Role of plant host factors in the replication and pathogenesis of Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV). Geminivirus infection is an emerging problem in the Australian tomato growing industry which is currently worth ca.A$200m annually. Knowledge gained from this research will have direct benefit in safeguarding this industry by providing an insight into geminivirus replication and identifying molecular targets for virus control. More generally, the technology developed through this study will contribu ....Role of plant host factors in the replication and pathogenesis of Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV). Geminivirus infection is an emerging problem in the Australian tomato growing industry which is currently worth ca.A$200m annually. Knowledge gained from this research will have direct benefit in safeguarding this industry by providing an insight into geminivirus replication and identifying molecular targets for virus control. More generally, the technology developed through this study will contribute to our basic understanding of virus replication in plants with a view to controlling virus diseases by direct molecular intervention with specifically engineered tools. We foresee potential industrial applications. Read moreRead less
Detection and elimination of resting spores of Olpidium vectoring lettuce big-vein disease in lettuce seedling nursery production. This project will devise nucleic acid and serology methods for detection of Olpidium brassicae, vector of lettuce big-vein disease (LBVD), during various phases of lettuce seedling production in nursery environments. It will be the first study to develop sustainable and environmentally responsible nursery best-practice protocols for integrated management of O. brass ....Detection and elimination of resting spores of Olpidium vectoring lettuce big-vein disease in lettuce seedling nursery production. This project will devise nucleic acid and serology methods for detection of Olpidium brassicae, vector of lettuce big-vein disease (LBVD), during various phases of lettuce seedling production in nursery environments. It will be the first study to develop sustainable and environmentally responsible nursery best-practice protocols for integrated management of O. brassicae in routine seedling production and for management within the lettuce industry. These protocols will ensure that the spread of LBVD from contaminated lettuce nurseries to farms is prevented. It will also be a unique study of the establishment of a disease in new land with different soils and agricultural practices.Read moreRead less
Molecular tools for controlling pathogenic viruses in the seed potato industry. In this project, molecular diagnostic tools will be generated that will improve the ability of testing laboratories to deliver cost-effective virus diagnostic services to seed potato certification authorities in Australia. There will be economic benefits from increased yields of fresh and processing potatoes, higher prices in domestic and export markets, expansion of current and development of new markets, and licen ....Molecular tools for controlling pathogenic viruses in the seed potato industry. In this project, molecular diagnostic tools will be generated that will improve the ability of testing laboratories to deliver cost-effective virus diagnostic services to seed potato certification authorities in Australia. There will be economic benefits from increased yields of fresh and processing potatoes, higher prices in domestic and export markets, expansion of current and development of new markets, and licensing of tests. There will also be economic and social returns to the broader rural community by better management and control of virus pathogens, and less reliance on environmentally undesirable chemical control measures. The project will provide expert training of two PhD students in practical and molecular plant virology. Read moreRead less