Exploring genetic improvement of lodging resistance in Australian rice

The Australian rice industry focuses on the development of new varieties through the rice breeding program compatible with a water productivity target of 1.5 t/ML by 2026. Aerobic rice production is a non-flooded but well-watered system and has been shown to improve water productivity. However, aerobic rice production presents challenges such as reduced grain yield and increased susceptibility to lodging under high nitrogen levels. Lodging resistance in rice becomes a critical consideration in the pursuit of yield improvement in aerobic and flooded rice production systems. This PhD project aims to explore the genetic potential to improve lodging resistance and grain yield in Australian rice. Exploiting advances in genetics, bioinformatics, agronomy and crop physiology the successful candidate will phenotype rice populations, exploring and analysing opportunities for improvement. This field-based project expects to advance understanding of the genetic mechanisms of lodging resistance in rice and thereby contribute to the development of lodging-resistant and high-yielding rice varieties for Australian rice production. This project is an exciting opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team of experts in pre-breeding, breeding, agronomy and crop physiology working on a real-world issue for high-yielding rice crops in Australia and globally. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD researcher to join our project.

Excellent and active research environment, with the project operational costs supported by an externally funded AgriFutures project (2023-2027) which is conducted in collaboration with the rice industry. Gatton campus has excellent field research facilities that are conducive to aerobic rice research with irrigation available as required. The research group has regular meetings with regular in-house presentation requirements. Suitable advisory team of experienced crop and rice research scientists with excellent track record. The Principal Advisor, Dr Wenliu Gong, an early career researcher will be supported by Associate Professor Jaquie Mitchell who is lead CI on the AgriFutures project and has successfully supervised 4 PhD & 2 MPhil students to completion The supervisory team provides excellent mentoring with the PhD students encouraged and provided opportunities resulting in conference publications and oral presentations at national and international conferences. The proposed research topic strongly aligns with the research priorities of the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability.