When the chips are down: Exploiting genetic diversity in root phenotypes to overcome soil constraints to potato yields

Supervisors: Ian Dodd (Lancaster University), Richard Whalley (Rothamsted Research) and David Nelson (Branston Ltd)

This project is part of a BBSRC-funded Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) between the Waitrose Partnership, their international food production and supply companies, Lancaster University, the University of Reading, University of Warwick and Rothamsted Research. Between 2017 and 2023, the CTP will deliver 20 four-year studentships on the themes of sustainable crop production, sustainable soil and water and biodiversity and ecosystem services in agriculture.

Potato yields are frequently constrained by strong soil (due to natural and man-made increases in soil strength with depth) which limits root growth. Considerable genetic diversity exists in potato root traits, but it is uncertain whether this can be exploited to overcome yield-limitations due to strong soils. Interactions of roots with the soil environment alter root-to-shoot signalling, which affects canopy dynamics and carbon gain.

To determine whether controlled environment root phenotyping identifies root traits that can explain variation in crop yields on farm, a genetically diverse group of potato genotypes (identified in consultation with the industrial partner Branston Ltd) will be grown in controlled environments to determine root responses to changes in soil strength. Moreover, the importance of different root classes in determining root-to-shoot signalling will be investigated. Genotypes will be selected to assay field performance in trials conducted by Branston. You will spend two growing seasons on site with Branston.

Further information: https://lancaster.box.com/s/8srelsuxx1en4cn5e0omz5eam32gv9tb

Deadline for applications: 12pm 4th June 2018

Provisional Interview Date: June 2018

Start Date: October 2018

For further information or informal discussion about the position, please contact Prof Ian Dodd, [Email Address Removed]

Application process: Please follow the instructions on the Waitrose CTP website http://sustainableagriculturewaitrose.org/ctp-application-process/how-to-apply/

If you have any issues with the application process please direct any queries to Roz Wareing, [Email Address Removed].

Due to the limited time between the closing date and the interview date, it is essential that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.

Studentship Criteria:
To be eligible for a full award (stipend and fees): A student must have:
• Settled status in the UK, meaning they have no restrictions on how long they can stay
And
• Been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant. This means they must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences)
And
• Not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. (This does not apply to UK or EU nationals).

To be eligible for a fees only award:
• Students from EU countries other than the UK are generally eligible for a fees-only award. To be eligible for a fees-only award, a student must be ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU; In the same way as UK students must be ordinarily resident in the UK.