PhD Studentship: Mechanisms of resistance of barley hybrids to Barley yellow dwarf virus and aphid vectors (SCI2167)

Supervisor: Prof Rumiana Ray

Subject Area: Plant pathology and crop breeding for resistance

Research Title: Mechanisms of resistance of barley hybrids to Barley yellow dwarf virus and aphid vectors

Research Description

Alate (winged) cereal aphids are the first colonisers of a new host. These aphids can transmit Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) infecting the barley plant and causing significant crop losses. Novel resistance traits introduced in barley hybrids by Syngenta are hypothesized to elicit partial or complete immunity of the host, however the mechanism/s of resistance, including molecular basis, and effectiveness against viruliferous and non-viruliferous aphids or BYDV transmission and severity are not fully understood. This PhD project will characterise and define the mechanisms that underpin novel BYDV resistance in barley hybrids using crop pathology, physiology and omics approaches. The student will gain new skills in plant pathology, physiology, crop genetics and molecular biology in addition to entomology as they will carry out insect behaviour studies involving the aphid vectors. Furthermore, the student will benefit from direct interaction and supervision by the industrial partner and have the opportunity to spend a period of training, and work with Syngenta.

Award Start Date: 01/05/2023

Duration of Award: 48 months

Terms and Conditions: This research studentship is available to UK citizens and included payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on BBSRC rates (currently £17,668 per year)

Applicant Qualification Requirements: 2:1 (or international equivalent) or 2:2 (or international equivalent) with a Merit at masters level in Plant or Crop Science, Biology, Microbiology, Plant Biotechnology

How to Apply

You can apply directly through our online system via this link: nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx. You will receive an automatic confirmation once you submit your application and can track its progress. For informal enquiries please contact Prof Rumiana Ray, email: rumiana.ray@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 17/03/2023

Closing Date: 17 Mar 2023
Category: Studentships