Responsibilities within Bangor University

Member of Henfaes Research Centre Committee

Module organiser for Honours Projects (DXX/C 3701) and Plant Diversity and Conservation (DXX 2021)

Supervise Research Postrgraduates

Former (2016-2022) Director of Impact and Engagement, College of Environmental Science and Enginering

Tel: 01248 388655 (from U.K.)  +44 1248 388655 (International)

Web: Research Gate Twitter @kasSteele

Webinar: KASP markers for rice breeders

YouTube: Rice growing at Henfaes

• Professional: Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education
  2006
• PhD: Molecular Plant Pathology
  University of Nottingham, 1998
• MSc: Applied Genetics
  University of Birmingham, 1994
• BSc: Biology
  University of Nottingham, 1993

Current Postgraduate Research Supervised by Katherine Steele

• KESS 2 (With Sarvari Research Trust) - Tim Beard - Tomato early blight - identification of genetic sources of resistance to Alternaria solani
• Commonwealth Scholar (2022-2023) Kamran Yaqoob - Identification of Genetic Variations of Wx Alleles for Diversified Starch Composition and Glycemic Index of Pakistani Rice Cultivars
• I also supervise projects for taught masters students

Recent PhD research projects supervised 

• AHDB - Beverly Agesa - Screening and performance of phosphorus efficient cereal cultivars for future food security 
• KESS (With Maelor Forest Nursery) - Anastasia Atucha Zamkova – Identifying molecular markers for frost tolerance in Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

• Breeding strategies to improve blight resistance in Sarpo potatoes

WILLING TO SUPERVISE PROJECTS IN THE FOLLOWING GENERAL AREAS:

Crop genetics – with emphasis on rice, barley, tomato, potato and the genetic and environmental effects on their abiotic and biotic stress resistance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, functional foods; sustainable food, fuel and fibre production and plant pathology. Projects involving molecular markers, genomics, field or glasshouse experiments and participatory methods/citizen science will be considered. Enquiries welcome.

Teaching

Module organiser for: DXX3701 (Honours Project) and DXX2021 (Plant Diversity and Conservation)

Contribute to a range of other modules including DXX1001, DXX2000, BNS2002, BSM4013

My lab is focused on tackling global food security issues. We use genomics tools and in work in partnership with growers, breeders and industry to develop novel crop varieties for sustainable agriculture. Current projects use genetic diversity in wild relatives and landraces and analysis of quantitative traits to inform marker-assisted selection for trait improvement in economically important species.

KASP genomic selection: improving farmers' livelihoods through better rice varieties (2015-2021)

Bangor University colleagues on this project are Prof. John Witcombe (Nepal Breeding Consultant) and Dr Mark Quinton-Tulloch (Bioinformatics Research, 2015-2020). 

2022

• PublishedBasmati rice: the new authenticity rules aiming to remove sub-standard varieties from the market
  Steele, K., 29 Dec 2022, The Conversation.
  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

