Lucky and resilient: Genomic improvement of cold tolerance in red and white clover

Clovers, particularly Trifolium pratense and T. repens, are becoming increasingly popular for use in forage cropping, nitrogen fixation, and sustainable farming practices. They can promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and nutrient runoff. Clovers have been used for green manure since ancient times and have adapted to various conditions found in temperate latitudes.

However, their cultivation in the UK can be challenging due to their low persistence and survival in winter compared to other forage legumes.

To make these clover species more competitive for producers and enhance their persistence, a PhD project aims to contribute to a healthier planet and support regional food security. The project is a collaboration between the Earlham Institute, the breeding company Germinal, and the IBERS institute. This project will investigate genetic structural variation, such as chromosomal rearrangements, copy-number variants, exchanges between subgenomes, and exotic introgressions in the red and white clover genomes.

The student will develop skills in data science and advance bioinformatics by conducting large-scale comparative genomics and pan-genomic computational experiments using cutting-edge long-read sequencing technologies. They will also acquire core scientific skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and plant sciences. Additionally, the student will be able to complete a three-month internship in commercial breeding and further engage with our other collaborators in Europe.

The student will be part of a cohort of PhD students working in genomics and bioinformatics at Earlham Institute. This research institute is located in the Norwich Research Park and focuses on exploring biodiversity through the application of computational science and biotechnology, boasting top-class sequencing and computing platforms.