Centre for Horticultural Science - Summer Research Programs
General information on the program, including how to apply, is available from the UQ Student Employability Centre’s program website.
Improved virtual tree reconstruction for biomass and light interception estimation
Primary Supervisor:
Dr Emma Carrié | e.carrie@uq.edu.au
Dr Inigo Auzmendi | i.auzmendi@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (30 hours per week); on site
Compared with temperate species, tropical fruit trees have been studied very little, and managing their production remains difficult. The creation of virtual trees by digitizing their structure enables us to represent the spatial organization of organs and estimate a precise biomass. In addition, coupling the virtual trees with sub-models (radiative, photosynthetic) will improve our understanding of the functioning of fruit trees, from the scale of the organ to that of the whole tree. This project involves assessing the accuracy of digitized measurements on avocado trees, to build robust allometric relationships for estimating tree organ biomass and rapid foliage reconstruction. Regression models of digitizer errors will allow correcting virtual trees geometry and significantly improve biomass estimation accuracy. Sensitive analysis will help to orient and optimize future architectural field data collection.
Expected outcomes: Scholars may gain skills in tools for remote collaboration, statistical analysis, R programming, as well as plant biology. Students may be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from 3rd and 4th year students with a background in mathematics, computational science, and/or quantitative biology or previous experience with computational modelling.
Automated acquisition of fruit tree growth data
Primary Supervisor: Dr Inigo Auzmendi | i.auzmendi@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (30 hours per week); Hybrid
The analysis of fruit tree growth data can be useful to better understand the underlying physiology, as well as to parameterize mathematical models of fruit tree growth and phenology. However, the acquisition of plant growth data at short intervals, i.e., daily, can be a laborious task. The implementation of an automatic system could greatly benefit data acquisition in the field during the whole growing season. This project will include the design and implementation of a programable system using microcontrollers to record photographs automatically. This system will be installed and tested to monitor and collect growth data in avocado, macadamia or mango plants.
Expected outcomes: Scholars may gain skills in tools for remote collaboration, electronics, programming, as well as plant physiology and data collection. Students may be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from 3rd and 4th year students with a background in engineering, computational science, and/or quantitative biology or previous experience with electronics and programming. It is suitable for students interested in understanding how sensors and automatisms can be applied to study biological systems.
Using virtual plants to simulate photosynthesis in horticultural plants
Primary Supervisor: Dr Inigo Auzmendi | i.auzmendi@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (30 hours per week); Hybrid
Plants assimilate carbon for maintenance and growth through photosynthesis. Estimating photosynthesis is not straightforward in horticultural plants with a complex canopy structure like avocado, macadamia and mango, because individual leaves within the canopy present different photosynthetic characteristics. The project will involve the use of virtual plants to simulate photosynthesis of individual leaves and whole canopy. The results of these simulations will be used to evaluate several biochemical and physiological photosynthesis models under various management conditions.
Expected outcomes: Scholars may gain skills in online tools for remote collaboration, simulation software, understanding photosynthesis, data analysis, fruit tree management, and computer simulations using virtual plants. Scholars with previous knowledge in programming can learn to develop their own photosynthesis models. Students may be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from 3rd and 4th year students with a background in plant science. Students might have previous programming knowledge or not.
Optimising delivery of nanoparticles to citrus plants
Primary Supervisor: Dr Chris Brosnan | c.brosnan@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (30 hours per week); on site
This research project will aim to optimise the delivery of nanoparticles to citrus seedlings and trees. Particles will be labelled with a fluorescent dyes to monitor delivery and subsequently DNA or RNA with the goal of providing protection against harmful citrus pathogens.
Expected outcomes: Scholars will utilize techniques including nanoparticle synthesis, confocal microscopy, nucleic acid manipulation and qPCR which together will access the effective delivery and functionality of nanoparticle formulations to citrus plants. Scholars will also be involved in the planning of experiments and delivery of presentations as part of the research moving forward. The research performed will contribute to the generation of publications with our collaborators.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from student with a background in plant science, molecular biology or biochemistry.
