Dr Nga Tran
Research Fellow in Horticulture Science
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
+61 7 344 32454
Researcher biography
Nga is a plant pathologist dedicated to advancing agricultural sustainability through research that improves our understanding of pathogen genetics, biology, and disease epidemiology. Her expertise spans fungal and viral diseases of plants, with core skills and interests in disease etiology and epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, population genetics, plant biosecurity, and integrated disease management.
Through her research, Nga generates knowledge that supports the development of effective and sustainable disease management strategies to enhance crop productivity and food security while contributing to the resilience of agricultural systems and the livelihoods of farming communities, including smallholder and subsistence farmers worldwide.
Publications
Journal Articles
Tran, Nga T., Teo, Ai Chin, McTaggart, Alistair R., Campbell, Paul R., Persley, Denis M., Thomas, John E. and Geering, Andrew D. W. (2025). Origins and distribution of Panicum Mosaic virus and Sugarcane Mosaic virus on Stenotaphrum secundatum in Australia. Phytopathology, 115 (4), 431-440. doi: 10.1094/phyto-11-24-0363-r
Thomas, John E., Jackson, Mark, Campbell, Paul R., Tran, Nga T. and Geering, Andrew D.W. (2025). The complete genome sequence of a novel legume closterovirus from Norfolk Island. Australasian Plant Pathology, 54 (2), 131-135. doi: 10.1007/s13313-025-01023-8
Tran, Nga T., Campbell, Paul R., Crew, Kathleen S. and Geering, Andrew D. W. (2024). Molecular characterisation of a novel sadwavirus infecting cattleya orchids in Australia. Archives of Virology, 169 (3) 68, 68. doi: 10.1007/s00705-024-05980-1
Tran, Nga T., Teo, Ai Chin, Crew, Kathleen S., Thomas, John E., Campbell, Paul R. and Geering, Andrew D. W. (2022). Bermuda grass latent virus in Australia: genome sequence, sequence variation, and new hosts. Archives of Virology, 167 (5), 1317-1323. doi: 10.1007/s00705-022-05434-6
Crous, P. W., Osieck, E. R., Jurjevi, Z., Boers, J., Van Iperen, A. L., Starink-Willemse, M., Dima, B., Balashov, S., Bulgakov, T. S., Johnston, P. R., Morozova, O., Pinruan, U., Sommai, S., Alvarado, P., Decock, C. A., Lebel, T., McMullan-Fisher, S., Moreno, G., Shivas, R. G., Zhao, L., Abdollahzadeh, J., Abrinbana, M., Ageev, D., Akhmetova, G., Alexandrova, A., Altes, A., Amaral, A. G. G., Angelini, C., Antonin, ... Groenewald, J. Z. (2021). Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382. Persoonia, 47 (1), 178-374. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.06
Tran, Nga T., Teo, Ai Chin, Crew, Kathleen S., Campbell, Paul R., Thomas, John E. and Geering, Andrew D.W. (2021). Genome sequence and geographic distribution of a new nepovirus infecting Stenotaphrum secundatum in Australia. Virus Research, 305 198554, 198554. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198554
Thomas, John E., Raymond, Myriam, Tran, Nga T., Crew, Kathleen S., Teo, Ai Chin and Geering, Andrew D. W. (2021). Complete genome sequences and properties of Spartina mottle virus isolates from hybrid Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis). Plant Pathology, 70 (5), 1062-1071. doi: 10.1111/ppa.13357
Tran, Nga T., Teo, Ai Chin, Thomas, John E., Crew, Kathleen S. and Geering, Andrew D. W. (2020). Sugarcane mosaic virus infects Stenotaphrum secundatum in Australia. Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 15 (1) 41, 1-4. doi: 10.1007/s13314-020-00410-y
Tran, Nga T., Miles, Andrew K., Dietzgen, Ralf G., Shuey, Timothy A., Mudge, Stephen R., Papacek, Dan, Chandra, Kerri A. and Drenth, André (2020). Inoculum dynamics and infection of citrus fruit by Phyllosticta citricarpa. Phytopathology, 110 (10), PHYTO-02. doi: 10.1094/phyto-02-20-0047-r
