ACCE+ DLA programme: Wild solutions: unlocking the potential of native grass microbiomes to boost crop resilience to environmental stress

Project Overview

As climate change, modern agriculture, and land-use changes continue to degrade soil health and threaten global food security, there is an urgent need for sustainable solutions. Soil microbes, crucial for nutrient cycling, pest control, and ecosystem stability, offer immense untapped potential. This PhD project aims to explore the diversity of beneficial soil microbes to enhance crop resilience against environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and pest outbreaks. The project will focus on the root-associated microbiomes of wild grasses and crop plants, offering valuable insights into how plants recruit and interact with microbes to boost their survival and performance.

Research Focus

The project will investigate how different soil types and environmental stressors influence the microbial communities that inhabit plant roots (bacteria, fungi, and nematodes). By studying the microbiomes of wild grasses, we can identify beneficial microbes that support plant health and apply these findings to crops such as barley. The goal is to develop sustainable microbial-based solutions that enhance plant stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, pest resistance, and resilience to nematode interactions. 

Key Objectives

1. Investigate root-associated microbiomes of wild grasses under varying stress conditions and soil types. 

2. Isolate and develop a culture library of beneficial microbes, including bacteria and fungi. 

3. Inoculate wild and crop plants with these microbes to assess their impact on stress tolerance and pest resistance. 

4. Characterize nematode communities associated with both wild grasses and crops, focusing on the potential interactions between nematodes and beneficial microbes.

Training and Techniques 

The successful candidate will gain experience in: 

- Experimental design and bioassay techniques. 

- Microbial isolation and culturing techniques. 

- Molecular analyses, including DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing. 

- Bioinformatics and data analysis. 

In addition, the project offers opportunities for research placements with key collaborators. You will work closely with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) on entomopathogenic fungi and with The James Hutton Institute on soil microbiomes and nematode ecology. These collaborations will provide valuable cross-disciplinary expertise and research experience.

Research Environment

You will join a dynamic and supportive research team with a strong focus on ecological genetics, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture. This highly interdisciplinary project spans ecology, microbiology, agriculture, soil science, and climate science. The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with UKCEH and The James Hutton Institute, offers excellent facilities and a vibrant research environment, giving you access to cutting-edge laboratories, field sites, and resources. 

Why Apply?

This project addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: ensuring agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change. By focusing on soil microbiomes and their role in plant resilience, you will contribute to the development of innovative solutions to global food security challenges. The project is well-suited for students with an interest in ecology, microbiology, or sustainable agriculture who are eager to develop a diverse skillset and make a real-world impact.  

How to Apply

Please see the ACCE website for all details of how to apply to the programme at each ACCE+ institution: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. 

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 two 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. 

Candidate webinar

The project primary supervisor will hold a candidate Zoom webinar in December 2024 to discuss the project with interested candidates. Please register here if you would like to join!