Community impacts of microbial inoculants on plant interactions with beneficial and pathogenic fungi

Description

The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.

We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.

Various support and guidance on applying for an ACCE DTP studentship, including how to apply; what we’re looking for (including our assessment rubric); details of financial support, training, and placement opportunities available; and details of our recruitment process, can be found at https://accedtp.ac.uk, in the ‘prospective applicants’ tab.

Project overview

Regenerative agriculture strives for healthy soils that support beneficial microorganisms, enhancing soil structure and yielding better crops. Plants can recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to mitigate effects of abiotic or biotic stress, but similar results can be obtained quickly through selective application of known beneficial microbes. Microbial inoculants can boost plant productivity by improving nutrient access and mitigating against pest resistance to chemical controls, yet we still lack understanding on how this could alter plant interactions with other beneficial microorganisms, and reduce impacts of plant pathogens.

To broaden the applicability of bioinoculants this PhD will examine how pest-supressing bacteria interact with entomopathogenic (insect pathogenic) fungi, mycorrhizal fungi that facilitate plant growth and pathogenic plant fungi that reduce crop yield. In collaboration with industry partners, we will engage end-user farmer groups to map out the efficiency of using multiple inoculants in agricultural systems.

The main objectives are:

1. To examine plant-microbe-microbe interactions in controlled environment experiments
2. To follow plant-microbe-insect community dynamics over time in mesocosm trials
3. To collate evidence on the environmental and economic outcomes to model the feasibility of using microbial bioprotectants in agricultural systems

The student will use a combination of controlled experiments and molecular analyses to investigate these interactions, with training in experimental design, handling of plants and insects, bioassay methods, microbial growth and isolation, root exudate collection and analysis, DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, and honing skills in data analysis and scientific writing. As part of a diverse and vibrant research group at Liverpool, the student will work alongside other researchers working in similar areas with plenty of opportunities for skills development, fostering their personal and professional growth.

Selected reading: https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14399 ; https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8432 

Essential and Desirable Criteria

Essential

1. Knowledge of the ecology of plant-insect interactions
2. Keen interest in running multi-species experiments and working with insects
3. Good attention to detail and organisational skills, with the ability to be adaptable to change

Desirable

1. Knowledge of how microbes interact with plants
2. Experience of running multi-species experiments
3. Skills in data analysis using R statistics

How to Apply

Notes and details of how to apply are available here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/

All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a CV and the contact details of 2 referees.

Part-Time Study Options

All ACCE PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the ACCE DTP has a commitment for 40% of all studentships to be CASE funded - as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached. This will only be done as a last resort for separating candidates.