Rachel Randles

Rachel Randles completed her MSc in Plant Pathology at Harper Adams University, graduating in 2024. This research explored how reduced fungicidal seed priming could affect the European cereals sector, particularly in relation to soil-borne fungal pathogens of wheat and barley. The MSc programme also delivered a strong foundation in integrated pest management (IPM), alongside government legislation relating to plant protection products.

Since joining BioAtlantis in 2020, Rachel has worked across both plant research and microbiological product testing. Her work has primarily focused on evaluating the efficacy of seaweed-based formulations against plant pathogens, including late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato plants and grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) in tomato and strawberry plants.

During her six-month secondment at the University of Worcester as part of Crop Prime, Rachel had the opportunity to further develop her work at BioAtlantis by evaluating the effects of various dsRNAs on the control of Botrytis cinerea infection in tomato plants. This work involved cloning target genes into transformed E. coli cultures for large-scale dsRNA production, which was then assessed both in vitro and in planta.