Centre for Horticultural Science - Winter Research Programs
General information on the program, including how to apply, is available from the UQ Student Employability Centre’s program website.
Relationship between xylem anatomy and vigour controlling capacity of macadamia rootstocks - Dr Mobashwer Alam and MS Pragya Poudel
Primary Supervisor: Dr Mobashwer Alam | m.alam@uq.edu.au and MS Pragya Poudel
Please contact Dr Mobashwer Alam prior to submittign an application
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); on-site Nambour
The ability of rootstocks to control tree vigour in fruit crops have been known for centuries. Despite the concern of high tree vigour at maturity, vigour-controlling rootstocks are not developed and utilized in macadamia yet. In the process of understanding the physiology of rootstock mediated vigour control, xylem anatomical characteristics have been shown to be related to rootstock vigour. This has allowed pre-selection of vigour controlling rootstocks based on xylem anatomy in crops like apple, peach and grapes. Since rootstock breeding and selection is laborious and time consuming, exploring such relationships in macadamia may be useful for early and rapid selection of rootstocks to control vigour and allow high density plantations. Previous study in macadamia identified a relationship between vigour and shoot xylem characteristics in three cultivars. In this project, the scholar will phenotype two replicates of six rootstock genotypes (and a single scion) for xylem characteristics in shoots and roots. These rootstocks have previously been evaluated for their different vigour controlling capacities. Using this information, the scholar will evaluate the phenotypic differences in xylem characteristics and its relationship with vigour controlling capacity of rootstocks.
Expected outcomes: Results from this project may be useful to develop tool for early selection of vigour controlling rootstocks based on xylem anatomy in macadamia breeding program. Student will gain skills in tissue sampling, lab works (preparing and dissecting samples to study anatomy), data analysis and result interpretation. Student may also be asked to produce a written report with an opportunity to generate publications and also provide presentations at conferences.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in Biology/Genetics/ Plant Breeding/ Ecology/ Plant Physiology/ Quantitative Genetics.
Early selection of vigour controlling rootstocks based on scion stomatal traits in macadamia - Dr Mobashwer Alam and MS Pragya Poudel
Primary Supervisor: Dr Mobashwer Alam | m.alam@uq.edu.au and MS Pragya Poudel
Please contact Dr Mobashwer Alam prior to submittign an application
Duration: 4 weeks (36 hours per week); on-site Nambour
High plant vigour at maturity is one of the key obstacles of profitable and efficient orchard systems in macadamia. The potential of rootstocks to control tree vigour has been described as a significant benefit for fruit-crop growers as it helps with reduced management cost, allows high density plantations, increases yield per unit area and increases orchard efficiency and productivity. However, rootstock breeding for fruit crops is much slower than breeding scion of the same species because the testing cycle is more time consuming. Stomatal characteristics have been used as a tool for early selection of rootstocks in other tree crops. A recent study in macadamia has identified an effect of three rootstocks on scion stomatal density. However, vigour controlling capacity of rootstocks and their relationship with scion stomatal traits were not quantified. This study, in collaboration with a PhD research project, will aim to investigate diverse range of rootstocks for their effect on scion stomatal traits (stomatal size and density). 24 rootstocks have been previously evaluated for their different vigour-controlling capacities. The scholar will, therefore, investigate any existing relationship between rootstock vigour and scion stomatal traits. Additionally, the scholar will perform a Genome-wide association study (GWAS), using the genotypic and phenotypic data to identify any candidate markers associated with scion stomatal traits.
Expected outcomes: Outcomes from this project will provide valuable information for macadamia breeding program. Identifying markers associated with scion stomatal traits may help dissecting the genetics of rootstock effect on stomatal traits. The results will help breeding program to develop a tool for rapid selection of vigour-controlling rootstocks based on scion stomatal traits.
The scholar will learn valuable techniques in stomatal phenotyping, genetics, data analysis, result interpretation and report writing. An opportunity of generating publication and delivering research outcomes in conferences may be provided.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in Biology/Genetics/ Plant Breeding/ Ecology/ Plant Physiology/ Quantitative Genetics.
Rootstock effect on scion architecture and branching in macadamia - Dr Mobashwer Alam, Dr Liqi Han and Ms Pragya Poudel
Primary Supervisor: Dr Mobashwer Alam | m.alam@uq.edu.au Dr Liqi Han and Ms Pragya Poudel
Please contact Dr Mobashwer Alam prior to submittign an application
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); on-site Nambour
Most macadamia orchards are planted with grafted trees and use seedling rootstocks. More recently there has been some interest in developing clonally propagated rootstocks that have specific traits to reduce tree vigour. The management of excessive vigour through pruning and hedging is a major expense in commercial orchards. Recently, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) and the University of Queensland (UQ) took initiatives to control scion vigour by using rootstocks through two consecutive Horticulture Innovation (HI) Australia funded projects: “Transforming subtropical/tropical tree crop productivity” (AI 13004) and National Tree Crop Intensification in Horticulture Program (AS18000). A diverse range of germplasm of macadamia rootstocks were planted at Nambour with a single scion cultivar. Investigating the effect of rootstocks on the variability in the architectural traits and branching pattern of the scion will be useful to select rootstocks for vigour management. In this project, the scholar will collaborate with a research higher degree student and measure the traits, including height, width, limb length, internode length, and branching pattern of a common scion. A branching index equation will be developed to characterise trees for the variability in branching. Statistical analysis will be conducted to find out the effect of rootstock genotypes on scion vigour.
