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Project properties |
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| Title | Distribution and variation of downy mildew resistance genes in natural populations of wild lettuce |
| Group | Biosystematics Group |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 24-36 |
| Supervisor(s) | Dr. Klaas Bouwmeester (Biosystematics), Dr. Chris Kik / Dr. Rob van Treuren (Centre for Genetic Resources; CGN) |
| Examiner(s) | Prof. dr. Eric Schranz |
| Contact info | klaas.bouwmeester@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2020/12/01 |
| End date | 2024/07/31 |
| Description | Lettuce downy mildew is one of the most serious diseases of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). It is caused by the oomycete Bremia lactucae, a pathogen notorious for its capability to rapidly overcome host resistance. As a result most lettuce cultivars lack nowadays adequate resistance to new Bremia races. Natural populations of related Lactuca species are regarded as important sources of novel genetic resistance.
This project aims to evaluated Bremia resistance in wild Lactuca populations from Central Asia, which are currently underrepresented in gene bank centres, by combining phenotypic and genotypic analyses. You will: - analyse biogeographical distribution and population structures of wild lettuce species - explore natural variation in disease resistance with pathogen assays - determine frequency and genetic variation in resistance genes across wild lettuce populations - perform phylogenetic and population genetic studies |
| Used skills | Molecular techniques (DNA barcoding, gene variant analysis), Population genetics, Plant phenotyping, Pathogens assays |
| Requirements | Basic knowledge of plant-microbe interactions and molecular biology |