The detection of environmental information allows plants to shape their growth to prevailing conditions, and plays a key role in determining the productivity of crop species that feed the global population. Strigolactones are key signalling molecules in these enivironmental responses, which act internally to transmit information from root to shoot, and which are also exuded into the soil to promote formation of mycorrhizal symbioses. Our recent work has shown that plants can also detect strigolactone molecules exuded into the rhizosphere by their neighbours. Plants use this information on neighbour density to match their shoot growth to the availability of space in the soild, particularly during the first few weeks of life (seedling establishment)(1,2). We therefore hypothesize that by specifically modulating strigolactone exudation in crop species, we can improve both seedling establishment and mycorrhizal symbioses, and thereby ultimately improve crop yields. In this project, we will focus on the key strategic UK crop wheat, using newly available genetic tools and techniques to improve our understanding of strigolactone synthesis and diversity, and to test and define the role of different strigolactone molecules in different inter-organismal signalling processes.
Specific Objectives
- Define the importance of strigolactones in plant-plant signalling in wheat.
- Characterise the strigolactone exudates of wheat.
- Characterise the function of CYP711A enzymes in generating the diversity of strigolactone molecules produced by wheat.
This exciting multi-disciplinary project will use a combination of molecular genetic, biochemical, cell biological and advanced bioimaging approaches to understand the role of strigolactone exudation in wheat, and to identify pathways towards improved crop function and yield. For objective 1, we will use mutants that lack all strigolactone synthesis/signalling, to test the role of strigolactones in plant-plant signalling in wheat, particularly during seedling establishment. For objective 2, we will use LC-MS to characterize the blend of strigolactone exuded by wheat. For objective 3, the student will generate new CYP711A multiple mutants in wheat, by crossing together existing null mutations from a wheat TILLING population. These lines should lack some, but not all strigolactone species. The student will then characterize the effect of these lines on inter-organismal signalling and strigolactone exudation.
Eligibility:
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper-second class honours degree or a MSc degree in a relevant subject.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Biological Sciences minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests are:
- British Council IELTS - score of 6.0 overall, with no element less than 5.5
- TOEFL iBT - overall score of 87 with the listening and reading element no less than 20, writing element no less than 21 and the speaking element no less than 22.
How to apply:
To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable).
To help us identify that you are applying for this studentship please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- When asked for source of funding please make it clear that you are applying for a "Gosden PhD Scholarship"
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert.
If you have any further queries regarding this opportunity, please contact [Email Address Removed]
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