Plant Pathology & Mycology Research

As well as managing the Plant Disease Diagnostic Unit, our Plant Pathology section conducts a wide range of plant pathology and mycological research relevant to the aims of the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, including fungal associations & pathogens of the Wollemi Pine and management of Wollemi Pine diseases. Other research areas include pathogen populations, pathogen evolution and genetics and fungal taxonomy.

Our plant pathology scientists have produced a large number of pest & disease fact sheets which you can view on this website. They also publish their scientific results in specialist scientific publications.

Current programs & projects

Our team

Manager

Edward Liew (Head of Plant Pathology Section) - disease diagnostics, pathogen populations, fungal phylogenetics, tropical crop diseases, Fusarium, Phytophthora

Science staff

Matthew Lawrence (Senior Technical Officer)
Patricia Meagher (Scientific Officer) - Wollemi Pine
Julie Bates (Technical Officer)

Honorary Research Associates

Patricia Meagher - management of Phytophthora Dieback in natural bushland, including the Wollemi Pine site
Prof. John Leslie - Fusarium genetics, physiology and taxonomy
Dr Bettye Rees - Morphology of macrofungi

Research students

Matthew Laurence - The evolutionary and pathogenic potential of Fusarium oxysporum from native soils in Australia
Zoe-Joy Newby - Modelling Phytophthora dieback in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
Lucas Shuttleworth - Biology and management of chestnut rot
Ameera Yousiph - Fusarium Wilt of snow peas

Aseroe-rubra---J-Siemon
Aseroe rubra Photo: John Siemon

Lichens
Lichen, Photo: Brett Summerell

Plant pathology staff

Diseased Waratah

microfungi

Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia