Genome evolution of a pandemic lineage of the wheat blast pathogen (KAMOUNS21DTP)

Outbreaks of emerging plant diseases are increasing at an alarming rate threatening global food security. Understanding the mechanisms of pathogen evolution that underpin plant disease outbreaks is essential for designing adequate disease management strategies. The fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) oryzae—the causal agent of blast disease of cereals—is among the most destructive plant pathogens to world agriculture and a major threat to the pro duction of rice, wheat, and other cereal crops. Wheat blast, caused by particular lineages of M. oryzae, was first identified in Brazil in 1985 and is now established throughout South America. In February 2016,
wheat blast was first reported in the South Asian country of Bangladesh, where it caused yield losses of up to 90% and has since established itself as a major threat to food security in the region.

The Bangladesh population appears to originate from the introduction of a single clonal lineage of the fungus from South America, and this lineage has since spread throughout the country. In this project, the student will determine the genetic variation of the Bangladesh clonal lineage of the wheat blast fungus based on field isolates collected since 2016 and will compare the genetic makeup of this population to its South American progenitors. The student will then develop and
experimentally challenge hypotheses about the impact of the observed natural variation on the virulence potential of the pathogen. This project will, therefore, combine computational analyses of genome sequences with mechanistic follow-up experiments.

The student will be based at The Sainsbury Laboratory and will access world class multidisciplinary training including bioinformatics, molecular biology, and plant pathology to successfully complete this project. TSL has a vibrant student community, linked to the University of East Anglia and the Norwich Research Park Institutes.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.