Optimising Transient Carbohydrate Partitioning in Wheat to Improve Climate Resilience (Ref: CTP-SAI-086)

Elucidating the diversity and flexibility of plant metabolism is a key avenue of research in the pursuit of malleable traits that can enhance plant productivity and resilience. Transient storage of carbohydrates in leaves is key to maintaining metabolic processes through periods where photosynthesis is unavailable. Grass species are notable in that there is distinct variation in transient storage carbohydrates utilised within the family, yet the extent to which said variation is associated with physiological and growth characteristics is unclear. However, due to the integral nature of carbohydrates in all aspects of plant functioning, there are likely key associations with agronomic traits. Thus, identifying optimal transient carbohydrate partitioning, associated to either a specific carbohydrate or environmental factor, could represent an important avenue of crop improvement. 

Although information exists on interspecies variation in transient carbohydrate partitioning, the extent of intraspecies variation remains unresolved. Working within a single species removes background genetic variability, enhancing the ability to assess the benefits of a trait. Due to its international importance, bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) has a wealth of germplasm resources, making it a suitable model species within the grass family to address the intraspecies knowledge gap mentioned above. One such resource is the diverse A. E. Watkins landrace collection (referred to here on in as Watkins accessions). Preliminary work has noted distinct variation in transient leaf fructose content across Watkins accessions. In addition, interesting trends linking transient leaf fructose to total transient carbohydrate content have been identified. 

This PhD project will aim to advance these initial findings by investigating how this variation affects both plant productivity and climate resilience, as well as identifying genetic regions which underpin the observed transient carbohydrate partitioning.

SUPERVISORS

Dr Alexander Watson-Lazowski (Harper Adams University), Dr Andrew Beacham (Harper Adams University), Prof Peter Kettlewell (Harper Adams University), Dr Simon Griffiths (John Innes Centre) and Steve Rawsthorne (The Morley Agricultural Foundation)

PRIMARY LOCATION OF THIS PHD

The student will be registered with and located at Harper Adams University.

TRAINING

Students will have access to training in key bioscience areas (bioinformatics, statistics and mathematics) to enhance employability and research capability.

The CTP – SAI (https://www.ctp-sai.org) is a groundbreaking partnership between leading businesses, charities and research providers offering outstanding training for the agri-food sector. Students will have access to training opportunities through their University to complement their scientific development. This will be augmented by training in key bioscience skills to enhance employability and research capability through the CTP-SAI.

There will be additional training to enhance employability and research capability. All CTP-SAI students will receive Graduate Training in Leadership and Management as well as personal development skills training from MDS (www.mds-ltd.co.uk).

INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT

Placements are a key feature of CTP and UKRI-BBSRC expects all doctoral candidates on a CTP programme to undertake a placement. Placements can be in the form of research placements (3-18 months duration) or used more flexibly for experiential learning of professional skills for business and/or entrepreneurship. All placements are developed in collaboration between the partners with input from the doctoral candidate.

APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Contact Dr Alexander Watson-Lazowski (awatsonlazowski@harper-adams.ac.uk) for an informal discussion on the research content of this PhD.

This studentship will begin in October 2025. The successful candidate should have (or expect to have) an Honours Degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2.1 in Plant Science, Applied Statistics, or other related science subjects. Students with an appropriate Masters degree are particularly encouraged to apply.

We welcome UK, EU, and international applicants. Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. Candidates should check the requirements for each host organization they are applying to, but IELTS 6.5 (with no component below 6.0) or equivalent is usually the minimum standard.

This studentship is for four years and is fully funded in line with UKRI-BBSRC standard rates. These were for 2024/25, an annual maintenance stipend of £19,237, fee support of £4,786, a research training support grant of £5,000 and conference and UK fieldwork expenses of £300.

To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:

• Be a UK National or,
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter
• Be an Irish National

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an international student and must demonstrate the ability to meet the supplement in fees required for an international student.

Anyone interested should complete the online application form before the deadline of 5th January 2025. interviews will be held during January and February 2025.

Please contact recruitment-ctp-sai@niab.com for further application details.

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