PhD Studentship in Agriculture Evolutionary pathways to insensitivity of apple scab to the ergosterol biosyntheis inhibitor fungicide myclobutanil



 

 

Project Overview:Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is one of the most important problems in apple production world-wide and in the UK. Management uses a variety of techniques, but integrated use of fungicides is essential, and the group known as DMIs has desirable properties. Continued use of DMI fungicides has led in many countries to populations of many pathogens, including V. inaequalis, becoming resistant to DMI fungicides. To minimise this problem we need to understand the architecture of genetic variation in resistance arises and what fitness constraints apply. This may make it possible to prevent resistance evolution by appropriate management.

 

The project will provide broad training in a number of skills, and an understanding of the agro-chemical and fruit production industries. Scientifically, you will (1) analyse genetic variation in resistance levels, using next-generation sequencing, gene expression studies and quantitative genetics to characterise the genes involved and their interactions; (2) estimate the relative fitness of strains with reduced sensitivity arising from different genetic architectures and use models to investigate the spread of fungal strains with reduced sensitivity under different spray strategies. The work will take place at both EMR and Reading.

 

Eligibility:

  • Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject biological subject, with evidence of some mathematical ability.
  • Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is only open to candidates from the UK/EU.Â
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Funding Details:  Three year programme from October 2014 covering fees and stipend.

 

How to apply:   To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Agriculture at the apply button below.

 

*Important note* Please quote the reference ‘GS14-18’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.

 

Application Deadline:  14th March 2014

 

Further Enquiries: Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.

 

For further details please either Professor Michael Shaw, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, m.w.shaw@reading.ac.uk, 01183788093 or Maddie Neikter, Senior HR Officer, Maddie.Neikter@emr.ac.uk, telephone +44 (0)1732 523717.

 

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