2021

• PublishedDeveloping KASP Markers for Identification of Basmati Rice Varieties
  Steele, K., Quinton-Tulloch, M., Burns, M. & Nader, W., Apr 2021, In: Food Analytical Methods. 14, 4, p. 663-673 11 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedKASP™ based markers reveal a population sub-structure in temperate rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm and local landraces grown in the Kashmir valley, north-western Himalayas
  Shikari, A. B., Najeeb, S., Khan, G., Mohidin, F. A., Shah, A. H., Nehvi, F. A., Wani, S. A., Bhat, N. A., Waza, S. A., Subba Roa, L. V., Steele, K. & Witcombe, J., Mar 2021, In: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 68, 3, p. 821–834
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMethods for Measuring Frost Tolerance of Conifers: A Systematic Map
  Atucha Zamkova, A-A., Steele, K. & Smith, A., 16 Aug 2021, In: Forests.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedModelling the impact of climate change on the occurrence of frost damage in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in Great Britain
  Atucha Zamkova, A-A., Steele, K. & Smith, A., Dec 2021, In: Forestry. 94, 5, p. 664-676 13 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSNPs, InDels, and Microsatellites within and near to Rice NBS-LRR Resistance Gene Candidates
  Steele, K. & Quinton-Tulloch, M., 13 Nov 2021, In: Agronomy. 11, 11, 20 p., 2297.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• PublishedIn silico analysis of the fragrance gene (badh2) in Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm and validation of allele specific markers
  Withana, W. V. E., Kularathna, R. M. R. E., Kottearachchi, N. S., Kekulandra, D. S., Weerasena, J. & Steele, K., Apr 2020, In: Plant Genetic Resources. 18, 2, p. 71-80
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedA high-density genetic map and molecular sex-typing assay for gerbils
  Brekke, T., Mulley, J., Steele, K., Denver, M., Thom, A. & Supriya, S., Apr 2019, In: Mammalian Genome. 30, 3-4, p. 63-70 8 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedQTL mapping in salad tomatoes
  Brekke, T. D., Stroud, J. A., Shaw, D. S., Crawford, S. & Steele, K. A., Jul 2019, In: Euphytica. 215, 7, 115.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe authenticity of Basmati rice-a case study
  Woolfe, M. & Steele, K., 11 Sep 2019, DNA Techniques to Verify Food Authenticity: Applications in Food Fraud (Food Chemistry, Function and Analysis) . Burns, M., Foster, L. & Walker, M. (eds.). Royal Society of Chemistry
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2018

• PublishedAccelerating public sector rice breeding with high-density KASP markers derived from whole genome sequencing of indica rice
  Steele, K., Quinton-Tulloch, M., Amgai, R. B., Dhakal, R., Khatiwada, S. P., Vyas, D., Heine, M. & Witcombe, J., Apr 2018, In: Molecular Breeding. 38, 38.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInbred or Outbred? Genetic Diversity in Laboratory Rodent Colonies
  Brekke, T., Steele, K. & Mulley, J., 1 Feb 2018, In: G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics. 8, 2, p. 679-686
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2015

• PublishedSSR assessment of Phytophthora infestans populations on tomato and potato in British gardens demonstrates high diversity but no evidence for host specialisation
  Stroud, J. A., Shaw, D. S., Hale, M. D. & Steele, K. A., 4 Jun 2015, In: Plant Pathology. 65, 2, p. 334-341
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2013

• PublishedBreeding low-glycemic index barley for functional food
  Steele, K., Dickin, E., Keerio, M. D., Samad, S., Kambona, C., Brook, R., Thomas, W. & Frost, G., 31 Dec 2013, In: Field Crops Research. 154, December, p. 31-39 9 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedQTLs associated with root traits increase yield in upland rice when transferred through marker-assisted selection
  Steele, K. A., Price, A. H., Witcombe, J. R., Shrestha, R., Singh, B. N., Gibbons, J. M. & Virk, D. S., 1 Jan 2013, In: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 126, 1, p. 101-108
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedReliability of ion accumulation and growth components for selecting salt tolerant lines in large populations of rice
  Ul Haq, T., Akhtar, J., Steele, K. A., Munns, R. & Gorham, J., 3 Dec 2013, In: Functional Plant Biology. 41, 4, p. 379-390
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2012

• PublishedAgronomic diversity of naked barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): a potential resource for breeding new food barley for Europe
  Dickin, E., Steele, K., Edwards-Jones, G. & Wright, D., 1 Mar 2012, In: Euphytica. 184, 1, p. 85-99
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMorphological and AFLP diversity in Thaumatococcus daniellii, the source of the protein sweetener thaumatin
  Waliszewski, W. S., Sinclair, F. L. & Steele, K. A., Jan 2012, In: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 59, 1, p. 151-161
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2011

• PublishedDynamic quantitative trait loci for salt stress components on chromosome 1 of rice.
  Ul Haq, T., Gorham, J., Akhtar, J., Akhtar, N. & Steele, K. A., 1 Jan 2011, In: Functional Plant Biology. 37, 7, p. 634-645
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEffect of genotype, environment and agronomic management on β-glucan concentration of naked barley grain intended for health food use.
  Dickin, E., Steele, K., Frost, G., Edwards-Jones, G. & Wright, D., 21 Mar 2011, In: Journal of Cereal Science.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

