Development of selection traits for breeding resilient cocoa varieties

About the Project

Project Overview:

Cocoa is grown throughout the humid tropics providing an essential ingredient to the confectionery industry. However, yields have been unstable, especially in West Africa where the majority of cocoa is produced. Amongst the challenges facing cocoa farmers are more extreme weather events resulting from climate change, necessitating the need for breeding of more resilient planting material.

The University of Reading has a long track record of research on impacts of environment/ climate change on the determinants of yield in cocoa (https://research.reading.ac.uk/cocoa/climate-change/) and has identified traits associated with greater tolerance to drought and elevated temperature. This PhD project will build on this research. The student will design and run a series of controlled-environment experiments in facilities specifically designed for growing cocoa to test how these traits influence resilience under future climate change scenarios. There may also be the opportunity to carry out field work in a cocoa-growing country depending on the project direction. The student will receive training in whole-plant physiology and use of equipment for measuring photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and other indicators of plant performance at the University of Reading. They will also gain a strong foundation in experimental design and data analysis.

The studentship is a Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) with Mondelez International as the Industry partner. Through a placement with Mondelez International the student will gain valuable insight into a cocoa breeding programme. Depending on the requirements of the research this could include access to the Mondelez R&D Labs and Facilities in the UK. Working closely with Mondelez, the student will have the opportunity to spend part of their PhD programme developing molecular markers using a GWAS approach linking physiological traits with underlying genetic variation.

This project will be an opportunity to identify current and potentially new challenges that may impact the industry as well as traditional and novel steps that could be explored to optimise identified benefits.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in biological or agricultural science or a strongly-related discipline.

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Crop Sciences quoting ref DRC25-139 / UKRI2282 via our online application system.

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/apd/phd

https://research.reading.ac.uk/cocoa/

Enquiries:

Dr. Andrew Daymond, email: a.j.daymond@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

• A full UKRI stipend of £20,780 (with an additional supplement of £1,700)
• UK tuition fees covered
• 4-year duration
• Start date flexible up until end of September 2026

References

Mateus-Rodríguez, J.F., Lahive, F., Hadley, P., Daymond, A.J. 2023. Effects of simulated climate change conditions of increased temperature and [CO2] on the early growth and physiology of the tropical tree crop, Theobroma cacao L. Tree Physiology, 43, 2050-2063.
Lahive, F., Handley, L.R., Hadley, P., Daymond, A.J. 2021. Climate change impacts on cacao: genotypic variation in responses of mature cacao to elevated CO2 and water deficit. Agronomy, 11, 818.
Lahive, F., Hadley, P., Daymond, A.J. 2019. The physiological responses of cacao to the environment and the implications for climate change resilience. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 39, 5.