Profile
Project Title: Genomic Basis of Low Susceptibility to Ash Dieback
Summary: Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees are an ecologically important native tree species in the British landscape. They make up 10% of total tree cover in England, and provide a valuable habitat for native fauna, flora and fungi. However, populations are currently being devastated by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback disease. This pathogen was first discovered in the UK in 2012, and is predicted to result in as much as 85% decline of UK ash populations. Despite this devastation, a number of trees show resilience against the pathogen. Early pooled genetic analysis of mass screening trials identified genetic variants underpinning low susceptibility five years into the pandemic. During the course of this PhD, I aim to greater characterize the genetic basis of low susceptibility to ash dieback disease after 12 years. I plan to perform genome-wide association studies using up-to-date reference genomes and individually sequenced tree genomes to identify both single nucleotide variants and structural variants involved in low susceptibility. I also aim to develop and test genomic prediction models which can predict the resilience of trees based on their genotype alone, allowing acceleration of breeding programmes through early identification of individuals with greater ability to survive the infection.
Supervisor: