Mylnefield Trust Scholars Safeguarding potato production in a changing climate – a focus on tuber quality

Background Most potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties are highly sensitive to elevated temperature reflecting their origin in the cool climates of the Andes in South America. This project directly targets critical knowledge gaps surrounding sustainable potato production: the loss of marketable yield and tuber quality under stress. With climate change driving ever more frequent and severe weather events understanding the mechanisms underpinning quality reduction is essential to safeguarding future production.

During stress periods tuber growth grinds to a halt. When conditions improve growth resumes but the disruption leaves its mark in the form of second growth sprouts tuber chaining and tuber malformations such as second tubers pointy end tubers and long thin tubers. The main trigger is heat stress particularly soil temperatures above 24C but second growth can also be provoked by flooding drought or nutrient imbalances such as insufficient nitrogen fertilization. The severity of the disorder depends on the developmental stage of the plant the potato cultivar and the intensity and duration of the stress. Avoiding second growth is essential for maximizing marketable yield and ensuring sustainable agricultural income. Yet this remains a formidable challenge as environmental factors cannot be controlled. Breeding cultivars resistant to second growth is therefore a top priority but progress is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms driving this stress-induced disorder.

Aims/Objectives The overarching goal is to unlock a deeper understanding of second growth by mapping the genetic circuits that drive this disorder. When combined with a powerful rapid screening tool to assess susceptibility this knowledge will revolutionize breeding efforts enabling the development of cultivars resistant to second growth and securing yield quality and resilience for future potato production. Ultimately this work has the potential to transform potato breeding safeguarding one of the worlds most important staple crops against the growing challenges of climate change.

This 4 year studentship opportunity is open to UK students and provides funding to cover stipend UK tuition fees and consumable/travel costs.

Students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on UK and international candidates. Applicants will have a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent).

This project is based at the Dundee site of the James Hutton Institute UK.

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.

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The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.