2010 - The winner of 2010 will be announced on 18 March
2009 - Peter Msimuko: “Allele diversity and functional analysis of avirulence gene Avr1 of Phytophthora infestans”
2008 - Dieuwertje van der Does: “A possible role for Glutaredoxins and protein S-glutathionylation in regulation of TGA factors in Systemic Acquired Resistance”.
2007 - Sandra Mansveld: “Genetic regulation of flower development”
2009, 19 March: Peter Msimuko winner of RZ Plant Sciences Award 2009
With his thesis entitled “Allele diversity and functional analysis of avirulence gene Avr1 of Phytophthora infestans”, Peter Msimuko has been declared the winner of the Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award.
An independent jury, headed by Prof. Dr. M.A. Haring, Department of Plant Physiology, University of Amsterdam, assessed three nominated theses on their significance for the professional practice of plant breeding and seed quality, originality, scientific quality and presentation of the report. Msimuko's thesis, which was written at the Wageningen University, was judged to be the best.
Molecular interaction
In an interview Peter (30) tells us he graduated on 27th January of this year. Peter chose phytopathology as his speciality for his studies. For his thesis he took an in-depth look at the molecular interaction between P. infestans and potatoes. “I was not quite sure beforehand what this research would produce but I have endeavoured to adhere to the aims of my research as best I could.”
Peter briefly explains what came to light in his research: "Avr1 alleles in various P. infestans strains were found to be highly diverse due to point mutations that caused amino acid changes. Avirulent alleles were found to encode a longer protein with 205 amino acids as opposed to 167 amino acids by the virulent alleles."
The study also revealed that the C-terminal of Avr1 gene was composed of 3 conserved motifs (W1, W2 and Y): "The study also revealed that the C-terminal of Avr1 gene was composed of 3 conserved motifs (W1, W2 and Y). Structure functional analysis in the C-terminus of Avr1 gene revealed that W1 domain is not essential for triggering an HR when coinfiltrated with R1 in N. benthamiana. On the other hand W2 and Y motifs were found to play critical roles during the interaction with R1 gene. The deletion of either W2 or Y conserved motifs from the C-terminal resulted in loss of recognition by R1."
Seed Control Institute
At the moment Peter works at the Seed Control and Certification Institute in Zambia. This is the reason why he is no longer directly involved in the follow-up research but he remains available to give his support, if necessary. “The follow-up research will be aimed at identifying specific amino acids within these motives, which are extremely important for the induction of resistance.”
Added value
The Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award was very well-known to Peter. He was made aware of it by the university but had also heard about it from friends. “I applied because I think that this award could have added value for my CV. I was pleasantly surprised to know that I was one of the nominees and really happy to be the winner!"
2008, 6 March: Dieuwertje van der Does wins Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award 2007
Dieuwertje van der Does was declared the winner of the Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award 2007 with her thesis “A possible role for Glutaredoxins and protein S-glutathionylation in regulation of TGA factors in Systemic Acquired Resistance”.
An independent jury, headed by Prof. Dr. M.A. Haring, Department of Phytophysiology at the University of Amsterdam, assessed two nominated theses on their practical significance for the plant breeding profession and seed quality, originality, scientific quality and the care taken in the presentation of the report. Van der Does, a student at the University of Amsterdam, wrote her thesis at Duke University, North Carolina, in the United States. The jury unanimously selected her thesis as being the best.
Jury's report
The jury’s report describes the theses as an impressive study of the role of glutathione addition in the signal transduction route, which leads to systemic resistance in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Using various genetic and biochemical techniques, she has made it seem plausible that there is a role for “glutathionylation” of transcription factors which co-ordinate the defence reaction. Future research will have to clarify which enzymes are responsible for these modifications and how the activity of the TGA2 transcription factor is influenced “in planta”.
Working visit to Tanzania
The chairman of the jury, Prof. Dr. Haring, presented Dieuwertje van der Does with the Plant Sciences Award, a cheque in the amount of € 1,500 and a working visit to a subsidiary of seed breeding company Rijk Zwaan. Van der Does chose the Rijk Zwaan company in Tanzania.
2007, 26 April: Sandra Mansveld winner of Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award 2006
With her thesis entitled “Genetic regulation of flower development”, Sandra Mansveld has been declared the winner of the Rijk Zwaan Plant Sciences Award.
An independent jury, headed by Prof. Dr. M.A. Haring, Department of Plant Physiology, University of Amsterdam, assessed three nominated theses on their significance for the professional practice of plant breeding and seed quality, originality, scientific quality and presentation of the report. Mansveld’s thesis, which was written at the Radboud University in Nijmegen and gained her her degree, was judged to be the best.
Jury's report
The jury’s report describes the thesis as a genetic study on the involvement of so-called MADS box genes in the development of Petunia flowers. With the aid of complex crossings, an RNAi approach and transposon tagging, the candidate has tried to show the redundant functions of MADS box genes FBP2, 4, 5 and 9. In a lucid introduction she has clearly explained the study area and proceeds to take the reader through a large number of complex, genetic experiments. With a multitude of molecular techniques she shows that various FBP genes have redundant functions. Her thesis excels in clarity and scientific depth.
Working visit to France
Sandra Mansveld received the Plant Sciences Award from the jury’s chairman, Prof. Dr. Haring, as well as a cheque for € 1,500 and a working visit to one of the subsidiaries of seed breeding company Rijk Zwaan. Mansveld elected to go to the Rijk Zwaan company in Aramon, France.
