In progress

T2 | Microbial Biocontrol

Molecular basis of the apple scab pathosystem
Understanding how the apple scab pathogen, Venturia inaequalis, promotes host susceptibility or resistance using new and existing genetic tools.
Completed

T1 | Ecosystem Health

The potential for plant pathogen spillover in Aotearoa New Zealand
Observing how fungi are shared between native plant species and how this may lead to spillover events.
Completed

T1 | Microbe-Host Interactions

Exploring the relationship between Phytophthora species and kauri dieback
Determining whether secreted proteins of the kauri dieback pathogen, Phytophthora agathidicida, influence the growth of Phytophthora species that co-occur in the soil surrounding diseased trees.
In progress

T1 | Microbe-Host Interactions

Effector proteins in Phytophthora agathidicida, a kauri dieback study
Understanding the molecular basis of pathogen-host interaction, through the functional analysis of effector proteins in the kauri dieback pathogen, Phytophthora agathidicida.
Completed

T1 | Microbe-Host Interactions

Insight into the effectomes of Aotearoa Phytophthora cinnamomi isolates by comparative genomics
The use of comparative genomics and genome annotation to determine the effector proteins of Phytophthora cinnamomi, forms part of an investigation into the preservation of kauri.
Completed

T1 | Ecosystem Health

Understanding Phytophthora cinnamomi from within
Using systems biology to quantify and qualify transcriptomic and proteomic changes within Phytophthora cinnamomi infection and survival mechanisms during the exposure to drought stress
In progress

Integrating mātauranga and science to enhance maire tawake resilience
Through integrating mātauranga and science, this project will link whakapapa of maire tawake and microbial communities to produce holistic disease protective solutions.
Completed

T1 | Harnessing Biodefences

Fighting crop pathogens with viruses
Investigation of the bacterium Pectobacterium and the viruses (bacteriophages) that infect it to learn about the defences and counter-defences involved in this microscopic warfare.
Completed

T1 | Genomic Pest Control

Genetic and genomic approaches to pest and pathogen control
Gaining insights into the microbiome of biocontrol agents and pests, focusing on the Argentine stem weevil and the Varroa mite
In progress

T1 | Microbial Defence

Understanding the antagonistic fungus–microbe interactions of apple scab
Understanding apple scab fungus interactions with leaf phyllosphere microbiota, and the role of Venturia inaequalis secreted effector proteins in these interactions.