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Exploring diversity in wild wheat relatives and their septoria pathogens to unveil determinants of specificity, effector dynamics, and resistance gene composition host

Objective

SPECIFY aims to address the urgent global challenge of food security by enhancing wheat resistance to Zymoseptoria tritici, the pathogen responsible for Septoria tritici blotch (STB). STB significantly threatens wheat production, leading to substantial annual losses. Current management strategies, including resistant cultivars and fungicides, are increasingly ineffective due to the pathogen's rapid development of resistance. Our research seeks to explore diversity in wild wheat relatives and their septoria pathogens to uncover the genetic basis of host-pathogen interactions in Z. tritici. We will leverage a unique collection of Z. tritici isolates from Iran and integrate genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with map-based cloning to identify key effector genes. This dual approach will provide robust insights into pathogen adaptation mechanisms, guiding the development of targeted breeding strategies for resistant crops and novel fungicides. Additionally, we will explore the transcriptome and genome data of native Iranian Aegilops species infected by Z. tritici to identify resistance genes (R-genes). By comparing gene expression profiles between resistant and susceptible Aegilops samples, we aim to pinpoint key genes involved in the resistance response. These discoveries will be validated through functional assays and potentially introduced into wheat varieties to enhance STB resistance. Our interdisciplinary methodology combines genetics, genomics, plant pathology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to comprehensively understand host-pathogen interactions. This project not only aims to advance scientific knowledge but also to translate findings into practical solutions for sustainable agriculture, ultimately enhancing global wheat production resilience. Moreover, undertaking this research will significantly contribute to my career development by providing me with advanced skills in cutting-edge genomic and bioinformatics techniques.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

CHRISTIAN-ALBRECHTS-UNIVERSITAET ZU KIEL
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 217 965,12
Address
OLSHAUSENSTRASSE 40
24118 Kiel
Germany

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Region
Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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