Identification of novel virulence determinants in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

Primary Supervisor - Professor Nicholas Talbot 

Rice blast disease is one of the most serious diseases affecting rice cultivation around the world, destroying enough rice each year to feed 60 million people. The disease is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) oryzae, which also threatens wheat and millet production, affecting Asia and Africa in particular. 

The principal aim of the project is to understand why fungal pathogens, such as Magnaporthe, lose virulence when they are maintained in culture away from their host plant and then to use this phenomenon to provide a novel means to identify virulence determinants, essential for disease 

This project will investigate the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with prolonged sub-culture and compare these to propagation through plant infection. We will define the mechanisms associated with loss of virulence and use this information to identify novel potential virulence determinants. These will be characterised to determine their function. 

The project will provide broad training in molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology, and plant-microbe interactions.  Intellectually, the project provides a challenge in understanding genome organisation, evolution and the global regulation of virulence-associated gene functions in a plant pathogenic fungus. 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

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