Genetic validation of endangered Gossia species in tissue culture
Primary Supervisor: Dr Alice Hayward | a.hayward@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20 hours per week); on site
One third of Australia’s native Myrtaceae species are being impacted by an invasive fungal disease called myrtle rust. The research project aims to extract DNA and genetically validate the species identity of endangered Gossia and Decaspermum in vitro cultures, being propagated and cryopreserved for conservation purposes. Methylation sensitive Markers will also be trialled for future utilization for somaclonal variation assessment in tissue culture. A series of methodologies will be used in this project, including Plant DNA extraction, PCR, gel extraction, and sequencing.
Expected outcomes: Students will learn skills in plant sterile tissue culture and molecular biology, with broad application to a wide variety of future endeavours. Students will be supported by the supervisor and PhD students working on the project, and will be asked to present their results to the lab team at the end of the project.
Suitability: Background understanding of plant biology and molecular biology ideal. This is open to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students.
Tissue culture of endangered myrtaceae species
Primary Supervisor: Dr Alice Hayward | a.hayward@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20 hours per week); on site
The research project aims to tissue culture two endangered species in the Myrtaceae Family, which are facing the pandemic threat of myrtle rust. It will progress work to optimise initiations and shoot growth in tissue culture, for ultimate use in developing cryobanking methods for these species. This has far-reaching implications for conserving the germplasm facing critical decline in the wild.
Expected outcomes: Students will learn skills in plant sterile tissue culture, with broad application to a wide variety of future endeavours. Students will be asked to present their results to the lab team at the end of the project.
Suitability: This is open to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students.
RNA vaccines for Australian native plants
Primary Supervisor: Dr Anne Sawyer | a.sawyer@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
The research project involves exploring RNA vaccines as a novel control for myrtle rust in native Australian Myrtaceae species including lemon myrtle and tea tree. The fungicidal activity of the RNA will be tested in preventative and curative plant assays. Molecular techniques such as northern blotting and qPCR will be used to assess the longevity of the vaccine and to confirm pathogen gene knockdown.
Expected outcomes: Scholars will be trained in a PC2 laboratory and learn molecular biology and plant pathology techniques. Students may be asked to give an oral presentation at the end of their project.
Suitability: The project is open to applications from students with a background in plant sciences, mycology and/or molecular biology.
Breaking the Barriers: Developing a Protoplast System for Genetic Advancement of Taro and Root Crops
Primary Supervisor:
Dr Bradley Campbell | b.campbell2@uq.edu.au
Dr Karen Massel | k.massel@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is an important root crop cultivated globally for its starchy tuberous roots. Protoplast isolation and culture can provide an alternative platform for gene transfer and editing in taro. Protoplast technology has been used successfully to regenerate several economically important crops, such as rice, wheat, and potato. Developing an efficient protoplast system for taro can facilitate the transfer of desirable traits from related species to taro, leading to improved yield, quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Expected outcomes: Student will gain experience in various aspects of molecular biology, including plant cell tissue culture, Root hair transformation, DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, data collection etc. Work may form part of a publication depending on results.
Suitability: This project is open to students with a background in biology, a knowledge of genetics would be helpful but is not essential.
Revolutionizing Turf Management: Optimizing Gene Editing for Resilient Bermuda Grass
Primary Supervisor:
Dr Bradley Campbell | b.campbell2@uq.edu.au
Dr Karen Massel | k.massel@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
Turfgrass is an essential component of landscaping, sports fields, and golf courses worldwide. Despite advances in turfgrass management techniques, genetic improvement of turfgrasses remains an unexplored field. The development of a gene editing system for turfgrass can revolutionize the industry, providing more efficient and sustainable turfgrass management practices. This project involves optimising a CRISPR/Cas9 transformation system for Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). Phytoene Desaturase (PDS) will be the gene of choice for editing.
