Descripción
Department of Plant BreedingThird-cycle subject areaBiologyRNA-based approaches offer new possibilities for protecting crops against disease. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) uses externally applied double-stranded RNA to reduce the expression of selected pathogen genes. Its effectiveness depends on how RNA reaches the pathogen, is taken up and remains biologically active. Understanding these processes is an important step towards reliable RNA-based crop protection.We are looking for a doctoral student to develop and evaluate SIGS against Septoria tritici blotch in wheat, caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici, and to build on our ongoing research on potato late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans.About the positionEstablishing SIGS in wheat will be a central part of the project. You will evaluate RNA-based treatments and investigate their effects on pathogen gene expression and disease development. In potato, you will build on established approaches to further investigate RNA-based disease control. Across the two systems, you will also study aspects of RNA uptake, movement and biological activity to better understand the factors that influence treatment effectiveness. The results will help guide the next stages of the project.The work will combine plant–pathogen experiments, molecular biology, RNA analysis, gene expression studies and microscopy. Depending on the research questions, it may also include small RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. You will receive training in the methods needed for your project and work closely with colleagues in RNA biology and plant pathology.Your work will combine questions about how RNA functions with the development of new approaches to crop disease control. During your doctoral studies, you will develop your own scientific questions, analyse and publish your results, and present your work at scientific meetings. You will also participate in doctoral courses, seminars and collaboration within and bey