Plant-microbe interactions
About
The interactions of plants with microbes both in the soil and above ground shoot are of great importance for the growth and productivity of plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems. At the Research School of Biology, interactions between plants, symbiotic bacteria, fungi, and pathogens are being investigated at levels ranging from the molecule to the ecosystem.
Groups
Sustainable food security is of utmost importance to the future of the planet.
The aim of our research is to understand the ecology and evolution of interactions between plants and animals in the Australian biota.
We investigate the molecular basis of disease and disease resistance in tomato (leaf mould and Fusarium wilt resistance) and flax (flax rust resistance).
Our main research interest is in fungal-plant-interactions, both applied and pure research, on a range of important pathogens.
We are interested in the molecular mechanisms controlling nodule development in legumes, and how this is linked to other aspects of root architecture.
The principal interest of the lab is gene silencing mediated by microRNAs, with a focus on microRNAs that control plant disease resistance.
Rathjen group focuses on all aspects of plant immunity, characterising the fascinating interplay between host and pathogen.
Our team focuses on questions around plant biosecurity in Australia by studying the interaction between plants and their fungal pathogen.
The Solomon group focuses on pathogens of wheat that threaten food security and stability.
We aim to understand the molecular basis of the interactions between plant hosts and the microorganisms, particularly fungi, that colonise them.
Projects
News
While Angus Rae focuses intently on a captivating microscopic world, he is actually working towards a solution for an environmental catastrophe occurring on a global scale.
A new research centre based at ANU will train the next generation of scientists to develop more resilient crops and significantly grow Australia's agricultural sector.
Some clever detective work by an international team of scientists has uncovered how a deadly fungus - a stem rust called Ug99 - came about through some unusual breeding habits. The discovery will help protect wheat crops around the world from devastating fungal diseases.
Plant biologist and Head of the Plant Sciences Division at the ANU Research School of Biology, Professor Owen Atkin, has been named the 2019 Vice-Chancellor's Entrepreneurial Fellow for his work around entrepreneurial agri-technology.
Sam Periyannan was born and brought up on a small sugar cane farm in Southern India. He never dreamed he would become a crop researcher, rather than a cane farmer.
Simon Williams uses protein biochemistry and structural biology approaches to understand how plant pathogens cause disease and how the plant immune system prevents infection.