Combining root architecture, root function and soil management to improve production efficiency and quality of apples

This PhD studentship will study root architecture and root function to assess the impact of root development on water and nutrient uptake to understand water and nutrient use efficiencies in apple. The student will use existing segregating seedling mapping populations to assess seedling root architecture and root development in several populations, with the aim of developing molecular markers for important root traits. In addition, root architecture will be explored in relation to root physiology and soil management techniques, including nutrient use efficiency.