The rust fungi (Pucciniales) comprise the largest order of plant pathogenic fungi and are among the most serious threats to both agricultural crops and natural ecosystems.

Over 50 years ago, the active principle 青蒿素 qīng hāo sū or artemisinin was isolated in pure crystal-line form from the leaves of the Chinese traditional herb 青蒿 qīng hāo - Artemisia annua - by Chinese groups working under the remarkable Project 523 during the latter stages of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

The Australian agrifood sector faces complex and multifaceted challenges to its continued growth and evolution, including a changing climate and geopolitical instability.

Dr Buchert will present two vignettes highlighting his group’s research in gastric cancer.

This seminar will explore photosynthetic strategies across diverse extreme environments, presenting case studies on cyanobacteria inhabiting marine oxygen deficient zones, algae growing within sea-ice and snow, and chemoautotrophic bacteria encased within ancient anoxic marine brines.

Soil salinity (soil NaCl) can significantly reduce plant growth and yield; even moderate levels can reduce the grain yield of major cereal crops by 50%. In Australia, the estimated cost of salinity on agricultural productivity is valued at $1 billion per annum.

Movement is a fundamental part of life for most animals, allowing them to access food or mates and facilitating escape from predators.

Malaria infections have plagued humanity for millennia, currently threatening over 40% of the global population. By studying malaria parasites, we can discover innovative ways to combat the disease and gain insights into other pathogens and their hosts.

The Phylogenomics activity area of the Genomics for Australian Plants consortium aimed to assemble the Australian Angiosperm Tree of Life (AAToL) and to build bioinformatic tools for phylogenomic projects conducted by Australian taxonomists.