Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Inorganic phosphorus (Pi) deficiency is considered as one of the greatest limitations in agricultural production. It has been estimated that 5.7 billion hectares of land worldwide are deficient in Pi. Pi concentration in soil solutions is generally < 10 µM, which is well below the critical level needed for the optimal performance of crops. Pi can readily precipitate with metal oxy/hydroxides, forming a range of phosphorus (P) minerals, with up to 80% of P applied as fertilizer being unavailable for uptake by most plants. While the problem of Pi deficiency might be (and currently is) mitigated by application of high rates of P fertilizers, this practice is inherently inefficient due to chemical immobilization of P and agricultural run-off. In the light of above, breeding crops for improved P use efficiency (PUE) remains arguably the best long-term environmentally sustainable strategy.
Improving PUE can be achieved by either (1) enhancing P uptake (P acquisition efficiency; PAE) by plant roots, or (2) by improving internal PUE, e.g. more efficient translocation and utilization of P within plant, or both. Each of these mechanisms is composed of several sub-traits described below.
The overarching aim of this project is to develop approaches for improving phosphorous use efficiency (PUE) in agricultural crops thus to reduce the environmental footprint of modern agricultural practices on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This will be achieved by addressing three major objectives:
- Developing a comprehensive understanding molecular and physiological basis of P acquisition, translocation and utilization efficiency in Tibetan wild barley, a close relative of cultivated barley, that possesses superior phosphorous use efficiency;
- Revealing key traits and genes that confer superior phosphorus use efficiency in wild barley; and
- Identifying appropriate QTL/candidate genes for further introgressing of these traits into elite barley cultivars through conventional breeding or gene editing.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Prof Meixue ZhouFunding
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 $32,192 per annum (2024 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 our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
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
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.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Background in, plant physiology, molecular biology and cereal genetics and published two or more papers in journals with official Impact Factors.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Prof Meixue Zhou 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 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
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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