Root rot resistance: using a model to help a crop
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
Wheat is the most important European crop. Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a major threat to wheat production. FHB reduces yield and leads to the accumulation of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) in grain. Wheat is a relatively large plant with a long life cycle and highly complex genome making it difficult to study interactions with Fusarium. In contrast Brachypodium distachyon (Bd) has a fully sequenced genome, small stature and short lifecycle making it ideal as a model to study interactions between Fusarium and grass species. The current project represents collaboration between the John Innes Centre and BASF, one of the worlds leading chemical companies. The project will develop the model further to identify Bd accessions with ideal characteristics to serve as full models for evaluation fungicide efficacy. The project will include detailed histological comparison of infection of Bd and wheat by Fusarium. This will be complemented by comparative gene-expression studies to explore the full extent of similarities in response of the two hosts to Fusarium and its toxic metabolites. This studies will provide new insights into fungal virulence and host resistance. The student will extend the Bracypodium system to fungicide efficacy trials under the guidance of BASF scientists to develop a high throughput screening system. The project provides an outstanding opportunity to undertake fundamental study of plant-pathogen interactions and translate these to develop practical approaches to crop protection.
People |
ORCID iD |
Paul Nicholson (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/P504488/1 | 30/09/2016 | 30/03/2021 | |||
1805734 | Studentship | BB/P504488/1 | 30/09/2016 | 30/03/2021 |
Description | Map based cloning of trichome associated gene in Brachypodium distachyon |
Organisation | Earlham Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Refined physical interval associated with trichome presence/absence to five genes by resolving recombination event in previously heterozygous lines. Carried out expression analysis of candidate genes. Confirmation of variation within candidate genes between a collection of diverse accessions, and relation to trichome phenotype. Functional analysis of candidate genes in progress. Disruption of best candidate gene by CRISPR in progress. |
Collaborator Contribution | Developed genetic maps for the recombinant inbred line population used, as well as the population itself. Initially identified QTL, and defined associated genetic locus. Phylogenetic analyses of diverse Brachypodium distachyon accessions for candidate genes. |
Impact | n/a |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Map based cloning of trichome associated gene in Brachypodium distachyon |
Organisation | John Innes Centre |
Department | The Sainsbury Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Refined physical interval associated with trichome presence/absence to five genes by resolving recombination event in previously heterozygous lines. Carried out expression analysis of candidate genes. Confirmation of variation within candidate genes between a collection of diverse accessions, and relation to trichome phenotype. Functional analysis of candidate genes in progress. Disruption of best candidate gene by CRISPR in progress. |
Collaborator Contribution | Developed genetic maps for the recombinant inbred line population used, as well as the population itself. Initially identified QTL, and defined associated genetic locus. Phylogenetic analyses of diverse Brachypodium distachyon accessions for candidate genes. |
Impact | n/a |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Map based cloning of trichome associated gene in Brachypodium distachyon |
Organisation | University of California, Davis |
Department | Section of Plant Biology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Refined physical interval associated with trichome presence/absence to five genes by resolving recombination event in previously heterozygous lines. Carried out expression analysis of candidate genes. Confirmation of variation within candidate genes between a collection of diverse accessions, and relation to trichome phenotype. Functional analysis of candidate genes in progress. Disruption of best candidate gene by CRISPR in progress. |
Collaborator Contribution | Developed genetic maps for the recombinant inbred line population used, as well as the population itself. Initially identified QTL, and defined associated genetic locus. Phylogenetic analyses of diverse Brachypodium distachyon accessions for candidate genes. |
Impact | n/a |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Monogram Poster |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented a poster at the Monogram 2018 conference held at the John Innes centre, titled: 'Are trichomes associated with Fusarium head blight susceptibility in Brachypodium distachyon?'. Discussions held with conference attendees. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Question Time panel during School visit day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sat on a 'Question Time' style panel to an audience totalling c. 80 year 10 students. Students asked questions about what being a student in science is like etc. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |