‘Cos’ it’s worth it! Investigating how to mitigate ozone damage to salad crops

Ground-level ozone is a powerful oxidant that causes severe damage to plant cells. In fast-growing leafy salad crops, the first symptom is often visible injury (discolouration or spotting of leaves) which can be difficult to distinguish from signs of nutrient deficiency. Extended exposure causes sufficient damage to plant tissue to reduce growth, reducing productivity and yield.

In this project, you will combine laboratory experiments with field observations and trials to identify and understand the effect of ozone pollution on salad crops. You will work directly with salad producer Intercrop at farms in the UK and Spain to measure and monitor ozone levels and crop damage and conduct experiments. You will learn many valuable skills including plant hormone analysis and RNA sequencing to determine the mechanisms controlling ozone damage. You will also learn about modelling ozone to predict future crop damage.
This funded project forms part of the Waitrose Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) between the Waitrose Partnership, their international food production and supply companies, Lancaster University, University of Reading, University of Warwick and Rothamsted Research. This project is based at Lancaster University
Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in Biology, Plant Science, Natural or Environmental Science, or a related discipline. Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences would all be distinctly advantageous.