• PublishedHas the introduction of modern rice varieties changed rice genetic diversity in a high-altitude region of Nepal?
  Steele, K. A., Gyawali, S., Joshi, K. D., Shrestha, P., Sthapit, B. R. & Witcombe, J. R., 10 Jul 2009, In: Field Crops Research. 113, 1, p. 24-30
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2008

• PublishedBasmati Rice Authentication using DNA markers.
  Steele, K. A., 20 Feb 2008.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedBreeding for abiotic stresses for sustainable agriculture
  Witcombe, J. R., Hollington, P. A., Howarth, C. J., Reader, S. & Steele, K. A., 27 Feb 2008, In: Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 363, 1492, p. 703-716
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEvidence from near-isogenic lines that root penetration increases with root diameter and bending stiffness in rice.
  Clark, L. J., Price, A. H., Steele, K. A. & Whalley, W. R., 28 Nov 2008, In: Functional Plant Biology. 35, 11, p. 1163-1171
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInDel markers distinguish Basmatis from other fragrant rice varieties.
  Steele, K. A., Ogden, R., McEwing, R., Briggs, H. & Gorham, J., 2 Jan 2008, In: Field Crops Research. 105, 1-2, p. 81-87
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedParticipatory breeding for drought and salt tolerant crops
  Hollington, P. A., Steele, K. A., Jenks, M. A. (ed.), Hasegawa, P. M. (ed.) & Mohan Jain, S. (ed.), 1 Jan 2008, Advances in Molecular Breeding Towards Salinity and Drought Tolerant Crops. 2007 ed. Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands, p. 455-478
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2007

• PublishedField evaluation of upland rice lines selected for QTLs controlling root traits.
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S., Kumar, R., Prasad, S. C. & Witcombe, J. R., 5 Mar 2007, In: Field Crops Research. 101, 2, p. 180-186
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMass and line selection can produce equally uniform rice varieties
  Virk, D. S., Steele, K. A. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Feb 2007, In: Field Crops Research. 100, 2-3, p. 341-347
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedReport on the ring trial of the quantitative determination of non-basmati rice varieties in a mixture with Basmati rice varieties.
  Steele, K. A., 1 Jan 2007, 2007 ed. Unknown.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report

2006

• PublishedDNA markers for screening of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for salt tolerance
  Khan, A. S., Shahzad, A., Amin, A. Y., Steele, K. A., Hollington, P. A., Akhtar, J., Quresih, R. H. & Quarrie, S. A., 1 Dec 2006.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedMapping morpho-physiological characters on wheat chromosomes using QTL approach under salt stress
  Khan, A. S., Shahzad, A., Amin, A. Y., Steele, K. A., Hollington, P. A., Wyn Jones, R. G., Gorham, J. & Quarrie, S. A., 1 Dec 2006.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedMarker assisted selection for participatory plant breeding in rice
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Jan 2006, 2006 ed. Centre for Arid Zone Studies.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• PublishedMarker-assisted selection to introgress QTLs controlling root traits into an Indian upland rice variety
  Steele, K. A., Price, A. H., Shashidhar, H. E. & Witcombe, J. R., 14 Sep 2006, In: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 112, 2, p. 208-221
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedRice landrace diversity in Nepal: Variability of agro-morphological traits and SSR markers in landraces from a high-altitude site.
  Bajracharya, J., Steele, K. A., Jarvis, D. I., Sthapit, B. R. & Witcombe, J., 15 Feb 2006, In: Field Crops Research. 95, 2-3, p. 327-335
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2005

• PublishedMarker-evaluated selection: Evaluating allele frequencies in rice selected under extreme environments to find agronomically important loci
  Steele, K. A. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Jan 2005.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2004

