Tropical biosecurity

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are the most damaging group of plant-parasitic nematodes. One of the most challenging aspects of managing RKN is identifying the physiological ‘races’ which are present among the important species. There are significant differences in virulence and host interactions across races, but they are morphologically indistinguishable and cannot be differentiated presently using any standard molecular methods. This project will apply genomic and epigenomic markers to characterise RKN virulence and resistance-breaking mechanisms and provide pathways to identify virulent and resistance-breaking races in the field. The outcome will be accurate and cost-effective tools for identifying and screening Australian RKN samples for virulence/host susceptibility.

Funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Northern Australia has immense potential for cropping and a diverse range of horticultural crops including mango, melon, and Asian vegetables as well as new industries such as cotton, hemp, and legumes. Plant-parasitic nematodes are a major limiting factor in crop production and the risk in northern Australia is not fully understood. In this project, presence, distribution and abundance of plant-parasitic nematode will be assessed in key northern Australian crop growing districts through surveys and collation of historical and current data. In addition, the project seeks to develop capacity in surveillance and diagnostics and support a shared responsibility approach to biosecurity in northern Australia.

Funded by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Commonwealth Government Agency.

The project aims to investigate how exotic animal diseases carried by an insect vector could spread in northern Australia. Culicoides or biting midges, are animal disease vectors of concern in northern Australia. The project will develop new approaches to biosecurity surveillance and early detection of exotic animal disease by utilising innovative genomic methods and epidemiological modelling.

Funded by the Department of Education (DoE) Commonwealth Government Agency via National Industry PhD Program and Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT) of the Northern Territory Government (NTG).

This project will assess on-farm sampling for detecting animal disease using modern molecular methods such as environmental DNA (eDNA). eDNA refers to traces of DNA that are shed from live organisms into the environment. When eDNA is tested it can indicate which organism the DNA came from and allow early detection of pests and diseases. The project will focus on developing eDNA sampling for on-farm water sources that can be performed by industry and stakeholders to support biosecurity surveillance in northern Australia.

Funded by the Northern Hub and Charles Darwin University (CDU).

This project will develop resources and capability for improving the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for biodiversity survey and monitoring in the Northern Territory (NT) in collaboration with the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT. Funded by Northern Territory Government