Engineering the defence-vigour balance for increased crop yield. This project aims to investigate a novel hypothesis to increase seed yield and vigour. Translating from a model system it will test whether the deliberate inactivation of a gene in tomato and banana, by RNA interference or genome editing, enhances performance. A dysfunctional gene in the viral defence pathway of the model plant species N. benthamiana boosted its seed yield and vigour. This project will investigate the enhancement, ....Engineering the defence-vigour balance for increased crop yield. This project aims to investigate a novel hypothesis to increase seed yield and vigour. Translating from a model system it will test whether the deliberate inactivation of a gene in tomato and banana, by RNA interference or genome editing, enhances performance. A dysfunctional gene in the viral defence pathway of the model plant species N. benthamiana boosted its seed yield and vigour. This project will investigate the enhancement, determine the consequences to the plant's defences, measure the balance between defence and vigour, and examine the risk of disease to such yield-enhanced crops. This is a radical departure from conventional approaches to crop improvement but if successful would provide an additional solution to the problem of future food security.Read moreRead less
Cellular and molecular interactions of rhabdoviruses with their plant hosts and insect vectors. Viruses cause significant economic losses in agriculture, but little information is available on how plant-adapted rhabdoviruses multiply in both their plant hosts and insect vectors. This project on the localisation, transport and host defence properties of essential viral proteins will identify novel targets for improved disease control.
A systems approach to dissect the pathogenicity and host specificity of the Fusarium wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. The pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum causes wilt disease in many plant species, including many that are important for Australian agriculture. Developing environmentally friendly disease protection strategies against this pathogen requires a clear understanding of infection strategies used by the fungus to invade its host. This project, along with a parallel project in host ....A systems approach to dissect the pathogenicity and host specificity of the Fusarium wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. The pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum causes wilt disease in many plant species, including many that are important for Australian agriculture. Developing environmentally friendly disease protection strategies against this pathogen requires a clear understanding of infection strategies used by the fungus to invade its host. This project, along with a parallel project in host resistance mechanisms, will provide the basis for development of a world leading platform in mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity and virulence and plant disease resistance/susceptibility. Application of the knowledge gained in this project to other host-pathogen interactions will thereby provide opportunities for improved crop protection and biosecurity.Read moreRead less