Understanding the mechanisms of flea beetle resistance in white mustard

The cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylliodes chrysocephalus) is a major insect pest of oilseed rape (OSR) crops in Europe. Adult beetles feed on the emerging shoot often resulting in crop failure. Following establishment, the larvae burrow into petioles before migration to the main stem, often causing growth arrest, plant death and considerable impact on yield.

Withdrawal of neonicotinoid seed treatments has resulted in a lack of effective pest control, serious crop losses and subsequently, a 50% reduction in UK cropping area since 2013, threatening the viability of OSR as a crop. New strategies are urgently required for CSFB control and breeding for feeding preference, resistance and tolerance are key targets for industry

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Working with plant breeding company Limagrain, we have identified variation in CSFB feeding in a relative of OSR, Sinapis alba (white mustard). Within this project, the student will build upon our phenotyping methodologies, populations and analysis pipelines to identify the genetic basis of this feeding resistance. Using a combination of quantitative trait locus mapping, bulked segregant analysis (BSA, QTL-seq) and fine mapping they will identify regions of the genome associated with beetle feeding.

To explore the mechanisms underlying plant-beetle interactions the student will use transcriptomic experiments to identify key genes in the plant response to beetle feeding. These combined data will be used to prioritise candidate genes controlling resistance for potential future downstream studies including candidate gene confirmation via TILLING or gene editing.

This project will be suitable for someone with a background in plant biology or entomology and an interest in crops, plant genetics, breeding and food security. You will be working with CSFB and Brassica experts at the John Innes Centre and commercial partner Limagrain, the worlds 4th largest seed company, including secondment to their research site in Mondonville, France.