Getting to the Root of the Matter at University of Reading

Supervisor details:

Lead Supervisor 

Dr Brian John Pickles, b.j.pickles@reading.ac.uk, Reading / SBS

Co-supervisors 

Julija Fediajevaite, j.fediajevaite@pgr.reading.ac.uk, Reading / SBS + SLM

Prof Mark Tibbett, m.tibbett@reading.ac.uk, Reading / SLM

Project description:

Ectomycorrhizal fungi engage in an obligate symbiotic relationship with a wide range of temperate tree species, including Quercus robur (pedunculate oak) and Betula pendula (silver birch), both of which are commonly utilized in silvicultural practices and afforestation efforts. These fungi are essential for the successful establishment and growth of trees in newly planted woodland ecosystems. Despite their critical ecological function, the specific roles of ectomycorrhizal fungi in facilitating afforestation processes remain poorly understood and warrant further scientific investigation.

As an important part of this research initiative, the student will support our detailed morphological analyses of oak root systems. This will involve working on plant material from an ectomycorrhizal inoculation experiment, include training in, and the use of, WinRHIZO root scanning technology to assess root architecture. The student will also be trained in microscopy in order to assess ectomycorrhizal colonisation of seedling roots, enabling quantification of fungal associations. The student will participate in field-based activities using a plant health measurement kit, under 1-2-1 supervision. These tasks will include the collection of data on photosynthetic activity seedlings within a woodland plantation site, utilizing a chlorophyll meter indicative of plant health and stress.

Through this project, the student will gain practical experience in utilizing specialized technical software and methodologies to investigate root architecture. They will be trained in microscopic techniques to classify ectomycorrhizal fungi and evaluate their colonisation rates and will develop the ability to measure photosynthesis rate and evaluate plant health in the field.

Student profile:

Ability to conduct field work as part of a small team is essential. Interest in plant-fungal symbioses will be beneficial. Good time management and data curation skills, plus the ability to use a microscope and work with scanned images are all desirable.

Support:

REP student will work closely with Julija Fediajevaite (PhD student) and members of the Soil Ecology Group. JF will supervise field work. Once roots have been harvested and scanned in WinRhizo with guidance from JF, Dr Pickles will advise on EMF morphotyping.

Feasibility:

This project will involve working closely with PhD student Julija Fediajevaite and will benefit from the expertise of the Soil Ecology Group and Pickles Lab. The field work will take place over a week and the examination of roots and root tips is achievable in the remaining five weeks.

Scope for initiative:

The right student may be well placed to address soil mesofauna biodiversity, evidence of leaf herbivory or other types of insect interactions. Root systems can be examined in several different ways and there are opportunities for the student to apply different techniques to explore difference between treatments.

Remote Working:

Is this project suitable for remote working? No

Flexibility:

Is it possible to do this project part-time? No

How to apply:

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.