Alison Stewart is Lincoln University's first Distinguished Professor in Plant Pathology, a title which was awarded when she stepped down from the role of Centre Director at the end of 2011. Distinguished Professor Stewart has a broad area of research expertise including: integrated plant disease management, control of soil-borne diseases, biocontrol of plant diseases, microbial ecology, and fungal molecular genetics.

In particular, she has 20 years experience in the control of plant pathogenic fungi using antagonistic micro-organisms, with special emphasis on the naturally occurring beneficial soil-borne fungus Trichoderma.

Her expertise includes the development of novel screens to identify bioactive strains of Trichoderma and determining the mode of action of selected biocontrol agents; development of molecular probes for detection and ecological monitoring of biocontrol fungi and characterisation of novel genes/gene products from beneficial fungi; use of novel biotechnologies to create improved biocontrol strains and identification of bio-stimulants to enhance strain performance; and development of new application strategies and formulations for commercial Trichoderma biocontrol products.

Alison's research group has successfully commercialised three Trichoderma-based biocontrol products for the control of fruit and vegetable diseases. Alison was the recipient of the 2008 MAF Biosecurity Award for Excellence and in 2009 became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of her services to biology and in particular, to plant pathology. She is a member of the Waite Research Institute Advisory Board (University of Adelaide).