Project Title: “Exploration of the relationship between genotype, microbiome, root development and crop performance under reduced nutrient inputs”

Research Group: Plant Microbe Interaction, University College Dublin, Ireland

Supervisors: Prof. Fiona Doohan (UCD), Prof. Jimmy Burke (Origin) 

Through this doctoral project I will investigate the impact of nutrient deficiencies on root growth of wheat.  To fulfil the project objectives, first I will optimize high-throughput rhizotron assay for screening root development within diverse wheat genotypes. Afterwards I will focus on identifying genetic factors controlling nutrient (phosphorus) utilization efficiency in wheat. My first hypothesis is that there is genetic variability within critical nutrient acquisition-associated traits in the root system and these can be used to develop wheat varieties with increased phosphorus utilization efficiency. The second hypothesis to be tests is that nutrient uptake and use can be enhanced through manipulation of formulations and biostimulant application. Successful completion of the project will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of genotype-based root variation, nutrient formulation and the microbiome on crop development. This project combines crop genomics, crop phenotyping, microbiome research, molecular biology, and crop nutrition.