Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Salinity is a significant abiotic stress that adversely affects crop productivity worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Wheat, being one of the most widely cultivated crops, is especially vulnerable to salinity stress, which leads to reduced growth, yield, and grain quality. This research project aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying wheat's salinity tolerance, focusing on two primary strategies: sodium exclusion and sodium sequestration. Sodium exclusion refers to the plant's ability to limit the uptake of sodium ions (Na+) into the root and subsequently reduce their translocation to shoots. This mechanism is crucial in maintaining ionic balance and preventing toxic levels of sodium from accumulating in the plant's tissues. On the other hand, sodium sequestration involves the compartmentalization of sodium ions within vacuoles, where they are sequestered away from the cytoplasm, thus mitigating their toxic effects. This project will involve a comprehensive study of various wheat genotypes with varying degrees of salinity tolerance. Through a combination of physiological assays, molecular analyses, and imaging techniques, the project will explore how these genotypes employ sodium exclusion and sequestration strategies under saline conditions. Additionally, the project will investigate the genetic and molecular basis of these mechanisms, identifying significant QTL, genes and pathways involved in salinity tolerance. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insights into the physiological and genetic factors that contribute to wheat's ability to tolerate salinity. Understanding these mechanisms will not only advance our knowledge of plant stress physiology but also inform breeding programs aimed at developing wheat varieties with enhanced salinity tolerance.
- What are the specific physiological mechanisms that allow certain wheat genotypes to effectively exclude sodium ions from uptake and translocation to shoots under saline conditions
- How do different wheat genotypes sequester sodium ions within vacuoles, and what are the key molecular pathways and genes involved in this sequestration process?
- What is the novel QTL underlying sodium exclusion and sodium sequestration to salinity tolerance in wheat?
- How much does these QTL contribute to wheat field rescue under saline soil?
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- The applicant needs to have a master's degree in plant research area, such as plant physiology, plant science, crop breeding related, etc.
- The applicant should also have capable English skills in communicating and writing.
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Chenchen Zhao to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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