ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2812-6241
Current Organisations
University of Queensland
,
Macquarie University
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Proteomics and Intermolecular Interactions (excl. Medical Proteomics) | Horticultural Production | Ecological Impacts of Climate Change | Horticultural Crop Growth and Development
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2023
DOI: 10.1002/NDR2.12208
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-04-2011
Publisher: Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Date: 30-06-2011
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 20-10-2022
DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00247-22
Abstract: Robbsia andropogonis causes leaf spots, streaks, or stripes on a wide range of commercially important crops. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of two isolates of R. andropogonis sourced from Sorghum bicolor displaying symptoms of bacterial leaf stripe disease in Australia.
Publisher: Scientific Societies
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-09-20-1903-RE
Abstract: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is the third largest grain crop by area planted in South Africa (SA). The annual yield is negatively affected by sunflower rust caused by Puccinia helianthi Schw. (Phe). Four Phe races were described in SA in the middle 1990s, but since then, no new race descriptions have been conducted. This has resulted in an information gap on the current Phe population, making it difficult to explain increased disease incidence and loss of resistance in previously resistant hybrids. To address this, 114 Phe field isolates along with 23 historic isolates were phenotyped using the international set of 11 sunflower differentials containing the R 1 , R 2 /R 10 , R 3 , R 4a , R 4b , R 4c , R 4d , R 5 , Pu 6 , and R adv resistance genes. Three new Phe races were identified, bringing the total number of South African races recorded to seven. No avirulence was detected attributable to the R 1 gene, with the R 4d and R adv genes remaining effective. Four main genetic lineages were detected with no obvious correlation between phenotype and genotype. The detection of three genetic lineages consisting exclusively of field isolates collected post-2006 suggested the possible recent entry of exotic introductions into SA. This, combined with the fact that one lineage consisted exclusively of the most virulent race Phe7721, confirmed a clear shift in the Phe population that could explain the increased virulence and occurrence of the disease in SA.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S13313-022-00880-X
Abstract: Pineapple plants (hybrid MD2) with bacterial heart rot were detected in a commercial plantation at Glasshouse Mountains, Queensland, in November 2015. The bacterial strain BRIP64263 isolated from infected tissue was shown to be a Gram negative soft-rotting bacterium capable of growth at 41 ºC, and based on its culture properties was provisionally identified as Dickeya . This strain was compared with other putative Dickeya strains affecting banana (BRIP64262) and potato (BRIP29490). Sequence analysis of the recombinase A genes of the pineapple strain placed it in phylotype I of D. zeae , whereas the banana strain was placed in phylotype II. This was confirmed by sequence comparisons for the phosphofructose kinase, RNA polymerase and aconitase genes which showed that the pineapple strain BRIP64263 is distinct from other strains that infect pineapples and other hosts in Australia and overseas. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the replication initiation factor gene showed that strains affecting pineapples were distributed among both phylotypes of D. zeae , indicating multiple acquisitions or opportunistic infections of pineapple from this group of pathogens. The potato isolate, BRIP29490, was shown to be Rahnella aquatica , and is not likely to be pathogenic. It is not known whether the new isolate represents an incursion or whether it has long been associated with pineapples in Australia. Further study is required to determine the epidemiological characteristics of this strain, and what threat it poses to Australian pineapple production.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-10-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-05-2014
DOI: 10.1038/SREP05055
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-07-2021
DOI: 10.3390/RS13152932
Abstract: Land surface phenology derived from satellite data provides insights into vegetation responses to climate change. This method has overcome laborious and time-consuming manual ground observation methods. In this study, we assessed the influence of climate on phenological metrics of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) in South Sumatra, Indonesia, between 2010 and 2019. We modelled rubber growth through the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), using eight-day surface reflectance images at 250 m spatial resolution, sourced from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua satellites. The asymmetric Gaussian (AG) smoothing function was applied on the model in TIMESAT to extract three phenological metrics for each growing season: start of season (SOS), end of season (EOS), and length of season (LOS). We then analysed the effect of rainfall and temperature, which revealed that fluctuations in SOS and EOS are highly related to disturbances such as extreme rainfall and elevated temperature. Additionally, we observed inter-annual variations of SOS and EOS associated with rubber tree age and clonal variability within plantations. The 10-year monthly climate data showed a significant downward and upward trend for rainfall and temperature data, respectively. Temperature was identified as a significant factor modulating rubber phenology, where an increase in temperature of 1 °C advanced SOS by ~25 days and EOS by ~14 days. These results demonstrate the capability of remote sensing observations to monitor the effects of climate change on rubber phenology. This information can be used to improve rubber management by helping to identify critical timing for implementation of agronomic interventions.
