Project description Herbicide resistance of weeds is a major challenge for global food production. The situation becomes particularly severe when weeds become resistant to multiple modes of herbicide action (multiple herbicide resistance=MHR). This collaborative project between Durham University and Syngenta aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms of MHR in black grass, a major weed in cereal crops in the UK and beyond. In recent work we have demonstrated that MHR in black grass is associated with the up-regulation of one particular glutathione-S-transferase (GSTF1), and furthermore, that the observed resistance can be reversed by certain chemical compounds. However, the molecular basis for these observations remains to be established and represents the key goal of this project. The research will involve the characterization of GSTF1-ligand interactions using a combination of biophysical (including thermal shift assay, surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry) computational and crystallographic methods. The insight gained will then be used to elucidate how the enzyme achieves multiple herbicide resistance and to design and synthesize new herbicide synergists. Ultimately we seek to apply these finding to explore to orthologous enzymes identified in other important cereal weeds including rye grass and wild oat which also display an MHR phenotype.
Funding and how to apply This project is fully funded CASE with Syngenta. Success will depend on the quality of applications received. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Ehmke ([email protected]), with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project.