• PublishedMarker-assisted selection of four root QTL and aroma to improve Kalinga III: Evaluation of pyramid lines and advanced bulks from backcrossing
  Steele, K. A., Singh, D. N., Kumar, R., Prasad, S. C., Billore, M., Virk, D. S., Shashidhar, H. E. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Jan 2004.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedMarker-evaluated selection in rice: shifts in allele frequency among bulks selected in contrasting agricultural environments identify genomic regions of importance to rice adaptation and breeding.
  Steele, K. A., Edwards, G., Zhu, J. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Oct 2004, In: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 109, 6, p. 1247-1260
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2002

• PublishedAssessing the Feasibility of Using Marker Assisted Selection for Root Characteristics to Aid Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) in Upland Rice in India.
  Steele, K. A., 1 Jan 2002, 2002 ed. Centre for Arid Zone Studies.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• PublishedCombining PPB and marker-assisted selection: strategies and experiences with rice
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S., Prasad, S. C., Kumar, R., Singh, D. N., Gangwar, J. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Jan 2002.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedCombining molecular marker technology and participatory techniques: A case study for drought-tolerant rice in eastern India II: Farmer evaluation of SLS-MAS bulks in participatory plant breeding
  Steele, K. A., Singh, D. N., Kumar, R., Prasad, S. C., Virk, D. S., Gangwar, J. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 12 Mar 2002, p. 20-22.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedCombining molecular marker technology and participatory techniques: A case study for drought-tolerant rice in eastern India II: Molecular breeding strategy
  Steele, K. A., Edwards, G. & Witcombe, J. R., 12 Mar 2002, p. 16-19.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
• PublishedFeasibility of using marker-assisted selection for root characters.
  Steele, K. A., 1 Jan 2002, 2002 ed. Unknown.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• PublishedInnovative methods for rice breeding - combining participatory plant breeding (PPB) with molecular marker techniques
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Jan 2002, 2002 ed. Centre for Arid Zone Studies.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• PublishedRoot QTL mapping in upland rice.
  Price, A., Steele, K. A., Mullins, C., Cairns, J. & Audebert, A., 1 Jan 2002, 2002 ed. Unknown.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
• PublishedUpland rice grown in soil-filled chambers and exposed to contrasting water-deficit regimes. I. Root distribution, water use and plant water status.
  Price, A. H., Steele, K. A., Gorham, J., Bridges, J. M., Moore, B. J., Evans, J. L., Richardson, P. & Jones, R. G., 1 Jun 2002, In: Field Crops Research. 76, 1, p. 11-24
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUpland rice grown in soil-filled chambers and exposed to contrasting water-deficit regimes. II. Mapping quantitative trait loci for root morphology and distribution.
  Price, A. H., Steele, K. A., Moore, B. J. & Jones, R. G., 1 Jun 2002, In: Field Crops Research. 76, 1, p. 25-43
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2001

• PublishedSupport for a stepwise mutation model for pathogen evolution in Australian Puccinia striiformis f.sp. Tritici by use of molecular markers.
  Steele, K. A., Humphreys, E., Wellings, C. R. & Dickinson, M. J., 1 Apr 2001, In: Plant Pathology. 50, 2, p. 174-180
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2000

• PublishedA combined RFLP and AFLP linkage map of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) used to identify QTLs for root-penetration ability.
  Price, A. H., Steele, K. A., Moore, B. J., Barraclough, P. P. & Clark, L. J., 1 Jan 2000, In: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 100, 1, p. 49-56
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedVariation in RFLP markers associated with root growth in QTLs in Indian upland rice
  Steele, K. A., Moore, B. J., Witcombe, J. R., Virk, D. S. & Price, A. H., 1 Aug 2000, In: International Rice Research Notes. 25, 2, p. 16-17
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• Agronomy (Journal)

  Editor

  5 Dec 2020 →

  Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member)
• Use of rice KASP markers in India, Pakistan, Nepal and UK

  Presentation of research done in Innovate UK funded research and Defra funded consultancy at Bangor University with national and international partners

  11 Nov 2020

  Links:

