PhD Studentship: Boosting Genetic Immunity of Pea Against Downy Mildew Pathogen

Primary supervisor - Dr Sanu Arora

Pea (Pisum sativum) is an essential crop for sustainable agriculture, valued for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and as a key source of plant-based protein. However, downy mildew (DM), caused by the pathogen Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi, poses a significant threat to pea production in the UK, leading to annual yield losses exceeding £10 million. With limited varietal resistance and the regulatory ban on fungicidal seed treatments, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies to combat DM and restore grower confidence in pea production.

This PhD project will use advanced genomic tools to understand both host resistance and pathogen virulence mechanisms to enhance genetic resistance to DM in pea. The student will (i) explore the pea pan-genomic variation to identify novel resistance genes using a genetically diverse Pisum collection (ii) modulate plant susceptibility genes through editing techniques and mutant population analysis to achieve broad-spectrum resistance (iii) identify and characterize pathogen effectors that interact with pea resistance genes using transcriptomics. The integration of host-pathogen interaction insights will facilitate the development of durable resistance mechanisms. These discoveries will be translated into breeding programs with industrial partner Openfolde, incorporating resistance and susceptibility markers into elite pea varieties using marker-assisted selection.

This multidisciplinary project provides training in plant pathology, molecular biology, effector biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, alongside hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and crop breeding. A three-month placement with Openfolde will offer exposure to commercial breeding practices, while collaborations with the Defra-funded Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN) will foster professional growth.

Supervised by Dr. Sanu Arora (JIC) and Professor Sophien Kamoun (TSL), this BBSRC NRPDTP-funded CASE studentship presents a unique opportunity to advance sustainable agriculture by addressing critical challenges in crop resilience and pathogen management. Applications are welcomed from candidates passionate about plant genomics and host-pathogen interactions.

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.

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.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Openfolde Limited. 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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