Project description
Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is an economically important tree crop that relies on winter chill for bud break, blooming and nut production. Insufficient chill hours due to warmer winters pose a threat to nut production in pistachio growing regions. Chill mitigation strategies employed include polymer and oil sprays, however the physiology and molecular mechanisms are not understood. In this project, we will investigate the changes in expression of transcripts involved in breakdown of callose, starch, synthesis of abscisic acid and Dormancy associate MADS-box (DAM) transcription factors. Buds will be collected (minimum 3 biological replicates) from female trees with no treatment (if possible) and with treatment across a range of chill points (CP – 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70). Each biological replicate can be composed of buds from 3-5 trees. The buds will be harvested, snap frozen and stored at -80°C until RNA extraction and Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to assess changes in transcripts. The results will provide basic insights into the changes occurring in key genes involved in bud break and dormancy which can be used to further understand the mechanism underpinning polymer/oil application and its role in chill mitigation. A stipend ($1500 - 2000) will be provided to the suitable candidate. If interested, please contact the supervisor with your transcript and a brief summary of your interest in this project. Some travel is involved.
Co-supervisors
Paul Petrie (SARDI) Brenda Kranz (Pistachio Growers Association)
Further information
A stipend ($1500 - 2000) will be provided to the suitable candidate. If interested, please contact the supervisor with your transcript and a brief summary of your interest in this project. Some travel is involved.
Assumed knowledge
Knowledge of plant biology, basic lab skills
Supervisors research focus
Sunita's research is focused on Molecular Physiology, Biochemistry, and Sustainable Agronomic Inputs to mitigate plant abiotic stress.
Industry involvement
Pistachio Growers Association
Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.