PhD student wanted for project on biological control of septoria tritici blotch

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our ongoing research in biological control of plant diseases. Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is a serious disease on wheat that can cause considerable yield losses. Treatment with chemical fungicides can result in development of resistance in the pathogen populations, emphasizing the need for alternative plant protection measures.

Biological control of STB using beneficial microorganisms and development of disease-resistant plants are two strategies for replacing chemical fungicides. The focus of this research project is to study the possibility to use biological control of STB in wheat, and to study differences in efficiency between wheat cultivars. Another focus is to develop genetic markers to be used in breeding programs to develop new wheat cultivars with high compatibility with biological control.