CTP-SAI-080
Preventing, predicting and protecting crops from vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV)
CTP-SAI-080
Preventing, predicting and protecting crops from vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV)
Dr Tom Pope (Harper Adams University), Dr Joe Roberts (Harper Adams University), Dr Ben Clunie (Harper Adams University) and Dr Steve Rawsthorne (TMAF)
BACKGROUND
BYDV is a persistent luteovirus virus transmitted by aphids feeding on wheat, barley, grasses or other cereal crops. Crops are susceptible to this virus at early growth stages. Infected plants initially have bright yellow upper leaves but later become stunted and produce fewer and smaller grains. Infections spread from a single infected plant to larger patches forming around the initial source of infection as aphids move through the crop. In the UK, the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) is the main virus vector but in some regions the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) is equally important.
Management of BYDV has traditionally focused on controlling primary infections (infected aphids flying into crops) before secondary infections (infected aphids moving within crops) develop. However, due to the withdrawal of neonicotinoid seed treatments management of this disease has become reliant on foliar applications of pyrethroid insecticides. This means that for many farmers the management of BYDV vectors is the same today as it was forty years ago. Indeed, continued reliance on the use of pyrethroids risks development of new forms resistance appearing in BYDV vectors. It is clear then that development of effective integrated pest management (IPM) is required to sustainably manage BYDV vectors. Specifically, this can be achieved through an improved understanding of preventative, forecasting and crop protection approaches.
The AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm East (2023-2029) is an example of how the industry is responding to the threat posed by BYDV by putting cutting-edge research and innovation into practice on commercial farms. The Strategic Farm is hosted by Morley Farms Ltd, a commercial enterprise that farms land owned by The Morley Agricultural Foundation (TMAF). A key objective of the Strategic Cereal Farm East is management of BYDV and this part of the research portfolio is being led by researchers at ADAS and Harper Adams University. As such, this PhD project benefits from an established collaboration between the research and commercial partners, while maintaining an independence as a stand-alone research project.
OBJECTIVES AND APPROACHES
The aim of this project is to move management of BYDV in cereal crops beyond reliance on pyrethroid insecticide applications through improved understanding of methods to prevent, forecast and sustainably control aphid vectors of BYDV. Specific project objectives include:
Objective 1: Investigate the influence of varietal resistance to BYDV and crop genetic diversity on aphid vectors of BYDV. This part of the project builds on previous research showing variation in responses of winged and wingless BYDV vectors to winter wheat varieties and between crops with different levels of genetic diversity. The focus will be to investigate the potential to reduce the primary and secondary spread of BYDV by winged and wingless aphids. This work will be completed as a series of laboratory (olfactometer/electrical penetration graphs), glasshouse and field experiments.
Objective 2: Investigate the potential of plant growth stimulants (e.g., silicon) and physically acting biopesticides (e.g., fatty acids) on aphid BYDV vectors. Some studies report that silicon applications lead to smaller aphid populations in wheat crops while in other studies effects are less clear. More widely, there is increasing interest through regenerative agricultural practices to use brix measurements as a way of determining the nutritional health of the crop. These measurements are often linked to the susceptibility of the crop to pests, such as aphids, but there is a lack of evidence to support these claims. This work will be completed as a series of laboratory (aphid performance) and replicated trial plot experiments.
Objective 3: Determine the reliability of decision support systems (DSS) for insecticide applications to prevent the secondary spread of BYDV. The recommendations provided by these models will be compared and detailed assessments of aphid and aphid natural enemy numbers both before and after any insecticide application will be made. These assessments will be complemented by PCR/ELISA assessments of BYDV presence in fields monitored in both the autumn and spring. This work will be completed as on-farm experiments. This work will be completed as replicated trial plot and on-farm experiments.
Objective 4: Investigate trap colours to improve in-field monitoring of English grain aphid. It has been reported that yellow water traps are effective for monitoring of bird cherry-oat aphid but that crop monitoring was more effective for the English grain aphid. This is likely to be due to differences in responses of these species to different colours but currently there is a lack of research to indicate the preference of each species. This work will be completed as on-farm experiments.
Objective 5: Investigate the role of aphid natural enemies in reducing numbers of aphid BYDV vectors in winter wheat crops. Aphid natural enemies are known to reduce populations of summer cereal aphids. However, there is little field information on the role of aphid natural enemies in reducing the secondary spread of aphid BYDV vectors. This work will be completed as replicated mesocosm and on-farm experiments.
PRIMARY LOCATION OF THIS PHD
The student will be registered with Harper Adams University and the project will mainly be based at the university but the student will have the opportunity to spend time at Morley Farms Ltd.
TRAINING
The CTP – SAI (https://www.ctp-sai.org) is a groundbreaking partnership between leading businesses, charities and research providers offering outstanding training for the agri-food sector. Students will have access to training opportunities through their University to complement their scientific development. This will be augmented by training in key bioscience skills to enhance employability and research capability through the CTP-SAI.
There will be additional training to enhance employability and research capability. All CTP-SAI students will receive Graduate Training in Leadership and Management as well as personal development skills training from MDS (www.mds-ltd.co.uk).
INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT
Placements are a key feature of CTP and UKRI-BBSRC expects all doctoral candidates on a CTP programme to undertake a placement. Placements can be in the form of research placements (3-18 months duration) or used more flexibly for experiential learning of professional skills for business and/or entrepreneurship. All placements are developed in collaboration between the partners with input from the doctoral candidate.
APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY
Contact Dr Tom Pope (tpope@harper-adams.ac.uk) for an informal discussion on the research content of this PhD.
This studentship will begin in October 2025. The successful candidate should have (or expect to have) an Honours Degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2.1 in Plant Science, Applied Statistics, or other related science subjects. Students with an appropriate Masters degree are particularly encouraged to apply.
We welcome UK, EU, and international applicants. Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. Candidates should check the requirements for each host organization they are applying to, but IELTS 6.5 (with no component below 6.0) or equivalent is usually the minimum standard.
This studentship is for four years and is fully funded in line with UKRI-BBSRC standard rates. These were for 2024/25, an annual maintenance stipend of £19,237, fee support of £4,786, a research training support grant of £5,000 and conference and UK fieldwork expenses of £300.
To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:
• Be a UK National or,
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter
• Be an Irish National
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an international student and must demonstrate the ability to meet the supplement in fees required for an international student.
Anyone interested should complete the online application form before the deadline of 5th January 2025. interviews will be held during January and February 2025.
Please contact recruitment-ctp-sai@niab.com for further application details.