Expected outcomes: The scholar will develop skills in Plant phenotyping, data analysis, and interpretation of results. They may have an opportunity to generate publications from their research, and to present in conferences. Students may also be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in Biology/Genetics/ Plant Breeding/ Ecology/ Plant Physiology/ Quantitative Genetics.
Development of a diagnostic method for Phomopsis Husk Rot (PHR) disease - Dr Vivian Rincon-Florez and A/Prof Femi Akinsanmi
Primary Supervisor: Dr Vivian Rincon-Florez | v.rinconflorez@uq.edu.au and A/Prof Femi Akinsanmi
Please contact Vivian prior to submitting an application
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 26 hours per week); on-site at the Ecosciences Precinct (41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park)
In Australia, PHR disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Diaporthe australiana. Currently, molecular methods are not available for a fast and reliable diagnostic. This study will develop a qPCR for the detection of D. australiana through rigorous validation parameters
Expected outcomes: The scholar will use bioinformatic tools, as well as plant pathology and molecular techniques. The scholar will have an opportunity to contribute to publications from the research.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from 4 year undergraduate or coursework masters students with a background in agriculture, biological sciences, or biotechnology.
What Alternaria species are causing Alternaria black core rot in Citrus? - Professor Andre Drenth and Zali Mahony
Primary Supervisor: Miss Zali Mahony | z.mahony@uq.edu.au and Professor Andre Drenth
Please contact Zali Mahony prior to submitting an application.
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); on-site at the EcoSciences Precinct, (41 Boggo Road, Dutton Park)
Alternaria black core rot is a disease caused by Alternaria alternata and it affects the fruit of citrus in southern Australian growing regions. Effective control of the disease is hampered by a lack of information about the aetiology and epidemiology of the disease. This research project involves assessing and evaluating various Alternaria isolates for their pathogenicity in planta (greenhouse pot experiment). This project will involve plant pathology techniques and some molecular diagnostics time permitting.
Expected outcomes: Scholars will gain experience in greenhouse trials, experimental design, fungal inoculations, plant and disease measurements, as well as general data collection and analysis. Scholars will also be trained in a PC2 laboratory.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from students with a background in plant pathology, agriculture and biology.
Automated acquisition of fruit tree growth data - Dr Inigo Auzmendi
Primary Supervisor: Dr Inigo Auzmendi | i.auzmendi@uq.edu.au
Please contact Dr Inigo Auzmendi prior to submitting an application.
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); on-site St Lucia Campus.
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.
Targeting root-knot nematode with RNAi - Dr Chris Brosnan and Dr Anne Sawyer
Primary Supervisor: Dr Anne Sawyer | a.sawyer@uq.edu.au and Dr Chris Brosnan | c.brosnan@uq.edu.au
Please contact the supervisors prior to submitting an application
Duration: 4 weeks (20-36 hours per week); on-site St Lucia and the Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park
Root-knot nematodes are the most widespread soilborne plant pathogen and can cause billions of dollars of losses annually. This research project will explore whether RNA interference (RNAi) can be used to control root-knot nematodes. The project will involve designing and synthesising double stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting nematode genes and then testing the dsRNA in in vitro feeding assays and plant infection assays.
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, plant pathology and/or molecular biology.
Improved virtual tree reconstruction for biomass and light interception estimation - Dr Emma Carrié
Primary Supervisor: Dr Emma Carrié | e.carrie@uq.edu.au
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); on-site St Lucia
The creation of virtual trees by digitizing their structure enables us to represent the spatial organization of organs and estimate a precise biomass.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 and Python 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.
Effect of abiotic conditions on the growth and morphology of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense subtropical race 4, causative agent of Fusarium wilt in banana - Dr Lilia Carvalhais
Primary Supervisor: Dr Lilia Carvalhais | l.carvalhais@uq.edu.au
Duration: 4 weeks (20 - 36 hours per week); on-site at the Ecosciences Precinct
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc STR4) can cause damage to plantations in the subtropics where environmental stresses seem to increase the susceptibility of Cavendish banana to this pathogen. The effects of different abiotic stresses on host susceptibility and pathogen virulence have not been systematically evaluated. Since Cavendish is the main cultivated variety in Australia, STR4 has the potential to cause economic impact, especially given the use of new cultivars resistant to the more severe Foc tropical race 4, and the occurrence of extreme weather events are expected to increase with climate change. As such, a better understanding is needed on the link between abiotic stresses and the effects of these on Foc STR4. Important subtropical environmental factors linked to Fusarium wilt in banana include salinity, pH, and temperatures. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that abiotic stresses affect STR4 in the absence of the plant host by evaluating the impact of temperature, salinity, and pH on colony growth and morphology of different strains of STR4. This project will involve making culture media, using aseptic technique, measuring radial growth of Foc, and analysing the data collected through R Studio. An understanding of these effects will help to determine what conditions are optimal for the infection and spread of Foc STR4 and will help better inform disease management decisions.
Expected outcomes: Students will gain experience in mycology techniques, data collection and statistical analysis.
Suitability: This project is open to applications from students from 4 year undergraduate or coursework masters students with a background in agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, biological sciences, or biochemistry.