Studentship
Investigating Rhizoctonia cerealis: Prevalence, History, and Fungicide Sensitivity

Project Summary

Duration:
8 weeks
Closing Date/Time:
April 14th 2025 at 22:59
Contact:
Fareed Bhatti

Project Description

This project will investigate the wheat pathogen Rhizoctonia cerealis. We'll determine its historical presence (1843-present), current UK distribution (2022-2024), and fungicide sensitivity. The lab-based project, supervised by a PhD student, includes training in fungal culturing, DNA analysis, and qPCR, contributing to improved disease management and UK food security. The project begins June 2nd for 8 weeks.

Sharp eyespot, caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia cerealis, is a key component of the stem-based disease complex in wheat. While previously considered less devastating than other cereal diseases, it can nevertheless cause significant yield losses, occasionally reaching up to 30% in severe outbreaks. There is evidence that sharp eyespot is an emerging threat to international wheat production (Hamada et al. 2011). The disease is characterised by the development of distinctive, sharply defined lesions on the lower stems, extending up to 30cm above the soil surface.

Historically, sharp eyespot in the UK has been managed with fungicides. Various modes of action have been employed over the past 60 years. Control originally utilised the MBC group, followed mainly by imidazoles (prochloraz) and anilopyramidines (cyprodinil) Currently, control relies predominantly on the modern DMIs (e.g. tebuconazole, priothioconazole). Data on R. cerealis is needed to understand long-term pathogen population dynamics, the current importance of this stem base pathogen in the UK, and how possible changes in fungicide sensitivity might be impacting the pathogen population structure.Aims

This laboratory based project will characterise R. cerealis using unique genetic resources at Rothamsted Research and an established species-specific qPCR assay (Woodhall et al., 2017). DNA extracted from diseased stem samples collected throughout the UK over three seasons (2022-2024) will be tested with qPCR to determine the current distribution of R. cerealis. The qPCR assay will also be applied to DNA already extracted from the Broadbalk winter wheat experiment (Rothamsted long-term sample archive, pre-1900s to present) to establish the historical presence and absence of the disease on archived straw. Last, historical (R. cerealis isolates pre-2001) and modern(2022 onwards) R. cerealis isolates will be used to investigate possible shifts in sensitivity to DMIs, QoIs, and MBCs in the UK population. Information obtained from this project will help enable better management of sharp eyspot as a contribution to UK food security.

Eligibility

The student will be supervised by a PhD student at Rothamsted Research and trained in laboratory skills, including fungal culturing, DNA extraction, DNA sequencing, and qPCR. The student will also benefit from the broader academic and social environment at Rothamsted, with opportunities to attend seminars and network with staff and students.

Students should:

  • be in the middle years (i.e. 2/3, 2/4 or 3/4) of their degree
  • had not previously received the same bursary
  • should be registered at a UK institution for the majority of their degree. Overseas students can apply if the host institute is from their home country, and they have right to live and work. Any visa requirements are the responsibility of the student, and failure to fulfil visa requirements will result in the withdrawal of the applicant from the bursary.Application: the student will be required to supply:
    • a full Curriculum Vitae (file must be saved with the student’s full name);
    • an academic transcript (file must be saved with the student’s full name);
    • a 500 word statement on why they wish to participate in the project;
    • contact details for an academic referee (this must be a different person to the chosen supervisor). The referee should be aware of this and must provide a reference before the application closing date. Application with no reference will not be considered.
    • students should choose at least two projects, and indicate their first and second choice.

Projects are either experimental (lab/field based) or remote/virtual. The projects will be based at the host university/institute. Up to 15 bursaries will be awarded on a competitive basis. The applications will be assessed based on student academic excellence, motivation and understanding of the project that they are applying for. Some supervisors may wish to interview students before making a decision.

In the event of a successful application, payment will be made payable only to the institution at which the student will work (or for remote projects, the institution which will administer the project). The institution should arrange payment in students subject to satisfactory performance (and, if relevant, attendance). Insurance cover for BSPP-supported bursaries is the responsibility of the institution hosting the student. Such cover indemnifies any insurance claims on the BSPP during the tenure of the awards. The final payment should be made upon the completion of the project and following the completion of all the requirements below.

A project is considered complete once students have provided a:

Applications must be received by 23:59 on 14th April.

Funding Details

Students based in the United Kingdom will receive a sum of £450 per week from the host institute to cover living expenses. The amount is set with reference to the United Kingdom living wage. Amounts granted for any students doing a project outside the United Kingdom will be pegged to the local equivalent. An amount for consumables/project related expenses of £500 will also be provided. However, for remote projects which are to be done by a student working in a developing country, additional funds can be provided to up to a total of £1000 (upon justification by supervisor). Examples of additional fund use include the purchase of computer equipment or internet access.

Students will be also granted one-year membership of the BSPP.

How to Apply

Applications must be received by 23:59 on 14th April.

Apply via:  https://www.bspp.org.uk/funds/undergraduate-vacation-bursary-project-students-applications-2025/

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