York YBDTP project: Chemical warfare in the rhizosphere: unpicking the defensive role of plant root exudates against the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum

Lead supervisor: Dr Andrea Harper

Co-supervisors: Dr Benjamin Lichman and Dr Ian Lidbury, (University of Sheffield)

The student will be registered with the Department of Biology (University of York)

Background

R. solanacearum is a devastating bacterial plant pathogen which causes potato brown rot and bacterial wilt diseases. It has a global distribution, wide host range, and no effective control methods. Where the pathogen is present in the environment, wild bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plants can also become infected, but they are resistant to disease.

Recently the Harper Lab found that root exudates produced by bittersweet plants can protect susceptible tomato plants when they are added to the soil, and that this also affects the composition of the tomato rhizosphere microbiome. This project will investigate the protective action, biosynthesis and genetic basis of different root exudate compounds, as well as the effect that they have on the rhizosphere microbiome. This could lead to the identification of novel biocontrols or genetic markers suitable for breeding new resistant crop varieties.

Objectives

1) Identify new root exudate compounds of interest capable of protecting susceptible tomato plants from bacterial wilt disease

2) Identify whether these compounds directly inhibit and/or promote a disease-suppressive microbiome

3) Investigate the biosynthesis and genetic control of compound production in S. dulcamara using genome and transcriptome analysis

Experimental Approach and candidate profile

The candidate may use a variety of experimental approaches including: metabolomic analysis of root exudates, metagenomic and metaproteomic analysis of soil samples; comparative genomic and transcriptome analysis in plants; in planta infection assays in our quarantine lab facilities. As such, we are looking for motivated candidates with a strong background in genetics, biochemistry, microbiology or related fields. Previous experience in plant pathology is desirable but not essential.

The Departments of Biology and Chemistry both hold an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.

The YB DTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds, or students with mathematical background who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Biology (4 years)

How to apply

To submit your application, click on apply now below. You can apply for up to 3 YBDTP projects (which can be at different universities).

We advise you to read the questions in the form before submitting your application. Inside the form there is a link to a document for you to see the questions in advance.

If you have questions about the application process, please email [Email Address Removed].

If you have questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor (see project description).

How we allocate:

Shortlisting will take place shortly after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2025. You'll be notified shortly after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

APPLY NOW

Application deadline: Monday 6th January 2025