Expected outcomes: Student will gain experience in various aspects of molecular biology, including vector design, plant cell tissue culture, DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, data collection etc. Work may form part of a publication depending on results.
Suitability: This project is open to students with a background in biology, a knowledge of genetics would be helpful but is not essential.
Isolation of bacterial viruses for application of phage therapy in agriculture.
Primary Supervisor: Dr Karl Robinson | k.robinson2@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
Bacteriophage therapy is a technology from the pre-antibiotic era that endeavours to combat bacterial infection with the use of bacterial viruses or ‘bacteriophages’. Bacteriophages specifically infect, reproduce and ultimately kill targeted bacterial pathogens. This project aims to isolate, identify and establish a panel of lytic bacteriophages that can be used to alleviate the bacterial disease burden in agricultural production systems. The student will work closely with members of the laboratory and others to develop high value scientific outcomes and skills for a highly productive research career. It is expected the student will submit a project report and present their research findings to the laboratory group upon completion.
Expected outcomes: It is expected that the student will enhance their skills in microbiology, encompassing bacteria and phage culture (aseptic technique, media, plating, incubation, bacterial counts), experimental design, molecular biology (PCR, qRT-PCR, sequencing, DNA extractions).
Suitability: Summer Research Scholarship, 3rd – 4th year students only, interested in a career in agricultural sciences. Majoring in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Virology and/or entomology.
Application of RNAi to insect vectors in Australian horticultural and grains industries.
Primary Supervisor: Dr Karl Robinson | k.robinson2@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
Insects cause significant physical damage to plants and are primarily responsible for the transmission of viruses that result in significant economic losses due to crop losses, yield-reductions in Australian agricultural industries. In this project we aim to further explore the utility of spray on RNAi to protect plants from vector mediated viral infection and insect feeding induced damage. This project will contribute to real-world outcomes, by translating and expanding on our current virus and insect target range to an industry-ready, world leading crop protection technology. This project will directly contribute to real-world outcomes, by translating and expanding our current insect targeting range to an industry-ready, world leading crop protection technology. There may also be opportunity to delineate fundamental molecular factors involved in plant RNAi induction mechanisms against insect infestation. It is expected the student will submit a project report and present their research findings to the laboratory group upon completion.
Expected outcomes: It is expected that the student will learn valuable techniques and strong skills in experimental design, molecular biology (cloning, PCR, qRTPCR, sequencing, RNA/DNA extractions), plant virology, plant-virus and virus-insect interactions, bioinformatics, material science and the application of RNAi in crop protection.
Suitability: Summer Research Scholarship, 3rd – 4th year students only interested in a career in agricultural sciences. Majoring in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant Science and/or entomology.
Application of RNAi to plant viruses of importance to the Australian horticultural and grains industries.
Primary Supervisor: Dr Karl Robinson | k.robinson2@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
Viral infection in economically important food and fibre crops is a major concern to Australian horticultural and grain industries due to crop loses, yield-reductions and unmarketable fruit. In the Mitter lab we research world leading spray-on RNAi delivery technologies that protect plants from viral infection. This project aims to further explore the utility of the RNAi against viruses of economic importance to the Australian agricultural industries. This project will directly contribute to real-world outcomes, by translating and expanding our current virus targeting range to an industry-ready, world leading crop protection technology. There may also be opportunity to delineate fundamental molecular factors involved in plant RNAi induction mechanisms. The student will work closely with other researchers in the Mitter laboratory, to contribute to high value science and will be encouraged to develop a highly productive research career. It is expected the student will submit a project report and present their research findings to the laboratory group upon completion.
Expected outcomes: It is expected that the student will learn valuable techniques and strong skills in experimental design, molecular biology (cloning, PCR, qRT-PCR, sequencing, RNA/DNA extractions), plant virology, plant-virus interaction, bioinformatics, material science and the application of RNAi to crop protection.