Tran, N. T., McTaggart, A. R., Drenth, A., Shivas, R. G., Loch, D. S., Kruse, J. and Geering, A. D. W. (2020). Couch smut, an economically important disease of Cynodon dactylon in Australia. Australasian Plant Pathology, 49 (2), 87-94. doi: 10.1007/s13313-020-00680-1
Miles, Andrew K., Smith, Malcolm W., Tran, Nga T., Shuey, Timothy A., Dewdney, Megan M. and Drenth, Andre (2019). Identification of resistance to citrus black spot using a novel in-field inoculation assay. Hortscience, 54 (10), 1673-1681. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI14200-19
Tran, Nga T., Miles, Andrew K., Dietzgen, Ralf G. and Drenth, André (2019). Phyllosticta capitalensis and P. paracapitalensis are endophytic fungi that show potential to inhibit pathogenic P. citricarpa on citrus. Australasian Plant Pathology, 48 (3), 281-296. doi: 10.1007/s13313-019-00628-0
Tran, Nga T., Miles, Andrew K., Smith, Malcolm W., Dietzgen, Ralf G. and Drenth, Andre (2018). Pathogenicity of Phyllosticta citricarpa ascospores on citrus spp.. Plant Disease, 102 (7), 1386-1393. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-08-17-1331-RE
Miles, Andrew Keith, Wright, Carole, Tran, Nga Thi, Shuey, Timothy Andrew, Drénth, Andre and Dewdney, Megan M. (2017). Does fungicide run-off from citrus delay leaf litter decomposition?. Citrus Research and Technology, 38 (1). doi: 10.4322/crt.icc044
Tran, Nga T., Miles, Andrew K., Dietzgen, Ralf G. , Dewdney, Megan M. , Zhang, Ke, Rollins, Jeffrey A. and Drenth, Andre (2017). Sexual reproduction in the citrus black spot pathogen, Phyllosticta citricarpa. Phytopathology, 107 (6), 732-739. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-11-16-0419-R
Conference Papers
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A., Fattore, A. and Drenth, A. (2026). A nasty surprise: black core rot in citrus. Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 12-13 May 2026.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A., Fattore, A. and Drenth, A. (2026). Looks can be deceiving with black core rot in the orchard. Australian Citrus Congress, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 2-4 March 2026.
Mahony, Zali, Tran, Nga, Donovan, Nerida, Creek, Andrew and Drenth, Andre (2025). Hide and seek with black core rot in citrus. Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 26 - 28 May 2025.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A., Fattore, A. and Drenth, A. (2025). Unravelling black core rot in Australian citrus. 23rd International Organisation of Citrus Virologists Conference, Mildura, VIC, Australia, 16-20 March 2025.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A. and Drenth, A. (2024). Unpacking black core rot in Australian citrus. Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative Symposium, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 8-9 May 2024.
Tran, Nga (2024). Towards finalising national diagnostic protocols for avocado scab and laurel wilt. Annual Diagnostic Workshop, Tweed Heads, NSW, Australia, 19-20 March 2024.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A. and Drenth, A. (2024). Journey to the Core: black core rot in citrus. Australian Citrus Congress, Twin Waters, QLD, Australia, 5-7 March 2024.
Mahony, Zali I., Tran, Nga T., Donovan, Nerida, Creek, Andrew and Drenth, Andre (2023). Journey to the Core: black core rot in Citrus. Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 20-24 November 2023.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N. and Creek, A. (2023). Black core rot in Australian citrus. NextGen Ag Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 September 2023.
Tran, Nga, Teo, Ai Chin, McTaggart, Alistair, Thomas, John, Campbell, Paul, Persley, Denis and Geering, Andrew (2023). Viruses are associated with buffalo grass yellowing in Australia. 12th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Lyon, France, 20-25 August 2023.
