Investigating fungal cellular processes involved in early colonisation of wheat by Zymoseptoria tritici.

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is the most economically important foliar disease of wheat in the UK and Western Europe, and is caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. The developmental program that underpins Z. tritici infection has been partially characterized at the molecular and cellular level, but the early events in infection, particularly relating to autophagic cell death and nutrient acquisition remain largely un-explored. The principle aims of this project are to close these knowledge gaps. Specifically the project will first define the role that autophagy and fatty acid beta-oxidation genes play in the development of Z. tritici pycnidiospores as they germinate on, and initiate infection in compatible wheat cultivars. Once these roles have been mechanistically defined, using a combination of advanced cell imaging and mutant analysis, then a forward genetics approach will be employed to identify other novel factors that play a role in the early colonisation of leaf tissue. These experiments will generate novel biological understanding, elucidating critical determinants that are required for initiation of infection, that can be translated into applied outcomes, in particular the discovery of targets for novel fungicide development.

The student will gain experience of cutting edge molecular, cellular and fungal biology, alongside advanced in planta imaging of infection. They will be trained in all aspects of host-pathogen interaction and will work at two world class research centres.