Plant Pathology

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. Research areas include pathogen populations, pathogen evolution and genetics and fungal taxonomy, with an emphasis on diseases and microfungi of Australian flora and the fungal genus Fusarium.

View Research Projects

Controlling Pathogen Spread in Resistograph Drilling

Describing novel Fusarium species

Fusarium workshops

Leaf spot fungi systematics

Phytophthora Dieback in the GBMWHA

Phytophthora Root Rot of Wollemi Pine

Our PlantClinic houses the Plant Pathology and Mycology research program and the Plant Disease Diagnostic Unit. Through interpretive signage and a glimpse into our laboratory, discover the role of fungi in everyday life and which fungi cause serious plant diseases.

Common Diseases

All plants get diseases and most of them are caused by fungi. Find out about some of the worst diseases including Phytophthora, Fusarium, Ganoderma and Armillaria. Gain insights into the spread of these diseases and links to information on disease identification and control.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Unit

Our experienced team of plant pathologists and mycologists provide a wide range of disease diagnostic and plant DNA identification services for the public, industry and government agencies.