UMR EGFV proposes a 3-yrs thesis subject in vine genetics conducted in co-supervision with the University of Geisenheim (Germany) as part of the scientific network BAG Bordeaux-Geisenheim-Adelaide.

Thesis title

Genetic architecture of water deficit responses in Vitis berlandieri ssp.

Summary

Climate change may affect water availability and increase drought problems. Among the possible solutions to adapt vineyards, the use ofdrought tolerant rootstocks appears to be one of the most sustainable option which will allow to keep traditional scion varieties and tomaintain vineyards where irrigation is not possible. The species V. berlandieri originates from very dry regions of North America and maypresent adaptive traits for drought and extreme environmental conditions. The objectives of the Ph-D project are 1-to characterize the genetic diversity within a V. berlandieri population and 2-to identify the genetic associations between the polymorphism of molecular marker polymorphisms and the variability of water deficit responses. This information could be further used to breed new rootstocks.The Ph-D student will study a large V. berlandieri population (more than 4000 accessions) already introduced in Germany by the german partner. The first step of the work will be to define a sub-sample of this population according to rooting capacities and vigor (about 250 individuals). During the second step, this sub-population will be genotyped using GBS techniques and a large number of markers will be determined for further studies. The third step corresponds to the phenotyping of the sub-sample as rootstocks under control and water deficit conditions. Plants in pots will be submitted to a controlled water deficit and monitored for transpiration, water use efficiency and vegetative growth responses to drought. Rooting ability will be analyzed. The fourth step of the work will be the association study in orderto link genotypic and phenotypic data. The size of this population is appropriate to carry out a genome wide association approach which is original for wild Vitis studies. The project will combine the expertises existing in France and Germany about rootstock genetics andbreeding, as well as drought response analyses.

Profile and skills required

• Master in Plant Sciences with established knowledge and skills in genetics : quantitative genetics, genotyping, bioinformatics
• Interests and skills for phenotyping activities.
• Will to perform one part of the work in Germany and one part in France, and to be open minded for international collaborations.

Supervisor(s)

in France : Dr Nathalie OLLAT and Dr Elisa MARGUERIT
in Germany : Pr Joachim SCHMID

Application

UMR 1287 Ecophysiologie et Génomique Fonctionnelle de la Vigne
Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin Bordeaux-Aquitaine
210 chemin de Leysotte - 33140 Villenave d'Ornon - France.

Resume and application letter to be addressed to Nathalie OLLAT (nathalie.ollat@inra.fr) or Elisa MARGUERIT (elisa.marguerit@agro-bordeaux.fr)