Barley Leaf Rust Resistance
Genome-wide association studies linking molecular markers to field resistance in Hordeum vulgare against Puccinia hordei
PhD Research Focus
Barley leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei, is one of the most economically significant foliar diseases of barley worldwide. My doctoral research aims to identify and characterize resistance loci in diverse barley germplasm using genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Working with both seedling (controlled conditions) and adult plant resistance (field and greenhouse) phenotypes, I employ high-density SNP marker arrays to identify stable, broadly-effective resistance loci that can be deployed in breeding programmes.
The project integrates race characterization of local P. hordei populations, multi-environment field trials, and comparative genomic analysis with reference barley genome sequences.