How do plants reduce leaf growth at low humidity

About the Project

Short spells of hot dry air can cause fast desiccation of crop land, devastating crop yields. These ‘flash droughts’ are becoming more prevalent as the climate crisis worsens. This project will examine how the model plant, Arabidopsis, changes its canopy to cope with this kind of low humidity.

At low humidity, plants produce smaller leaves with fewer stomata (pores) to prevent water loss, helping the plant survive. You will explore whether this reduction in leaf growth is due to hydraulic constraints on photosynthesis (closing stomata prevents CO2 uptake) or changes in growth regulating hormones such as abscisic acid, gibberellin, auxin and ethylene.

You will work closely with Dr Jim Rowe, an expert in plant stress biology, molecular biology, imaging and image analysis and to learn modern research techniques, experimental design and data analysis methods.

In this project, you will use the following techniques:

• Cutting edge microscopy (confocal and FRET) to image biosensors to detect hormone and sugar concentrations
• Raspberry pi cameras to track leaf growth over time in a variety of mutants
• Stomatal impressions and microscopy to count stomata
• Image analysis to measure stomatal number, leaf size and hormone concentrations
• Photosynthesis/water loss measurement
• Stress response assays
• Molecular biology and genetics
• 3D printing
• Microcontroller usage
• Lab Culture

A culture of respect, dignity and safety and are at the heart of the Rowe research group. We believe that by helping each other, and fostering a collaborative, open team, we help each other achieve our goals. Diverse teams are not only fairer, but also more effective (e.g. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-07634-8) and we hope that anyone would feel welcome in the Rowe group. Before starting his group, Jim spent six years sitting on the SLCU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee, leading the Careers and Development committee.

Candidate

A good undergraduate honours degree in a relevant science subject is required. Any further research stays, publications or experience with imaging, plant growth / physiology, molecular biology, 3D printing, electronics or programming experience would be looked on favourably. The ideal candidate would have a thirst for knowledge, enthusiasm for plant science research and be eager to try or develop new techniques.

Application

For more information on the project/lab/university, candidates should email Dr Jim Rowe, but all applications should be through the web portal at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying . Candidates should include a 2-page CV and a 1-page personal statement and explaining their experience and interest in the project.

Funding Notes

There is no funding allocated to this project and so the applicant would need to secure their own external funding in order to apply.