Bharatheeswaran Murugan

Project Title: Investigating low-cost genome-scanning molecular and biochemical marker systems for the rapid selection of healthy living ash (Fraxineus excelsior) to breed dieback disease tolerant genotypes – Living Ash

Overview: Bharatheeswaran is a biotechnologist from India with a strong academic and research background in Plant pathology and Molecular Biology. He hold a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from IIT, Guwahati. Bharathe’s research interests encompass plant and forest pathology, plant conservation and protection, as well as genetic enhancement through both traditional breeding methods and new genomic techniques (NGT).

His work focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms in plants, particularly through the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among tolerant and susceptible genotypes. By integrating multidisciplinary tools such as plant phenotyping, genetics and genomics, plant pathology, and bioinformatics, they contribute to advancements in tree improvement programmes.

Bharathe is currently engaged in the LivingAsh project, which aims to expedite the ash breeding program by utilizing advanced genomic selection tools. This initiative represents the next phase in breeding ash trees for tolerance to dieback disease in Ireland.

The project’s objectives include investigating the transcriptomic responses of various ash genotypes and developing a molecular genome scanning marker system to efficiently screen large ash populations for tolerance to ash dieback disease. This work will facilitate the rapid identification and selection of Irish ash genotypes that exhibit tolerance, enabling the establishment of seed orchards to produce resilient ash trees for the Irish landscape.

Programme Area: Forestry development under Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme

Supervisors: Dr. Dheeraj Rathore and Dr. Stephen Byrne

Location: Teagasc, Crops Research Centre, Oak Park, Carlow 

Funding Source: Teagasc