CRC60144: Stripe Rust in Australia - PhD

This project will apply molecular tools to evaluate possible alternative mechanisms driving the evolution of pathogenic variability in Australian P. striiformis populations.

It will also evaluate the value of the concept forma specialis, and other taxa, in rust taxonomy with specific reference to P. striiformis.

Finally it will examine historic stripe rust collections to identify potential foreign incursions (recognised and currently unrecognised). 

What is the biosecurity problem?

Cereal rust diseases cause serious damage to economically significant Australian crops, notably wheat. These pathogens vary in their ability to cause disease, and this is exacerbated by rare but important introductions of new rust biotypes from overseas.

The outputs of this project are to:

• develop a diagnostic protocol for the rapid identificaiton of potential foreign rust pathogens, and
• conduct a comprehensive analysis of molecular features of the endemic stripe rust pathogen population in Australia.

Who will be the end-user of this research?

This project has a broad target audience that includes pathologists, agronomists, people involved in the release of cultivars, and agribusiness personnel involved in fungicide application. Information on how rust pathogens generate genetic variability will be primarily of interest to scientists working in the genetic control of fungal diseases in cereals.