Entry #1141: Resistance is Futile: searching for Fusarium Head Blight susceptibility factors in wheat.

This 10-week project aims to refine promising FHB susceptibility loci on the chromosome arms 4DS and 7AS. Hexaploid wheat can withstand large deletions in its sub-genomes. Therefore, the student will screen a selection of gamma-irradiated wheat deletion lines with overlapping deletions spanning these loci (lines already sown). This will involve hands-on experience assessing FHB disease progression in the polytunnel and analysing data using R. The extent of the susceptibility factor-containing deletion will be determined by KASP PCRs. This work will refine susceptibility loci to small regions and allow the identification of individual potential candidate genes. Candidate genes will be further elucidated by gene expression analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data. As little is known about host FHB susceptibility factors, this project will help unravel molecular dialogues during host-pathogen interactions and how Fusarium exploits its wheat host. Owing to collaborations of the Nicholson lab with industry, the results will be of immediate benefit for developing robust future wheat varieties.

The project will take place in the Nicholson Lab at the John Innes Centre (JIC), Norwich. The JIC is a centre for cutting-edge research in plant science and microbiology. This project provides a fantastic opportunity to be part of a fun lab in a bustling science community.