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PhD Research Project: Investigating the potential use of endophytes to induce resistance to honey f

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Apr 18, 2017

Job Details

Supervisors: Professor Gary Foster & Dr Andy Bailey (University of Bristol),

Drs Gerard Clover, Matthew Cromey & Jassy Drakulic (Royal Horticultural Society)

This is a unique and exciting PhD supervised jointly between the University of Bristol and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to work on Armillaria (deadly ’honey fungus’), with many crops and plants at risk from this devastating agricultural parasite, one of the most serious diseases of trees and shrubs across the northern hemisphere.

The honey fungus (Armillaria) is a devastating disease for many hundreds of different species of trees and shrubs, ranging from those important for timber production to various orchard and vine fruits and numerous ornamental shrubs, so is of importance in forestry, agriculture and gardening. Infections result in a reduced growth rate of the host plant, premature wilting of the foliage, lower harvests and eventually death of the plant. This is often accompanied by the growth of honey-coloured toadstools - the fruiting bodies of the fungus, which are responsible for its common name. The fungus attacks the roots of the plant and can spread through the soil, meaning that once infections are established they can move to nearby plants and spread throughout a wide area. Indeed the term "humungous fungus" has been coined for this group of Armillaria species as some colonies have been found where one individual fungus covers and area in excess of 15 hectares.

Controlling the fungus is very difficult. The most effective pesticide to prevent Armillaria root disease, methyl bromide, is being phased out (except for quarantine and critical uses) due to its role in depleting the stratospheric ozone layer. There are few alternatives for preventing or curing infections. The disease is particularly damaging to orchard or vine crops as the infection could wipe out production long before the costs of establishing the orchard have been recouped. Because the fungus persists on dead roots buried in the soil, it is likely that any new plants put into the same area would also be vulnerable to attack. In a garden setting there are no chemical control measures, meaning that using naturally resistant plant varieties is important.

The aim of this work is to gain a better understanding of the interactions between hosts, endophytes and Armillaria with an overall aim of investigating the potential use of endophytes to induce resistance to honey fungus.

We are therefore seeking talented and motivated students in any aspect of plant molecular biology, plant pathology, biochemistry or genetics (expected to have or obtain at least a first or upper second class degree in an appropriate subject or relevant MSc) to join our team and work towards a PhD exploring the pathogenicity of Armillaria.

The student will spend equal time between the University of Bristol and at the RHS (Wisley).

The project builds on previous work in Bristol and RHS, the student will join vibrant labs with strong graduate communities. The student will gain experience in plant pathology, plant physiology, molecular mycology, functional genomics as well as imaging, image processing and analysis, and computer programming for data analysis, comprising a truly unique and exciting set of skills and experiences.

In terms of training and skills the students will acquire a unique and highly desirable set, which will be highly sought after within the scientific community following their PhD studies. The interdisciplinary approach to this research is one of the strong selling points, along with the strong supervisory team.

Funding Notes

This PhD is available to start October 2017, with a stipend of £14,296 and is open to UK and EU students. Interested applicants should send a covering letter explaining their interest in carrying out a PhD as well as a CV to email protected, along with names and contact details (including emails) for two academic references.

Applications from self-funded students with finances secured are also welcomed to work in similar areas within the group.

Deadline for applications is 18th April 2017.

Supervisors: Prof Foster and Dr Bailey

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

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