Investigating the molecular regulation of canopy vigour in mango to inform orchard management

Reducing excessive canopy vigour in mangoes is a highly desirable trait as it enables high-density plantations that maximise yield and reduce production costs. The availability of dwarfing rootstocks is one of the most effective means of vigour control reducing labour and management costs. The rootstock can influence traits such as dwarfing, precocity, flowering, fruit set and fruit quality through the movement of water, nutrients, hormones, proteins, mRNAs and small RNAs from the roots to the scion. This project aims to identify key molecular signals from the rootstock that are associated with reduced scion vigour. This will provide new knowledge on the mechanisms with which rootstocks control vigour and plant architecture to assist with the development of dwarfing rootstocks in mangoes. Currently, the mango industry largely manages canopy vigour through the application of plant growth regulators and pruning. This project will also investigate molecular responses to plant growth regulator application to control canopy vigour.

The project will be undertaken at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI). QAAFI is a research institute of The University of Queensland, supported by the Queensland Government. As one of the few research-intensive universities worldwide located in a subtropical environment, UQ is a global leader in agricultural and food science research in subtropical and tropical production systems.

As part of the Hort Frontiers Genetics for Next Generation Orchards program, this project will collaborate with the Department of Primary Industries mango breeding program and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success providing expertise in mango physiology, phytohormones and branching. The PhD student will have access to cutting-edge resources at QAAFI and UQ including state-of-the-art plant growth facilities and mass spectrometry facilities.

While the majority of the work will be undertaken at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus, this project does include some field work in Far North Queensland and therefore the candidate must be able to travel for field trials.