Development of a Gene Drive System for the reproductive suppression of Weeds

Description

Kochia (Bassia scoparia) and waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) are two of the most problematic herbicide-resistant weeds in North America, including the Canadian Prairies. Their aggressive biology, high fecundity, and stacked resistance to multiple herbicide classes threaten sustainable crop production and canola yields. Traditional chemical control is increasingly ineffective, creating an urgent need for innovative, non-chemical solutions.

This project aims to develop a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene drive system to suppress kochia and waterhemp populations by targeting key reproductive genes. Using a Cleave-and-Rescue (ClvR) design, the gene drive will bias inheritance of engineered alleles, reducing seed production and population density over successive generations. The research will integrate transcriptomic analysis, construct design, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, followed by molecular and phenotypic validation under containment. Outcomes will provide a foundation for sustainable weed management strategies and support long-term productivity in canola-growing regions.

Research Field

- Kochia
- Waterhemp
- Herbicide resistance
- Gene drive system
- Transcriptomic
- CRSIPR-CAS9
- Transformation

Research Supervisor

Yosra Menchari

Research Environment

Plant science department

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Plant Biology

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$25000 per year for 4 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Submission and approval of research proposal AND project outline	$3,000
Expected progression in the study program	$3,000
First submission of dissertation before the end of the 11th semester	$4,000
Total	$10,000

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $45,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Agronomy
- Biology

Requirements and Conditions

- Master's (or equivalent) in Plant Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or related fields
- Hands-on experience in RNA-seq pipelines and qRT-PCR
- Experience with plant tissue culture
- Strong data analysis skills (R/Python)

Required Documentation

- Lettre de recommandation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Application Deadline

March 15, 2026

Find Out More

Reshma Patil
Département de phytologie
reshma.patil.1@ulaval.ca