A postgraduate student with a background in molecular biology/bacteriology/genetics  is required to begin a three year research project leading to a PhD degree on the taxonomy and genetics of an Erwinia species which is a potential biocontrol agent for black rot of Brassica.

Black rot of Brassica caused by the seed-borne bacterial phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris var. campestris causes significant economic losses on forage and vegetable Brassica crops.