Publisher: Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Date: 31-12-2011
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S13313-022-00876-7
Abstract: Halo blight of mungbean ( Vigna radiata var. radiata ) is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola . This pathogen is transmitted via infected seed, facilitating the spread of the disease into new cultivated areas. Prospective mungbean seed crops are currently subjected to visual inspection as a means of determining disease status, however, this is a poor method that relies on visible symptoms and does not account for latent infections. A range of molecular diagnostics targeting P. savastanoi pv. phaseolicola have been developed, but these have not been deployed on seeds. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) SYBR assay, hydrolysis probe, and conventional PCR, using the same primers were optimised against a plate-truthed dilution series of P. savastanoi pv. phaseolicola . The detection limit of the conventional PCR assay was approximately 9,000 CFU µl -1 , while both qPCR assays could detect 9 CFU µl -1 . These tests were then used to screen DNA extracted from 200 g allotments of 38 seed lots comprising six mungbean cultivars representing the primary Australian production area, and two seed lots of known infection status. Of these, the pathogen was detected in six seed lots by conventional PCR. The SYBR assay and hydrolysis probe methods detected 20 and 24 infected seed lots respectively. This shows that the hydrolysis probe method was the most effective at diagnosing the presence of P. savastanoi pv. phaseolicola in mungbean seed, providing a valuable molecular diagnostic to aid in integrated disease management and seed certification, substantially mitigating losses to halo blight disease.
Publisher: Scientific Societies
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-17-0016-RE
Abstract: Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli, causal agent of ratoon stunting disease (RSD) of sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids), is the most well-known member of the Microbacteriaceae genus Leifsonia. However, the presence of other Leifsonia strains associated with sugarcane has not been reported. A total of 697 Australian and 40 Indonesian sugarcane fields were screened by leaf sheath biopsy (LSB) PCR using primers specific for L. xyli subsp. xyli, in addition to primers designed to lify DNA from other members of the genus Leifsonia. While L. xyli subsp. xyli was detected in 126 fields, a total of 37 distinct and novel Leifsonia and non-Leifsonia strains were detected in 116 fields. Representatives of these strains were also detected in multiple s les of expressed xylem sap. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the presence of a broad complex of novel Leifsonia strains, in addition to strains closely related to the recently erected Cnuibacter genus. Attempts to isolate Leifsonia strains were unsuccessful however, one strain related to Cnuibacter was recovered from expressed xylem sap. Among the genetically erse lineages discovered, identical genotypes were present in multiple sugarcane varieties growing in disparate regions in different years, strongly suggesting an ongoing association with sugarcane. The epidemiological significance of these strains is unknown, but there is evidence that they can interfere with serological and microscopic RSD diagnostics, and there is the potential that they may represent new and distinct pathologies of sugarcane.
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 17-11-2022
DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00716-22
Abstract: Dickeya species cause soft rots on many commercial crops. Here, we present the draft genomes of Dickeya oryzae (BRIP 64262) and Dickeya zeae (BRIP 64263) isolates causing soft rot on banana ( Musa spp.) and pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) plants, respectively. This expands the range of available genomes from plant-pathogenic Dickeya species.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-10-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/AP06074
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-03-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1071/AP06055
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-10-2011
Publisher: Scientific Societies
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-06-17-0911-FE
Abstract: The Australian sugar industry has never pursued genetic resistance to ratoon stunting disease (RSD), despite it being widely considered to be one of the most important diseases of sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids). This is because of a prevailing view that the disease is economically managed, and that no further action needs to take place. However, there is a range of epidemiological evidence that suggests that RSD is having a more significant impact than what is generally recognized. This review traces the factors that have led to an industry stance that is apparently without any scientific justification, and which has tended to downplay the significance of RSD on Australian sugarcane productivity, and thus has led to significant lost production. The consequences of this position are that RSD may be influencing broad but poorly explained issues such as commercial ratooning performance of existing varieties and the “yield decline” that has been subject to much scrutiny, if not much success in resolving the issue. Based on the available information, this review calls on the Australian sugar industry to prioritize selection for RSD resistance in the plant improvement program.
Publisher: Scientific Societies
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-06-16-0848-RE
Abstract: Ratoon stunting disease (RSD), caused by the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli, is arguably one of the most devastating diseases of sugarcane. Four diagnostic techniques were compared for 100 fields of sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids) of unknown infection status. These were quantitative polymerase chain reaction on pooled leaf sheath biopsies (LSB-qPCR), conventional PCR on the same templates (LSB-PCR), evaporative-binding enzyme immunoassay (EB-EIA) coupled with phase contrast microscopy (PCM) on expressed xylem sap from the same fields, and conventional PCR on the same xylem sap s les. LSB-qPCR and LSB-PCR detected the causal agent in 27 and 18 fields, respectively, whereas, from s les of expressed xylem sap from the same fields, conventional PCR identified 12 infections and EB-EIA/PCM detected L. xyli subsp. xyli in 3 fields. The sensitivities of qPCR and PCR were approximately 10 3 and 10 4 CFU ml −1 , respectively, determined from plate counts of a dilution series. Tests were conducted on a further 139 LSB s les from across the Australian industry, with qPCR and PCR diagnosing RSD in 31 and 25 fields, respectively. Using qPCR and PCR on LSB s les, RSD was diagnosed in a range of cultivars throughout the year, and qPCR and PCR could detect L. xyli subsp. xyli in sugarcane ranging from 3 months to greater than 1 year old.
