Dr Rachel Wells
Senior Scientist Building Robustness in Crops (BRiC), Advancing Plant Health (APH) , BRAVO Project Manager
Rachel is the Project Manager for the BBSRC SLoLa Brassica and Rapeseed And Vegetable Optimisation (BRAVO) project.
BRAVO is working to understand the gene networks controlling developmental transitions, from vegetative growth, through to flowering and seed production.
Brassicas in both the form of oilseed rape and as vegetables are key UK crops with an annual UK market value in excess of £800m.
Rachel’s current work involves the utilisation of both natural and induced genetic variation and facilitating the translation of research from model species to crops.
She promotes research using Brassica genetic resources in collaboration with industry, research institutes and academia.
Current collaborations include gene network models for flowering (Judith Irwin/Richard Morris), PAMP triggered immunity (Chris Ridout) and germination, early development, growth and vigour (Steven Penfield).
Rachel’s personal research interest is in Brassica pests with a focus on cabbage stem flea beetle.
Selected Publications
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Jacott C, Schoonbeek HJ, Sidhu GS, Steuernagel B, Kirby R, Zheng X, Von Tiedermann A, Macioszek VK, Kononowicz AH, Fell H, Fitt BDL, Mitrousia G, Stotz H, Ridout CJ, Wells (2024)Pathogen lifestyle determines host genetic signature of quantitative disease resistance loci in oilseed rape (Brassica napus)Theoretical and Applied Genetics (137 (65))Publisher's version: 1432-2242
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Jones DM, Hepworth J, Wells R, Pullen N, Trick M, Morris R (2024)A transcriptomic time-series reveals differing trajectories during pre-floral development in the apex and leaf in winter and spring varieties of Brassica napus.Scientific reportsPublisher's version: 2045-2322
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Yalcin HA, Jacott CN, Ramirez-Gonzalez RH, Steuernagel B, Sidhu GS, Kirby R, Verbeek E, Schoonbeek HJ, Ridout CJ, Wells (2024)A complex receptor locus confers responsiveness to necrosis and ethylene-inducing like peptides in Brassica napus.The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biologyPublisher's version: 0960-7412