Understanding the genetic basis of abiotic stresses in grasses and clovers

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A major focus of this work is developing a better understanding of the genetic basis of tolerance to water stress in perennial species. We will use a range of approaches. Hybrids between perennial ryegrass and a related species (fescue) have been developed, with genes from fescue conferring enhanced drought tolerance. A combination of chromosome based and molecular approaches will target the genes underlying this effect. In clover, global transcriptome analysis will be used to identify candidate genes for enhancing tolerance to drought. Approaches including qPCR, BAC clone isolation from white and red clover libraries, QTL and LD mapping will be used to confirm candidate genes and find useful allelic variants.

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