Research project:
In the framework of a EU-funded project (Empowering root-targeted strategies to minimize abiotic stress impacts on horticultural crops – Rootopower), a PhD position is proposed.
The project aims to evaluate the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on resource acquisition and abiotic stress (i.e. N, P, K deprivation, salt and drought) alleviation in tomato and to identify signaling molecules and candidate genes mediating root-AMF resistance to abiotic stresses.
Context
Terrestrial plants have developed a range of strategies to access nutrients effectively including the development of extensive root systems (e.g. finely branched root systems and roots with long root hairs) effective in acquiring relatively immobile inorganic nutrients (e.g. P) and symbiotic associations such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF improve plant nutrient uptake via their extensive external hyphae, which access nutrients and transfer them to the plant in exchange for organic carbon ©, the basis of which has been related to the existence of a fine tuned signaling system in which transporters for e.g. phosphate, play key roles. AMF can improve nutrient uptake in, and plant resistance to, adverse soil conditions such as salinity, water deficit, nutrient-deficiency and acid soils. Improved growth and/or mineral nutrition in presence of AMF occurs with specific crop cultivars and root architecture. Modern breeding programs may have reduced the responsiveness of modern wheat cultivars to AMF, since modern cultivars responded less than old ones. The molecular basis and root traits behind this observation has been studied with the model plant Medicago truncatula, while the stress alleviating potential of low to high mycotrophic varieties is totally unknown. Identifying genes that control the efficient uptake and in planta translocation of nutrients as well as improving abiotic stress resistance in presence of AMF is needed to develop new plant cultivars that require less agronomic inputs such as fertilisers and that can grow under more stressful situations.
Within this project, four aspects will be addressed:
1. Impact of AMF on plant growth promotion under hydroponic greenhouse conditions.
2. Impact of AMF on nutrient stress alleviation
3. Impact of AMF on drought alleviation and salt stress alleviation
4. Identification of signaling molecules and candidate genes involved in plant/microbe interactions and abiotic stress resistance.
Criteria for recruitment of young fellows will be
• High grade academic curriculum vitae in most appropriate disciplines
• Interest and motivation in conducting the research activity and accomplishment of PhD
• Interest in mobility
• Curiosity
• Agreeable personality and integration capacity within teams
Applications should be in English.
The selected candidates will be examined by an interview committee.
Interviews will be performed in English.
Deadline for submission: 1st October 2011
Start date of project: January 2012
Duration: 48 months
Salary: PhD fellowship +/- 1650 euro/month net
Contact:
Prof. S. Declerck
Université catholique de Louvain
Stephan.declerck@uclouvain.be
Tel: +32 10 47 46 44