, evidence is mounting that alternative approaches may provide additional benefits. This project challenges the dogma of crop genetic monocultures, and tests whether embracing genetic and phenotypic diversity could be valuable for dealing with extreme climate-driven events, especially if this diversity is carefully managed and based around mechanistic understanding of how different genotypes respond to stresses. It is crucial that we manage agricultural systems that are able to withstand and recover from perturbations, such as flooding, drought and warming.

In this proposal, we tackle key questions to gain a better mechanistic understanding of how plant genetic diversity can improve resilience. For example, are there non-additive effects of the relative abundance of particular genotypes? Can we identify plant genotypes that enhance the resilience of forage crop systems to specific perturbations? Can mixtures of forage crop genotypes help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and improve ecosystem services, and do these effects have a legacy in the following crop rotations? These ideas of using genetically rich plant mixtures are based on well-founded rationale from ecological systems, and a key tenet of this project is to embrace ideas from the ecological literature and apply them to agricultural systems, specifically forage grassland production. These issues will be addressed using experiments at different scales that; first, identify mechanisms by which genotypes function in terms of nutrient uptake, carbon input to soils, interaction with soil microorganisms and mitigation of greenhouse gases; second, test resilience of Lolium perenne (perennial rye grass) forage systems under realistic farming conditions. This multi-disciplinary project will embrace our vast knowledge of genetic and phenotypic diversity of forage crops in a positive way to provide low-cost solutions to deliver cropping systems that are sustainable and resilient to climate-driven extreme events. The project will offer significant opportunities for training, including the use of cutting-edge isotopic and genetic techniques, and the student will join a highly active research group.

Entry Requirements:
Applications are invited from UK/EU nationals only. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.