Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for plant growth and development, playing a vital role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, and the synthesis of nucleic acids. However, phosphorus deficiency is a widespread issue in many agricultural soils, particularly in regions with highly weathered or acidic soils. This deficiency not only limits crop yield but also exacerbates the effects of other abiotic stresses, such as drought and salinity. This research project aims to identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with phosphorus deficiency in crops, providing a foundation for the development of more resilient crop varieties. The project will focus on both barley and wheat, with an emphasis on those that are economically important and particularly susceptible to phosphorus deficiency. By employing a combination of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and QTL mapping, the research will pinpoint the specific genetic regions associated with enhanced phosphorus uptake and utilization under low-phosphorus conditions. This will involve the screening of barley and wheat crop genotypes under controlled and field conditions to assess their phosphorus efficiency and tolerance to related abiotic stresses.
In addition to identifying QTLs, the project will investigate the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms that contribute to phosphorus efficiency tolerance. This will include studies on root architecture, phosphorus transporters, and signaling pathways involved in phosphorus homeostasis. The interaction between phosphorus deficiency and other abiotic stresses, such as drought and salinity, will also be explored to better understand the combined impact on crop productivity. The findings from this research will be instrumental in guiding breeding programs aimed at improving phosphorus efficiency in crops. By identifying and utilizing QTLs associated with phosphorus deficiency tolerance, it will be possible to develop crop varieties that are better adapted to low-phosphorus soils and other challenging environmental conditions, ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. Key questions are listed.
- How to increase screening efficiency in assessing phosphorus deficiency symptoms in individual plants
- What is the novel QTL underlying phosphorus deficiency in wheat and Barley?
- How does these phosphorus-related QTL contribute to yield rescue?
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 February 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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