Microbes for crop stress relief to boost yields

Supervisors:    Professor Ian Dodd, Lancaster Environment Centre

                            https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/about-us/people/ian-dodd

                            Dr Steve Adams, Croda

                            https://www.croda.com/en-gb/products-and-markets/agrochemicals

Overview

The rationale: Mitigating the effects of abiotic stress is critical for future food security. Plants have sophisticated signalling systems (often hormone-based) to detect stress and orchestrate adaptive responses. Soil-borne microbes (“plant growth promoting rhizobacteria”) can augment or attenuate this signalling, representing an important biological resource to help develop commercial products for farmers.

The focus: This PhD project will investigate plant growth promoting traits within a commercial library of soil microbes, test how selected inocula overcome plant stress responses, and develop prototype commercial products

What’s in it for the candidate: You will collaborate with an industrial partner, and conduct novel experiments to determine the mechanisms by which microbes can contribute to climate-resilient agriculture. Your supervisors will provide bespoke support as you develop and publish novel research. You will be part of a larger cohort of students working on a diverse range of projects within the Croda Collaborative Training Partnership (https://www.croda.com/en-gb/news/2019/05/continued-investment-in-innovation-partnerships)

The candidate:

Eligibility

The successful applicant will hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level, or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as Microbiology or Plant Sciences. Research experience, especially lab-based, is highly desirable and candidates with a Master’s degree are particularly encouraged to apply. A strong work ethic, willingness to learn new techniques and participation in training are essential.

Enquiries

Please email Professor Ian Dodd ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Steve Adams ([Email Address Removed] ) to discuss the PhD further.

Studentship funding:

Full studentship (UK tuition fee & BBSRC stipend which will be £15,609 in 2021/22 - tax free), together with the CTP industrial bonus of £2,500 per annum, for a period of 4 years.