Project Overview:Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is one of the most important problems in apple production world-wide and in the UK. Management uses a variety of techniques, but integrated use of fungicides is essential, and the group known as DMIs has desirable properties. Continued use of DMI fungicides has led in many countries to populations of many pathogens, including V. inaequalis, becoming resistant to DMI fungicides. To minimise this problem we need to understand the architecture of genetic variation in resistance arises and what fitness constraints apply. This may make it possible to prevent resistance evolution by appropriate management. The project will provide broad training in a number of skills, and an understanding of the agro-chemical and fruit production industries. Scientifically, you will (1) analyse genetic variation in resistance levels, using next-generation sequencing, gene expression studies and quantitative genetics to characterise the genes involved and their interactions; (2) estimate the relative fitness of strains with reduced sensitivity arising from different genetic architectures and use models to investigate the spread of fungal strains with reduced sensitivity under different spray strategies. The work will take place at both EMR and Reading. Eligibility:
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