Hi Sidhant Chaudhary!

What are you doing in the project? 

Zymoseptoria tritici is a leaf pathogen on wheat causing blotches which is rapidly evolving against plant genetic resistance and fungicide active agents. In this project, I focus on how plants and beneficial microorganisms (with biocontrol properties) interact and how this interaction can be made more compatible for better biocontrol.

Why is the project important? 

Zymoseptoria caused leaf blotch is one of the most important foliar diseases in Europe causing up to 50 % yield loss. With the goals of reduced chemical use and aid in integrated management of this pathogen, it is essential to breed plants for enhanced compatibility with beneficial microorganisms.

What did you do before you started your PhD? 

I did my Master’s in Crop Sciences at the University of Hohenheim in Germany and then worked at KWS Group in Germany for barley breeding before starting my PhD.

Tell about one of your best moment or experience during your PhD studies thus far! 

Having the opportunity to work with wheat material from Nordic countries encompassing diversity of last 100 years was really humbling. Moreover, it is super exciting to see how different organisms interact and shape the environment in agricultural fields and around us.

The interview was conducted in 2022