Publisher: Scientific Societies
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-07-17-0237-R
Abstract: Chlorotic streak is a global disease of commercial sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids). The disease is transmitted by wet soil, water, as well as in diseased planting material. Although first recognized almost 90 years ago and despite significant research effort, the identity of the causal agent has been elusive. Metagenomic high throughput sequencing (HTS) facilitated the discovery of novel protistan ribosomal and nuclear genes in chlorotic streak-infected sugarcane. These sequences suggest a possible causal agent belonging to the order Cercomonadida (Rhizaria, phylum Cercozoa). An organism with morphological features similar to cercomonads (=Cercomonadida) was isolated into pure axenic culture from internal stalk tissues of infected sugarcane. The isolated organism contained DNA sequences identical to those identified in infected plants by HTS. The DNA sequences and the morphology of the organism did not match any known species. Here we present a new genus and species, Phytocercomonas venanatans, which is associated with chlorotic streak of sugarcane. Amplicon sequencing also supports that P. venanatans is associated with this disease. This is the first reported member from Cercomonadida showing a probable pathogenic association with higher plants.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-2022
Abstract: Bacterial Leaf Spot (BLS) is a serious bacterial disease of chilli (Capsicum spp.) caused by at least four different Xanthomonas biotypes: X. euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria, X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans, X. hortorum pv. gardneri, and X. vesicatoria. Symptoms include black lesions and yellow halos on the leaves and fruits, resulting in reports of up to 66% losses due to unsalable and damaged fruits. BLS pathogens are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Xanthomonas is able to survive in seeds and crop residues for short periods, leading to the infections in subsequent crops. The pathogen can be detected using several techniques, but largely via a combination of traditional and molecular approaches. Conventional detection is based on microscopic and culture observations, while a suite of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assays are available. Management of BLS is challenging due to the broad genetic ersity of the pathogens, a lack of resilient host resistance, and poor efficacy of chemical control. Some biological control agents have been reported, including bacteriophage deployment. Incorporating stable host resistance is a critical component in ongoing integrated management for BLS. This paper reviews the current status of BLS of chilli, including its distribution, pathogen profiles, diagnostic options, disease management, and the pursuit of plant resistance.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/PPA.13797
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PPA.12545
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/CP18541
Abstract: Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek var. radiata) is an important food crop cultivated on over 6 Mha throughout the world. Its short duration of 55–70 days, capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and exceptional grain nutritional profile makes the crop a staple for smallholder and subsistence farmers. In Australia, mungbean is grown as a high-value export crop and established as a main summer rotation for dryland farmers. A major threat to the integrity of the industry is halo blight, a bacterial disease leading to necrotic lesions surrounded by a chlorotic halo that stunts and ultimately kills the plant. Caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola, this seed-borne disease is extremely difficult to control, resulting in significant yield loss and production volatility. The challenge of managing halo blight is exacerbated by a wide host range that includes many legume and weed species, and the presence of multiple epidemiologically significant strains. Molecular technologies could play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. This review synthesises current and emerging technologies to develop improved management strategies for the control of halo blight in mungbean.
Publisher: Scientific Societies
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-06-21-1254-RE
Abstract: Characteristic leaf spot and blight symptoms caused by Robbsia andropogonis on bougainvillea plants were found in three locations in different provinces of Mexico from 2019 to 2020. Eleven bacterial isolates with morphology similar to R. andropogonis were obtained from the diseased bougainvillea leaves. The isolates were confirmed as R. andropogonis by phenotypic tests and 16S rRNA, rpoD, and gyrB gene sequencing. In addition to bougainvillea, the strains were pathogenic to 10 agriculturally significant crops, including maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), barley (Hordeum vulgare), coffee (Coffea arabiga), carnation (Dianthus caryophilus), Mexican lime (Citrus × aurantifolia), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), broadbeans (Vicia faba), and pea (Pisum sativum), but not runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus). The haplotypes network reveals the genetic variability among Mexican strains and its phylogeographic relationship with Japan, the U.S.A., and China. The presence of this pathogen represents a challenge for plant protection strategies in Mexico.
Start Date: 06-2023
End Date: 05-2027
Amount: $239,375.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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