Entries by admin

Impact of myrtle rust infection on community composition and ecological function (PBSF038)

Project Leader Professor Neal Menzies, University of Queensland Status Contracting Background Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) poses a unique risk to Australian native forests. The host range within the ecologically important Myrtaceae family continues to grow, with populations of highly susceptible species exhibiting rapid decline. Evidence for changed community composition in affected communities is limited to […]

December 16, 2020 by

Can we use metabolites as biomarkers for the identification of innate resistance to myrtle rust across the Myrtaceae

Many species of Myrtaceae exhibit varying sensitivity to infection by Austropuccinia psidii, placing many vulnerable Australian ecosystems at risk of decline. More research is needed to identify the defenses that enable some plants to resist A. psidii infection so that we can survey priority species in the field for resistant populations and prioritise germplasm collection. Small molecules called […]

December 16, 2020 by

Using metabolites as biomarkers for the identification of innate resistance to myrtle rust across the Myrtaceae (PBSF037)

Project Leader Michelle Moffitt, Western Sydney University Status ACTIVE Background Many species of Myrtaceae exhibit varying sensitivity to infection by Austropuccinia psidii, placing many vulnerable Australian ecosystems at risk of decline. More research is needed to identify the defenses that enable some plants to resist A. psidii infection so that we can survey priority species […]

December 16, 2020 by

Investigating ecosystem recovery and forest establishment after myrtle rust …

A new Foundation project is aiming to quantify the effect of myrtle rust on forest growth, and then test novel fungicides to manage these impacts, encouraging ecosystem recovery and forest establishment. Associate Professor David Lee from the University of the Sunshine Coast will lead the project, which complements other Foundation investments (specifically PBSF029) working with […]

December 15, 2020 by

Quantifying impacts of exotic myrtle rust and endemic pathogens in highly disturbed forests (PBSF036)

Project Leader Associate Professor David Lee, University of the Sunshine Coast Status COMPLETE Background Forestry operations in native forests, environmental plantings and planted forests are major disturbance events, leading to abundant coppice/seedling/juvenile growth that is ideal for the development of Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) and endemic fungi of leaves/stems e.g. Quambalaria pitereka. Myrtle rusts’ interaction […]

December 14, 2020 by

Preparing for Myrtle Rust in WA …

Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious pathogen which has a myriad of hosts among Australian native and industry plant species. As of the end of 2020, the pathogen hasn’t ben found in Western Australia (WA), despite there being suitable habitat for its establishment. The current strategy in WA regarding myrtle rust is to ‘keep […]

December 14, 2020 by

Myrtle Rust in Western Australia: surveillance plan and testing preparedness (PBSF035)

Project Leader Dr Mariana Campos, Murdoch University Status ACTIVE Background Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) is a serious pathogen which has a myriad of hosts among Australian native and industry plant species. This pathogen has not yet been detected in Western Australia (WA), despite there being suitable habitat for its establishment. The current strategy in WA […]

December 14, 2020 by

2021 ‘International Year of Fruit and Vegetables’ Queensland DAF Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition (PBSF032) COMPLETE

Project Leader, Organisation Kerrie Rubie, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Status COMPLETE Background The Queensland DAF Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition offers engaging ways for students to gain understanding and skills in key areas identified within the Australian Science Curriculum.  Encouraging the next generation of people who will be involved in agriculture […]

December 14, 2020 by

Expanding mrytle rust training at K’gari – so important in the context of the current wildfire.

Building on PBSF012, Geoff Pegg has continued his training in partnership with the Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers (BLSR) to extended the modules to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff and community rangers including Landcare groups from Hervey Bay and Sunshine Coast (Gubbi Gubbi). Additionally, training in myrtle rust assessment and monitoring has been […]

December 10, 2020 by