Molecular breeding in raspberry to improve fruit quality PhD

An opportunity has arisen for a fully-funded PhD studentship through a collaboration between Cranfield University and Edward Vinson Ltd, a Kent-based soft fruit breeding company. The aim of the project to perform a "genome-wide association study" (GWAS) on a collection of raspberry germplasm to find genes linked to fruit quality traits. GWAS is a method used to associate DNA variations with plant traits using a large diverse population of individual plants. The study will improve our understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling fruit traits such as shelf-life, colour, texture and flavour, and the results will allow Edward Vinson Ltd to apply DNA markers to accelerate their breeding of novel elite raspberry cultivars. This project builds on recent BBSRC-funded work in which Cranfield developed a chromosome level genome assembly and high-resolution genetic map of raspberry; these genomic resources will underpin the PhD project.

World raspberry production has doubled in the last 15 years, with the UK becoming one of the top 10 producers. Despite this increase in popularity and raspberry’s small genome, molecular genetics in raspberry is relatively underdeveloped in comparison to most other crops including other major soft fruit crops such as strawberry. There is now increased activity and competition to breed novel high quality, high yielding raspberry cultivars, and we seek to use our recently developed genetic and genomic resources to drive forward molecular breeding in raspberry.

The aim is to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the existing raspberry germplasm of Edward Vinson Ltd, to investigate key nutritional and post-harvest quality traits to ultimately make raspberries more attractive to consumers. Edward Vinson Ltd will grow 400 raspberry lines on their breeding sites and the student will perform genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) and phenotyping for key raspberry traits, including physical and biochemical characteristics focusing on Edward Vinson Ltd’s interests. Physical time-sensitive measurements (e.g. fruit firmness) will be performed on the Edward Vinson Ltd breeding site in Kent, and the student will complete biochemical analyses at Cranfield in a well-equipped post-harvest technology lab where chemical composition of fruits can be analysed for antioxidants, soluble solids, and organic acids. The student will use GWAS analysis to discover Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and candidate genes for key traits, and this information will be made available for marker assisted selection within Edward Vinson Ltd’s breeding program. Full training in bioinformatics will be provided to the student.

Edward Vinson Ltd is a well-established UK company, breeding, propagating, and growing soft fruits for most major UK supermarkets. Over the last 30 years, their breeding program successfully released very popular varieties that are now grown worldwide. Edward Vinson Ltd intends to invest further in genetic research and molecular breeding for traits related to fruit quality and shelf-life, making use of their large raspberry germplasm collection to breed best-selling raspberry cultivars that meet consumer preferences.

Edward Vinson and Cranfield are already working together on an ongoing BBSRC-funded project “AdRoot” (BB/S007970/1) to discover genes controlling propagation characteristics of raspberry. Cranfield has deep expertise in genetic analyses of crops, conducting several projects related to genome sequencing, expression analyses and trait discovery, and has a dedicated Bioinformatics Group. The Cranfield team have created an excellent raspberry genome assembly and have experience in GWAS and genotype-by-sequencing analysis.

The project offers a unique opportunity to perform multidisciplinary studies generating a significant dataset on critical fruit traits that are important during fruit production and marketing. When linked to DNA sequence variation in the raspberry germplasm collection, information will be obtained about the chromosomal regions and genes that influence these critical fruit traits. The project offers excellent opportunities for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and the data obtained will make a major impact on Edward Vinson Ltd’s long-term breeding plans for their elite raspberry lines.

The project offers complex training in broad scientific subjects: lab work, fieldwork and bioinformatic data analysis. The student will perform fruit sampling and analyses at the Edward Vinson Ltd breeding sites in Kent during multiple short-term visits. The student will be trained in metabolite analysis in the post-harvest laboratory of CU. The CU Bioinformatic group will train the student in how to prepare and analyse sequence data for GBS and GWAS analysis. The Cranfield team have an excellent track record in training individual students to be proficient in both laboratory and bioinformatics skills. The student will have the opportunity to attend relevant one week MSc modules in Cranfield’s AgriFood Masters teaching programme in the first year, depending on their background expertise. The student will be supported to disseminate their results at international conferences (e.g. Rosaceae Genomics Conference).

The student will be trained to carry out extensive physical and biochemical analyses of strawberry characteristics and to link the resulting data with genetic information through bioinformatics. The experience obtained by the student will address a skills gap in data-driven biology, and by obtaining a balance of skills in experimental biological sciences and bioinformatics, they will have a highly desired profile for working in life sciences in general and in plant breeding in particular, either in academia or industry.

• Application deadline31 Jan 2022
• Award type(s)PhD
• Start date14 Feb 2022
• Duration of award3 years
• EligibilityUK
• Reference numberSWEE0160

Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The project is most suited to graduates of the Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences. Practical experience in genetics, molecular biology, analytical biochemistry, bioinformatics and/or plant breeding are desirable, but not essential.

Sponsored by Edward Vinson Ltd and the "Cranfield Industrial Partnership PhD" scheme, this studentship will provide a stipend of £15,609, and will pay registration fees for 3 years.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be a UK national. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK i.e. have no visa restrictions or applicant has “settled status” and has been “ordinarily resident” in the UK for 3 years prior to start of studies and has not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. (This does not apply to UK or EU nationals). Due to funding restrictions all EU nationals are eligible to receive a fees-only award if they do not have “settled status” in the UK.

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network.  This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Zoltan Kevei  

Email: [email protected]

If you are eligible to apply for the PhD, please complete the  online PhD application form  stating the reference No. SWEE0160.