Australia’s native plants are experiencing their own pandemic. The myrtle rust fungus is silently killing our seedlings, saplings and established trees. Hundreds of Australian species in the Myrtaceae family are susceptible including bottlebrushes, eucalypts and tea trees with 16 species set to become extinct within a generation. This new short film shares first-hand stories on […]
The Foundation is calling for nominations for new Non-executive Directors. As the Foundation enters a new phase with decisions about the future of it’s commercial investment approaching rapidly, the terms of 4 of our 5 Directors are expiring… want to join us and make a difference? Please email the CEO for further information or a […]
Geoff Pegg (QDAF) and crew have just finished a two-year study, concluding the impacts of Myrtle Rust on regeneration of native species following fire can be severe, leading to death of many species and potential loss of ecosystem function. Impact from A. psidii infection was identified on all species monitored as part of this study. […]
Project Leader Ian Falk, Indonesian Biosecurity Foundation Status Contracting Background This project focuses on plant biosecurity in Indonesia and Australia. Each of its four case studies examines different aspects of effective management of biosecurity so as to generate clear messages for end-users and decision-makers in both countries, aiming to inform a bilateral biosecurity action plan […]
Project Leader Mark Temple, Western Sydney University Status Active Background Myrtle rust impacts the flora and ecosystems across the east coast of Australia. Visual impact of the disease includes yellow spores on plant foliage, defoliation, death of plants and invasive with exotic plants. Through engagement with indigenous artists we will represent the impact of myrtle […]
Project Leader Dr Anne Sawyer, University of Queensland Status Active Background Myrtle Rust Action Plan Objective 4.3 is to explore methods for resistance and control. In an earlier Foundation project (PBSF034) , we developed RNA interference (RNAi)vaccines that reduced myrtle rust infection on Syzygium jambos. We are on track to complete the project this year, […]
Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, Michelle Moffitt and team from the University of Western Sydney identified a unique molecular fingerprint in A. psidii infected Melaleuca quinquenervia leaves during the early stages of infection. Further analysis of the metabolome at 24 hours and 48 hours after infection identified a unique subset of 19 metabolites that are unique to the resistant […]
A new report led by Dr angus Carnegie of NSW DPI has shown the potential of using new technologies in combination could save significant time and money for urban forest biosecurity surveillance. This study evaluated high-resolution airborne ArborCam imagery for tree species classification in a complex urban environment. An object instance segmentation of tree crowns […]
Geoff Pegg and his team have significantly enhanced the capacity to protect K’gari with a two year Foundation project. Working with partners from the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers and Qld DES, the team also undertook valuable myrtle rust assessments, particularly following the devastating fires in 2020. Check out the fantastic work here including wonderful […]
Another successful Schools Plant Science Competition by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Hermitage Research Facility (HRF): over 3,600 participants from 130 schools across Australia and 155 competition entries that was all part of the 2021 International Year of the Fruit and Vegetable. Great work Kerrie Rubie and partners! See the Project Page […]