Resistance to herbivory in oilseed rape

The purpose of the research is to facilitate the development of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) varieties with increased resistance to herbivorous insect pests and which can therefore be grown with reduced pesticide inputs. To achieve this goal it is important to have a detailed knowledge of the molecular and biochemical basis of herbivore resistance. It is well known that herbivore attack stimulates the expression of genes that are involved in deterring feeding. The aim of this project is to identify regulators of the transcriptional responses involved in resistance to insect herbivory.