Suitability: Summer Research Scholarship, 3rd – 4th year students only, interested in a career in agricultural sciences. Majoring in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Virology and/or entomology
Assessing natural chemical defences in macadamia
Primary Supervisor: Dr Max Cowan | max.cowan@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
This research project involves the analysis of natural defence compounds in Australia's native macadamia. Plant tissue will be sampled from a range of different varieties in the field and tested using an enzymatic assay to measure the levels of bitter-tasting cyanogenic glucosides. These compounds act as a chemical deterrent to herbivores. Outcomes will determine the varieties that accumulate the highest concentrations and may therefore be naturally better defended against insect pests.
Expected outcomes: The applicant will gain skills in biological sample processing and data collection in laboratory and field settings. They will have the opportunity to learn about applied plant breeding in a workplace that directly connects research and industry. The applicant will be asked to produce a written report at the end of their project.
Suitability: This project is suitable for applicants studying plant biology; e.g. students interested in plant physiology, biotechnology and/or molecular biology.
Presence and role of toxins in Alternaria black core rot in citrus.
Primary Supervisor: Prof. André Drenth | a.drenth@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site
Many fungal plant pathogens such as Alternaria produce secondary metabolites of which some are toxins. These are well known for many species of Alternaria. We have a current project working on Black core rot in citrus caused by Alternaria alternata and the aim of this summer project is to determine using a biochemical approach if a toxin is produced during this host pathogen interaction while at the same time using a genomic approach to identify potential ACT toxin genes in the pathogen.
Expected outcomes: The scholar will gain skills in cultivation and manipulation of fungal cultures, DNA manipulations, DNA sequence analysis and identification of gene sequences responsible for the production of a fungal toxin. The scholar will learn to ask specific research questions and develop research methods and develop skills in oral and written presentations. If successful the scholar will be part of a publication in this area.
Suitability: The project is open to students with a background in chemistry and who wish to combine this with molecular biology skills and plant pathology. Ideally suited for a 4th year student.
Accelerating Coffee and Cacao Germination and Seedling production through Temperature and plant hormone application
Primary Supervisor: Prof Paul Gauthier | p.gauthier@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site/Hybrid
The research project aims to explore the temperature and environment sensitivity of coffee and Cacao seeds during their germination and seedlings phase. While cacao is a very fast growing plant, it is unclear if its germination success can be expanded by using plant hormones (Gibberelin). Coffee is, in the contrary, a very slow-growing species that needs to be accelerated to solve the issue of plants available across the industry. During this project, you will apply different temperature treatments to Cacao and Coffee seeds to identify the optimal germination condition. You will then use these seedlings and grow them in a controlled environment to further accelerate their growth. You will learn the challenges associated with vertical farming and the power of plant physiology to accelerate plant growth at any scale.
Expected outcomes: TBA
Suitability: TBA
Accelerating the production of Ginger and Passion Fruit in a vertical farming system
Primary Supervisor: Prof Paul Gauthier | p.gauthier@uq.edu.au
Duration: 6 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on site/Hybrid
The research project is designed to continue ongoing work on Protected cropping for Ginger and Passionfruit using Aeroponic and hydroponic systems. Ginger is a value crop that traditionally requires the removal of the entire plant to harvest the rhizome. By using Aeroponic system, you will be in charge of maximizing yield and allowing for perpetual rhizome harvest without killing the plant. Similar to Ginger, Passionfruit are high value crops for export by Australian weather is not always permitting its production at scale. Using vertical farming and vertical trellis system, you will be in charge of growing Passionfruit plants to production. To do so you will have to design a vertical system and optimize the growing conditions as well as manipulating nutrients. You will learn the art of vertical farming and experience the challenges of aeroponic and hydroponic systems.
Expected outcomes: TBA
Suitability: TBA