Impacts of elevated CO2 on susceptibility and resistance to pathogens

A ground breaking ‘Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment’ (FACE) facility is currently being built by the University of Birmingham to study the effects of enhanced CO2 on the UK’s woodlands. In particular, the facility will test the resilience of a mature forest to a high carbon future and enable globally leading scientists to take measurements from deep within the soil to above the tree canopy.

The experiment will comprise six, 30-metre wide, FACE rings, each as tall as the mature trees in the woodland. Endemic pests and pathogens, such as armillaria, are known to exist in the woodland and hence form a natural part of the ecosystem under study. The facility includes a new purpose built fieldwork compound and field study centre in a converted barn near the site. The CO2 enrichment will begin in Spring 2016 and hence the successful student will be in the enviable position of being in the first cohort to perform measurements at this international important experiment.

This PhD opportunity will be the initial part of a 10 year study that starts to try to answer the question “What are the impacts of elevated CO2 on susceptibility and resistance to pathogens?”

This is just one example of the sort of project that might be available in this research group. The precise project will be decided upon in consultation with the supervisor

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in the School, the funding opportunities available for your subject, and guidance on making your application, you can order a copy of our Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp