Two rust fungi, Puccinia melanocephala (brown rust) and P. kuehnii (orange rust) are currently present in Australia, with orange rust causing yield losses of up to 40%. The molecular status of endemic rusts and their virulence in various areas in Australian sugarcane regions is unknown.
Aim: This project aims to undertake a genetic characterisation of P. melanocephala and P. kuehnii to create genomic resources and determine the potential isolate variability within each of the species. This will enable preparedness for a potential incursion of other sugarcane rust variants into Australia and provide an insight into population shifts of the current endemic rust pathogens in Australia.
An orange rust epidemic had a devastating impact on sugarcane in 2000 when the pathogen became rare to very common, completely changing the population dynamics. There is currently anecdotal evidence that brown rust is becoming more prevalent. The need to understand the change in the genetics of the two rusts currently in Australia is required to determine whether the isolates present are changing in their virulence. The characterisation of orange and brown sugarcane rust infection biology and elucidating which genes are involved in infection will be paramount.
Meet the Phd students for this project
Samantha Whitling
I completed my Honours in molecular microbiology at the University of Newcastle and have since worked in infectious diseases testing as well as teaching statistics at the University of Newcastle.
My PhD research involves investigating rust fungal pathogens that can cause sugarcane crop loss in Australia, as well as investigating the biosecurity risk of another species of sugarcane rust that is not yet in Australia. Outside of research, I enjoy travelling, the occasional hike, and reading. I’m looking forward to making a positive impact to both the current literature and industry throughout this project.
Lavi Singh
I completed my Bachelor of Science at the University of the South Pacific and my Master’s degree in Biological Sciences at ANU. I am interested in the infection biology and genetics of plant pathogens and how this shapes interactions with their hosts.
My PhD project will focus on studying the population dynamics and molecular characteristics of sugarcane rusts in Australia. Rust fungi are a very interesting group of fungal pathogens, given their complete dependence on host plants and complicated life cycles. I look forward to being part of a project and team that will inform insights into emerging pathogens that threaten Australia’s biosecurity.
Supervisors and advisors
Professor Benjamin Schwessinger, The Australian National University.
Professor Celeste Linde, The Australian National University.
Sugar Research Australia.
Approach
This project will combine multiple complementary approaches to obtain detailed genomic, pathogenicity, infection biology, and epidemiological insights into sugar cane rust infection mechanisms and disease severity.
Questions? Questions about this project can be directed to Sarah Adams, Chief Operating Officer, at plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au or +61 459 341 281.