Job Opening: Kiwifruit vine decline syndrome (KVDS): dissecting the role of signalling molecules and kiwifruit microbiome in plant resistance to stress

Brief Description:

The fellowship is funded by Zespri Int. and the research work is carried out in strict cooperation with Zespri team in Bologna and Latina.

Kiwifruit [Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. chinensis and Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (A. Chev.)] is one of the most valuable temperate fruit crop and it is a strategic sector for several Italian Regions.

Kiwifruit production, which is mostly concentrated in China, Italy and New Zealand, generates a significant agricultural value of over three billion euros annually, with a retail market value worth over ten billion euros (FAO data, 2017). Kiwifruit decline syndrome (KVDS) affects both Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis and A. chinensis var. deliciosa and is prevalent in soils affected by waterlogging or poor aeration, suggesting a physiological origin of this disorder. Recent evidences suggested a role of the rhizosphere microbial community, since healthy and KVDS-affected plants show distinct bacterial and fungal communities. These changes are creating a disbiotic condition leading to KVDS on plants with a chronically stressed root system. Different pathogenic microorganisms, such as Phytophthora spp., Phytopythium vexans and P. chamaehyphos spp., Desarmillaria tabescens and Clostridium bifermentans and C. subterminale, have been found associated to these changes in the rhizosphere microbiome. Despite each of the pathogen is able to induce, in artificial conditions, severe symptoms resembling KVDS, the complex interplay between the changes in the root environment and KVDS onset still needs to further studies to be elucidated.

AIMS: Determine the main drivers/causes of KVDS by investigating the role of chemical and molecular signalling (root exudates, extracellular DNA) and microbial dysibiosis. Taxonomically and functionally characterize the microbiome associated to kiwifruit in different conditions (e.g. Healthy and KDVS) and compartments (e.g. soil, rhizosphere, endosphere). Identify potential pathogens, biological control agents (BCAs) and plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Different technologies should be used included Determine the cross-talk between plant and microbial community and their effect on KVDS development and/or plant molecular and physiological response to stresses.

Applicants should have a background in plant molecular biology and/or plant physiology and/or plant pathology/plant-microbe interactions.

Research involves laboratory and field trials. The selected candidate will assist the program leader with all aspects of the planning, implementation and management of the research program. The main duties will be collecting and analyzing data, preparing presentations and scientific publications, and supervision of students.

For more information, please consult the website: https://bandi.unibo.it/ricerca/assegni-ricerca?id_bando=68160

The deadline for application has passed.