How will photosynthetic diversity affect crop nutrient quality under climate change?
Supervisors:
Marjorie Lundgren, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Doug Orr, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Nicholas Birse, School of Biological Sciences, Lancaster Univeristy
Summary:
Climate change is threatening the quantity and quality of our crops. A growing body of evidence suggests that critical macro- and micro-nutrients will decline as [CO2] and temperatures rise. Yet these studies have so far only focused on dominant global crops with little photosynthetic variation. This PhD project will investigate photosynthetic diversity of lesser studied subsistence crops and quantify the nutritional profile of each crops’ edible tissues in detail. As part of these studies, the student will develop and apply a high-throughput mass spectrometry plant nutrient workflow. The student will then undertake a series of experiments to grow photosynthetically diverse plants under a range of temperature and CO2 treatment to determine how these factors influence crop nutrients in different photosynthetic backgrounds.
To achieve the goals of the project, the student will train in plant phenotyping of leaf anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology and establish a high-throughput mass spectrometry plant nutrient workflow. The student will gain valuable skills in fundamental research, experimental design, and translational research, as well as transferable skills in written, verbal, and aesthetic science communication.