  • https://twitter.com/cpd_services/status/1458471565973200902
  • https://twitter.com/cpd_services/status/1460585963881644032
  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
• Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (Journal)

  Guest Associate Editor in Crop Biology and Sustainability

  15 Sep 2020 →

  Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member)

2016

• International Association for Cereal Science and Technology: Rice Working Group (External organisation)

  Member of International Association for Cereal Science and Technology: Rice Working Group

  1 Aug 2016 – 31 Jul 2026

  Activity: Membership of committee (Chair)

• TRIP-Transformative Reduced input Potatoes

  01/04/2023 – 30/04/2026 (Active)

• KESS II Phd with Savari Research Trust BUK2169

  01/10/2019 – 31/01/2023 (Finished)

• Identification of biological assays to authenticate Basmati rice varieties

  01/01/2019 – 30/09/2019 (Finished)

• KASP genomic selection: improving farmers' livelihoods through better rice varieties

  01/08/2017 – 28/02/2022 (Finished)

  Description

  This project directly addresses the challenge of improved food security and livelihoods for international development. For about half a billion people in Asia, most of them poor, rice provides over 50% of the caloric supply so the size and stability of the rice harvest is crucial. The simplest way to increase yields is by the breeding of new rice varieties with greater resistance to diseases and pests and improved tolerance to stresses. To help in this breeding all Asian national rice breeding programmes use DNA markers. This project will develop LGC genomics' proprietary molecular technologies (called KASP) by providing thousands of new KASP markers. By the end of the project, KASP will become the marker of choice for rice breeders through greater choice of markers (available for any cross), reduced costs (allowing a three-fold increase in the size of the breeding programme) and increased speed and reliability. This will provide a revolution in rice breeding by making it possible to do genome-wide, selection instead of selecting for markers at a few target traits. A single improved rice variety can increase harvest value by millions of pounds a year so improved rice breeding methods in all Asian countries will have great impact on improved food security and improved farmers' livelihoods.

  Links:

  • Overview on Gateway to Research
  • https://blog.lgcgroup.com/tag/bangor-university/
  • Project website hosted by Project Manager

• KESS II PhD project with Maelor Forest Nurseries BUK2101

  01/02/2017 – 31/08/2022 (Finished)

  Description

  The objective is to develop selectable markers for frost tolerance in Sitka Spruce that will allow our industrial partner to breed resistant trees.

  Links:

  • PhD Student profile

• KESS II PhD project with Savari Research BUK267

  01/04/2016 – 31/08/2019 (Finished)

  Description

  Breeding strategies to improve blight resistance in Sarpo potatoes

• KASP technology to improve new rice varities and farmer livelihoods.

  01/05/2015 – 10/10/2020 (Finished)

  Links:

  • Slides presented at Monogram 2017
  • https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=131781

• Towards national listing of novel functional food barley variety

  05/08/2014 – 31/05/2015 (Finished)

  Links:

  • http://barley.bangor.ac.uk/index.php.en

• Resolving biological bottlenecks in macroalgal biofuel production (SuBBSea)

  31/07/2014 – 19/12/2017 (Finished)

  Links:

  • https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=BB%2FK020552%2F1

• Training

  01/10/2009 – 30/09/2016 (Finished)

  Description

  Developing capacity for participatory and marker assisted plant breeding to mitigate low crop productivity and poor food security (CAPACITATE East Africa)

  A three year project funded by the European Union African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Science and Technology Transfer Programme

  Project Goal: Improvement in the capacity of crop research in East Africa to produce farmer-acceptable crop varieties and enhanced food security.

  Although the funding for this project has now ended the network is still continuing.

  Links:

  • CAPACITATE East Africa webpage
  • http://capacitate-ea.bangor.ac.uk/

Previously, I worked in Bangor Universiy's former Centre for Arid Zone Studies (CAZS) as a Research Officer and was PI on three rice research projects funded by the DFID Plant Sciences Research Programme (1998-2006).

I am a member of the UK Rice Research Consortium (UKRRC)