PS Seminar: PhD Exit Seminar - New computation methods and plant models for the genomics of adaptation
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Description
In this talk, I'll overview two chapters from my thesis. Both seek to establish model plant systems that can be used to study the genetic basis of adaptation to the environment. The first is a large collaborative project which surveyed the global diversity of the Brachypodium species complex, in an attempt to establish the genetic resources required for genome-wide association studies in this model cereal. The second is a study of the landscape drivers of genomic divergence and diversity in woodland eucalypts. I'll also highlight some of the computational methods I've developed that made these projects possible.
Location
Eucalyptus Seminar Room, S205, Level 2, RN Robertson Building (46)
Upcoming events in this series
Dr Allen (Zhengyu) Wen - Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) threatens food security for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our research identified two genetic solutions: a mutated peroxisomal peptidase that blocks viral invagination and a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mutant that stops viral protein translation while preserving plant growth. Using gene editing, we introduced these traits into elite maize varieties. In Kenyan trials, edited lines showed complete MLN resistance with no yield loss, offering a major advance for protecting millions of farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr Thomas Vanhercke - Plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable precise redesign of plant genomes for improved traits and new functions. For over 20 years, the CSIRO Synthetic Traits group has led in applying advanced genetics to oil crops. This presentation highlights omega-3 transgenic canola as a real-world example delivering health benefits and addressing global supply challenges. I’ll also outline emerging developments such as high-throughput in-planta library screening, advanced RNAi, and novel complex traits pushing plant synthetic biology’s limits.