Morrison, Sabrina M.L., McTaggart, Alistair R., Tran, Nga T., Geering, Andrew D. W., Furtado, Agnelo and Henry, Robert J. (2023). Understanding the population structure and pathogenicity of Bipolaris oryzae on commercial and wild Australian rices. 12th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Lyon, France, 20-25 August 2023.
Tran, Nga T. , McTaggart, Alistair , Teo, Ai Chin , Persley, Denis , Thomas, John and Geering, Andrew (2022). Distribution and genetic diversity of sugarcane mosaic virus in turf grasses in Australia. Australasian Plant Virology Workshop, Melbourne, Australia, 5-7 December 2022.
Tran, N. T., Thomas, J. E. and Geering, A. D. W. (2021). Buffalo grass yellowing – an emerging threat to the Australian turf industry. Australasian Plant Pathology Conference , Online, 23-26 November 2021.
Crew, Kathy, Vance, Megan, Tran, Nga, Moradi, Mona and Thomas, John (2021). Better understanding of banana bunchy top disease. Australasian Plant Pathology Society, Online, 23-26 November 2021.
Tran, N. T., McTaggart, A. R., Drenth, A., Shivas, R. G., Loch, D. S. and Geering, A. D. W. (2019). Biology and epidemiology of smut (Ustilago cynodontis) in couch grass. Australasian Plant Pathology Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 25-28 November 2019.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2019). Citrus black spot: Sex, lies and Milenex® tape. Citrus black spot: Sex, lies and Milenex® tape, Melbourne, Australia, 25-28 November 2019.
Tran, N. T., McTaggart, A. R., Drenth, A., Shivas, R. G., Loch, D. S. and Geering, A. D. W. (2019). Distribution of Ustilago cynodontis within couch grass plants. TropAg Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11-13 November 2019.
Tran, N. T. and Miles, A. K. (2019). Citrus black spot: Are ascospores more important than conidia?. Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Queensland Plant Pathology Seminar Series, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia, 21 October 2019.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2017). Timing of infection of citrus fruit by the citrus black spot pathogen, Phyllosticta citricarpa. TropAg Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 20-22 November 2017.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2017). Do ascospores play a role in the epidemiology of citrus black spot? . Science Protecting Plant Health Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26-28 September 2017.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2017). Citrus black spot: One hitchhiker you just might want to pick up. Citrus Technical Forum, Mildura, VIC, Australia, 1-2 March 2017.
Miles, A. K., Smith, M. W., Tran, N. T., Shuey, T. A., Drenth, A. and Dewdney, M. (2016). Fruit inoculation studies with Phyllosticta citricarpa, the cause of citrus black spot. 13th International Citrus Congress, Foz Do Iguacu, Brazil, 18-23 September 2016. Brazil: Internation Society of Citriculture.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2016). Citrus black spot: sexual reproduction provides new insights into an old problem. 13th International Citrus Congress, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, 18-23 September 2016. Brazil: International Society of Citriculture.
Miles, A. K., Tran, N. T., Shuey, T. A. and Drenth, A. (2016). Does fungicide runoff from citrus delay leaf litter decomposition?. 13th International Citrus Congress, Foz do Iguacu, 18-23 September 2016. Brazil: International Society of Citriculture.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2015). Citrus black spot: Can the good endophyte protect us from the bad pathogen?. TropAg Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 November 2015.
Miles, A. K., Shuey, T., Tran, N., Zhang, K., Jean, L., Drenth, A. and Dewdney, M. (2015). Seasonality of Phyllosticta spp. in citrus leaf litter. Australasian Plant Pathology Conference, Fremantle, WA, Australia, 14-16 September 2015.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2015). Studies of sexual reproduction of Phyllosticta citricarpa, the causal agent of citrus black spot. Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference, Fremantle, WA, Australia, 14-16 September 2015.
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2015). Studies of sexual reproduction of Phyllosticta citricarpa, the causal agent of citrus black spot. 20th Australasian Plant Pathology Conference, Fremantle, Australia, 14-16 September 2015. Australia: Australasian Plant Pathology Society.
