Identification of large-effect QTLs that confer improved heat tolerance

About the research project

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is the second largest cereal crop in Australia after wheat, with recent five-year production levels averaging 12.4M tonnes annually and gross value of $3.7B per annum (ABARES, 2023). Australian barley represents 30% of the world’s malting barley trade and 20% of the feed barley exports. Heat stress is a key constraint to Australia’s barley production, reducing both grain yield and grain quality (i.e., market value). Exposure of barley crops to acute and chronic heat stresses (> 30°C) during flowering and grain filling causes reduced grain plumpness, grain screenings (< 2.2mm), and grain loss. It is estimated that heat stress leads to average reductions of 13-15% in cereal yields. In barley, this is expected to increase by a further 6-7% reductions with every 1 °C rise in ambient temperature. For Australia to remain a dominant global barley producer and exporter, developing new varieties that cope better with rising temperatures and protecting Australian barley production against future climate change will be critical. Therefore, this project will identify the highest-performing, large-effect QTLs that confer improved heat tolerance (e.g., maintenance of grain plumpness, minimisation of grain screening, and higher spikelet fertility) and their stability validated across multiple environments for use in breeding programs.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Meixue Zhou

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Grains Research & Development Corporation of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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:

• Master's in Plant Genetics.

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

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Meixue Zhou to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. 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.
4. Apply prior to 1 April 2026.

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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