Precision breeding nutritional improvement and germination vigour in winter oilseed rape

Oilseed rape is the UKs most important broadleaf crop and main domestic source of vegetable oil, playing a critical role in food security and sustainable agriculture. The aim of this project is to apply cutting-edge precision breeding technologies (gene-editing and cis-genesis) to engineer improved rapeseed nutritional quality and germination vigour. This will be achieved through modification of seed coat characteristics. The project will also validate agronomic performance of the crop on our experimental farm(s). The student will work at the forefront of applying modern crop breeding technologies. The project provides a unique opportunity to learn techniques spanning molecular genetics, plant transformation, metabolomics, biophysics and bioimaging, through to crop physiology and agronomy. In addition to technical training, the student will gain understanding of the regulatory landscape governing precision breeding and insight into translational research and commercialisation, equipping them with a strong skill set for careers in the academic or agribiotechnology sectors.