Defining fungal genomic regions to facilitate virulence gene isolation and co-locating their interactions within the genomic regions in the crop host

The PhD student will be involved in a recently awarded Category 1 research grant involving multiple research organizations and industry. The aim of the project is to provide barley breeders with key biological knowledge and new and innovative biological and genetic tools to improve and speed up the production of net form net blotch (NFNB) disease resistant barley varieties. Fungal diseases are among the most important factors limiting the quality and yield of barley, with net form net blotch, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora teres f. teres, being particularly damaging. The most economically and environmentally friendly means to control crop diseases, such as NFNB, is to develop barley varieties with disease resistance. The PhD student will be involved in the identification of fungal virulence genes and their co-location in the host by making use of genetic mapping, bioinformatics, gene modification approaches and investigating the host/fungus interaction.