|
Project properties |
|
| Title | Exploring susceptibility and resistance against Botrytis cinerea in the Rosaceae family |
| Group | Plant Breeding, Laboratory of |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 18-36 |
| Supervisor(s) | Maikel Zerdoner |
| Examiner(s) | Suzan Gabriels and Paul Arens |
| Contact info | maikel.zerdoner@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2023/09/23 |
| End date | 2026/05/31 |
| Description | Botrytis cinerea is a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen, commonly found at all stages of production for a broad range of crops and ornamentals. Despite decades of research, no effective resistance against Botrytis cinerea has been found to this date. This project aims to find S-genes providing effective resistance against Botrytis cinerea in the Rosaceae family, specifically the polyploids Rose and Strawberry. S-genes are conserved host genes that are contribute (in)directly to pathogen virulence. Manipulation of these S-genes in diploids often lead to severe pleiotropic effects (dwarfing e.g.). However, in polyploids a potential dosage effect of S-genes could lead to a certain level of resistance against Botrytis cinerea, while pleiotropic effects might be minimal/masked. This project focusses on unravelling dosage-dependent S-gene resistance, and exploring its potential in (polyploid) breeding. Research activities include (I) the development of an objective and quantitative disease assay, (II) identification of Rose and Strawberry S genes based on orthologs and/or GWAS (Genome Wide Association Sequencing) and (III) the genetic analysis of resistance against Botrytis cinerea. If you are interested in this project, feel free to contact Maikel Zerdoner (PhD) for more info and availability. |
| Used skills | Disease assays, phenotyping (both subjective as well as using imaging tools), functional gene analysis, bioinformatics and genetic analysis. |
| Requirements | Background or interest in plant sciences and disease resistance. |