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.
In progress

T2 | Pacific Futures

Role of microbial communities in agrobiodiversity resilience
Exploring the diversity of soil microbial communities, and understanding their role in supporting agrobiodiversity resilience and agroecosystem productivity.
Completed

T1 | Health Frameworks

Climate effects on arthropod spillover
Understanding how climate affects spillover of pest-controlling arthropods from natural forest fragments to managed areas.
In progress

Characterisation of traditional kūmara and taewa in Aotearoa as an insurance policy for food security
Prioritising crop diversity, global food security, and unique characterisation of kūmara and taewa accessions. Aiming for a formal, culturally inclusive collection in Aotearoa
Completed

T1 | Interconnected Properties

A global analysis of crop–pest interactions
Investigating why some crops exhibit greater resistance to specific pests, while others do not by identifying the underlying biological and anthropogenic factors that contribute to enhanced food security
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.
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.
Completed

T1 | Microbial Defence

Interactions between bacteria on kiwifruit leaves
Exploring interactions between kiwi leaf colonising bacteria and their potential role in the pathogen resistance of the plant
Completed

T1 | Social Influences

Promoting native biodiversity on Aotearoa New Zealand dairy farms
Caring for native biodiversity should be integral to farm management. This project investigates the possibilities, practicalities, and tensions for those who manage rural landscapes.
Completed

T1 | Resilient Soils

Mycorrhizal fungi in resilient plant-soil ecosystems
Investigating the impact of land management on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the role these fungi play in plant resilience to rising temperatures