Miles, A. K., Shuey, T. A., Tran, N. T., Zhang, K., Jean, L., Drenth, A. and Dewdney, M. (2015). Seasonality of Phyllosticta spp. in citrus leaf litter. 20th Australasian Plant Pathology Conference, Fremantle, Australia, 14-16 September 2015. Australia: Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS).
Tran, N. T., Miles, A. K., Dietzgen, R. G. and Drenth, A. (2015). Citrus black spot: can the good endophyte protect us from the bad pathogen?. TropAg2015, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 November 2015. Australia: Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation.
Thesis
Tran, Nga (2018). Biology and epidemiology of citrus black spot (Phyllosticta citricarpa) in Australia. PhD Thesis, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2018.756
Research Reports
Tran, Nga, Pretorius, Lara and Geering, Andrew (2026). Avocado industry biosecurity capacity and capability building: Phase II. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Hort Innovation Australia.
Tran, Nga and Geering, Andrew (2026). Quantum-enabled detection of invasive pathogens for improved biosecurity. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Australian Government.
Pretorius, Lara, Tran, Nga and Geering, Andrew (2026). National diagnostic protocol: avocado sunblotch viroid. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics.
Tran, Nga, Pretorius, Lara and Geering, Andrew (2026). National diagnostic protocol: avocado scab caused by Elsinoe perseae. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics.
Tran, Nga and Geering, Andrew (2022). Improved capacity for integrated disease management of couch smut (Ustilago cynodontis) in turf. North Sydney, NSW, Australia: Hort Innovation Australia.
Tran, Nga and Geering, Andrew (2021). Identification and management of mosaic viruses and secondary pathogens in buffalo turf. Sydney: Hort Innovation Australia.
Seminar Papers
Tran, Nga, Pretorius, Lara, Garty, Sam and Geering, Andrew (2025). Avocado biosecurity diagnostics. Centre for Horticultural Science, QAAFI.
Garty, S., Tran, N., Pretorius, L. and Geering, A. (2025). A novel LAMP assay for rapid detection of biosecurity pest Oligonychus punicae. Faculty of Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane.
Tran, Nga, Pretorius, Lara, Parkinson, Louisa and Geering, Andrew (2025). Rapid detection of avocado biosecurity threats. Australian Avocado.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A. and Drenth, A. (2024). The Australian experience with black core rot in citrus. Citrus Research and Education Center, The University of Florida.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Creek, A. and Drenth, A. (2024). The Australian experience with black core rot in citrus. Kearney Research and Extension Center, University of California, Kearney, CA, United States.
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A. and Drenth, A. (2024). Life’s a gamble, even with mandarins. Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane.
Tran, Nga, Pretorius, Lara, Parkinson, Louisa and Geering, Andrew (2024). Innovations in plant biosecurity for the Australian avocado industry. Tropical Research and Education centre, Univerisity of Florida.
Newspaper Articles
Mahony, Z. I., Tran, N., Donovan, N., Creek, A. and Drenth, A. (2025, 03 31). Getting under the skin of black core rot Australian Citrus News 18-19.
Geering, Andrew and Tran, Nga (2024, 09 01). Mexico and Florida biosecurity study tour Talking Avocados Spring 2024 73-74.
Drenth, A., Tran, N. and Donovan, N., (2022, 01 01). Integrated Disease Management of black core rot in citrus Australian Citrus News
Tran, N. T. and Geering, A. D. W. (2020, 06 30). Project update: understanding buffalo yellowing Turf Industry Magazine 10-12.
Tran, N. T. and Geering, A. D. W. (2018, 08 09). Smut research: overcoming giggles to find an industry solution Turf Industry Magazine 12-13.
Miles, A. K., Tran, N. T., Shuey, T. A. and Drenth, A. (2015, 03 01). New international partnership takes on citrus black spot Australian Citrus News
Generic Documents
Geering, Andrew and Tran, Nga (2019). Researchers fight to keep smut off Australia’s sporting fields. The University of Queensland.
Miles, A. K., Tran, N. T. and Drenth, A. (2016). Phyllosticta citricarpa (McAlpine) Van der Aa on citrus. Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS).